Winning in match play isn’t just about hitting good shots and sinking putts. Match play is a mental battle with yourself and your opponent. Projecting an image of confidence when you are feeling edgy under pressure, keeping your cool when things don’t go your way, and being able to make great decisions at critical moments…
In this article I will reveal the psychology behind the pre-shot routine in the long game and present some important questions in order for you to critically assess your routine. What is the purpose of your pre-shot routine? It is more than a sequence of actions that help you prepare to hit each shot. The…
Perfectionism has been placed under the researcher’s microscope in recent years to determine whether this complex personality trait has a positive or negative influence on performance and well-being. Some of the most controversial examples of perfectionistic individuals can be found in the world of elite sport. When Tiger Woods won his first Major at Augusta…
There are certain patterns in a player’s performance that characterize a lack of self-belief and mental toughness. For instance: Do you typically start the round off “cold” and settle into a groove after a few holes? Do you need to have your swing “just right” before you feel ready to put a good score on…
Over coffee on the terrace, I sat down with Laguna Country Club’s Tour Professional Scott Barr to find out his view on consulting a sport psychologist and how mental skills training has raised his game at various points in his career. When did you start mental skills training, and who got you involved? “It was…
“When you focus your discussion with yourself and your caddy on the present moment you can rapidly regain control of your emotions and make more clear decisions.” Great players have the ability to bounce back from making mistakes during a round, or from disappointing performances during important tournaments. Developing and maintaining a positive approach to…
The first tee can be the most nerve wrecking shot in your entire round. You have the driver in your hand, your probably are not as “warmed-up” as you should be, and you may have a few people watching from the club-house or the next group on the tee-box. How can you manage the jitters…
No matter your skill level as a player – beginner, league player or professional, there is one mental phenomenon that we all fight from time to time on the course. This phenomenon is the subtle but destructive change in our experience from enjoying the round and playing freely with little thought or tension, to a…
SHORT-GAME, SHORT-GAME, AND MORE SHORT-GAME This is not the time to alter your swing. Juniors typically spend most of their tournament preparation time on the range and neglect their short-game. It’s not surprising that those who score poorly tell me their short-game cracked under the pressure, while those who play well talk about making lots…