Sports Psychologist

Does he take lessons from a golf pro?

Yes. We go to TPC Sawgrass once a month.

IS he an overachiever? Maybe he needs a normal psychologist, not a sports one. Someone that can teach him to strive to be the best he can be, but perfection is seldom attainable, and you don't have to meltdown if youre less than perfect?

Has he done playing lessons with the pro? The pro could probably help him address this. Somethings are easier to hear and learn from an "expert" not dad.

Talk with the pro and see what he thinks.

He's just gotta grow up. or at least that's what I'm starting to think it boils down to.

[quote name='Golfer1659' date='18 May 2010 - 10:02 AM' timestamp='1274194965' post='2450035']
Two Words: Golf Psychologist


With my parents help at the time (10+ years ago) we seeked out the best golf psychologist in the area. And did we find one, he worked with pros in all different sports and he made the biggest change in my golf game. It brought me to the next level. Learned Xen meditation techniques, on course golf/mental management and a routine that kept me in check at all times with EVERY shot. I recently worked with a junior golfer that was consistently shooting mid 70's (good round 75- bad round 82), after recomending him to Dr Ferraro he is now shooting consistently 72-74. Its amazing how strong the mind can be and with the right guidance of a professional to utilize it to strengthen your golf game.

Here is his website:

[url="http://drtomferraro.com/default.htm"]http://drtomferraro.com/default.htm[/url]

Note: Since you are so far, he is capable of doing over the phone sessions.
[/quote]


Here is one of my responses to another thread inrelation to this.

most overachievers could use help. Every body from time to time and some more often then others have the inability to let bad shots ruin rounds and let a bad shot ruin your day, a bad round can leak into other parts of your life if you are not prep'd properly. I think you have already made the decision which I support. Get him some help and watch him prosper. He will be happier and everyone around him will be as well. The statement he needs to grow up is silly, I know of many adults that have the same problem and they just wont ask for help. A club pro or swing coach can not possibly tackle these issues properly.

Depression can cause physical issues and long term depression can of course cause major physical issues. Mental health is important and in a game like golf it is often over looked for a new toy to teach swing dynamics or a new club to fix something that has little or nothing to do with mechanics.

Players get depressed, young players have no clue how to address these issues on their own. I think you are doing a great thing and your kid will appreciate how much you care.

I don't think I would go throwing a diagnosis of depression around. Kid makes good grades, and doesn't seem to have issues at school.

For now, treat it like what is seems to be, an ineffective response to a mistake.

I would see if the pro can work with him on course management, pre-shot routine, and a process to go through after a bad shot. If you have the financial means..see a sports psychologist.

[quote name='ikarcuaso' date='08 June 2010 - 04:37 PM' timestamp='1276029457' post='2495685']
[quote name='mills225' date='08 June 2010 - 12:45 PM' timestamp='1276026307' post='2495516']
[quote name='RCGA' date='08 June 2010 - 02:38 PM' timestamp='1276025912' post='2495492']
[quote name='pappaf2' date='08 June 2010 - 03:44 PM' timestamp='1276020893' post='2495263']
How much space does this article take up in the magazine? He seems to be a celeb that gives alot to the game of golf, hosting a tour event, referbing his hometown course, etc. I don't see an issue with them doing a WITB on him.
[/quote]

+1


Not to mention, we already have a WITB thread on this site on every tour pro that's of any interest.
[/quote]

I agree, I would like a WITB for Michael Jordan!!
[/quote]

MJ's bag, according to Golf Digest. Last I heard, he plays a combo set of Ping G5-i5 irons.
[/quote]


[quote name='generaljhc' date='08 June 2010 - 04:50 PM' timestamp='1276030206' post='2495723']
I don't think I would go throwing a diagnosis of depression around. Kid makes good grades, and doesn't seem to have issues at school.

For now, treat it like what is seems to be, an ineffective response to a mistake.

I would see if the pro can work with him on course management, pre-shot routine, and a process to go through after a bad shot. If you have the financial means..see a sports psychologist.
[/quote]

over the course of time, the inability to accept and forget will and can cause depression. That has nothing to do with this kid, but does have to do with many who will read this thread and aren't 12 and suffer from the same issues.
Most people do not associate illness with depression. There is no reason to get into a side bar over it, and there is also not a reason to see a sports specialist. A general Psych can handle most of this with ease. Granted a special athlete, or a kid that is gifted can get more from a sports specialist. Cost is or can be an issue, but it's not for me to judge. Good grades and having no issues at school have nothing to do with mental health!

I guess we will have to agree to disagree....I was responding to this specific kid....if the dad has the money and the time and it would relieve his concern then go for it...if not I would not be overly worried at this point in time...give him a chance to learn to cope with a tough game.

I would say that he just needs an attitude adjustment. I know, before i became good in the past 2-3 months, I would let bad shots get in my head and screw me up. After my pro and i had a playing lesson one day, he told me that if I had a bad shot, I should try even harder after that, like try my best to follow a big number (6 or 7) with a birdie. It just has to do with his typical mindset on the golfcourse. I changed my mindset, and after that, I have become more relaxed, and have way fewer bad holes, and I am making more birdies.

[quote name='cmilz99' date='10 June 2010 - 01:35 PM' timestamp='1276191310' post='2500894']
I would say that he just needs an attitude adjustment. I know, before i became good in the past 2-3 months, I would let bad shots get in my head and screw me up. After my pro and i had a playing lesson one day, he told me that if I had a bad shot, I should try even harder after that, like try my best to follow a big number (6 or 7) with a birdie. It just has to do with his typical mindset on the golfcourse. I changed my mindset, and after that, I have become more relaxed, and have way fewer bad holes, and I am making more birdies.
[/quote]

That is really fantastic, and a great attitude. I would say from my studies that you are a rare case study. Keep it up and always the best thought to a bad shot is none at all. There are 2 things Pro's have in common with each other. Tempo and attitude. They all keep an even mind on the course, there are exceptions, but those exceptions never excel regardless of their skill. Second, they all have pretty much identical Tempo. Bad shots interfere with your bodies tempo, most people do not focus on tempo, especially the more inexperienced player. Therefore, they get off track that much faster and it becomes a nightmare to deal with.

The great golfers never get excited and never get down. Tough to do, but very important.

Thanks to everyone for posting there opinions. Just an update. We were on the range and I picked up on a small flaw that we corrected. The next two rounds were ... 6300 yards - 73 and
5700 yards - 69. He hit some bad shots but I think he might be getting more comfortable knowing he can make up for a mistake. The real test is this weekend.... Big Tourney. I think I am leaning towards seeing a sports phsycologist tho... I don't think it can hurt.

Tom hanson at headsupperformance.com
lincicome
an MLB client hit a homer about 2 hours ago
broke huge slump
also specializes in teenagers
does phone
good luck

[quote name='phatalbert' date='08 June 2010 - 10:22 AM' timestamp='1276006948' post='2494657']
He's just gotta grow up. or at least that's what I'm starting to think it boils down to.
[/quote]

+1
I'm a pretty highly competitive junior, so I know tons of head-cases. And that's all they are. They can have all the psychologists in the world, but when they hit 2 OB all the "work" they put into their mental game, goes down the drain and they spaz(sp?) out. It's all about being a mature person, and knowing that everyone will have ups and downs, but you can't let them run your game or your life.

ANG

I am headed to TPC Sawgrass in July. I have seen the online info...what can you tell me about the area, and the marriott resort?