Q.
Hi Jack,
I really enjoy your tips. There is no question they work. As a high handicapper (20), I come completely unglued in some rounds. I suddenly top drives, shank irons, and duff wedges while my putting goes to pieces. How does one bring one’s best mental game to the course every time?
Mike Sanders
A.
Thanks for the question, Mike. The first thing you need to remember is that no player brings his “A” game to the course every time. The game is just too hard for that. So don’t be too hard on yourself when things start going bad. That being said, when things start going bad for me, I go back to the basics.
First, I take a little more time between shots. Then I go through my pre-shot routine, making sure I hit all my checkpoints. This prepares me mentally and physically to hit the ball.
Second, I slow my swing down. When golfers hit bad shot after bad shot, they often get angry, causing them to swing the club faster and harder. They also get all out of sync with their swing. Calm down, slow down, and try to get back in sync.
Third, pick out specific targets before hitting. Make them as specific as possible. This will help you focus on hitting the ball rather than on how bad you’re playing, which can cause you to hit more bad shots.
Golf is a precise game. So it’s hard to hit every shot perfectly. When things start going bad, don’t get mad. Calm down, slow down, and focus on the basics.