The mental side

I was just wondering what everyone's opinions are on the mental part of the game. I know it is important, but what I am asking is does anyone have any recommendations on mental programs they have used with good success?

anyone buy any audio programs, or ever been hypnotized? ever been to a sports psychologist?

Reason why I ask is I have always felt that is the biggest thing holding me back. There has been many, many times over the years I will be a couple under par and hit 3 balls OB on 18, or have 4 birdies in a row, then have 3 quads in a row, etc. Almost like I am scared of doing well.

I once recall a story about Tiger's dad starting him with higher pars. So a par 3 would be a par 6 for a young Tiger, and so on. I think this just made "par" a number and nothing more for him. Obviously he would start beating it regularly and got used to it. For the average golfer (me) "par" is the holy grail per say. So when I am right there or just under, I start flipping out wondering how I am going to screw it up.

So any tips?

Brew

Try reading Fearless Golf by Dr. Gio Valiante. He used to be on the Golf Channel. I think it is the best book I've read on the mental side of the game. I try to read it once a year just to keep things fresh. I've also heard he has a new book coming out in the fall, which I look forward to.

Thanks, I will have to check it out.

Brew

Sounds simple, but STAY POSITIVE.

Ofcourse your round is going to start its decline when you are looking for ways to mess it up.

Its like when you step to a tee box and you look where you want to hit it and where you dont want to hit it. If the last thing that pops in your mind before you begin your swing is where you dont want to hit it, guess whats going to happen? A good chance your going to hit it in the bad area.

Seems simplistic, but stay positive man. Golf is to hard of a game without the mental aspect, so putting alot of stress on yourself isnt going to help at all.

A common theme through the mental game is positive imagery, consistency in routine, trust, and playing your game (as opposed to someone else's).

The most recommended book on this board seems to be Dr. Bob Rotella's Golf is Not a Game of Perfect . Some read it annually ; I read it every few months to stay fresh.

I did attend a mental game seminar hosted by the pro from whom I take lessons. It was excellent, and he and I have since incorporated the pre-shot routine into my lessons. It's a bit tough to do when the range has mats, but we make do. My accuracy has improved since I started picking small targets and taking my practice swings behind the ball (relative to the target).
Then I saw that Mel Gibson movie, The Patriot and I realize why this works, based on the advice he gives his kids for target shooting, "aim small, miss small."

Agree with Shindig, go and get the book Golf is Not a Game of Perfect, by Dr. Bob Rotella. Its an amazing read, and I can say this, after I was done reading it last year, I probably saved about 4 or 5 shots a round, no joke.

I usually use a personal technique that I learned when I was HS baseball pitcher.....When I get in a mess, I just think about what I am going to do after the round....I think about getting food afterwords or whatever I can think of....Basically just get your mind off of the game and the next shot. It will calm you down and mentally "reset" yourself... Now that will be $10,000 for that advice..... lol