6 Mental Golf Tips -  For Keeping Your Head In The Game

6 mental golf tips: as a golfer, it is important to maintain focus on the game. This can be difficult when you are distracted by external factors, such as the weather or your opponent. Here are five tips for keeping your head in the game while golfing: 

 
 

1: Stay Positive: Think Positively, And You Will Play Better.

Positive thinking has been proven to help people in several ways. It can change your outlook on life and make you happier, leading to better physical health and mental well-being. It can also improve your ability to think logically and solve short- and long-term problems. So, why not try incorporating some positive thinking into your daily routine? It may just make you a more successful player.

  1. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus on areas you need to work on and show you where your stamina is strongest and weakest.

  2. Stay optimistic about your abilities.

 

2: Don't Stress: Don't Let A Bad Shot Get To You; Everyone Makes Mistakes.

In golf, as in life, we are going to face setbacks. The key is how we react when things don't go our way. Do not let a bad shot get to you. Everyone makes mistakes. Stay focused on the task and take your next shot with confidence.

When you start feeling stressed or frustrated, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you are in control of your emotions. You can choose to let the bad shot bother you, or you can move on and focus on the next one.

Remember, golf is just a game. It's meant to be enjoyed, so don't get too wrapped up in results. If you have a good round, great! But if you have a bad round, it's not the end of the world. Just relax and have some fun out there.

 

3: Take A Breath: If You Feel Overwhelmed, Take A Breath And Relax.

It seems like we are constantly on the go in today's world. We always check our phones, work on projects, and run from one obligation to the next. It's no wonder that we sometimes feel overwhelmed and stressed out. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a breath and relax. Here are some tips for keeping your mind clear and focused:

  1. Take a break. If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and clear your head. Maybe take a walk around the block or sit down with a cup of tea.

  2. Stay organized. One of the best ways to keep your mind clear is to stay organized. Make sure you plan and know what you need to do each day.

  3. Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much at once!

 

4: Pre-Shot Routines: Before You Take Your Shot, Take A Second To Plan What You Want To Do.

Pre-shot routines help golfers to focus on their shots and ignore any distractions. Routines can be simple or complex, but they should all have the same goal: getting the golfer into a consistent state before taking the shot. Golfers can do many different things as part of their routine, but some of the most common are: 

Visualize the shot: Before you take your shot, take a second to visualize what you want to do. See yourself hitting the ball perfectly and watching it fly towards the hole.

Get into a good stance: Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart, with your weight evenly distributed between them. Your knees should be slightly bent, and your arms should be hanging loosely by your sides.

 

5: Know Your Limits: Know Your Abilities And Don't Try To Do Too Much.

The first step in conquering golf is knowing your limits. Golf is as much a mental game as a physical one, so you must know your abilities and what you can handle. You'll only be frustrated and disappointed if you try to do too much of the course.

Start by figuring out your weaknesses and focus on improving those areas. For example, if your short game needs work, practice chipping and putting instead of trying to hit long drives. You'll be more successful if you stick to what you're good at and don't try to take on too much. 

In addition, make sure to take breaks during your round. If you're feeling tired or stressed out, take a few minutes to relax and clear your head. This will help you stay focused on the task and avoid making costly mistakes.


6: Focus On The Task At Hand: When Playing, Focus On The Current Shot And Nothing Else.

When playing golf, focus on the current shot and nothing else. This will help you stay in the present and avoid distractions. It can be easy to get sidetracked by other things around you, but if you focus on the task, you’ll be able to stay in control and play your best. 

To stay focused, it’s important to keep your thoughts positive. Don’t dwell on mistakes or negative thoughts; instead, focus on what you need to do to correct them. Stay in the moment, and don’t let anything else interfere with your game. 

If you can keep your mind clear and focused, you’ll be able to play better golf. Stay positive and stay in the moment, and you’ll see results in no time.


How Your Unconscious Mind Works:

No question having a clear mind is key to golfing success. However, it can be hard to clear your mind if you are distracted by thoughts. It might be problems at work, family, or other issues you are considering now. The goal is to put those thoughts aside when you are playing golf, as in this time, you are not dealing with them, and taking a break from the problems can help you get back to them with a new point of view. 

This is explained by how your unconscious mind works in the Charlie Rose Brain Series on the episode about Unconsciousness 41:35 minutes into the talk. 

“You can either focus on one thing or another. You can't focus on two or three things simultaneously because consciousness is very limited in what it can do.”

“Unconsciousness is much broader. And although we know very little about the true nature of creativity, one emerging theme that comes out of this is that if you're trying to solve a mathematical problem, you keep on focusing on it if you're trying to solve a philosophical problem. You may get stuck. Taking a break, taking a shower, going for a walk, playing golf, you come back refreshed and often doing the other activity boom. The idea will come to you” - Eric Kandel, Profesor, Columbia University; Howard Hughes Medical Investigator.

As with solving problems outside of golf, this can also be reversed, and taking a break from golf when you get stuck, can help you come back the next time and perform better. 


If you're serious about golf, you need to train with the best. At our San Francisco golf training gym, we offer a comprehensive approach to improving your game. Our experienced coaches will help you build strength, improve flexibility and stability, and hone your skills. 

And don't forget to check out our article How To Get Better at Golf - The Ultimate Guide To The Perfect Golf Swing.

Plus, our comfortable and supportive environment will help you stay motivated and focused on your goals. Click here to book an assessment today and start playing better golf tomorrow!


By Michelle Vik Myrvold

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