Mental Game
The best tip I ever came across was a riddle: What is the cheapest and most valuable thing you can take with you on the golf course? Your MIND! So use it all the time.
Take An Attitude. I like to use an attitude that I call an Aggressive Common Sense attitude. An AGS attitude is one that goes for the pins and the par five's when it makes sense to do so. It also states that if it seems like a bad idea to go for it, it probably is a bad idea. So go for it when you can afford to, when you need to make a move or when you want to unsettle an opponent. Just use common sense first then get aggressive!
Make The Advantage Yours. Recently I was asked what I used for a marker on the green. I normally use a dime. I like the size and its easy to see, plus I have one. One way to get the advantage is to use your imagination on choosing a ball maker. As long as it won't move from where you place it on the green, and wont interfere with another players putt, use something inventive! I have used a pocket knife stuck in the green, used chap stick, even a dollar bill when its not windy. The idea is to interrupt the concentration of an opponent, relive some of the pressure on you, and help you enjoy the game more all at the same time.
Course Mind Set. Question: What is the scariest thing on a golf course? Sand? Water? Woods? ( not Tiger) Your opponent? I contend that the scariest thing you will ever encounter at a golf course is the Cash Register! Once you are past that and have the credit cards away, the toughest part of the day is over!
Mental Game. Trust Trust Trust. Trust your swing. Trust your putting stroke. Trust your read of the green. Trust your driver to find the fairway. Trust your irons to hit the green. Trust your chip to be close. It will make a positive impact on your game if you set your mind and don't question it. It may end up unplanned but only analyze AFTER the shot. Leave that shot right where you found it. DO NOT dwell on shots that do not work out. The only thing that should enter your mind is what to do on the next shot.
Golf Partners. Can choosing good partners to play golf with make a difference? Yes, but should it make a difference? No. Golf is a game where it is you and the course. Nothing else matters. It is Human vs. Grass, simple as that. Does pressure to win, make a dollar on the Nassau, or bragging rights matter? Sure it matters, but try to forget that and play the course!
Playing all the Time. Sometimes you can play just too much golf. Take a break. Remember the family? A short break will recharge your mind and soul and is a good idea. Plan breaks into your schedule and relax. When you feel like there is no improvement, practice is boring, or you have hit a plateau, take that break!
Course Management. Plan your game. Each shot you play on the course should be planned. Tee shot to left side of the fairway, 8 iron to the middle, two putt for par. Will it always happen the way you plan it? NO. Just change the plan to benefit you and keep the score down to a manageable level. Take a 5 and be happy if that is what it takes. Remember, as was mentioned earlier, take your mind with you and use it. Control of your mind equals control of your game, and sometimes even your opponent!
Attitude. It is all about attitude. Players with great attitudes have many good qualities that enhance the game they play. Confidence, likable, courteous, level headed, clear thinker, and good natured all help your game become more consistent. Let one bad shot get you into the dungeon and likely you are to stay there. Good attitude will also put fun into the game and make practice a lively endeavor rather than the doldrums most folks think it is. Take the attitude that being ANYWHERE on a golf course is a great place to be!
Remember the little train who could. When looking over the water, trees, sand or any other tough shot say to yourself, I think I can, I think I can, I KNOW I can. You can! Just forget everything else and do it.
Troublesome Holes. We all have that hole or holes on our course that eats us for lunch. Think of some of the scores that have fallen to that one hole. Take some time and look it over. Is there another way to play it to take the trouble out and make a lower number? Find a day to play the hole over and over, not interfering with other players and play the hole until you figure it out for you.
Golf Course Management. One of the best uses of the home computer and some free time is to learn golf course management. A golf computer game can and will make you think about how to place the shot, play the hole and figure out some strategy to playing the course. The overhead view you see and the tips you get for playing the hole, is the way you should be thinking about the course you are playing. Map it out just like it was on the screen at home and then play to your plan.
Relax. Enough said right? One of the best reasons to play golf is to take you mind of of work. Well, most folks can not relax on the course although a golf course should put your mind at ease. Nice grass, trees, sand, water, and friends should all make you feel much more relaxed. Does it? Most folks will feel more pressure on the course to score well, to work on a part of their game, or to beat their boss. Playing for the pure enjoyment will let you relax and when you relax you will play much better!
Competition. Play as much competition as you can. Competition will make you focus and the will help you play your best. Golf is a game of focus and anything that will increase focus will better your game. During a your practice rounds, come up with something to play for, a local tourney that maybe coming up, a national tourney or just get some others around you that like to play and be serious about having competition.
