by Steven Dontigny

Created on: January 12, 2009   Last Updated: January 23, 2009

Thinking is easy.

You do it everyday.

Now learn how to do it and make golf easy!

No other sport depends on the mind as much as golf does. Sports such as football, baseball and basketball are quick action games and your ability to play them and play them well depend on your physical ability and your reflex reaction. You do not have time to think about what to do, you just do it. Golf on the other hand is all about your mind and being able to use it to your advantage for 18 holes.

Many times after a pro has finished and is giving an interview you will hear him say "Well I just didn't get in my way today". A very strange statement. However he really means he didn't think about it, he just did what comes naturally. When you start to think about it you put undue stress on yourself which causes tension and limits your ability to hit the ball in the same manner that you had been all day.

We have all been there. Two holes remaining and you are 2 shots better than you have ever been before. All that stands between you and your personal best are two holes that you have played and played well hundreds of times before. This is it you think to yourself, this is the round that I break 80 or 90 or 100. Sure enough the golf gods jump up and grab you and take that round away from you in one swing. As the ball streaks across the sky heading to the pond the frustration sets in and you ask yourself why.. why can't I do it just once.

Well now you can! In three easy steps.

1. Eliminate all negative thoughts. "I can't hit it there" or "Oh no out of bounds right", will lead you to think about it more and odds are you will end up there. Its very comparable to driving a vehicle as in where you look is where you go.

2. Be positive. Eliminating negatives is a start, but being positive is the next logical step. Identify where you want to hit the ball. Tell yourself "I will hit the fairway", "I can make 4 from here" or "I will make this putt". You must believe to achieve. If you tell yourself everyday, every round on every hole that you are the best putter in the world, you will become a great putter.

3. Visualize. See the desired location you want the ball to stop. Focus on a mound, a different color patch of grass or a divot. The smaller the target the more accurate the result. Take a practise swing, watch the ball fly in your mind, watch it bounce and come to rest right at that spot you picked as the desired location. Now get over the ball, think about your target and hit it!

The golf course is not the spot to practise. You shouldn't be thinking about mechanics, thats for the range. Eliminate the negatives, be positive and see the shot and you will be thinking your way around the course and to lower scores.

We are what we believe!

On your approach shot to the green go through the same routine. The pros refer to this as their pre-shot routine and by repeating the same routine over and over again your body and mind form a habit and when it comes to times of stress the body and mind rely on this habit. It is by creating a good habit that will enable you to perform great shots under times of stress.

So the next time you need to make four, believe you will make four, see how your going to make four and go make four!

We are what we believe!

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