The below images sum up my ideal mindset for playing great golf.
It doesn’t matter how good your golf swing is or how talented you are, if you can’t block out distractions (anxiety and self-doubt for starters) then you’ll always be plagued by inconsistent play.
On the other hand, if you can control your emotions, find your natural swing and stick to your guns, you’ll tap into an endless confidence reservoir. This is when golf becomes easier and fun. Something I call Remarkable Golf.
Let me know your thoughts.
23 Comments
Gregor
February 19, 2010There must be plenty of talented people that don’t reach their full potential so I can see how the 1st diagram works.
I also agree with Grayden that continuing to follow your routine gives confidence even as he says when not playing well. It is the controlling anxiety part that is the difficult part. Learning to continue without changing out on the course to try and fix something. This takes discipline because it might take a few shots or holes to start getting the confidence again.
Where I feel that this works best is over a period of time. For weeks on end I could feel my game getting better and confidence came as a result. I need to learn that one bad game does not put me back where I started.
Grayden Provis
February 19, 2010I proved to myself just last Saturday that the bottom diagram is spot on. I managed to do all three of those things concurrently for the first time for a full 18 and I accumulated 39 points even though I never really felt I was playing well (!) As a result I approached the last part of my round with a CONFIDENCE I haven’t had on the course for a long time – if ever probably. I KNEW I was going to finish well. I KNEW I wouldn’t collapse under the pressure this time – and I didn’t. I also learned that despite the constant temptation to do so, you can’t leave the “Discipline” bubble out of the picture. Without it the rest turns to custard. You’ve got to have the discipline to follow the routine even if the world’s burning down around you. I’ve got a long way to go but I now know this diagram will be the road map I’ll be taking to the course each week from now on. Don’t be fooled by the apparent simplicity of this diagram. Its profound. Study it and think about it – and most importantly commit yourself to it.
Grayden Provis
February 20, 2010Gregor said: “Learning to continue without changing out on the course to try and fix something”
Exactly. Thats what made the big difference to me last week.
Cameron
February 20, 2010Despite the drawings looking like they’ve been done by a two year old, they are profound. The first image was me for the first half of my golf career. Although I could have a good game or two – I was only ever a bad shot away from blowing up, losing concentration and ending back at the start again.
How different it is now.
The discipline aspect could also have “time” added to it. This way of thinking and playing is a process not an event. An event is a tip or quick fix. A process takes time and discipline. You have to be in it for the long haul.
I’ll add that I think Pesky’s influence in numbed in time – it’s not possible to avoid him early on – he is too strong and influential – but over weeks, months and years you can control him. This is when the magic happens.
Thanks for posting,
Cameron
Tony Lucas (Lukey)
February 20, 2010Cam and fellow tribers
I like you agree totally with the bottom diagram being the way to go and I continue to follow it to the best of my ability. I am not saying I get it right all the time but things are getting closer but I do feel from time to time I do try to push it (impatient) and then I lose the way a little bit.I have come too far with the auto process now to let it go so I shall continue to persevere and then the magic will come.Like minded golfers like yourselves will continue to spur me on to attain the auto process.
Cheers Lukey
DP
February 20, 2010A man has to have a swing he can trust, or ‘thinks’ he can trust – a swing which puts him in play most times and provides confidence that such will happen – I say, good bloody luck!
Automatic is not necessarily going to provide such a swing particularly if someone is trying to improve and therefore making some changes to do so.
Don’t get me wrong, auto is the way to go, but, it sure helps to know that you have a swing which is the best that you can do. How can you get there?
Answer: By getting Cameron to have a good look at what you do.
Cam, if you can set up a seminar day for all the tribers and provide each with individual comment, in front of all the others, then I would be in it like a shot.
I feel that something more is needed at this stage.
I note the great success you have had with Matt!
Cheers,
DP
Grayden Provis
February 20, 2010Just come back from another Saturday morning comp. Carried on from last week on the front nine – ie 18 points. Fell in a big hole on the back nine. It was frustrating and a little confusing at the time but I’ve realized already that I JUST GOT PLAIN TIRED (mentally that is). And thats OK. We’re human beings not machines. As Cameron says we’re talking “process over time” not “quick fix”. I’ve had a rest, a bit of a think and already can’t wait to get out and give it another go! What a great game.
Cameron
February 20, 2010@DP: The only way you’ll get this is digging deep and going for it. It has to come from you. A lesson from me may help, but it will still depend on you.
Matt has been given a huge advantage – but he chooses to ignore that advice. I played with him today and he let a few bad holes get the better of him. His game is definitely a perfect example of the top image above.
Final point. You get there by swinging freely for the duration.
One more thing: The seminar is a good idea. Am working on it. Maybe you can give me a hand?
David Pryde
February 21, 2010Happy to help Cam.
I noticed your fine round yesterday in the strong wind – 1 under. Well done.
Cheers, DP
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