How would you describe the state of your mind and emotions when you’re playing your best golf?
- Are you excited, elated, pumped up with positivity?
- Are you down, depressed, lacking energy?
- Are you in a balanced state, neither up nor down, just present, in what you might call an ‘unattached’ state?
It would be easy to think you’re better off being in the positive state, and it’s not to say this state of mind is not helpful on certain occasions. The question is, can you realistically stay in this state of mind for 18 holes, and if your answer is no, then that’s probably a clue – it’s not the optimal place to play your best golf from (or life for that matter).
In 2010, I was coaching Simon Khan, when he won the BMW PGA championship at Wentworth. One of the things we had been discussing was keeping his mind balanced and in the present moment. This meant, when he noticed his name climbing up the leaderboard, he would remind himself of the drawbacks of thinking ahead and fantasising about the victory.
Drawbacks, you say?
Yes, if you can play with a balanced state of mind and emotions, you are less likely to be attached to the outcome and results, which, in turn, means less interreference and noise in your brain.
So, if you find your mind running ahead, thinking about a victory, or thinking this is going to be your best score ever, then it would be wise to consider the drawbacks of that thinking to help calm you down and bring you back to centre.
Equally, of course, if you are having a bad day and your mind is focused only on the negative and your emotions are following, then you might want to look at the benefits of this type of thinking; for example, it may help you develop a more conservative and realistic strategy, which, in turn, could allow you to commit much more effectively. Compare this with trying to be over-positive and take on shots beyond your ability that cause you some degree of anxiety, and you can start to see how negative thinking is not all bad.
In essence, if you believe you play your best when your mind is clear (less noise) and you are not obsessing or fantasising about the result, either the immediate shot or 18-hole result, then the good news is you can do something about it.
When you notice yourself getting overly positive, ask: “What are the drawbacks I am not thinking about?”; and when you notice yourself thinking negatively, ask: “What are the positives I am ignoring right now?” Of course, adapt the question to the situation at the time, like Simon Khan’s example above, but I hope you can see there is a simple way to manage your mind and emotions.
So, I will leave you to decide what state of mind you would like to play your golf. I hope you enjoyed this article.
By Scott Cranfield
|| features@algarveresident.com
Scott Cranfield has been a PGA Master Coach for over 30 years. Get to work with Scott personally from anywhere in the world, by applying to join his unique Virtual Coaching program, where you get Unlimited Coaching from PGA Master Coach Scott Cranfield. To apply email scott@scottcranfield.com
Special Offer: mention this article and get the initial Swing Evaluation free (normally £50).
