GOLFMEDIC

Tip From the Archives

Match Play Mindset

Problem

You focus too much on your opponents shots regardless of their success. This places unnecessary pressure on yourself and it causes you to play poorly.

Cure

You are playing your opponent and not the course; this causes you to lose focus on your own game and you lose. During your preshot routine, try to you imagine that you are playing the course alone, just for fun.

Therapy

First thing to remember is that you should not add up your or the competitors score until the end of the game. This will add on unnecessary pressure and cause you to lose your mental focus. Naturally you will know how well your opponent is doing throughout the game and perhaps discuss this with them; however, your primary thoughts need to be on each individual shot at hand. On occasion, feel free to congratulate your opponent when they do well or say that they will do better next time but let your thoughts about their game end there. Avoid wishing for your competitor to play bad because if he does not miss the shot, then it will leave you feeling devastated. Do not depend on every swing to be perfect; plan each shot as if you will hit it at your average skill level. The last thing you need at this time is to set yourself up for disappointment because you overestimated your abilities.

Browse by Category

Problem by Club

Problem by Location

Problem by Situation

Problem by Fault