Top Five Tips for the Mental Side of Golf
Out on the course, skill only counts for so much. You’ve gotta be confident about yer game. Take it from Jack Nicklaus: “Confidence is the most important factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.” With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of my very own tried and true tips for keepin’ your mental cool – and better scores – out on the course!
Don’t be Self Critical
If ya start beatin’ yerself up over your mistakes, you’re going to get yourself in trouble pretty darn quick. There’s no such thing as failure out on the course, ‘specially since each mistake you make is just a lesson to learn for your next round. The more positive yer thinkin’ the fewer harmful negative thoughts you’ll have.
Develop a Strong Routine
Once you’ve established a strong goflin’ routine on a course, you’ll have already mentally and physically rehearsed each shot. Take a moment to compose yerself and feel prepared and confident before you start a-swingin’ on the course.
Change Your Goals
Make the process of hittin’ good golf shots your goal for a round. Try not to focus too hard on shootin’ your best score – that’s an easy way to psych yerself out. Instead, aim for smaller victories like shootin’ a great chip-shot or getting past a tough hazard.
Focus on What You Did Well
Once you’ve finished up yer round, be honest with yerself about what you need to improve, but spend more time thinkin’ about what you did well. Take a few minutes to savor the memory of a particularly good shot. No shame in takin’ pride on a shot well done!
Believe in Yourself
With all the benefits that confidence can give ya out on a course, there’s just no reason not to!
Hope this helps you fellow Rockheads out on the course. Got your own tips for keepin’ your mental cool out on the course? Leave ’em in the comment section!