Beginner Mental game..

[SloverUT]

Hello all,

I have been playing just over 2 months now and have improved quite a bit since my first time out.  Ball striking is somewhat consistent and my over all game is probably about where I should be with as much time as I've been playing...

The #1 problem I feel I have is mentally being unsure of my shots.  I align myself and set up with confidence; ready to hit the ball where it needs to be hit.  However, as soon as I start my backswing I start to doubt myself.  It seems like in a matter of a split second I go from being confident to being worried that I am going to hit a bad shot.  And sure enough when this happens I generally do hit a bad shot.

Any suggestions on this or just comes with time as I play more consistently?

[hendog]

Time and repetition is really the only cure. If you find something else let me know :)

[Goonsidious]

I get in my head to just swing like im at the range.. i know the feeling so well that it allows me to swing free and with ease.

[reedf]

What has worked for me is an absolute singular focus. At address, I take care of all the pre-shot checks, grip alignent, posture etc. Once I am comfortable I look down at the ball. At this point nothing else enters my mind, just watch the club hit the ball. The same with putting. If I make a bad shot, I'll deal with that when/if I find the ball.

[GaijinGolfer]

You need to fix your mind on the reality that you WILL hit bad shots.  Even the pros hit a few bad shots every round.  You need to trust your swing, let it fly and accept the results.  Worry and self doubt is only going to cause tension in your swing, which is going to cause you to hit more bad shots.

[Teamanglerx]

Let me recommend some books:

Golf is Not a Game of Perfect

Your 15th Club

The Unstopable Golfer

all three are by Dr. Bob Rotella

I cannot how much these three books have changed my game mentally.  I practice what is in the books are have seen my game improve greatly not only on the skill side but attitude wise as well.

[MEfree]

Originally Posted by GaijinGolfer

You need to fix your mind on the reality that you WILL hit bad shots.  Even the pros hit a few bad shots every round.  You need to trust your swing, let it fly and accept the results.  Worry and self doubt is only going to cause tension in your swing, which is going to cause you to hit more bad shots.

while this is true, I think it is good to try to have one, non-negative thought in your head during the swing.  i.e. head steady or smooth transition at the top.  Sure you will hit bad shots and you are going to have to accept that, but with one positive thought in your head, it should help your mind from wondering into the negative outcome areana.