I get in my head

[CDiddy]

I used to get mad after lackluster shots, but now I just say, "Ok" after just about every poor shot. There's no way I can think about the shot I just hit because I can't change it. If I'm thinnking negative thoughts, my next shot, one that I can affect, will suffer. I'm all about doing what is best for my game...getting pissed doesn't help my game; it hurts it.

Totally agree with this. I'd add that it's important, or at least helpful, to remember why we play golf. Pretty close to 100% of people play golf because it's enjoyable, and having a good time ought to be the priority. It's great, and important, to have goals and work towards them, but if you're not having fun, what's the point?

And, as the above poster alluded to, you can't change shots that you've already hit--attempt to hit the best shot you can on each shot and do the best with what you're presented with.

[mc0388]

I'm going to put this right out there -- I'm what they call an angry golfer. Very early on in the round (assuming I get off to a bad start) I immediately get in my head, and sort of panic. I'm almost never relaxed during a round of golf, and I feel like it really takes a toll on a lot of the rounds I have. I have this question for all of you: When you get flustered/pissed off/whatever else, what do you do to calm yourself? It would really help if someone who seems to have the problem I have could chime in, because someone who is almost always calm and doesn't get pissed off easily will obviously be a lot more calm.

Well angry Philadelphians aren't hard to find, haha go steelers (grew up in Johnstown, brother lives in Phoenixville) I usually play pretty relaxed, the way I look at is:

I have been playing golf for years. I have hit tens of thousands of golf balls, and AFTER 'THIS' ONE SHOT, I am going to hit thousands more. So with the results GOOD or BAD, I am gonna go chase it and hit it again. Relax its a game The game is meant to be frustrating, if it wasn't, no one would play it. Play loose, its just a golf ball

[Grndslmhttr3]

So I cracked the book open and read a bit that said that if your goal/objective when you're hitting a shot is to avoid a bad shot instead of making a good shot off the tee or at the flag, then you're going to focus on your mechanics while you swing, instead of swinging like you normally would. I never thought of that, and it seems 100% spot-on. I'm surprised how much, mentally, there is to golf and how drastically it can affect your game.

[TN94z]

So I cracked the book open and read a bit that said that if your goal/objective when you're hitting a shot is to avoid a bad shot instead of making a good shot off the tee or at the flag, then you're going to focus on your mechanics while you swing, instead of swinging like you normally would. I never thought of that, and it seems 100% spot-on. I'm surprised how much, mentally, there is to golf and how drastically it can affect your game.

Oh yeah, the mind can completely take over if you let it. That is why they tell you not to think "okay, just don't hit it in that lake over there" on the tee box...what is the last thing that goes through your mind when you say this? That lake over there. The best thing to do is picture in your mind what shot you "want" to hit and see it in your mind. Then just address the ball and hit that shot. The mind is probably the best piece of equipment you can utilize on the course

[Grndslmhttr3]

Oh yeah, the mind can completely take over if you let it. That is why they tell you not to think "okay, just don't hit it in that lake over there" on the tee box...what is the last thing that goes through your mind when you say this? That lake over there. The best thing to do is picture in your mind what shot you "want" to hit and see it in your mind. Then just address the ball and hit that shot. The mind is probably the best piece of equipment you can utilize on the course

Some parts of this book also help me with my tennis game. Now granted I'm no tournament player, I think I hit a pretty mean forehand, and forgetting about shots into the net or wide/long really helps me focus.