Tip From the Archives

Replacement Shot

Problem

You hit a horrible shot and it throws off the rest of your round.

Cure

Instead of moving on to your next shot or playing a provisionary shot immediately, take time to remove this negative image and replace it with a good one. If you keep the negative image, it is likely to disrupt the rest of your shots for a poorly played round.

Therapy

Do not dwell on where the ball landed. Go back to repeat your preshot routine and take a practice swing, visualize as you do that the ball landed at your desired target area. Use the positive image to replace your original shot. Use this confidence that you gained from making a good practice swing to help fuel your next swing so it will be a positive one. If you are going to take a provisionary shot, do so but as you do only think of your practice swing and how it landed exactly where you wanted it to; know that you are going to repeat the shot with your ideal swing.

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16 votes

 
Paul | 2 years ago, at the start of April

No wonder Saturday morning competitions take so long to play. Better advice would be to visit the practice ground with the Pro.

Steve | 2 years ago, at the start of April

We all have a 'natural' game that is our usual routine. We all have a fade or draw and a couple of quirks that are the standards in our game. When the dreaded 'negatives' move into your mind it seems to create mistakes that aren't usually a problem. The power of positive mind control is paramount in the game of golf. Pro's are great for tips but too many changes or too much info can provide an avenue for the mind to second guess what should be a set routine. Once you think about a pro's advice during a game, it changes your usual routine and allows for changes to the swing to be made when really a good shot of confidence and positive thinking can fix most things. I am lucky to have a golf buddy who is encouraging and positive. We bounce happy, positive comments off each other and keep it light hearted. I, my mate and four others who have joined us in comps have all had a win since xmas. Our group is now a talking point at the club and members are lining up to book in with us.

Crystal | 2 years ago, mid-April

If I took an extra minute calming myself down by doing this, it would save you 15 minutes or more of waiting time because I'd be taking less strokes over all. A little positive thinking can go a long way!



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