In the game of golf YOU are in the driver’s seat. You and only you control every shot. YOU are playing the game against yourself. I realized how important this was last night as I heard Eugenie Bouchard (a Canadian woman who is #6 in the world) talk about losing her focus as she became over confident. She won 9 of the first 10 games [in a key match in the Australian Tennis Open] and then lost 7 of the next 9 games. This collapse is the same mental failure that we can experience in golf.
Unfortunately in tennis when the momentum shifts, your opponent gets a renewed positive mental boost which works against you. In golf your buddies or opponents may be making cute remarks about your play but this game is only about your mind over your personal demons.
Jeanne Bouchard is a hot 21 year old tennis star on a mission. She just told herself to win and did it.
BACK TO THE TENNIS MATCH: After serving double-fault on set point to lose the second set, Bouchard took a short break (as reported by John Pye The Associated Press): “I gave myself a good, long hard look in the mirror,” Bouchard explained of her brief absence from Rod Laver Arena. “I said, ‘Genie, this is unacceptable.’ I really kind of kicked myself in the butt a little bit.” [That how she said it on national TV but she meant to say: “Let’s go kick some ass!”]
She returned to the court and won the final set 6 – 2.
How much do you think Tiger wants to win?
BACK TO YOUR GOLF GAME: For every swing in this game, you need to isolate your mind from the noise around you, from the comments of others and especially any negative thoughts. Unfortunately our minds are filled with the thoughts of previous amazing shots and dismal failures.
Golf is a game where you need to build confidence. Even Tiger Woods hits errant shots off the first tee in tournaments. We play this game to learn control over our minds and bodies. It is so mentally rewarding when it all comes together. Your mind has to be the starting point for consistency in golf.
If you find that your game is going off track, give your head a shake and get back in the game. You CAN get back on track! I am not talking about doing 1000 practice pitch shots the way Tiger does to groove a new swing. A swing with a straight leading arm and a consistent distance to the ball is the perfect starting point. I’m talking about using that grey cement between your ears.
Practice with your GOLFSTR+ for consistent hits. Remember what the correct swing feels like and keep your head in the game. Buy GOLFSTR+ and pass this along to help others enjoy this game. CLICK TO Check out www.golfstr.com.
Where are the golf tips? how do I access them
On our website https://www.golfstr.com there are headings across the top of the page: Home, About, Testimonials, Golf Humor, Your Swing Support Center etc. YOUR Swing Support Center has over 120 weekly swing tips. You should also check out “About” as there are lots of other interesting insights. Hope that helps.
Like it was said: we looked for our enemy and he was us.
You are your only adversary at golf. See if you can be stronger than your usual old self.
Correct. You have to challenge yourself to be in control and in a state of acceptance where your want to produce the perfect shot. That is why we love this game of GOLF. So frustrating yet so satisfying when you make that wonderful shot.
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