The Best Golf Tips (When you're having difficulty)
4 of the Best Golf Tips for When You are Having Trouble on the Course
Mastering the mental aspects of golf is akin to navigating the intricate landscape of a challenging course. The best golf tips don't just revolve around executing perfect swings under ideal circumstances; they focus on resilience and strategic acumen when the game doesn't unfold as planned. What sets accomplished golfers apart is not just their ability to perform well in favorable conditions but their prowess in gracefully overcoming obstacles when the fairways get tough.
In my years of coaching, I've come to firmly believe that the mark of a truly skilled golfer lies in their capacity to perform well even when faced with adversity. The best golf tips aren't solely about sinking birdies on easy holes; they are a roadmap to navigate the inevitable twists and turns that every round of golf presents. To equip you with the mental tools necessary for triumphing in challenging situations, I present four invaluable golf tips. These insights are not just about refining your swing; they are a guide to elevate your game precisely when you find yourself not where you'd ideally want to be on the course.
Mastering the Mental Game: Best Golf Tips for Winning
Winning Golf Tips That the Pros Use
#1 Slow down: Tempo Mastery for Better Scores
Yes, read that again: slow down. Do not rush. Your tempo significantly impacts how you play, and this advice is a game-changer for amateurs and professionals alike. Damon Green's endorsement of my walking tip for Zach Johnson winning The Masters and Keegan Bradley sharing insights from Tiger Woods' walking technique attest to the universal benefits.
Slowing down doesn't mean you're a slow player; it means never rushing and mastering a mental rhythm that lets you play the game instead of the game playing you. Various exercises, like facing tough tee shots with harder swings before returning to your normal tempo, can help. Work on taking a couple of hard swings at 110% or 120%. This would be harder than you normally swing, but it gets the nervous energy out, resulting in a better tempo when you walk in and take your normal swing.
Slowing your mental rhythm keeps you in control—a goal that yields results for everyone.
#2 Go to the Ball Without a Club: Create Mental Space
Keep your options open by going to the ball without a club. This technique, central to thinking better to score better, creates mental space. The "Bag-Up" principle, an adaptation of the Emotion Zone, aids in emotionally letting go of previous shots. Use a physical boundary to stay mentally composed after a poor shot, ensuring you're mentally ready for the next one. Try, before picking your bag up, making yourself do something in the relax phase (of the 4rs process) so that you are done with that shot.
#3 Look in All Possible Directions: Expand Your Options
In challenging situations, it's easy to feel boxed in. Look in all possible directions to give yourself mental space and consider options beyond the typical "forward and up" golf shots. Avoid impulsively hitting the ball and hoping. Instead, evaluate all alternatives before making a decision.
#4 Pitch Out to a Specific Target: Choose Commitment Over Confidence
Never just punch out. Opt for commitment over confidence, especially when things aren't going well. Commit 100% to a specific target, and step into your routine with this commitment. This choice, amid challenges, consistently results in better scores. While many elements are beyond control, your commitment is a powerful factor you can harness.
Elevate Your Game with These Best Golf Tips
All these tips contribute to enhancing the mental aspect of your game. As you master the mental intricacies of golf, you'll develop a reliable process that leads to better scores. Continue refining your mental game by joining my Score Better Video Program, where you can learn to think better to score better.
