I coach highly aspirational golfers who are seeking to overcome their mental heebie jeebies when they most want to play well, which is what we all want—for ourselves and for the teams we root for.
Focusing on what you want to avoid means you’re worried about the future. Focusing on the task at hand allows you to be in the moment, present.
We’ve all watched journeyman golfers with the lead late in a major. Almost invariably, they stumble while more experienced players hold steady. What’s the main difference? Usually, it’s experience.
I believe that Dryden knew there was a bigger game being played, and it was vital to contribute to the greater good, whether in his family, on teams, in organizations or for his country.
Whenever you struggle, instead of revisiting your index of swing thoughts, always review your fundamentals, such as alignment, set-up, and ball position. You’ll often sort things out right there.
The idea of a self-coaching golfer exploring their own experiences runs counter to a golf culture that preaches there are right and wrong ways to swing a golf club.
It’s my strong sense that acceptance is not something you execute like it was a tactic kept in your back pocket in case of an emergency.
This speaks to the brain’s amazing ability to take in millions of bits of data from the environment, adapt, self-organize and hit the shot. All unconsciously.
I used to think awareness was enough. That once we’re aware of the dumb things we do, well, it’s obvious that we’ll change. It makes no sense to do the same stupid nonsense over and over.
