How to be in Command of your Inner Game of Golf
September 1, 2009 by Darren Zahradnik
Filed under Golf
Understanding the mental game of golf is crucial to being competitive. If you’re serious about competing in the game of golf, you need to understand, that without a good mental game, you have no game. Regardless of the physical ability you may possess, if your mental game isn’t up to par, you are going to have a hard time competing at high levels in this sport. Focus and mental stamina and know-how are key components in any winner’s arsenal.
Some may even claim that the mental game is the most important aspect hands down. They say you can’t win without it. And there are many all over the country who try day in and day out. But getting to your ‘A’ game is going to take some techniques and practice for focusing, from the start of your game to the finish. If you play chess, then you know how important the mental exercises can be.
Nearly everyone that plays has to overcome the thoughts of failing. In some circles this is known as performance anxiety. It can be extremely distracting and cause your game to suffer. It takes practice and discipline to keep these negative thoughts out of your way while you focus on a good result. This will set you on your way to what is known as ‘peak performance’.
Learning the mental game of golf is a lesson in technique, visualization, and focus. Visualizing each shot before you take it is a powerful tool. But if you have problems with focusing on a positive outcome, this can be harder than it sounds. You must be able to see the ball from your swing to the hole and without allowing any distractions. If you can do this, then your chances will climb higher. Knowing ‘HOW’ to win can be every bit as important as having the natural ability to.
Getting yourself mentally tough is another thing to work on. This means getting to the point where no matter what type of distraction happens along the way; your focus isn’t altered by it. You still maintain the ability to step up to the ball and take your best shot with full focus. It takes practice, and there are many who never master it. But it’s well worth doing and the payoff is huge. Most people think in terms of big distractions, when so many of them can be ever so small.
There are some who have a problem with anger. I dare say the John McEnroe wouldn’t have been a great golfer, unless he somehow mastered his temper. If you have an anger problem, then it only takes a few consecutive bad shots or distractions to get your game off course and on to self-destruct. Cooler heads always have the better go of it in a game of mental toughness. For high level competition, it’s absolutely crucial that you get anger out of the way.
Being able to maintain a positive attitude is something else that takes practice. If you can master this one, you’ve got a big jump on all the rest. Mentally holding onto a steady positive attitude can pay dividends not only in golf, but in all of life. In golf, while you want to be focused, you also don’t want to be overly pressured. Some people mix the two up. Putting too much pressure on yourself leads to catastrophe most of the time. A relaxed focus can pay off big time. While you prepare to hit the ball, your mind will go into a frenzy of negativity unless you’re ready and know how to handle it.
Mastering the mental game of golf is also part of the fun. As you practice and learn the little techniques and study how the masters do it, you’ll feel and see yourself start to grow in this area. It can be quite a rewarding experience. But just like the mental game, you need to sharpen your physical game as well. It’s a combination of the two that will enable you to compete at the high levels. So good luck on your game, and stay focused on the mental aspect, and be a winner.
Conquering The Mental Game of Golf is a trait well worth learning. To get the help you require visit us now at The Golfaholic.com where you can also get Golf Club Reviews & Golf Equipment Reviews.


