Thursday, September 3, 2009

Mental Toughness and the Game of Golf

By Darren Zahradnik

Mastering the mental game of golf is absolutely essential to being a top competitor. If you play strictly for fun and aren't interested in competing in high stakes games, then you may do fine just as you are. But anyone who wants to enter some serious competition should not neglect to put all the necessary time they can into mastering their 'inner' game. For winning consistently, it's crucial.

Some may even claim that the mental game is the most important aspect hands down. They say you can't win without it. And there are many all over the country who try day in and day out. But getting to your 'A' game is going to take some techniques and practice for focusing, from the start of your game to the finish. If you play chess, then you know how important the mental exercises can be.

Fear of failure is a part of the game that will challenge you on every shot. But if you've put it away so it has no effect, then you're way ahead of the game. Of course, doing this consistently is a rare talent, and while some possess it, there are countless thousands who don't. It's amazing the amount of distractions and negative thoughts you can come up against in the course of a game. Without any skills in handling these thoughts, you're almost certain to fall short of your natural abilities.

Understanding the mental game of golf will involve utilizing some techniques. Visualization is an important part of golfing. Being able to block out everything, and in your mind's eye picture the ball leaving the tee and traveling to your target, takes some discipline and lots of practice. But the pay-off is huge if you can get good at it. As it is with any sport, you have to learn HOW to win, just as much as you have to have the physical ability to win.

Being mentally 'tough' is another area of work. You need to get to the point where nothing that happens affects you taking your next shot. A lot of distracting things can happen over the course of a day that can take the edge off your game if you let them. It doesn't come easily and requires lots of practice and a few techniques here and there to help you achieve it. Just one lapse in focus can cost you a tournament.

Some people struggle with 'Anger'. This is a hard one to overcome if you truly have a problem with it. It only takes a couple of bad shots and you can put yourself out of the game, simply being unable to focus due to anger. A cool head is the one that prevails, or at least gives you the best chance to succeed. Overcoming anger is a 'must do' if you intend on competing at a high level.

A positive attitude throughout the match is an asset that can't be overstated. The proper attitude will allow you to implement all the other things you've learned. It enables you to keep that positive focus in the face of negative circumstances. A calm relaxed focus is what you want, not a focus that feels too pressured. You've heard those players that say, "I thrive on pressure". Well, I wouldn't put much store in that. They're probably just practicing positive confession to help them with their own mental attitude toward it.

Learning the mental game of golf can be a very challenging experience. But it can be rewarding as well. Especially when you begin to see your game improving as you get better and better at it. The mental game and the physical game must be integrated, like two legs of a man, you need them both. So enjoy your game, master the mind, and maintain focus at all times.

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