It's all in the head - apparently!

[haplesshacker]

We had a 4 h'capper join us the other day. Naturally I was a little apprehensive starting out, as I'm very much at the other end of the h'cap equation. Anyway, I was happily talking my game down, and making pre-apologies if I duff one 50 yards off the tee, or send one hurtling into the woods.

After 4 holes, he just turned to me and said, that the worst bit of my game was the mental part of it, or words to that effect. In other words my self deprication wasn't just me trying to hide behind my bad golf, but could actually be causing it!

Admitedly it's been many years since I read one of Anthony Robbins books. But yes, I do remember this whole positive mental attitude bit. However, I dropped it after the 4th hole and just shut up and played. Okay things still went wrong, but not as badly as usual. Record score on the back nine (stableford), and had to pick up twice on the back nine.

Front nine was 17, back nine was 16 with 2 NRs. Best score ever around this particular course. Coincidence or freaky weird head stuff going on?

He also pointed out a physical error I was making at set up. Which sadly I'm not going to be able to practice much before The Belfry. One was that I was teeing every tee shot regardless of club, a bit too high everytime. And the other was clubface alignment at address. I was lining up feet then club, apparently, I should be doing it the other way around.

 

[Imurg]

I frequently hear people say that they always hit into this pond or that rough or they always slice somewhere else. And of course it happens - because you get the thoughts in your head and your head makes it happen.

Clear your mind of as much rubbish as possible.Instead of thinking "rough" or "pond" think "middle of the fairway" or "on the green" - can't do any harm and it migh t actually do some good.

 

[CrapHacker]

I was lining up feet then club, apparently, I should be doing it the other way around.

Yup. Me too.

Grip the bottom of the grip with just a couple of fingers of your right hand. Line up the club. Place the left hand correctly. Add the right. Then line your body up from there.

I've just started doing it the right way round and it does make a difference.

It doesn't take a huge amount of effort to correct, either, and if you find yourself doing what comes naturally, just step away.

The extra 30 seconds that takes will save you 5 minutes searching through the rough.

 

[Midnight]

Hi mate,

have a book you may find could give you some ideas if you want to borrow it, it is called The Golfers Mind by Dr Bob Rotella. I found it a easy read book and very helpful.

When is the big forum meet ?

Hope family are ok.

Speak soon

Guy....

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think the Rotella books are great and put things across very well. They do tend to repeat the same mantra in each one (or with slight variations) but the fundamentals are pretty solid. I've used a few of his ideas (picking specific targets before a shot etc) and they do seem to make a difference.

I do believe that a lot of golf is mental and a negative self image is always going to lead to negative thoughts and deeds. I know you can play decent golf I think you just have to allow yourself to make mistakes and realise you can still hit good shots as well. Maybe see if there are any Rotella books int he library or get them to order one in. I think they will help

 

[viscount17]

right that's you sorted for the Belfry then. public cuffing for smoking, talking down your golf, anything else I can help with?

 

[haplesshacker]

Just a shame that it looks likely that I won't get a game in before then though!

 

[JustOne]

He also pointed out a physical error I was making at set up. Which sadly I'm not going to be able to practice much before The Belfry. One was that I was teeing every tee shot regardless of club, a bit too high everytime. And the other was clubface alignment at address. I was lining up feet then club, apparently, I should be doing it the other way around.

Um,... then it can't be all in your head

Picture the shot you want to hit.. if you don't think you can make it then play another one instead. If you have a club in your hand that you're not comfortable with then take a different club. It doesn't matter if you play an entire round with your 9-iron and putter if that is what you are comfortable with. From there on it's practice which makes confidence.


Simples