G_Mulligan
Tour Rookie
The Ben Hogan method is admirable and I sincerely wish you the best of luck. There are however a number of techniques which can increase the quality of practice and show more improvement in a shorter amount of time.
Golf Psychology
- Thread starter G_Mulligan
- Start date
The Ben Hogan method is admirable and I sincerely wish you the best of luck. There are however a number of techniques which can increase the quality of practice and show more improvement in a shorter amount of time.
DappaDonDave
Journeyman Pro
I'm 25, I'm about 15 years too late to make any practice improve my game to a level where I will make a living out of it. So i'll stick to keeping it as an enjoyable hobby, thanks though. If you feel you NEED to pay to a psychologist then more fool you, i don't think many sunday league football players do that...
Foxholer
Blackballed
Via their nose?
You seem to be contradicting yourself - or is that deliberate. Correct advice is correct advice whoever gives it. Whether the recipient chooses to believe it from a 'less qualified' provider is down to the relationship. And while Butch is certainly qualified to advise on the swing, does he really have the same credentials as someone like Dr Gio Valiante - who isn't a Tour Player, so also hasn't had experience of 'coming down the stretch' but seems to get his message across!
If Butch and Gio were telling how to swing, which would you give more credence to?
If Butch and Gio were telling how to settle your mind before and during the round, which would you give more credence to?
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Sweep
Journeyman Pro
Very simplistic argument and completely missing the point. He also went on to talk about affirmation, sub concious behaviour...... I could go on, but I would be wasting my time.
DappaDonDave
Journeyman Pro
If you want something which works and can be used on a round. Try EFT Tapping...solved my 18th Tee nerves
Slab
Occasional Tour Caddy
I think the psychological impact to an amateur’s performance is probably not something we’d pay to fix but is also probably the best cash we could ever spend
How many rounds go downhill or shots lost due to how we amateur players lets ourselves be affected by the pace of play, the age/gender & performance of the group in front, the weather, the length of the rough, the FC’s actions and behaviours, the clubs rules and dress code, the marshals etc etc etc
Not to mention our own behaviour…As amateurs we pretty much all have issues of the head while on the course
I’ve no idea if a measure exists but for arguments sake if a psychologist claimed they’d take 4 shots off your handicap in six weeks for £80, who’d knock it back? But many will fork out similar cash for a 4th wedge cos we can’t seem to it hit xx yards
To the OP, unfortunately I can’t see the sceptics paying at all and instead will persevere with physical lessons and new gear to get something seen as tangible for their cash and I think it’s by far the bigger population of amateur golfers
Take me for example, even though I believe in the psychological benefits to be had I’d actually still want new shineys first, and I’m afraid that is the culture that would need to change and until some major event happens to really promote sport psychology then the marketing budgets of TM/Nike/Cobra etc will win out by promising longer/straighter blah blah
I suspect those that have serious aspirations in terms of a career in golf will definitely be interested but is there enough of them to sustain a business, I’d have thought it would have to cater for all sports and not just golf
How many rounds go downhill or shots lost due to how we amateur players lets ourselves be affected by the pace of play, the age/gender & performance of the group in front, the weather, the length of the rough, the FC’s actions and behaviours, the clubs rules and dress code, the marshals etc etc etc
Not to mention our own behaviour…As amateurs we pretty much all have issues of the head while on the course
I’ve no idea if a measure exists but for arguments sake if a psychologist claimed they’d take 4 shots off your handicap in six weeks for £80, who’d knock it back? But many will fork out similar cash for a 4th wedge cos we can’t seem to it hit xx yards
To the OP, unfortunately I can’t see the sceptics paying at all and instead will persevere with physical lessons and new gear to get something seen as tangible for their cash and I think it’s by far the bigger population of amateur golfers
Take me for example, even though I believe in the psychological benefits to be had I’d actually still want new shineys first, and I’m afraid that is the culture that would need to change and until some major event happens to really promote sport psychology then the marketing budgets of TM/Nike/Cobra etc will win out by promising longer/straighter blah blah
I suspect those that have serious aspirations in terms of a career in golf will definitely be interested but is there enough of them to sustain a business, I’d have thought it would have to cater for all sports and not just golf
G_Mulligan
Tour Rookie
Yes of course if you don't want, need, or like sport psychology then no one should force it on you. If you can go out and play to the level you want and simply enjoy playing each week then that is brilliant. Many people are not at that level yet and spend money and effort trying to get there. Not many Sunday league players spend hours of free time honing their finishing or spend money on one to one tuition with a specialist coach. Football is a long way behind golf in accepting sport psychology especially in the opinion of fans and amateur players.
G_Mulligan
Tour Rookie
I appreciate the support from a number of you guys above and also the negativity has helped realise some of the barriers I am going to have to break down. Just to answer a few points raised above. I don't have the necessary skills or training to fix technique based problems as yet so I would never attempt to do so. What I can do is help with the mental side of a new technique by improving the quality of practice, learning to trust the technique on the course, help it hold up under pressure, and helping to set realistic short and long term goals. A good example is my last client had trouble with short putts he was a very good golfer and had great technique but he really struggled with short putts. I introduced a couple of very simple techniques to increase his confidence, reduce negativity, ingrain and help him trust his technique, and replicate pressure in practice. He just won his county senior amateur open championship and I am so proud and pleased for him.
As others have very articulately put above. I am no championship golfer and have not competed at the highest level. I do however study the mental side of golf using the latest theories and techniques, use what others have tested and proved both in quantitative and qualitative studies and used in real life situations. I have of course contributed in these areas myself conducting research into imagery, confidence, flow and have worked under a top sport psychologist who has helped guide me into putting what I have learned into practice.
As others have very articulately put above. I am no championship golfer and have not competed at the highest level. I do however study the mental side of golf using the latest theories and techniques, use what others have tested and proved both in quantitative and qualitative studies and used in real life situations. I have of course contributed in these areas myself conducting research into imagery, confidence, flow and have worked under a top sport psychologist who has helped guide me into putting what I have learned into practice.
Ethan
Money List Winner
I think it is rather silly to suggest that a psychologist needs to have won major golf tournaments. I checked Bob Rotella's major golf record and he hasn't won any. That doesn't invalidate his advice.
In some ways, the basic psychology strategy with golfers is pretty simple. One shot at a time, set realistic expectations, don't overthink it, enjoy the moment. Of course making that work for any given golfer who has been stuck in a different mind set for years is a bit more complicated.
In some ways, the basic psychology strategy with golfers is pretty simple. One shot at a time, set realistic expectations, don't overthink it, enjoy the moment. Of course making that work for any given golfer who has been stuck in a different mind set for years is a bit more complicated.
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Slab
Occasional Tour Caddy
probably over thinking this now but with several threads currently on the go about good/bad rounds/habits/faults/confidence etc (as there always is)
Maybe a poll to ask: with your own£40 what do you buy?
After all it's either we cant play and fluke a score now and then or we can play and don't shoot to our potential
If a fault creeps into our game, why?
Does it originate from a physical condition (like a light injury) or is it mental (are there other options) if the latter then would a lesson only fix it short term (with drilling etc thrown in to memory build & mask the mental aspect)
So if you've changed something that's now causing poor results I'd have thought it needs a golf pro to put it right and something/someone to prevent it happening again (the popular choice simply being practice which doesn't seem effective enough other wise no need for ongoing support/lessons etc)
Maybe a poll to ask: with your own£40 what do you buy?
- a lesson (putting/driving/swing etc etc)
- a box of balls/gloves etc
- a psychology session
- put it towards larger golf equipment purchase
After all it's either we cant play and fluke a score now and then or we can play and don't shoot to our potential
If a fault creeps into our game, why?
Does it originate from a physical condition (like a light injury) or is it mental (are there other options) if the latter then would a lesson only fix it short term (with drilling etc thrown in to memory build & mask the mental aspect)
So if you've changed something that's now causing poor results I'd have thought it needs a golf pro to put it right and something/someone to prevent it happening again (the popular choice simply being practice which doesn't seem effective enough other wise no need for ongoing support/lessons etc)
HawkeyeMS
Ryder Cup Winner
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
No. I don't think I would. I have read books on the subject and and think those and my own experiences are enough for me at my level.
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
No idea, same as a golf lesson I suppose
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Depends how my game is. 4 or 5 a year maybe and about £25 per half hour
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
No, should I
No. I don't think I would. I have read books on the subject and and think those and my own experiences are enough for me at my level.
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
No idea, same as a golf lesson I suppose
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Depends how my game is. 4 or 5 a year maybe and about £25 per half hour
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
No, should I
bladeplayer
Money List Winner
Hi Everybody
I am setting up my business as a golf psychologist and need your opinions on a few things for market research.
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
Not something ive ever considered so far ? would i ? it would only be if i knew someone who had been and it had helped them ,
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
No idea , maybe an introductory offer to get intrest then £20 a session , but honestly ive no idea on that
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Took first 3 ever this year , sorriest thing ive done , paid €25 for half hour
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
Nope i haul myself back out there and play through it , big reason not to tho is finances are not there , if money was no object i dont know how i would answer this
Hope you guys don't mind helping me out.
Thanks
No Probs , best of luck with it all
I am setting up my business as a golf psychologist and need your opinions on a few things for market research.
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
Not something ive ever considered so far ? would i ? it would only be if i knew someone who had been and it had helped them ,
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
No idea , maybe an introductory offer to get intrest then £20 a session , but honestly ive no idea on that
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Took first 3 ever this year , sorriest thing ive done , paid €25 for half hour
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
Nope i haul myself back out there and play through it , big reason not to tho is finances are not there , if money was no object i dont know how i would answer this
Hope you guys don't mind helping me out.
Thanks
No Probs , best of luck with it all
Curls
Journeyman Pro
Mulligan, first off it is a small bit ridiculous that some naysayers are going to turn you off something you have obviously spent a long time studying to become qualified in, so I think we can all agree that isn't going to happen. I wish you the best of luck in your venture, I can appreciate the risks involved in setting up on your own so fair play to you and I hope the rewards are many (and not just monetary). Also I was saying you have to be a great player to be a great coach to Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinhio earlier and they agreed wholeheartedly.
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
Same as a golf lesson, regionally this probably varies but ~£50 I guess
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Not taken one in a while, got to technical and forgot I was supposed to be sending the little ball over to the target
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
Nope, started with 25 year old brutal graphite thingys, changed them for G15s a couple of years back and have no intention of changing again. I reckon if I hit a poor shot its my fault and the clubs should be stuck with for consistency as long as there's nothing actually wrong with them, I can hit great shots with them so it isn't the clubs fault if I scuff one.
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
I wouldn't now but only because I got really into this subject about a year ago, I ate up all the books I could and found some really great lessons in there. Perhaps if I hit a roadblock I would, but at the moment I'm happy golfing so why change that. Like I say, if I found I wasnt enjoying the game then I would consider it over quitting cos I know it would be a temporary state and how much I enjoy it when I play well.
Best of luck G
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
Same as a golf lesson, regionally this probably varies but ~£50 I guess
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Not taken one in a while, got to technical and forgot I was supposed to be sending the little ball over to the target
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
Nope, started with 25 year old brutal graphite thingys, changed them for G15s a couple of years back and have no intention of changing again. I reckon if I hit a poor shot its my fault and the clubs should be stuck with for consistency as long as there's nothing actually wrong with them, I can hit great shots with them so it isn't the clubs fault if I scuff one.
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
I wouldn't now but only because I got really into this subject about a year ago, I ate up all the books I could and found some really great lessons in there. Perhaps if I hit a roadblock I would, but at the moment I'm happy golfing so why change that. Like I say, if I found I wasnt enjoying the game then I would consider it over quitting cos I know it would be a temporary state and how much I enjoy it when I play well.
Best of luck G
mikee247
Challenge Tour Pro
I applaud your idea here and your courage to go after something which is arguably a very subjective...
My missus does quite a lot of Psychology in business and Im persuading her to go more into Sport.... She isnt a Sports person... but in a way I think that might help her rather than hinder. I think there is a market for sure in golf and personally I believe that golf is a very large percentage between my ears. I could give you hours of examples but I would rather seek some Psychology assistance rather than get some lessons to be honest becasue I believe I can play better if I can get my head together..... Ive played 6 decent sub handicap rounds in a row and then on Saturday my head went for some reason and I cant understand why or how to remedy it on the course....happens all the time
Any way to your questions
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
No but I have read books ( Rotella and it helped) and yes face to face
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
No idea but around the same as a golf lesson would seem reasonable so 25 quid an hour?
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Jonathan Yarwood acedemy at my place charge 60 quid an hour. More local pros charge 20 -30 quid I think
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
Yes sometimes but I tend to change clubs when I fall out of love with them.
I'm a confidence player and need confidence in the clubs for them to work!
My missus does quite a lot of Psychology in business and Im persuading her to go more into Sport.... She isnt a Sports person... but in a way I think that might help her rather than hinder. I think there is a market for sure in golf and personally I believe that golf is a very large percentage between my ears. I could give you hours of examples but I would rather seek some Psychology assistance rather than get some lessons to be honest becasue I believe I can play better if I can get my head together..... Ive played 6 decent sub handicap rounds in a row and then on Saturday my head went for some reason and I cant understand why or how to remedy it on the course....happens all the time
Any way to your questions
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
No but I have read books ( Rotella and it helped) and yes face to face
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
No idea but around the same as a golf lesson would seem reasonable so 25 quid an hour?
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
Jonathan Yarwood acedemy at my place charge 60 quid an hour. More local pros charge 20 -30 quid I think
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
Yes sometimes but I tend to change clubs when I fall out of love with them.
I'm a confidence player and need confidence in the clubs for them to work!
Foxholer
Blackballed
Donnington? or Stoke Park?
mikee247
Challenge Tour Pro
Donnington
Foxholer
Blackballed
Nice course! Very tough off the Whites!
Played it a few times with a Pro mate.
Can excuse the couple of long walks forced by the bypass!
londonlewis
Tour Rookie
I don't agree with this attitude that the only way you could become a successful golf psychiatrist is if you have been a successful golfer.
If this was the case, wouldn't the same be true of being a caddie?
Or in fact many jobs out?
Best of luck I say.
to answer the questions though;
Have you or would you consider a golf psychologist?
No and no
How much would you expect to pay for an hour long session?
No real idea so a guess would be £30
How often do you take golf lessons and how much do they cost?
I don't take lessons
Do you change clubs to help fix a problem such as slice or yips?
No
mikee247
Challenge Tour Pro
In deed - you get used to it but its playing long and hard at the moment off the backs -Greens are always exemplary however The Japanese when they owned it spent a fortune on them....millions - club champs over 2 days next weekend and Im in need of Psychological help before I tee off!!
Was just reading through this thread and would have posted more or less exactly the same ref Mr Rotella if someone hadn't beaten me to it...
