Tunnel Vision

photo credit: Tom Purves   Sooner or later every golfer comes to the realization that golf is as much of a mental game as a physical game.  One of the most important mental aspects of the game is visualization.  The old saying “if you can think it, you can do it,” is very true.

Tip:  When looking over your shot, visualize a tunnel in the sky that leads directly to your target area.  It’s a very simple, yet effective technique that requires just a bit of imagination.  Once in the address position look up again and think of hitting the ball into the tunnel.  If you have chosen the correct club you’re on your way to a good shot.

This technique will pay huge dividends if executed on a regular basis.

Don’t Hesitate

photo credit: SouthAsiaGolf   The habitual mistake that most golfers make is when they hesitate over a golf shot or putt.  For a true beginner, hesitation is not a big sin but for the seasoned player, it can be detrimental.  The question is why?

When approaching your shot (or putt) you should have a good idea on club selection and shot path.  Once those two factors are finalized in your mind, the rest of the swing is just routine.  Address position and swing should take place on auto-pilot.

Players get into trouble when they begin to over-analyze each and every shot.  Thinking too much leads to confusion and doubt and since golf is “played between your ears,” those are two emotions that should be left out of your shot-making routine.

Be Conservative

photo credit: Tom Purves   As a golf round progresses, adrenalin begins to flow whether a good, or bad round is being played.  If you are in the process of shooting a good round, your desire to finish strong increases and the “rush” begins.  If you are in the midst of a bad round, anger can develop which also increases the flow of adrenalin.

The surest way to play good golf is to try to maintain a steady, consistent attitude.  In almost every case, this can be accomplished by playing conservatively.  Approach each shot from a conservative point of view.  Instead of trying to “bomb” a 3-metal 270 yards, swing easier and be happy with 230 yards.  Maintaining a conservative attitude can and will work wonders for your game.

Three Part Strategy

photo credit: christophercjensen   It’s easy to be intimidated by a par 5 hole.  A player’s first instinct is to blast a long drive and that’s where the trouble begins.  Use the “Three Part Strategy” by dividing the hole into three separate sections (parts).  Your only real requirement is that your drive should be a length of between 195 and 200 yards, a very achievable distance.  Section One – hit a drive of approximately 200 yards in the fairway.  Think of your second shot in the same manner as your first.    Section Two – Don’t try to kill the ball, concentrate on position only.  Now you should be faced with short to medium iron into the green.  Section Three – Aim for the center of the green and prepare for a birdie try.

Patience and Composure

photo credit: smi23le   Patience and composure are two characteristics that can surely make you a winner.  If asked, every major champion on the PGA Tour will tell you that patience and composure was part of the winning process. 

During every round there will be times when the thrill of making a birdie will overwhelm a player, the first raction is to think of making more birdies with a winning outcome.  Jubilation on the course can help destroy your concentration and remove you from the “present.” 

Making a very poor shot can interrupt your composure and destroy your focus.  Remaining composed, especially after a bad shot, is the key to consistency and that is what playing golf is really all about.  Remain low-keyed and lower your handicap.

The Play Line

photo credit: desbyrnephotos   The play line is an imaginary point of no return.  Whether you know it or not, you use this drill every time you play the game but you may not realize it or should I say, use it well.  The play line can also be called the commitment line because once it is crossed there is no return.

When “eyeballing” your shot, think of an imaginary line between you and the ball.  Once you cross this line, the ball MUST be advanced.  Prior to crossing the line, your plan for the shot must be made.  Once you cross the line your only focus is on your target.  No questions, what ifs or doubts; it’s time to “pull the trigger.”  All pros use this technique.

Playing Your own Game

photo credit: rileyroxx   Playing your own game means  that you play golf the only way YOU know how to play.  Your swing and mannerisms are as unique as your own fingerprints.  Only you can see a shot in your minds eye, create it and internally “know” whether this shot fits your capabilities.  It means you can play only with what you presently posses.

Your game is based on your own experience, style of play, attitude, physical and emotional characteristics, power, touch, and finesse.  Playing your game requires your unique combinations of strengths.  You must listen to your own inner voice, disregard the good intentions of others.  Do not be confused or distracted by others.  You must discipline yourself to focus only on your game and understand what you can and cannot control.

Hang in There!

photo credit: rioncm   The more you play the game of golf, the more you realize that it’s more than just hitting the ball solidly or good mechanics.  Golf is about “hanging in there” during the lean times and not allowing your spirit or willpower to be broken.  It’s about your ability to feel good about developing your game.  The game provides a psychological boost and creates emotional excitement when good shots are hit.

More than ever, it’s during periods when you are in a slump that it is so important to just “hang in there.”  Don’t give up on yourself.  The best players on tour also suffer through periods where they just can’t seem to get it together, nothing seems to be going right.  The answer is to believe in yourself.

The Preparation Zone

photo credit: A Little Lam   Creating a “preparation zone” allows you time to get psychologically and physically ready.  Every golfer must develop this very critical part of the game.

PREPARATION ZONE:  1)  putting the golf bag to rest, 2)  selecting shot and club for the situation, 3)  relaxing your body, 4)  visualization,  5)  making the practice swing/s.  ON YOUR MARKS:  1)  settling into your set-up (address position).  GET SET:  1)  focus on the target of aim.  GO:  swing the club in a relaxed movement.  

The preparation zone needs a trigger that tells you when it’s time to focus on the job at hand.  Concentrate on an imaginary line known as “the play line.”  Once you have crossed this line, the time has come to commit to your shot.  The “trigger” could be anything, the tightening of your golf glove, pulling up your shirt sleeve etc.

The Winning Attitude

photo credit: SouthAsiaGolf   In the book Jim Flick on Golf, Jim Flick, one of the nations most well known golf instructors, described one of his students as having a great mindset and attitude.  “This player went into every round and every tournament knowing that he was going to win the attitude championship,” Flick stated.  “Nothing or no one, could keep him from succeeding at winning, Flick said.

Flick said, “for this particular golfer, the ‘championship’ was all about attitude, not score.”  This is a great example for every golfer to follow.  Instead of beating yourself up with negativity, commit yourself to being totally positive.  Win your personal attitude championship and be the most positive and resilient player in your group.  Do so and watch your scores drop dramatically!

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