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Unique Mental Challenges for Women Golfers
Jeff Troesch, MA, LMHC
The game of golf provides trials for every player, independent
of the player's gender. However, for some women in our society,
there is a special challenge.
Women in the Western world have traditionally been raised
and socialized to be cooperative, polite, feminine and "nice".
There is implicit pressure that some women feel to make sure
that they don't stand out too much or present themselves as
trying to outdo or "embarrass" another woman. These messages
can sometimes conflict with being competitive on the golf
course.
In stark contrast, men have traditionally been reinforced
and given full latitude to be competitive, win at all costs,
and take down their "opponent". In the English language, there
is a lot of overlap between adjectives that describe masculinity
and those that describe a competitor. Time after time men
can go head to head on the golf course, do whatever is necessary
to beat their adversary, and then enjoy the 19th hole with
their fellow competitor.
For many women, it doesn't feel that simple. For some there
is a perceived or real fear that if they are too competitive
in the golf arena, that they may suffer some social consequences.
Some fear being labeled as "too competitive", "too serious",
or worse. Some women feel as though they must choose between
"social" golf and "competitive" golf, as there is not as much
of an overlap as it feels there is for the men.
Admittedly, this is an internal conflict that some women do
not experience, as they are in arenas where this doesn't feel
like an issue. Others are perfectly content to let their golf
development and improvement be a priority- without concern
for the potential social ramifications.
Gratefully, society continues to move toward embracing the
notion that a woman can be both competitive and feminine.
However, for the women for whom this inner conflict exists,
it is often helpful to recognize this clash and resolve to
be purposeful about coming to peace with it.
What is your goal for your game? Is it more socially related?
Is it more competitively related? Are there times when one
takes priority over the other? Clarifying this objective in
advance of the day at the club or course can help keep things
in perspective and help goals be met more easily. At the very
least it can help create an internal environment that feels
less confused, thus allowing the game to be one that is more
enjoyable and pleasurable.
Jeff Troesch, MA, LMHC is an internationally recognized
expert in the mental side of golf. As the former Director
of Sport Psychology for the David Leadbetter Golf Academies,
Jeff has worked with thousands of golfers nationwide and brings
a wealth of experience to seasoned golf professionals as well
as the recreational golf lover. You may contact Jeff directly
through his website, http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Troesch
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