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Tips On The Mental Game of Golf
Jamie A Young
The most important principle in correct mental golf is to
"Think Positive." Put plainly, it is the decision and practice
of focusing on and thinking of only what you want to happen.
Second, "Play By Instinct" is the practice of allowing your
body's unconscious ability to dominate your game. This article
will explore a few additional concepts that are designed to
help you improve your thought processes on the golf course
and lower your scores.
First, Let it happen. This is a crucial perspective
and feeling you have to discover and embrace in your golf
game to shoot your lowest scores. It could also be termed
"relinquish control" or "let go." All of these phrases are
hinting at the truth that when you stop trying to "make it
happen" and stop "trying to control," you will ironically
receive control and freedom. I like this analogy: "The harder
you squeeze a handful of sand, the faster it falls through
the cracks between your fingers." When you are over-analyzing
every facet of your game, your score, the course, your playing
partners, etc. you might think you're gaining control, or
at least that is obviously your aim. But in reality, you have
no control using this approach. Next time you play, focus
on keeping it simple and having fun with each shot and admit
to yourself that you have no knowledge of what score you're
going to shoot. The mystery of the way things will turn out
is just not of your concern. Just do your best, focus on the
good things, and enjoy the unfolding of events with a beautiful
naivety.
Second, Use your imagination. While gleefully enjoying
your round of golf as it unfolds before you, it is good to
use your imagination or "mind's eye" before every shot. Every
great golfer has always utilized the power of mental imagery.
Jack Nicklaus talks about imagining and visualizing every
shot in vivid detail prior to even approaching the ball. This
is related to the "Play by instinct" section. Part of the
process of playing by instinct is giving your unconscious
mind what it needs to work with. Unless you have a unique
ability to just go completely unconscious and think nothing
at all, the best and usual alternative is to think well and
use positive mental imagery. Before each and every shot, visualize
in your mind exactly what you imagine your shot looking like.
Visualize the ball leaving the club face, flying wherever
you want it to go, landing, and rolling to where you'd like
to see it end up. Paint a detailed picture in your mind, feel
this shot in your body and hands and then make your swing.
This "see it, feel it, trust it" concept is taught brilliantly
in a book called "Seven Days in Utopia," a must read.
I hope these concepts help you and your golf game. Overall,
try to experience the right perspective which is to appreciate
how blessed we are to play the game of golf. Unless you're
playing golf for a living, focus more on having a good time
than your score. The results will come.
Jamie Young is an accomplished golf writer both on
and offline. Her primary position is as contributing golf
writer to http://purebold.com.
PureBold makes unique golf accessories and equipment. Their
flagship products are premium cabretta leather golf gloves
in 10 distinct colors: Purple, blue, green, yellow, orange,
red, pink, gray, black, and white.
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