Best mental game tip you ever recieved

[ParkviewSounds]

I'm in need of some mental golf help

I have been thinking way too much on the course, and could really use some of your best mental game tips. Just curious to see what kind of advice you guys may have. Thanks!

[TRAV1]

Breathe deep.

 

It's so simple, but it's great... here's why:

 

1) It helps you relax, so you swing better.

2) It has you think of one thing instead a huge amount of other things, so it improves focus.

 

That said, some more pieces of advice. If you take your golf seriously, take your mental game seriously... seek out a professional, it's much better than some tips on a forum and worth it. If your a just a recreational golfer, then stop taking this game so seriously... it's supposed to be fun.

[paulyb]

One simple thing you can start with right away is from Pia Nilsson. The "Think Box/Play Box" approach.

 

 

When you are behind your ball do all your thinking there about club, hazards, wind, etc. But when you cross the line and address the ball it is all about target. Any other thought gets in your head, step away.

 

I am sure you will get more specifics but it is something that will help straight away.

[oregongolf]

just picture everyone else, naked.

[emc]

^^^^This probably won't help if you're playing on the LPGA Tour

 

Seriously, my favourite is from the Legend of Bagger Vance. "Confidence breeds rhythm, and rhythm breeds confidence"

[Shaitan]

Or else you may be looking Lefty in emc's avatar there

 

I agree with Trav on this one about breathing deeply being the best way to get most thoughts out of your head. I, let's not say meditate, but go into a breathing ritual with my eye's closed where I steady my breathing and imagine playing each hole and how I would play it perfectly. I then take this out on to the course and work to execute it. If it isn't working, start the breathing exercise again. I also imagine where the exact spot is that I want my ball to land, I find that it generally finds that spot even though the shot shape might not be quite how you imagined it.

[jswanson]

Go get the book Fearless Golf.......it will help.

[Merlin_T]

From Shakira: hips don't lie :beach: :good: :cheesy:

[oregongolf]

From Shakira: hips don't lie :beach: :good: :cheesy:

man. tried it through and through. i've come to the realization that her hips don't lie. when i try to move like that, i end up looking like a one legged epileptic. ugly.

[2zlinks]

Here is a couple of tips that I've given friends that has helped.

 

1. Junk in- junk out. The mind is a powerfull or devastating tool depending on how you "program" it. Instead of hitting a club, or shot to avoid trouble i.e. water hazard, bunker, out of bounds. Take the approach of hitting the shot to find the fairway, or green. The reason I say this is when you take the former approach all your subconscious hears is: water, bunker, ob, and guess what happens. Just taking a positive approach to the same situation.

 

A friend of mine introduced me to a concept that I've been using for a couple of years now with good success. The concept is to sing a song, or hum (to yourself) while you swing. Long story short is your supposed to find a tune that matches your tempo, be it fast or slow. This does two things, one, it makes it easier to maintain tempo, or regain tempo when you've lost it; and probably most important it give the conscious mind something to do rather than focus on all the negatives. You can find more out at http://clearkeygolf.com/ Interesting concept, the sight also determines what type of player you are, so that you can practice to optimise how you learn. Check it out, I've found it helpful.

 

Good luck, and have fun!

[scores]

Why are you scared/nervous nobody has a gun to your head!!! Golf is nothing!

 

That came from a vet of WWII nice old man that could really play!!