Mental Approaches

[Deleted member 15344]

Wish I could follow my own advice a bit more consistently #talkagreatgame!

Playing off 1 you aren't doing too bad

I'm lucky that I can just play without really thinking - outside noise doesn't really bother me and just seem to have a natural focus.

Focussing on a shot only really last 5/10 seconds max - after that it's all chat and jokes and enjoyment

 

[Spear-Chucker]

Playing off 1 you aren't doing too bad

I'm lucky that I can just play without really thinking - outside noise doesn't really bother me and just seem to have a natural focus.

Focussing on a shot only really last 5/10 seconds max - after that it's all chat and jokes and enjoyment

Cheers, do ok thx. Like your approach.. I'm cottoning on to this having been a 'bit intense' with myself for years. Ironically, playing better for it and enjoy the game more even on the bad days, which, as it's golf we all know there'll be a few.. Bit slow off the mark as a young chap but I'm still learning. I guess good natural sportsmen/women do this without thinking - would like me some of that!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Cheers, do ok thx. Like your approach.. I'm cottoning on to this having been a 'bit intense' with myself for years. Ironically, playing better for it and enjoy the game more even on the bad days, which, as it's golf we all know there'll be a few.. Bit slow off the mark as a young chap but I'm still learning. I guess good natural sportsmen/women do this without thinking - would like me some of that!

I always play well when I'm enjoying

I recently moved swindles to play a lot earlier in the day - everyone of them are a cracking bunch and the banter is non stop before during and after - the atmosphere is massively relaxed and it has helped me just enjoy the game and the company - I play well without even thinking about and my scores reflect that

I have managed to take that attitude into qualfiers and scratch matches. During forum meets the atmosphere is brilliant - play with some cracking lads and it's so easy to relax and the focus just comes naturally

I couldn't play intense - would just wind me up but I seem plenty who do like the quiet and intense and the steely focus - especially in scratch matches - had one 14year not speak to me for the round as he wanted to be in the zone - superb golfer who hit it wonderfully but part of me wondered if he was missing out on what's beautiful about the game of golf - the social interaction

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

You must be thinking of something when you are not concentrating on your shot.

For me that used to be reflecting upon and not simply accepting what had just happened or I'd just done (whether good or bad) - and projecting what might happen next or what I might have done by the end of the round (again good or bad).

Nowadays I focus on the moment. What I am doing; really feeling myself walking to my ball and aware of my surroundings; deciding on what I am going to do if my options are clear before I get to my ball.

And once I reach my ball I get myself completely into the place I am standing; I confirm my decision and knowing what might happen I put that and all other options and outcomes out of my head. Visualise the shot and then just carefully and focussing solely on what I am doing I take my stance, address the ball and swoosh - kerplunk, foozled - or bingo!

 

[Slab]

Put your eyes on Bobby Jones... Look at his practice swing, almost like he's searchin for something... Then he finds it...

Watch how he settle hisself right into the middle of it, feel that focus... He got a lot of shots he could choose from... Duffs and tops and skulls, there's only ONE shot that's in perfect harmony with the field... One shot that's his, authentic shot, and that shot is gonna choose him...

There's a perfect shot out there tryin' to find each and every one of us... All we got to do is get ourselves out of its way, to let it choose us... Can't see that flag as some dragon you got to slay... You got to look with soft eyes... See the place where the tides and the seasons and the turnin' of the Earth, all come together... where everything that is, becomes one...

You got to seek that place with your soul... Seek it with your hands don't think about it... Feel it... Your hands is wiser than your head ever gonna be... Now I can't take you there... I just hopes I can help you find a way... Just you... that ball... that flag... and all you are...


Wise words, thank you Bagger :fore: