Staying Positive - Playing Well

Many student ask about the mental aspect of the game and how to maintain control when they have a bad match or hit a bad shot. Since golf is such an individual sport, students want to know how to deal with frustrations that are unique to that sport. What's important to remember is the winner of any given golf match might win by very small margin. Let's say the winner shoots 272 over 4 days of play. (Average 68) The 10th place finisher may shoot a close 280 over that same 4 day tournament. That's a difference of 8 strokes for the entire tournament. That's also a difference of only 2 strokes more per day. (Average 70) That equates to 2 missed putts or two shots that went off target. Meaning, a 280 over 4 days is still incredible. Although you finished 10th place, you still played incredibly well.

You must forget the mistakes and learn how to recover physically and mentally. If you're running a marathon of 26.2 miles, and end up coming in 3rd place, you still ran the marathon. You did a great job. It just so happened that you finished a few seconds behind 1st place. So, what things can you do better to get to first place more often? The answer: Not much. Keep doing what your doing. If anything, try to gain a little more strength and elevate your fitness levels. If you can get to the greens quicker you might be able to make up a stroke or two that way. Most importantly, practice your game 5 days a week and don't forget to mix in a little fun on your off days. If you're going to play golf on your off day, mix in a little putt putt or Top Golf with your friends. You will be amazed at the difference a little fun and relief can add to your performance during a match. After all, this is a sport and sports were meant for fun as well as competition.

By the way, we include mental exercises and confidence training with our advanced classes.