By Jeff Niedzwiedz
Understanding the Mental Game of Golf
I took up golf about 5 years ago. Having always been a natural athlete, I played tennis, basketball and baseball throughout high school and college. Intense competition is something I thrived in and like most people I hated to lose. Something I never understood was that when I played tennis with someone that probably had HALF the talent I did, I found myself struggling and in some cases even losing, much to my displeasure.
When I took up golf, however, I thrived immediately. Due to having a strong arm from my years of playing tennis and basketball, I was able to drive the ball hundreds of yards and played an excellent short game.
But I found myself once again losing and being totally out of my game when I started to compete with people that played more poorly than I did.
I analyzed my game and like a lightning bolt hitting me, I realized the game of golf was mental. I was sabotaging myself myself and losing control of all my focus. I showed nervousness and made every excuse in the book on why I was playing poorly during certain games. It became frightening to actually get on the course. I thought people were actually laughing at me behind my back.
When I started to understand the mental game of golf I began to see the error of my ways. I saw that I needed to regain focus to help my nerves, since by that point I was having jitters so bad, I wanted to fake an injury to avoid playing. Embarrassing myself with yelling and being angry spin tailed and ruined the round for myself and other people.
I had mastered the physical mechanics of golf but not the mental ones. People blame their equipment or the design of the course. What about Tiger Woods? Twenty-five years ago when he learned the sport, there weren't $2,000 drivers and $500 putters. Tiger was taught to have a mental edge at a young age. He was beating adults at the age of 10. He never panics and only shows emotion when he makes a GOOD shot.
Finally, I have mastered the mental game of golf. I start preparing myself in advance by concentrating on my preshot routine. My goal was to hit the best shots possible and remaining consistent from the first tee. First tee anxiety will put you at a significant disadvantage. Believe in your skills and don't concern yourself with other people, because you will lose focus and put unnecessary pressure on yourself. You will only generate anger (for yourself!) and cause your game to go down the tubes.
If you begin to play from the mind and realize that that is the muscle you should exercise, I guarantee you will improve your score from the very first time you try it. Anyone can increase his or her score by focusing on the mental game of golf.
I am always coming up with new tips to share!
Hi there my name is Jeff.
I am always looking to learn new information. You should be learning something new everyday. I enjoy sharing things that I have learned with people. I know this is a way top reach alot of people!
I hope everyone likes what I have to say and the information I provide is valuable to you!
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