Mind Races with Negative Swing Thoughts at Address

[newtogolf]

This happened to me a few times last season.  Usually happens when there's a water hazard in play but not always.  I'm standing over the ball ready to swing and all I can think of is don't hit it in the water, which we all know means the ball is going right into the water.  I've tried stepping away, swinging away and everything in between but the result is usually a poor shot.

Do these thoughts go away with experience or is there some trick to clear your mind?

[TourSpoon]

One thing that I have learned is that your mind doesn't understand the word don't. You think "Don't hit it into the water" and your mind translates that into "Hit it into the water." I try to think about positive shots that i have hit before and to visualize my target as my thought. When hitting a tee shot I try to pick a specific target like a tree top and think about that target. That allows my body to react to the target and puts me into the best possible mental state to hit a good shot.  The old adage, my positive thinking works most of the time but my negative thinking works all the time certainly holds true in golf. A good read on this topic is Golf is not a Game of Perfect by Bob Rotella.

[jamo]

One thing that I have learned is that your mind doesn't understand the word don't. You think "Don't hit it into the water" and your mind translates that into "Hit it into the water." I try to think about positive shots that i have hit before and to visualize my target as my thought.

This. I think this was mentioned in the Bruce Edwards book by John Feinstein (I probably have the book wrong). You say "don't hit it into the water," but the word your brain tends to emphasize is "water," which is exactly what you don't want to happen. Think about the things you do want to happen first and foremost. I think it also becomes easier as you get better, especially at familiar courses, because you can draw on good memories.

[JetFan1983]

I'm going to respectfully disagree that it's a mental thing, though being positive in spite of past struggles certainly can't hurt. But if the 21.9 index is correct, the way you are thinking is rational.

Find a good instructor because once you start improving, these types of negative thoughts wash away, generally speaking. You'll be confident because your swing is sound. Your confidence will be realistic.

Just offering another perspective on this.

[WUTiger]

When you set up the shot, focus on the target. Then, take a practice swing, line up your shot, and hit it.

I think us middle HDCP players do better if we focus on club selection and alignment - go with the swing you bring that day. In my case, overthinking seems to lead to tension and bad shots. Happy talk rarely delivers me happy results.

I recall the movie The Greatest Game Ever Played, based on the 1913 U.S. Open. It had sequences in which British star Harry Vardon would mentally "block out" the rough and trees and water, and see only the target fairway or green. Unfortunately, I can't do that , but if I line up and hit it there's less chance the worries will creep in.

[The_Pharaoh]

Following on from JetFan1983, my take is that if you are negative on the course it is because you do not have confidence in your game (swing). Fix your game and the confidence will flow. If you know you have the swing to put the ball on the green you won't be thinking about the water.

I had this problem with short putts. I used to be petrified of them. I would either push or pull them and never knew what I was going to do. Obviously, standing over the ball I was a mess. So what I did was analyse my stroke to understand why I was unable to roll the ball along my intended line. Turns out I was taking the clubhead back slightly outside and then having to open the clubface to compensate for this error. I then worked on a better takeaway and started rolling the ball much better within a relatively short period of time. This led to making more short putts until suddenly I was no longer afraid of them because I was making a lot more than I missed. My confidence soared and I haven't looked back since. I've actually turned a major weakness into a strength.

Now...just got to do the same with my swing! ;-)

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

This happened to me a few times last season.  Usually happens when there's a water hazard in play but not always.  I'm standing over the ball ready to swing and all I can think of is don't hit it in the water, which we all know means the ball is going right into the water.  I've tried stepping away, swinging away and everything in between but the result is usually a poor shot.

Do these thoughts go away with experience or is there some trick to clear your mind?

Yes and yes. With experience you can see the target and the water is no different than fairway or a bunker. You might miss right or left but clearing the hazard is not a concern. Take advantage of GPS or a rangefinder to see how big the landing area really is. Picture a huge green and you're just playing for the fat of the green.

Then the next hurdle is a long water lateral hazard, with trees left (nowhere to bail out) and a full stroke is necessary.

[newtogolf]

Thanks for the feedback.  I usually have good control with my irons, but when there's a hazard in between or it's a high pressure shot my mind just floods with all the things I shouldn't do and I end up hitting it fat or shank it.  I'd easily save 4 - 5 strokes a round if I could calm my mind at these times.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

Thanks for the feedback.  I usually have good control with my irons, but when there's a hazard in between or it's a high pressure shot my mind just floods with all the things I shouldn't do and I end up hitting it fat or shank it.  I'd easily save 4 - 5 strokes a round if I could calm my mind at these times.

This is where experience (and the right stick in your hand) comes into play. Short of seeing a sports psychologist, you just need to hit some good shots to gain the confidence to hit more good shots. Eventually the possibility of a bad shot doesn't even enter the equation. When it happens, and it will, you'll be surprised/disappointed, then you'll hit a stellar recovery.

[newtogolf]

It makes sense, it's more frustrating because I've never experienced it when I've played other sports.  I'll be on a 150 yard Par 3 with some friends and hit it consistently on the green, close enough for a birdie attempt.  Same shot with other groups watching or on a course that has to clear water and it ends up anywhere but the green.

I think you're right.  I need more course time so I get more comfortable in these situations as you can't simulate them at the range.  I've finally figured out my problems putting (I hope) so if I can get past this I should be able to drop my HC to under 15 this season.  Thank you

Originally Posted by sean_miller

This is where experience (and the right stick in your hand) comes into play. Short of seeing a sports psychologist, you just need to hit some good shots to gain the confidence to hit more good shots. Eventually the possibility of a bad shot doesn't even enter the equation. When it happens, and it will, you'll be surprised/disappointed, then you'll hit a stellar recovery.