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Perhaps one of the most enjoyable aspects of golf is that no two shots are the same, every hole is different, and each round on the course is a new adventure that requires hundreds of little decisions made throughout the various plays.
Some golfers like to describe golf as a linked chain: In golf, if one link is weak, your entire game can suffer. One break in the chain and your entire game can be thrown out of whack.
Take Every Shot Seriously, No Matter How Easy It May Seem
Some shots will be very difficult to make. Others, the ball will be just lying there with a big virtual sign that says “Easy Shot”. The ball just sits there with nothing in the way, and your confidence to make a successful shot skyrockets. There may not be anything to worry about with the easy shot, but there is still room for disaster.
To prevent the least opportunity of turning an easy shot into a bad one, take the easy shot as seriously as you would the more challenging one. No matter how easy the shot looks, focus like a professional golfer would in a tournament.
Never forget that the greater the opportunity you have to make a simple shot, the more frustration and disappointment you will have by ruining it.
Dissecting The Tough Shot
When you’re confronted with a difficult shot, which will typically be a water hazard, a bunker, or a shot from the rough, the only way you will avoid making a mistake is to change your perception of the shot. Use your mind as a tool to shake off those nervous jitters you usually get before attempting a tough play.
Instead, welcome and embrace the tough shot. The more you think about how difficult the shot will be, the faster your body and mind will start agreeing with you. And the inevitable result is an unwanted outcome.
When facing a difficult shot, it’s time to put the following techniques into practice:
1. Harness the power of self-confidence. A difficult shot from tough terrain on the golf course is an opportunity for your self-confidence to grow. You may not hit the ball exactly where you would like it to go every time, but for those times that you do, the confidence boost will help your game the next time you face a similar situation.
2. In a bad spot? Great! Now use the moment as a perfect opportunity to practice. Many golfers take every game much too seriously. Instead of enjoying the ride, they bitch and moan about every poor shot made.
Instead, have fun with it. Appreciate it when the ball lands in a hazard area. And when it does, let go of the stress and use that time to practice getting yourself out of the tough situation. It can do nothing but help increase your short game skills, as well as your attitude.
For more tips for the new golfer take a look at the golf blog for beginner golfers, Sensible Golf Tips.
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November 23rd, 2007 at 7:15 pm
I love this quote “they bitch and moan about every poor shot made” – I have played with pros who do this after good shots. And it isn’t much fun to play with them.
Treat every shot as a learning experience and have fun, especially when you are starting out. You’ll hit good shots and bad shots and you’ll get good breaks and bad breaks. After they happen there is nothing you can do to change the past. Unless your Marty McFly.
Good Post Mike
November 27th, 2007 at 6:41 pm
Good write up Mike.
Self Confidence is something that has really helped my game over the last year. I played the best golf of my life this year and I really think that it was because of my self confidence (and a little hard work).
I practice a lot, but I practice with a purpose. I don’t just go to the range and pound drivers (like I used to). I practice shots that may be faced with on the course and it seemed like this year on the course that I was never really faced with a shot that scared me. I used to have three or four shots per round that scared me, but they all seem to be getting easier and my scores seem to be getting lower.
November 28th, 2007 at 5:52 am
Deron,
That’s why you were successful
. You practiced with a purpose and goal in mind. You were then able to take it to the course with confidence. Nice!
December 4th, 2007 at 7:47 am
Where do you buy Jay Robb’s Egg White Protien.
Thank you.