Fearless Golf

Problems with a good player are almost always mental in nature. Thinking clearly really is the name of the game. And a clear head is impossible when fear reigns.

So if you change how you think, you change your game. Dont worry why the ball flew where it did. Just keep your mind focused on the next shot.

One of the big problems for some folks is that they constantly worry about what others will think of them if they make a bad shot. If youre thinking about how someone else is going to perceive you, youre not concentrating on the ball, on your swing, on the basics.

Must you have the approval of others? In the grand scheme of life, is hitting a bad shot truly a disaster you can never overcome?

Psychologists tell us that we tend to become a composite of the five persons were around the most. Maybe you need to find some more relaxed folks to practice with.

Playing with a perfectionist translates into “no fun”. Why ruin the joy of the game for yourself? Find friends you can play the game with just for the pure enjoyment. Your game will likely improve as youre less tense and able to swing more freely.

One help in this aspect of overcoming fear is to concentrate solely on your game. Ben Hogan wrote that “to ignore the gallery and the other golfers, and to shut my mind against everything but my own game” was key to his concentration.

If youre worried about what others think, chances are your game is really inconsistent. Youre overly aggressive one second and overly conservative the next.

The key? Focus on the target, not the situation. Ignore the stakes. Just concentrate on your game.

Perfectionism not only causes ulcers, but it ruins the joy of the game. Top players refine their skills every year. Theyre always improving in little ways that add up. Youre not always going to play your best game, and youll never play a perfect one - no matter how skilled you are. Work to improve little faults and your game will gradually get better and better.

Smiling widely relaxes your facial muscles, and serves you well in overcoming anxiety. Get into the habit of smiling before hitting the ball instead of furrowing your brow.

Dont dwell on mistakes. As Tiger Woods says, “I hit it and forget it.” You cant go back in time and replay a shot, so just forget about it and move on.

Dont worry about what others think of your shot making. Overcoming that fear alone will improve your game vastly! And when youre ready to play your next game think confidently and stay focused.

Youll soon become a master of fearless golf!