There is no question that developing a fundamentally sound golf swing helps you to play to your potential and post better scores. Many golfers, however, tend to overlook the impact of training the mind to handle the pressures and challenges the game presents. It is often suggested, in fact, that the mental side of the game is more than half the battle to becoming a better player.
What are Mental Training Aids for Golf?
Mental training aids for the game of golf typically include books and DVDs. Occasionally, there are seminars or clinics on the subject. Whatever format they take, however, mental training aids give you practice using your mind as an asset during a round. Mental training methods usually focus on getting golfers to think positively rather than being overwhelmed by pressure and anxiety.
Mental Challenges in Golf
Golf presents certain mental challenges you are unlikely to experience in most other sports. Baseball, basketball and tennis, for example, involve movement and activity that is reactive by nature. Golf has none of that. Golf does not involve reacting to a moving ball, opponent or target. Every action you make in golf is initiated when you are ready, hitting a ball that is stationary to a target that does not move. While this might seem to make things easier, this extra period of inaction can lead to your thinking becoming more convoluted--and possibly anxiety-ridden.
Focusing on a Target
One of the primary areas of focus of most mental training aids involves the process of confining your thoughts to the target as you prepare to hit a shot. You might ask, "What else would I be thinking about?" Many golfers, however, tend to engage in "swing thoughts" (considerations about various rules of swing mechanics) while hitting their shots. This usually arises from a fear they will forget a key fundamental while swinging the club. The problem with swing thoughts, however, tends to be that they give you too much to think about at one time. Consequently, the swing is labored and unlikely to produce the desired results.
Visualization
One of the strategies employed by mental training aids that can be a major advantage is the practice of visualization. Visualization occurs just before you hit your shot. It involves picturing in your mind's eye what the ideal shot or putt in that situation will look like. It provides a positive model for the body to follow and a clarity of purpose. What's more, it helps prevent excess swing thoughts from taking over the moments leading up to the shot.
Decision Making
Mental training aids for golf also tend to give you an advantage when it comes to decision-making skills on the course. This ability is often referred to as "course management," and it can have as much impact on your score as the ability to focus on the target. Course management involves understanding your own limitations as a golfer and knowing what the highest percentage play will be in any given situation. Course management does not require that you always play it safe, but it does provide you with a sense of when it's most advantageous to take risks.
References
- "Zen Golf"; Joseph Parent; 2005
- "Golf is Not a Game of Perfect"; Bob Rotella with Jeff Cullen; 1995
- "Fearless Golf"; Dr. Gio Valiente with Mike Stachura; 2005
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