Mechanics versus Mental Coaching

[NI4NI]

Golf has such a high mental compentency aspect to it, that I'm wondering how others approach the "game within the game".

There is obviously a strong mechanical component involved that can't be ignored, and which needs to be practiced religiously in order for it to become automatic. But even more importantly, IMHO, is the psychology of the game, which is the true albatross around most golfers' collective necks.

Where the mind leads, the body follows...

How do you practice the mental aspect versus the mechanical swing component (yoga, mental imagery, confidence coaching, psyche sessions,...)?

I know that this will vary between a low and high handicapper, based on skill and experience, but how does one hone this critical skill, and therefore, maximize one's golf pleasure??

Anyone care to share?

[NI4NI]

No forum input for this? This game is so mentally-challenging, that any tips or tricks you could share would certainly be an asset for the rest of the duff crew. Have a lash out on this one...

[iacas]

I don't practice it off the course. I practice it when I have a golf club in my hands, be it on the range or on the course.

[NI4NI]

FWIW - I read a few golf books during my last business trip to Cali, and both were great reads to put you in the right frame of mind:

Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect (Bob Rotella)
This book has some great "rules" that can help frame the right mindset.

Extraordinary Golf (The Art of the Possible) (Fred Shoemaker)
This book has some great tips to develop a consistent swing, and a confident putting motion.

[tonyy]

Something that's helped me a lot is to visualize my ball flight, clubface at impact, and where I want my ball to go/end up. I've always been a visual person and that's improved my game tremendously.

Also being confident in your swing and ability. If you have one hint of doubt during your backswing or follow through, I can guarantee your ball will be going somewhere you don't want it to.

[Wisconsin Golfer]

It is funny that you posted this, I was going to post something very similar. I think that after the basics are learned that the mental part of the game is everything. Yesterday, I played a course that was alot harder than my usual and I did great on the front nine because I was calm and having fun. The back nine was another story, I was trying to hurry { we were running out of daylight } and it messed up my game. I started to skip or hurry through my pre-shot routine, trying hit the ball to hard, etc. I finaly had to do what works best for me, I had to stop and laugh at myself. I took a few minutes to laugh off the stress and refocus. It works most of the time.
I also learned from ANNIKA SORENSTAM's book GOLF ANNIKA'S WAY how to do what she calls VISION 54. You make yourself believe that every hole can be birdied, which would give you a score of 54. By believing that 54 is possible, you end up getting some birdies, alot more pars and shooting a better score. She used this method when she shot her world record 59, the only woman to ever do that in a pro tournament.
Allot of men won't read a book by ANICA because " it is a girls book ", and that is stupid. IMHO she is one of the greatest golfers ever, man or woman. If you don't believe me ask TIGER WOODS, who takes advice from sometimes before tournaments.
She has an entire chapter about the mental game and the book has mental tips throughout. It is my favorite instructional book.
DON'T FORGET THAT GOLF IS FUN.

[jambalaya]

Nope. I don't considere the mental approach much unless it also involves a club in my hand or reading threads in forums. I play rounds, go to the driving range, and do slow motion practice in my den at home with a cut off club. The latter is the closest I come to mental practice because you have time to think and observe.

[Lemay427]

Hypnosis.....


I tried it and it works. I am not sure how it works but I have a certain thought that must have popped up during the hypnosis that I think of before any putt or shot. I think it clears my head of everything but that one thought and the putt/shot. I guess its like a quick golf meditation or something.

I am a decent ball striker and know that I have the ability to shoot scratch if I can just control my thoughts and be smarter about playing. Whether its recovering from a bad shot or putting the ball in the correct place.

[phxgolfer]

Nope. I don't considere the mental approach much unless it also involves a club in my hand or reading threads in forums. I play rounds, go to the driving range, and do slow motion practice in my den at home with a cut off club. The latter is the closest I come to mental practice because you have time to think and observe.

I think this is great advice, at least from my own observations. Whenever I start analyzing and focusing on the mental thoughts I should have through my swing, my game takes a dramatic turn for the worst. My best shots come from when I have the least thoughts going through my head except for "slow and smooth". The old motto of "perfect practice makes perfect" is great because it encourages muscle memory and consistency.