USA Women’s Golf Team Handling Pressure
Recently, the USA Women’s golf team defeated Europe to win the Solheim Cup.
The win was a huge come back for the USA women, who struggled in the beginning two days. Several factors contributed to the comeback mindset that ultimately led the team to victory.
Ability to Handle Pressure
The game began with controversy on Sunday morning, when American rookie Alison Lee mistakenly believed that her opponent, Suzann Petterson, had conceded her 16-inch putt at the 17th.
As this was not the case, Lee forfeited the hole in picking up her ball without the concession.
Although this tough ruling could have proven detrimental to the American team’s morale, they instead used it as a catalyst for victory to achieve the greatest comeback in Solheim Cup history.
“I don’t know if my team needed to be fired up anymore, but they were real fired up,” said Juli Inkster, USA Team Captain.
Confidence
After the successful matches of Americans Cristie Kerr, Michelle Wie, Gerena Piller, and Angela Stanford, Paula Creamer was the only American left on the course.
Many were worried about this match as Creamer had struggled with her game coming into the event.
However, Inkster showed her confidence in Creamer by putting her the first match out of the tournament and the last match on the course the final day.
Creamer won both matches and scored two points, which were critical for the team win.
Positive Mindset
Regardless of a slow start, the women never stopped believing that they would prevail. Through teamwork and a positive mindset, they were able to prevail over the opponent.
“This is probably the closest knit group we’ve ever been a part of. We never stopped believing,” Stanford said.
In the case of the USA Women’s team, their players were able to maintain strong mental focus despite early challenges.
You want to always remember that although you cannot control your opponent, you can control your mental outlook.
Mental Strategies for Making a Comeback:
- Practice positive self-talk. Especially in the midst of controversy and challenges, it is important to believe you will succeed.
- Maintain a strong mental presence throughout competition. Always focus on game-related tasks rather than unrelated issues or emotions. It is important to be 100% mentally present in order to achieve success.
- Stay confident. A lack of confidence can cause your performance to suffer. Confidence in making a comeback is key when making a comeback.
Check Out Our Video of The Week, How Athletes Can Be Mentally Tough!
Golfer’s Mental Edge
What’s the big sign that your mental game is the weak link in your golf game? When you can’t play consistently as well as when you play a practice or casual round–or your range game is way better than your game on the course. If you suffer from lack of focus, low self-confidence, poor composure or other mental game obstacles on the course, you can’t reach your true potential in golf.
The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0 Audio and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer.
Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach “The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0” principles to their players. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance and consistency by managing their mind better on the course.