Confidence in golf is very important. Understanding that any aspects of our golf game could go off the rails at any time, it is important to stay confident regardless of how well we play. Using the old adage ‘fake it till you make it’ sometimes is the only approach to help keep our game afloat. I have experienced poor play and could not get out of my funk in the short term. The only thing I had in my back pocket was to will my game in to success! I have had to fake it till I made it many times and will likely have to do that in the future as well. But, what exactly does this mean?

For my game, I rely on my processes like a solid pre-shot routine, positive self-talk, and knowledge that my funk is short term (hopefully). I have played enough golf to know that the peaks and valleys of my game can change faster than the speed of light. I have been riding on a high for many holes, then I shank a wedge…..twice. Talk about a blow to my mental psyche! For the next few holes I was rattled and had a difficult time swinging my clubs. The only thing I can think of is that I was not mentally in the moment when the shanks arrived. I am not sure I could have prevented my shocking errors, but I can definitely tell you that I was faking confidence moving forward. Luckily two holes later able to right the ship and start playing golf again.

The loss and return of my confidence during my round is something most amateur golfers experience. Rarely do I play a round where I struggle for a few shots in a row. I am not sure what causes my swing woes, but it happens. I could blab on about my mental preparedness or my make an excuse for something or other, but a few poor swings in a round are a normal part of my game. These situations are not the issue. For my game a few holes in a row where I fell like I am golfing with oven mitts on is when I start to examine what his happening. It is during those times when I pretend to be a golfer and that nothing is wrong.

Why fake it you might ask; well, that is a great question. I have practiced and played golf for many hours. I have worked on all aspects of my game and I believe that I must exude confidence externally even when internally my heart is beating 100 miles an hour. I have found that remaining outwardly confident, I am more likely to regain my confidence quicker. This outward calm (faking of course) does translate to internal calm which helps me regain my composure faster. Sometimes it happens quickly and others it takes a few holes. Regardless of how long it takes, it is important to maintain that outward confidence for the good of my game.

Confidence is something that is developed in a golfer. The better you play the more confident you feel. This is true for most things, however, it does not take much to force us to question our confidence foundation. It those times when on the links, faking it until we make it might be the best solution. It is hard to say if it will work for you, but it definitely works for me.

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!