Developing a Strong Mental Game in Golf
How much time do you devote to improving your mental game?
You might say, “I visualize sometimes,” “Occasionally, I do some relaxation prior to hitting the greens,” or, “Every now and then, my coach talks to me about having a preshot routine.”
These responses are common among golfers but are “sometimes,” “occasionally,” or, “every now and then” enough?
Do you work on your tee shots sometimes?
Do you practice putting occasionally?
Do you look to improve your short game every now and then?
The answer to these questions is a definite, “NO!”
You spend countless hours tinkering, tweaking, practicing and honing your physical golf skills. After all, how can you improve without focusing and working on your swing, right?
Unfortunately, most golfers ignore the proper focus on their mental game.
Even though every golfer knows the huge impact the mind has on performance, most golfers only seek expert mental advice or devote time to mental training when slumps hit.
Think of how ineffective that “Band-Aid” approach would be if you applied the same philosophy to your physical game?
You would never consciously decide to not practice for the three weeks prior to the biggest tournament of the year. If you did, you would not be able to rely on your physical skills or trust your swing.
Unless you play like Bruce Lietzke did when he was on tour, you might not have full confidence.
Yet many golfers only work on their mental game when the mental game fails them.
Four-time major winner Ernie Els has had a Hall-of-Fame career (72 career victories) but his performance has steadily declined over the years. In fact, Els’ last PGA Tour victory was in 2012.
Els made only three cuts in his first 11 starts during the 2017 season and his best finish was 53rd at the Masters, where he finished 20-over par.
Els sees mental lapses in his game as the cause for his poor consistency this year.
ELS: “I really need to get my mental game going.”
This begs the question… How much attention did Els dedicate to his mental game prior to his performance woes appearing? Or did Els come to the realization that he needed a stronger game only after he was entrenched in his performance drought?
Truth be told, mental training or sports psychology is a lot more than dealing with under-performing and overcoming slumps when they arise…
Mental training can help prevent performance issues or minimize their effects when challenges do pop up.
Therefore, a strong mental game requires daily attention or training if you are to play at your peak on a consistent basis.
Mental Game Training Tips:
- Create a mental game plan, such as increasing confidence or managing competitive anxiety. Decide on the top priorities for your mental game and work on these one at a time.
- Once you have your mental game plan, ask yourself, “What can I do today to work on this mental skill?” Elicit the help of golf coaches or mental game coaches if you need more help developing an action plan to develop you mental skills further.
The time to start mental training is NOW… before problems arise. And you can start with The Golfer’s Mental Edge CD and workbook program…
Learn Proven Strategies to Perform with Confidence!
Do you suffer from:
- Fragile self-confidence after missed hits?
- Playing with strict or high expectations that undermine confidence?
- The inability to play freely and relaxed on the course?
If you suffer from lack of focus, low self-confidence or other mental game obstacles on the course, you cant reach your true golf potential…
What are mental game customers saying?
“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me allot to get back on track and get things going again.”
~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour
“After working with you at the end of 2001, I went from 51st to 18th on the Buy.com money list. Mentally, I am a much better player now. Your golf psychology lessons on setting goals, playing without expectations, and reacting well to mistakes has made a big difference. Thanks for all your help and I look forward to continuing to improve my mental game.”
~Tjaart Van Der Walt, Buy.com Tour Winner
Learn Powerful Golf Confidence Strategies!
What are mental game customers saying?
“I have spent hundreds to dollars on clubs, putters, etc. always looking for answers. But I knew this was not going to work because I have some internal issues I had to deal with on the golf course. Working with Dr. Cohn on mental game by far is the best investment I have made. I have some great tools to work on to see my mental game improve. I feel better now than I have ever have on the golf course and I thank you so much for helping me with the positive mental direction.”
~Sean McQueary
“You helped me with my routine—it’s almost like it has a flow to it—you pull your club and boom you are into it. You should glide through the routine. It’s when you try to make yourself stick to a cadence; the routine feels out of sync. Helping me get into the flow of the routine has been a big help.”
~Joe Durant, PGA Tour winner
Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
What are our mental coaching students saying?
“Just wanted to say thank you Patrick for the many years of golf psychology training you have given me to help all the players the Good Lord sends my way and all the knowledge you have assisted me with over the years at the various seminars, tapes, and reading material. It is not often enough that we thank those who have played a significant part in our growing as instructors in this great game of ours. You have helped me in many ways and many of my players are that much better because of your influence in me.”
~Joe Thiel, PGA Master Golf Professional
“I think Dr. Cohn’s research with players, and studying great players, being around great players, and working with players, has given him the insights and the keys to what makes a great putter. Dr. Cohn’s instruction will help players of any skill level improve their putting.”
~Grant Waite, PGA Tour Winner
Leave a Reply