The Sports Psychology Blog
This Sports Psychology blog offers some simple thoughts, to help golfers improve their golf mindsets.
Golf: Improve Your Game...When Does The Round Begin?
One of the most common mistakes amateur golfers make, is in assuming their round of golf begins, at the first hole. They will often arrive at the golf course straight from work, and find themselves getting frustrated, out on the course, when things don't go to plan.
The problems begin, when the player, starts trying to impose business patterns and rhythms onto the golf course. Business rhythms and mindsets, are simply incompatible with golf rhythms. They are too fast; too demanding; too driven; too many thoughts.
The golf course is a cathedral of quiet. That is why golfers, like Justin Rose, are using Buddhist techniques, to help them attain a state of calm and quiet, out on the course. Less mental interference leads to better decision-making and flow. As well, as being better able to accept the consequence of your mistakes.
If the golfers mindset is not attuned to this state of calm and quiet, then their mental game will become a battleground of frustration and pressure.
That's why its critical to prepare properly for your round. Ideally, the round begins, not on the golf course, but the night before. There, in your mind, you have planned your on-course strategy for the day.
Thought through, the holes you will be playing, and how you want to play them. Thought through, the attitudes you want to take onto the course. Thought through any challenges, both physical and mental you will face, and your strategy for overcoming them.
Then, when you arrive at the course, you give yourself time for a thorough warm-up. Find a rhythm with your driver; precision with your irons; and touch with the putter.
The outcome of your round of golf, will be a manifestation of your preparation. The better your preparation, the better the quality of your round.
Business and golf are said to be good companions. But don't try to think and behave like a business man or woman on the course. Make that critical separation, physically and mentally, between the office and the golf course. And watch your game improve, and satisfaction increase
