Golf Instruction and Learning to Play Better Golf

Most players look for Golf Instruction in the form of swing analysis. And just to be clear, I have no issues with getting the swing looked at. Sound fundamentals are critical for anyone looking to play better golf and shoot lower scores. The problem I’ve noticed is that players focus on the swing and neglect the mind and the mental side of the game. This is like baking a cake with half the ingredients and hoping it turns out well. Not a chance!

If the players mind is not strong, the great swing will break down. The mind controls the body and therefore needs to be coached and fine tuned just like the swing. It only makes sense.

Mental Focus is Key

Just about every top level golfer has added a mental coach to their team. It’s that important. And just for the record, this is called a clue.

The question then becomes, “Can amateur players benefit as well from mental coaching?”

ABSOLUTELY!

Everyone can move further towards reaching their potential with a few simple mental tips. This entire website is dedicated to this process. Today I’ll be talking about how I’ve used a couple of these tips over the past year.

When last season began, I wanted to shoot a new personal best score and I had the number in my head on a weekly basis. The number was 2 shots better than my former low round. I kept talking about my need and desire to shoot this score. I even shared the goal with my dad and a couple other friends. It was etched in my mind as the next landmark for my game to reach.

Than I came up  with a plan to reach the goal. After reviewing stats on my game, I determined improved putting would be the most effective way to shoot the number. I worked hard on the greens all last season but the number still eluded me. Somewhat frustrated, the Winter months came here to Denver and golf courses began to shut down for the year. As the calendar rolled over to 2010, I still had that number in my mind but it was yet to be realized on a score card. All Winter long, I kept the putter in my hand and worked to groove a better stroke in the basement. Through practice, I kept building the belief that the score would be realized and my putter was the way to get it done.

Two days ago, on Saturday, I fired the score!
Here are the simple things I did over the past 12 months that helped me out:

1. I visualized adding up my card to this number.
2. I visualized making the birdies needed for the score.
3. I wrote the goal down and repeatedly ran it through my head.
4. I built up the belief that I could shoot the score.
5. I practiced putting with intentional purpose all year long.
6. I stayed focused on the process and not the results.

My hope is that you can take some of these very simple tips and apply them to your game. What is the “Personal Best” score you’d like to shoot this year? Do you know what it will take to get it done? And are you willing to work on your mind as well as your game to make it happen? You can’t shoot it until you can believe it.

Learning to play better golf will require a focused and dedicated effort. Don’t just seek golf instruction for your swing, but also seek tips for your mind. When a solid swing is backed by a solid mental game, you’ll post the scores you’ve always dreamed of.

Here’s to a great season of personal best scores for both of us. I’ve got my next goal in mind, do you?

See you next time,
 Mike

Follow me on Twitter: @Mike_Snyder

2 Responses to “Golf Instruction | Learning to Play Better Golf”