focus on
MENTAL
EMBRACE THE CONDITIONS
Once you start your pre-comp training week for
the tournament rounds ahead of you, your focus
must be on your course management game plan.
This plan includes consideration for any and all
challenges you may face.
Now is not the time to be focusing on swing
technique. Your focus must be on strong body
language, great self-image, trust in your routines,
and a positive attitude willing to embrace the
challenges that lie ahead.
Jack Nicklaus stated that he has never played
perfect golf in a
major, and he,
won 18 of them.
He believed it is
unrealistic to think
that you need to
play perfect golf
to win. The key to
winning, according
to Jack, is getting
the ball into the
hole and it really
does not matter
how.
Unfor tunately,
most golfers do
not think like
Jack and they
get caught up
in “playing with
a perfect golf
swing”, instead
of golf course.
They focus on
making a perfect swing, or near perfect swing,
instead of focusing on getting the ball into the hole.
They are searching in the wrong direction to play
their best. Champions play golf course.
With this being said it is important that during
your pre shot routine you have a single technical
rehearsal swing that builds confidence. Followed
by a “feel” swing that is the exact rehearsal for the
shot plan committed to in the “think box”. Now you
are ready to move confidently into the “play box”,
focus shifts to your target and swing commencement
trigger. Executing your shot is a time of trust and
flow, complete your entire swing process through to
a balanced finish.
Playing in challenging conditions should not create
doubt or anguish in your decisions. Embrace the
challenge, everyone is playing the same course.
The players who smile and accept the conditions as
an opportunity to test their skills will without doubt
have a better day.