The Power of Concentration

photo credit: mandj98   Concentration is one key to playing good golf.  Sometimes, even the slightest distraction can throw your game off axis.  How you deal with distractions can determine the difference between winning and losing.

In meditation, you are taught to concentrate on one specific thing, breathing for example.  Doing so keeps the mind focused and away from distractions.  With golf, it’s not just concentrating on winning that gets the job done.  You must pick one certain element during play and think of that only.  Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. 

Tiger Woods is a master at concentration.  He has used his “tunnel vision” to win tournament after tournament.  Remember, by increasing your power of concentration, you will be less prone to all sorts of common distractions.

The Course Is Your Only Competition

Become a better player, stop playing against your opponents.  Most golfers, including PGA Tour Pro’s, tend to get cought up in trying to outscore their nearest competitor which can be a costly error.  Instead of playing their own game they are playing a game they are forcing themselves to play, perhaps a game of ”catch up.”

   All great golfers have one thing in common, they play against the course and not their opponents.  Good course management is job 1.   Do not pay attention to how others are doing, just concentrate on your OWN game.  Tiger Woods is one of the best examples because he is completely oblivious to his opponents and if there is any questions just check his record.

Negative Thoughts

photo credit: riot jane“Golf is played between your ears,” so goes the saying. How you think, determines how you play the game. Have you ever noticed how players who indulge in self criticism almost always self destruct. This happens more often with extremely competitive individuals. The question is how to stay positive even in the face of true adversity?

One of the best ways to change your thinking pattern is through meditation. This may sound “square” to some but it does work. Most negative thoughts are due to anger, eliminate the anger and the negative thoughts usually vanish. Realize that everyone hits bad shots and makes bad putts, not just you. Thinking positevely can turn your game around. Try it and you will see! Check out www.fhu.com for meditation tips.

Think While You Walk

photo credit: foxypar4 Walking 18 holes is not as popular as it once was especially when most courses encourage the use of carts to speed play. Walking is the way the game was meant to be played for some very important reasons so let’s go over some of them.

Walking lets you “feel” the lay of the land and allows you to better understand turf condition (hard, soft, wet etc.). It gives you a better sense of weather conditions especially in wind. It keeps you relaxed mentally and physically. It slows things down and gives you plenty of time to think about the strategy for your next shot.

The PGA Tour does not allow carts in their tournament events, now you know some of the reasons!

Tee Box Decisions

photo credit: bradleypjohnson Instinctively, players will invariably tee their ball up in the center of the tee box ignoring the advantages of teeing right or left. The USGA rules state that a player may tee their ball up anywhere between the tee markers and no more than two club-lengths behind them which allows the player plenty of room.

Depending on fairway layout, correct placement in the tee box can be a determining factor. For example, if the fairway is a dogleg left, it may be to your advantage to tee up on the right side of the tee box. If you plan to hit a draw shot (curving to the left), it’s logical to tee up on the left side. Plan your shots carefully and use all of the tee box.

Imagine Your Golf Shot

photo credit: SD Dirk PGA Tour Pro’s will tell you that they often use their imagination to project accuracy for their next golf shot. Using their imagination in this manner not only allows them to plan the flight of their golf ball but is a form of distraction from hazards.

How many times have you faced a shot with hazards in every direction? If these scare you, more likely than not, you will end up in one. When the Pro’s face a similar situation they completely block out the hazard/s and envision their golf shot flying directly to the target. They keep distractions to an absolute minimum.

The next time you face a hazard concentrate on your ball flight and nothing more. Imagine the route your ball will take to your target and then execute.

Golf Psychology

photo credit: stevie withers Allowing your temper to overcome you during a round of golf can be disasterous. Keeping a calm and collected demeanor will help you to play better golf. Why is it so important to stay cool even in the worst of situtations? Using correct golf psychology is the answer.

There are many reasons to display consistent emotions during play. The most important reason is to keep your game intact. Losing your temper takes you away from your normal pace and tempo, you lose your perspective. On the other hand, when your opponent sees you struggling it naturally gives them an advantage especially in match play.

Good golf psychology, put in simple terms, means maintaining a constant positive feeling even during adversity.

Golf Is A Mental Game

Most amateurs place more emphasis on playing their competitors than playing the course itself. This usually occurs when a golfer is overly competitive, it leads to much higher scores
and eventual defeat. The idea is to make a deliberate effort on to play the golf course instead
of those in your group.

Each golf course offers a different challenge for the golfer. Study the course you are about to play and give yourself and edge on your competitors. Using the tee box to your full
advantage is a good start. Hitting away from trouble spots like sand traps, water hazards and deep rough is also critical. Using good golf course management is the key to beating your competition.

Golf Course Management

One of the strongest characteristics of any PGA Tour Pro is the way they utilize golf course management. Each hole on the course is studied and literally mapped out by the Pro and Caddie. Precise planning gives them an advantage and increases their confidence level
dramatically.

Every golf hole has it’s own set of obsticles that have to be navigated. Water, sand traps, deep rough, wooded areas and other hazards can create serious trouble for the golfer that does not use good golf course management.

Take the time to study each hole before you play it. Note where the difficulty lies and do your best to navigate it. Turn your assessments into a working plan for each golf hole and watch your scores decrease.

Playing Golf Between Your Ears

The game of golf is played between your ears! Ask any PGA Tour Player and they will tell you that golf is a “mind game” first and a physical game second. We all know what a negative reaction to a bad shot can do to our game and that is why it’s so important to remain positive, at times though, doing so is much easier said than done!

Maintaining a good attitude can mean the difference between winning and losing. Getting
angry gives your oponent an advantage by boosting his/her confidence level.

It is essential to remain calm, whether you make a double bogey or an eagle. Keeping your emotions in check will mean lower scores and more fun on the golf course.

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