Golf legend Bobby Jones said that "Golf is a game that is played on a 5-inch course--the distance between your ears." He was referring to the mental game, that invisible element of golf that separates champions from average players. The golf swing takes less than two seconds, which doesn't allow much time for conscious thought. But there are techniques that can prepare you mentally for golf and allow you to compete with champions.
Develop a Pre-shot Routine
Take the lead of golf professionals, and begin your shot preparation 10 feet behind the ball. While standing on the target line, visualize the flight of the ball to the target and recollect the feelings of successful shots you have hit in the past. Take a practice swing, matching your tempo and energy level to the shot that you have just visualized. Address the ball while keeping your shot visualization foremost in your mind.
Do Deep Breathing
Under pressure, it is easy to lose control of your breathing. This can cloud your mind and make it difficult to move fluidly and complete complicated tasks. Throughout your round, focus on abdominal breathing, using slow, deep breaths rather than short, shallow ones. After you have addressed the ball, take a deep breath and exhale fully. This breath can clear your mind, relax your muscles and provide an antidote to stress.
Focus on Balance, Effort and Tempo
The golf course is not a place to give yourself a golf lesson--that's what the driving range is for. You must trust the skills that you have developed during your practice time and focus your mind on things that allow your skills to shine. If you consistently maintain your balance from start to finish, control your effort and swing with good tempo, you will soon be playing with the confidence of champions.
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