My Mental Game Improvement
I’ve improved my mental game quite a bit over the last few years. I tended to be overly negative after a “bad shot.” (I’m still a bit too critical at times)
For example, if I thinned my first approach shot of the day, I would think, “Oh F*@%, here we go.” Frustration was already building, which led me to think, “Don’t thin it again, ya jack@$$.”
All bets were off for the day if the next shot went wrong.
I let the results dictate my thoughts, which then affected my mood. The cycle would spiral up or down depending on how I played that day.
To make matters worse, post-round, I focused almost exclusively on the negatives and would say something like, “I suck at approach shots.” In reality, it was never quite that bad.
Three Things Helped Me Improve Mentally:
1) Lowered My Expectations
It’s just golf. This isn’t life or death. If I shoot a 92, who cares? I’ll play again soon. It is what it is. Does showing up to the course wanting to shoot your all-time best help you?
The odds are literally against you, but more importantly, you are adding to the pressure of performance and anxiety.*
Paradoxically, caring less has helped my scores.
2) Learned the Odds
My favorite golf stat is Tiger Woods makes 52% of his putts from 8 feet. I’ve mentioned this stat a million times, but it was a real game-changer for me.
How can I be pissed I missed an 8-foot putt when Tiger missed HALF of from the same distance.
Knowing the odds of a shot gives me a better idea of what is realistic. This allows me to focus on giving it the best chance of success and accept the result.
3) Less Negative
On the course, I’m more accepting of my bad shots, which I know are inevitable. This allows me to do a better job of focusing on the next one. I don’t let the shot and result dictate my feelings about my game.
Off the course, I do a much better job of accurately assessing my game. I focus on the positives now and am realistic with my rounds.
Side note: *The goal isn’t the absence of anger, stress, anxiety, or nervousness; it’s reducing them to the point where you can perform and maintain a positive outlook.
Final Thoughts
I frequently find myself not following my own advice and need constant reminders. But we're human, and none of this is easy. It’s not an all-or-nothing proposition.
Can you get 10% better at accurately assessing your game?
Can you get 10% better at recognizing and avoiding negative self-talk and thought cycles?
Can you get 10% better at managing your expectations and understanding the odds of certain shots?
You definitely can.
When you stack these minor improvements together, your scores will improve over time.
And as you improve mentally, you’ll enjoy golf more and play better.
Summary:
Lower Expectations Before Your Round
Know The Odds of Various Shots
Avoid Negative Self-Talk, Reframe It
Accurately Assess Your Round, Don’t Overlook the Positives
Improve Just 10%. Were human, It’s Not All-or-Nothing
Thank You
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Have a good weekend.
