Train the Mind the Mental Side of the Golf Game
Mental Attitude, How to Train a Mind for Mental Focus on Golf Course
Jun 4, 2009
The mental side of golf involves training the mind to focus on the shot you are facing, not on the shot you’ve just hit and not on the next hole. But most golfers know that already. So why is it that so many golfers allow themselves to become negative during a round and self-destruct
The Mental Golf Game
If you have hit a series of bad shots, it’s all very well trying to concentrate on the present, but it’s virtually impossible to control the mind if you think you are going to fail. With time and advice from a sports pshycologist it is possible to improve the mental side, but most people haven’t got the time or money for intensive therapy sessions
If that’s the case, is there any way to bypass the negative thoughts and not just simply try to control them by bombarding the mind with ineffective positivism? Rather than trying to meet the problem head on, is there a way to trick the mental side into believing it feels good about the shot?
Train Mind for Good Mental Attitude
- Think of a film you enjoy with a hero or heroine that you admire, and then think of how they might approach the bunker shot you fear. Would Paul Newman in ‘Cool Hand Luke’ worry about the result?
- Would Bruce Willis in the ‘Die Hard’ films worry about the out of bounds fence on the right?
- Could you imagine Clint Eastwood in the ‘Dirty Harry’ films quaking in his boots on the first tee?
- If you regularly fail at golf by becoming negative there are two alternative answers. The first, and purest, is to find a desert island, disappear for two years, and discover the reason for existence to become one with yourself - improve your Karma.
- The second is to trick the mind with games.
Train the Mind to Act the Part
Acting as though you are in control, when if fact you are fearful, has an effect on your brain. Even if your mind believes you will fail, by adopting positive body language you will be less likely to self-destruct. It is well known that body language has an effect on the mental side and performance.
It might seem extreme, but if you regularly fail there’s no harm in trying something different. Next time you are playing golf, and face that horrible first tee shot, puff out your chest, think of Clint and dare the ball to fly off line ‘hey ball, make my day!’
See also: How to Teach a Beginner to Play Golf PGA Tip or for the more experienced golfer - Hit Against a Firm Left Side to Drive Longer
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