It’s amazing to me how much golf is a mental game. I spend hours at the driving range practicing my swing, putting on the practice green practicing my putts, and time in the sand bunkers practicing my often useless efforts to get out of the “beach.” I’m trying to build up “muscle memory” (something we will comment on in a later post) so that my body knows how to play well. But no matter how much practice I take, when the moment of truth arrives and I’m standing in the tee box, it’s my brain that takes over my body. If my mind is not totally clear of any thought except a vision of a good clean hit— if thoughts of a sand trap on the right, the woods on the left or that lake at the bottom of the hill 100 yards ahead intrude — you can bet that my tee shot will land in one of the spots I least want to be in. It happens every time.

What do you do to keep your mind clear of negative thinking? How do you manage the self-doubt or second-guessing that comes into your thoughts unbidden?

First thing to do is become aware that it is happening. As soon as you realize you are having doubts about your next swing – stop, and step back. Look at the sky. Close your eyes. Shake your hands to shake off the negative energy. Do something to change your mindset. Then envision the perfect swing or putt and your ball landing in just the right position, or better yet, in the hole. Take your time. It’s your game to play.