The Word “Choke”

photo credit: El Struthio   The word “choke” is a word that is commonly used on and off the golf course.  It can be used to describe a poorly executed shot or to describe a person that just can’t win, a “choker.” 

Fans and fellow golfers alike, referred to Greg Norman as a “choker” because of his uncanny ability to lose golf tournaments that he should have won.  The word stuck and Norman never lived up to his true potential for greatness.

Take the word “choke” out of your vocabulary, it’s just too negative and tends to stigmatize.  Always try to use positive words, not only during a game of golf but in every day life.  It will make a positive difference in both !

Confidence and Optimism

photo credit: nsaplayer   In golf there is a difference between being confident and being optimistic.  Since golf is such a “mind” game, it’s important to make the distinction between the two.  Both characteristics are essential for players.

Confidence is when you know you can hit the shot because you have practiced and/or hit the shot so many times before.  Having confidence means that you know you can execute a successful golf shot. 

Optimism is a form of positive speculation, you may have never faced the situation (shot) before but you believe you can execute a successful shot. 

Remove all negative thoughts from your mind during every round.  Maintain confidence and optimism and a “can do” attitude to lower your scores.

Maintain Your Focus

photo credit: Lisa Sanderson   Most golfers, even PGA Professionals, pick a shot target that is too big.  Rather than picking a specific spot on the green, many players will just aim for the green itself.  When playing a tee shot, many golfers just aim for the fairway’s left or right side.  Not enough focus. 

When approaching a green with a lot of trouble on the right, choose a specific spot on the left side of the green to aim at.  Be sure to make allowances for wind direction. 

To get focused, draw an imaginary line to the target by holding your club upright, pointing at the target.  Address the ball along that imaginary line as your aiming guide.  More focus means greater accuracy which is the key to good golf.

Penalty Strokes

photo credit: Kelowna09   Sometimes, you have to take your  medicine and go quietly.  Shooting good scores isn’t always about playing well, it’s also about using good judgement.

How many times have you found yourself stymied behind an immovable object?  Did you make the right choice by taking a drop with a one stroke penalty or did you decide to take your chances and go for broke?  More often than not, most players will risk more trouble by trying to execute an almost impossible shot.

Golf is not only about making good shots, it’s about using the correct strategy during play.  In almost every case, it’s better to take your medicine and take a one stroke penalty than to risk a double or triple bogey.  Losing a stroke  isn’t the end of the world.

How to Rattle Your Opponent

photo credit: GoOregonDemocrats   Gamesmanship is an important part of golf.  Its not “dirty pool” as some people claim.  If it were, PGA Professionals would not utilize it but they do!  Try the following if you find yourself falling back in a match:

1)  Make sure your opponent putts every putt, even if its a foot away.  By doing so, it establishes the fact that YOU are now in control of his shots.  2)  If your opponent is a fast player, play a little slower.  If he is a slow player, play faster.  The fact that someone is waiting for him will tend to make him nervous.  3)  If his par attempt rolls a few feet past the hole and your ready to try for a birdie, don’t immediately give him the putt.

For the Weekend Golfer

photo credit: danperry.com   Here are some tips for the “weekender:”  1)  Take one more club than you need to reach the green.  2)  Don’t move your head when putting.  3)  Don’t start your downswing before making a FULL backswing.  4)  Transfer your weight during the swing by turning not swaying.  5)  Use lighter clubs.  6)  Hit some practice shots before playing (if there is no range just chip or pitch).  7)  Chip with a less lofted club.  8)  Don’t ”hit from the top.”  Distance comes from a delayed uncocking of the wrists.  9)  Practice at least once during the week, even if its just swinging a club in your yard.  10)  In the left hand of your grip, you should see only the thumb and two or three knuckles.

The Difficult Par 3s

photo credit: nsaplayer   Many amateurs have a misconception about Par 3 golf holes, they are over-confident because they think their short length makes them easier, not so ! 

You have one shot to get on the green in “regulation,” miss the green and your looking at a bogey.  To give yourself a chance for a birdie, your first shot has to be good.  There are no second chances on Par 3s. 

Facing a longer than average Par 3, say 200 yds. or more, it’s “bogey city” for most amateurs.  Even on a longish par four, with a good drive, you may be looking at an approach shot of 150 to 170 yards, much more feasible for most players.

Don’t be complacent on Par 3s they can reach out and bite you !

Playing Under Pressure

photo credit: 1suisse   Whether your playing for an Abe Lincoln or a Ben Franklin, nothing can ruin your chances for success quicker than a bad case of nerves.  Nerves play a critical role in winning or losing.  How you handle your nerves will determine the outcome of your match.

You are facing the final three holes and you are ahead by 1 stroke, your knees are rattling.  Here are a few tips to calm yourself:  (A)  Take deep breaths.  Open your mouth, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth and inhale to a count of 4 – hold for 8 seconds and exhale through your nose to a count of 8.  (B)  Think pleasant thoughts.  It’s only a game and nothing more so relax and enjoy what your doing.  (C)  Meditate.  Repeat the same phrase or word over and over to keep your mind occupied.

When to Listen?

photo credit: optimal tweezers   How often have you received unsolicited swing advice?  In most cases the answer is “too often.”  The advice is almost always well meaning, however, it can be very destructive especially if you are playing good golf.

Golf is such a mental game that even the most inconsequential remark by a friend can create problems.  You may be on the putting green and a friend might say, “I’ve noticed that your putting stroke has changed, during your swing your there is more wrist-break.”  This benign statement is enough to get you thinking about it and perhaps doubting your stroke.  Once this happens your confidence level starts to shrink and it can likely creep into other segments of your game.  Bottom line:  Don’t pay attention to friendly swing advice unless it’s from your golf coach.

Overconfidence

photo credit: tnarik   Overconfidence can be detrimental to your game.  We have all felt invincible during play and this is when trouble sets in.  In most cases,  it simply takes one errant shot or miss-hit, to start a free-fall.

Golf is best played on an even keel, not happy, not sad, not up or not down.  Two players that are well known for their ability to be stoic are Jim Furyk and Tiger Woods.  Both are very congenial when off the course but, during play, there are no smiles or frowns.  In many ways this tends to intimidate opponents (which isn’t all that bad).

A strong ability to concentrate is the key to unstable emotions.  Golf lesson curriculum does not include controlling your emotions.  Try to remember that golf is just a game, nothing more!

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