Thinking is the Key to Your Golf Game

Think water or what happened on this hole last time and you do it again. Your mind is quite amazing really.

We think in the five senses. We see, hear, feel, taste and smell things in our mind, plus some of us talk to ourselves in our heads too. We all have a different way of thinking, different preferences if you like.

We are not all good at visualising

Some of us are good at visualising, some are not. You might be better with sounds or feelings, emotions, touch or gut feelings.

It doesn't matter really. The point is however you think, when you focus on something your mind has a unique system of making it happen. This unique part of the brain is called the Reticular Activation System or RAS.

Here's another important factor. What you experience externally to you can influence your thinking too, including the language you speak.

So be very careful for what you wish for, more importantly what you think about and the words you speak. It creates your reality and outcomes.

This trick is not to focus on your fears, doubts or what you don't want.

Easier said than done?

We can think too much!

Most people tend to think too much. Usually about what they don't want, or completely distract themselves from the task at hand by thinking about their swing.

Remember the task at hand is your target. Where you want the ball to land.

Once your mind is made up and you've made a decision on the golf course. Focus on what you want and nothing else. Empty the mind of everything else.

Let your swing take care of itself. Remember your routines.

A good way to empty your mind is to notice your body. Take three deep breaths whilst you gaze at your target. Feel your body relax. Feel relaxed over the ball.

Focus on what you want.

Your subconscious mind does not recognise the word or concept of "don't".

For instance you say to yourself in your mind or even out loud. "Don't hit it into the water again."

Where's your focus now?

On the water.

Where do you hit the ball? In the water. All your subconscious mind hears is "hit it in the water"

I am probably asking you to change a habit of a lifetime. Here's a major strategy to use on the course. Focus on what you do want. Think about what you want.

This will have an interesting effect. You will be playing from confidence rather than fear.

Once you have made a decision, commit to it

A decision without commitment is not a decision. The decision becomes indecision, doubt or worse can easily transform into fear.

Next time you play notice the difference between a shot with commitment and one without. The result will be poles apart.

How, when and what you think will make your break your game.

Your mind, physiology and emotions are intertwined

You are an integrated system, how and what you think affects your emotions and your body.

Your physiology, how you move and what you do with your body will impact your thinking and your emotions. How you use your eyes, how you breathe and the words you speak are all part of your body in motion.

How you feel, your emotions will affect your thinking, your motivation, your decisions, strategy and your physiology.

There is more to this game of golf than hitting a golf ball. The mind rules your outcomes. Do yourself a favour, learn the golf mind game.