Golf requires a great deal of skill and patience as well as a huge amount of mental grit, with some research suggesting that golf is more of a mental battle than a physical one. Some of the best players in the world have seen their form dip due to a lack of mental strength. However, there are also some players who aren’t considered to be technically blessed or possess fantastic skill sets who have dominated the sport. So how is this possible?
The answer: They can control their minds and have the mental toughness to deal with pressure and circumstances. With great control comes great results and the best players will know how to deal with this week in, week out to perform at the very best and achieve great results.
Here are our 5 best tips to help you with the Mental game of golf
1. Always look ahead to the next shot
Focus on the shot you’re playing. What’s happened in the past can’t be changed and we can’t control what may happen in the future.
2. Don't compare yourself to others
Play your own game. It’s easy to try and compete for distance with your playing partners or even just become obsessed with what they’re doing. Focus on your own game and don’t let the temptation get the better of you.
3. Never let score get in your way
Try not to focus too much on your score. It’s easy to let the numbers get in the way of your ability to focus on the shots you’re playing.
4. Give your brain some 'off' time
Switch off between shots. Between shots you should try to relax and think and talk about things not related to your round. To try and focus for 4 hours straight is mentally tiring and will only have a negative impact on your performance.
5. Get your diet right!
You are what you eat and drink. Mental tiredness and fatigue can often be linked to our diets. Eating nuts, bananas and drinking a protein shake will do much more for you than drinking coke and eating chocolate bars and crisps!
If you practice these tips the next time you hit the green, you will find you approach your golfing game in a different way and see changes to your results because of it. Creating this routine in your game will allow for you to build consistency and you will find that you’re already performing at a better level because of it. So never give up golfers!
2022 will be your year, good luck out there!
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