How do you perform well in high pressure moments?
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.
Tim O’Connor
Ken Dryden: A national hero and model
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.
How do you stop leaking oil when you’re unaware of what’s causing it?
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.
You can’t improve what you’re unaware of
Almost every golfer I know swings with some kind of “swing thought,” such as “turn this” or “shift that.” While they swing, their heads are full of mental chatter. You cannot think your way through a golf swing. It’s a recipe for bad golf.
Don’t be scared, it ain’t weird – to meditate
Most golfers go through a round of golf without a clue what their minds are doing. It’s like we’re in a trance, carried unconsciously this way and that by our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and behaviours. This is no way to play golf or live your life.
It’s hard to change where you’re going when you don’t know what’s driving you there
This strategy of working hard to do things the right way had worked in many other areas of my life, but not in golf. What the hell?
Does social media golf instruction help us? Or exploit us?
Many golfers struggle because they are constantly seeking tips to fix their problems. UK coach Karl Morris laments that golf is in the midst of a “social media circus.”
The final piece: How a band of brothers showed me the way to get unstuck
In the third and final instalment of my “origin story” about what influenced me to write my new book, I note that becoming aware of my self-defeating behaviours allowed me to move forward, both as a player and a coach.
Talk about being in the moment: my extraordinary lesson in awareness
My face went hot. It was like I was stunned, paralyzed. I realized that this was a moment. I eked out, “Ouch. Thank you … I think.” I muttered something about having to go somewhere. I fled.
