GOLF TIP #6: GOLF: A GAME WITHIN A GAME

As most golfers kick off a new season it's time to tune up the swing mechanics, take a lesson or two and hit the links with your favorite buddies. Hope springs eternal! After a month or two the same results usually turn up as were evident at the end of last year. Unless some hard work was put in during the winter months on swing mechanics or unless the living room carpet saw some serious putting or chipping action, your game is not likely to have improved. The lack of winter practice may have even caused your game to slip a bit. So what's a person to do?

Well in the spirit of Einstein's statement "insanity is doing the same thing you've always done and expecting a different outcome", or words to that effect, perhaps we should consider a different approach this year. Consider the fact that golf is really two games. The first game is all about obtaining the correct clubs, swing instruction, playing and course management skills. The second game is more subtle but just as powerful; it's the ability to manage your mind and thoughts. Most professional golfers agree that the mental aspects of the game are extremely important yet even they do not devote adequate time to honing their mental skills. Nearly every weekend we see a player on television that collapses on the last few holes and loses a tournament that could have been won. So how do we proceed in preparing ourselves for another season?

First, we need to ask the question; what do you want? I'm serious here. Exactly what do you want to achieve this year in your game? I'm always amazed at the answer or should I say lack of an answer that most people give when they are asked this question. The specific improvements seem to defy description and seem to need a thorough mental excavation (and I mean a deep dig here) in order to respond meaningfully to the question. I might add that this phenomenon is not limited to golfers. The average person does not seem to know exactly what they want in their life and thus the plan for living lacks specificity. I'd suggest that each golfer select two or three specific attainable goals and write them down and keep them in your wallet. Keep referring to these goals as you practice and play and notice how you begin to achieve changes in the direction of the goal. Once the goal has been attained write down a new one but keep the old goal on the paper to refer to.

Next, begin to visualize yourself attaining the desired goal. For example, if your quality of play tends to fade toward the end of the round, imagine yourself finishing the round strong and competently. Visualize yourself performing well just before arriving at the course or just before you go to sleep. It's even OK to say out loud " I will finish strong" or words to that effect. Your mind needs to have specific direction in order to devise a plan for setting up a target to shoot for.

The final step is to set aside time to practice the skills you have decided to improve upon. Set up a schedule if you need to but be sure and put in the necessary time in honing your game. If you really want to make some progress on the second game begin to work on the mental aspects of golf. You'll be pleased with the results.

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