A PSYCHOLOGICAL GUIDE TO GOLF
What is it that champion golfers do better than other (professional or amateur) golfers?
A study “psychological state underlying clutch performance” provides some answers.
Whether you are a 24+ handicapper, a scratch golfer, or a professional, there are few characteristics that golfers of all abilities can learn from:-
Complete and Deliberate Focus
- The golf course can be a distracting place.
- There are other golfers nearby whose behaviour you cannot control.
- There are 18 difficult holes to battle with along the way.
- There is also pressure and expectation.
A good golfer can drown all this out and maintain focus on the task at hand.
Try Your Best
- Make considered decisions.
- Give it your best shot.
- Train well, sleep well, and keep hydrated.
Mental State & Emotions
- Pay attention to your mental state.
- Reflect on what went well and what can be improved.
- Manage your emotions.
Avoid Negative Thoughts
Performance psychology is about challenging unhelpful beliefs and exploring different perspectives.
Immerse Yourself
- Champion golfers fully immerse themselves in the present moment.
- Focus on your shot.
- Look forward to the next shot as an opportunity to do something special.
- Do not dwell on poor shots (You can no longer do anything about them).
Be Confident
- Believe in your ability.
- Be confident and stay self-assured.
- Remind yourself of your previous successes and visualise future ones.
Be in Control
- Focus on what you can control (your thoughts, feelings, and reactions).
- Understand that you can’t influence and control everything.
Enjoy the Game
- You are on the golf course playing a sport that you love.
- Enjoy the experience and embrace the challenge.
- Make the best of your time on the golf course.
THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF IT
The best shots are the ones that are played without any pressure.
I call them HANUMAN shots.
(Swing like Hanuman ji would swing his mace)
Think Positive, Visualise, Relax, and Rip it.
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References and credits
To all the online sites and channels.
All pictures: Courtesy Internet.
Disclaimer:
Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from sources deemed reliable and accurate. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for purposes of wider dissemination.
