Sport psych Q&A

[G_Mulligan]

Looking for a little forum input if possible. I am working on a series of videos for my website and a youtube channel. I am planning 6 on the subject of flow to help golfers understand and implement it into their games. I also thought I might do a faults and fixes series.

Is their a specific problem in the mental side of the game you are struggling to overcome? Hearing which problems are the most common will really help me decide which subjects to do videos on.

Thanks

 

[ScienceBoy]

The recovery of my mental approach after a poor shot, it is something I worked on really hard from early on and now pride myself on the ability to carry on. I used to see it a lot in others but I have some "comeback" stories that I remember (both mine and others) which convince me one bad shot or even one bad hole is no reason to not believe in myself.

I would love to know more about dealing with others, I am fine with myself but not playing with others much (mostly play on my own) I fear playing in larger groups and losing my focus again.

 

[gazr99]

Letting my mind kind of relax in between shots, so I don't get too mentally fatigued especially if I'm having a bad round.

 

[CharlieWebb]

getting through the last 5 or so holes when I am under my handicap and in contention.

 

[Khamelion]

I have to say that the 'New Golf Thinking' event has helped me loads in my mental game, but what I see a lot in others is mood swings, from hating themselves after a poor start, or a few bad shots, to then them thinking they are Seve after a hole out from a bunker or the million to one shot that comes off from out of the trees and leaves them on the green and then back down again when they push the 2 foot putt wide of the hole.

 

[Soft hands]

Keeping my concentration for a full round. I always have a dip of a few holes at some point.

To to be fair it's not just a golf issue I used to have the exact same problem at football. I'd always drift at some point during 90mins.

 

[chrisd]

I've read quite a bit on golf psychology and think I'm good on the course as a result but when I have a lapse it often lasts about 3 consecutive holes and then I can shake it off

 

[Deleted member 15344]

What is "flow" ?

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I've read quite a bit on golf psychology and think I'm good on the course as a result but when I have a lapse it often lasts about 3 consecutive holes and then I can shake it off

Same here except don't know when the 3 holes will appear!

 

[G_Mulligan]

ok some interesting topics to consider and seems lapses in concentration and staying in the present is a common theme so far

 

[G_Mulligan]

The recovery of my mental approach after a poor shot, it is something I worked on really hard from early on and now pride myself on the ability to carry on. I used to see it a lot in others but I have some "comeback" stories that I remember (both mine and others) which convince me one bad shot or even one bad hole is no reason to not believe in myself.

I would love to know more about dealing with others, I am fine with myself but not playing with others much (mostly play on my own) I fear playing in larger groups and losing my focus again.

Just to clarify do you mean the pressure of playing in front of others or losing focus when other players lose it after a bad hole?

 

[G_Mulligan]

What is "flow" ?

Flow is often called 'In the zone' and is when a player is playing to the best of their ability. When everything they try seems to come off and they are in full control. Usually it is accompanied by a quiet easy focus and effortless effort. It can last for a few shots, several holes or entire rounds but most people don't fully understand it, know how to get into it, or why it went away.

 

[bobmac]

I also thought I might do a faults and fixes series.

Are you thinking about faults and fixes on the swing mechanics?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Flow is often called 'In the zone' and is when a player is playing to the best of their ability. When everything they try seems to come off and they are in full control. Usually it is accompanied by a quiet easy focus and effortless effort. It can last for a few shots, several holes or entire rounds but most people don't fully understand it, know how to get into it, or why it went away.

And you understand it and are going to help people get into the zone ?

 

[G_Mulligan]

And you understand it and are going to help people get into the zone ?

exactly

 

[G_Mulligan]

Are you thinking about faults and fixes on the swing mechanics?

No on the mental game, I am a golf psychologist not a swing coach

 

[Deleted member 15344]

exactly

And I'm guessing you have something new and different compared to all the others out there like New Golf Thinking etc ? What is different with yourself ?

 

[G_Mulligan]

And I'm guessing you have something new and different compared to all the others out there like New Golf Thinking etc ? What is different with yourself ?

Nope just good sports psychology helping people use the correct techniques and mindset to allow flow to happen.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Just to clarify do you mean the pressure of playing in front of others or losing focus when other players lose it after a bad hole?

I was thinking more general when I wrote it but after I thought a bit more.

I say its more about when you are in competitions and you have to mark someone else's card, keep up with their shot count, bring up and discuss rules with them. That's the part of the game I struggle with the most, if something goes a little bit off track there I struggle and it affects my own game. I also really struggle with alternate shot and greensome like formats. I am fine with betterball as I get to play my own game.

I think I am very good at playing in front of others (ie normal bounce games in a group), its specific parts of playing golf WITH others that is the problem.

 

[chrisd]

Same here except don't know when the 3 holes will appear!

That's the same for me