It
is essential in the psychology
of golf to constantly
focus on the 'here and
now'. The more your
mind focuses upon scores,
the less it
focuses on the quality
of your golf.
Golf
is a game that does not
allow you the luxury of
being able to think of
the round as a 'whole',
but only allows you to
think of the shot you are
currently playing. This
means that as soon as your
mind wanders off the current
goal at hand (the shot
you are about to hit) and
onto your overall score
and the great (or terrible)
round you have been having,
your focus goes out the
window.
Each
individual shot must
be contained within
your mental focus, instead
of allowing it to spill
over into the remainder
of your round and being
relegated into a blur
of endless thoughts.
Focusing on the current
shot instead of constantly
thinking of your overall
score takes the pressure
off and allows you to
play more freely
and relaxed -
which generally improves
your standard or level.
(Evidence: How many times
have I heard of golfers
who play better in practice than
in competition?).
Of
course, when you play
well the
score simply takes care
of itself -
and there are no concerns
about how your overall
score is progressing
because you know it will
be fine. Constantly worrying
about your overall score
only takes your focus
off your game and puts
your mind and body under further pressure whilst
you are trying to play
good golf. That's when
you REALLY have something
to worry about!
So
what I am saying is -
don't worry about the
score, let it take care
of itself. When
you are playing, be 'in
the now' and focus only
on one shot, your current
shot - and then do the
same on the next shot,
and the next, and so
on.
This
is not to be confused with
an earlier tip about 'remembering
a past great shot' from
you round - which is designed
to prevent negative 'dwelling'
upon bad shots. That is
the only form of reminiscing that
is allowed during your
round, until you are safely
in the clubhouse afterwards
- as golf does not generally
reward those whose minds
focus constantly on the
score.
So
begin focusing on the here
and now while
you play, and see if you
notice the reduction in
pressure you experience,
and how your game (and
scores) benefit.
