Effortless Golf

Ever wondered why you’re the greatest golfer in your world at the driving range but when it comes to playing a round you can’t get it done? If this does happen to you then I’m willing to bet that your swing turns distinctly average on the course. If this sounds like you then its probable your mindset isn’t in the right place. Lets take a look at some of the problems this presents and what you can do to get the best out of yourself on the course.

A big problem for every golfer is nerves and lack of confidence on the first tee. For amateurs this is generally the only time an audience is in attendance as the tee time queue builds up. As a result you often see out of character mis-hits off the tee due to pressure of being watched by people they don’t know. To help reduce ths anxiety it is as simple as doing some preparation.

Turn up to the course early and do some stretches. Get loose so your swing is less tense. Hit a few balls at the range and get comfortable with your swing. Focus on the club you will use from the first couple of tees. Get your putting stroke in rhythm on the practice green. The confidence you will gain from a solid first hole will provide a great platform for the rest of the day.

Lack of commitment to your swing usually results in a poor shot. So when you step up to the golf ball mentally commit to the shot. If you second guess whether it was the right club selection or you think the aim might be off you’re asking for trouble. Make your decision and then commit to the shot. You’re better off hitting a good golf swing that was too much club than topping the ball 20 yards because you didn’t commit. It was a technical mistake you can learn from.

If you have trouble with your swing thoughts, i.e. you get easily distracted mid swing, formulate a simple phrase to focus on that gets you through your swing. It could be as simple as counting. For example, count 1 for your back swing. At the top of the swing count 2 and then 2 again. Count 1 on the downswing. This helps with rhythm and pushes out distractions. Experiment with this and see what works for you.

If you find yourself with a shot that requires clearing water or a bunker do not visualise the ball going into these traps. Your brain cannot distinguish between reality and what you think. By doing this all you are achieving is training your brain to instruct your body to get the ball in the sand or water. Visualise the shot you want and then allow yourself to hit it.

Now lets face it, golf is a difficult game and there will be times you go through a bad patch. Its how you deal with them that determines whether a bad day turns into an horrific day or whether you end up salvaging your round. There is simply no point in being negative. Its not going to improve your game. It will only make your game worse. Work on turning your negative self talk into positive self talk.

After a bad shot take time out and take a couple of deep breaths. Let it go and move on. If you become tense and angry your swing will speed up and your play will become even worse.

Accept that mistakes will happen – try and watch some pro golf on TV. We all think that these guys are perfect on the course but what you will see is that many of them make mistakes and mis-hit the ball. Their true skill lies in forgetting about the previous shot and making the absolute best of the next one even if it is a bad lie or in the rough.

Finally, never give up. The front nine may have been awful but there is still another 9 to go. Many a bad round has been turned around after 9 so why should yours be any different? Everyone, has tough times on the course but the best way to deal with them is to learn from your mistakes, stay positive and stay relaxed. You can’t expect your game to be turned round if you’re angry, tense and lacking in focus.

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Thinking of having a great round on the golf course can be a lot of mental work. The most important part of having a great round on the golf course begins with a few thoughts. Question is where and how many?

Preparing your mind for a great golf game can be quite time consuming and unhealthy, depending on where you start your mental game. Triggering your thoughts for a great game of golf should not be in the car on the way to the golf course. If you’re approaching a curve ahead of you going downhill on a slippery roadway, and you see a sharp curve ahead of you. Do you start thinking on how you are going to fly the trap on the first hole? Trying to dream up a great game of golf in a coffee shop can have your lips seared with hot coffee as well. Thinking of sinking that long 30-foot putt on the first hole, while having dinner out with your wife or girlfriend, could have that same coffee all over your lap.

Trying to conjure up a great game of golf, while doing other things at the same time. Does not work! No matter how good you are! For some of us trying to play a golf hole in our mind is our way of preparing ourselves for the game to come. Thoughts on visualizing how you plan on conquering the fifth, or seventh golf hole that you always seem to have trouble with, could have you playing it over and over again in your mind, until you get it right. I think it gives us the self-satisfaction before we approach the notorious golf hole, that in our mind we have conquered the golf hole the night before. Have you ever lost sleep the night before trying to conjure up a great round of golf for the next day?

The thoughts of having a great round of golf, and a good game plan, should start on the first tee box, looking down the fairway and visualizing the shot at hand. If you start thinking of anything other than where you want the ball to land on your shot at hand. You will find yourself scratching your head, and thinking of where you went wrong.

Thoughts on a good game plan should be on your immediate task at hand. Most of us have been told to play one golf shot at a time. I think the same would apply on playing one golf hole at a time, taking one curve on the roadway ahead of you at a time, and taking one sip of coffee at a time, and leaving your golf game plan thoughts at home when you go out for dinner. Do not attempt to take your golf game plan and wife, or lady friend out at the same time.

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