Slowly dropping my handicap index came with many challenges, both mental and physical. The physical challenges were overcome (for the most part) through training, practice and more practice. I do not consider myself and elite golfer even with a low index, but I think I have some game. Most of my successes can be attributed to physically changing my swing, grip, stance, and tempo. As I stated in previous articles, many of these physical skills are intertwined and one cannot be changed without affecting the others. The mental side of my improvement was not as simple or as easily defined. I often wonder if my mental breakdowns were avoidable or was it part of the journey to a lower handicap index.
Continue readingMental Preparation
Do Emotions Affect Your Golf Game?
Golf is a game of emotional highs and lows. Hitting a great shot sends your thoughts and emotions in a positive motion and poor shots do the exact opposite. Any amateur golfer will attest that the emotional roller coaster is natural during every round of golf. What if there was a way to limit the lows and accentuate the highs after every swing. This process is obviously mental, but many golfers do not understand that they hold the key to a better game through focused, positive thought. It is not difficult and anyone can do it; it is a golf mindset developed through a simple process which results in better emotional stability while on the links.
Continue readingClosing Ranks To Finish Strong On The Golf Course
There are many times on the golf course where I have made the decision to tighten my game. The decision to adopt this course of action is not taken lightly, but it does require a conscious choice and some specific steps to accomplish my intent. I am not trying to be glib and evasive, but I am trying to convey that closing ranks on the golf course is a challenge in on its own. Thus, I have a process or method (of course I do….right) that helps me manage my game and lower my overall golf score.
Continue readingThe Possibility Of Success In Golf
Anytime we set up for a golf shot, there is a possibility of a fantastic result. This happens every time without fail. I might be looking at this scenario with rose coloured glasses, but I think if you take a moment you will see that I am definitely spot on. Golf is a game of limitless possibilities with a dash (sometimes a shovel full) of disappointment. The challenge for most players is to tap into the positive side of success while avoiding the thoughts of disaster. This situation happens on every golf shot, without fail!
Continue readingFirst Swing Of The Round
Depending on whether you had the time to prepare, if any, will likely determine your mental state on your first swing of your round. For many players, rushing from their car to the first tee is the norm and probably results in a less than optimal shot. At Osprey Links, I would say that I only prepared for the first hit occasionally due to the lack of driving range. They did have a driving net and I found this a reasonable substitute to hitting a small bucket of balls, but I did not really like using it…..so I didn’t. My lack of preparation did impact my fairway percentage and I am hoping this year at my new course I will be able to improve on my start of each round.
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The Grateful Golfer 