Replacing negative feelings with positive ones in a tourney

[rwhitlock]

I have played a few state tourneys lately and found myself seeing more of the trouble than when I play with my buddies.  When I see the trouble my tendency is to steer the ball into the fairway or onto the green - which don't always work out 😞

 

Any tips on how to replace the negative feelings related to the trouble with positive, confident ones?

 

Thanks,  Rod

[b.helts]

Great question!!

 

This is all about confidence. Pick a good target. Aim small, miss small. 
 

So it’s ok to see trouble, it’s imperative that you acknowledge it’s existence because it will (should, anyway) be part of your targeting decision. 
 

Then swing confidently at your chosen target. 
 

Finally, the best piece of advice I’ve ever received pertaining to golf:  CONFIDENCE IS A CHOICE!!

[rwhitlock]

Thanks for the reply.  I'll work on that.  It was super frustrating today in my tourney to see the trouble, recognize that it was impacting my decisions and confidence levels.  I just couldn't replace those feeling with the confident ones.  I like the idea of re-focusing on the target and committing to the target (that was my take-a-way from your post 🙂 )

 

[b.helts]

You got it Rod. One further thing to think on: Once you’ve chosen your target, focus on nothing external during your pre-shot routine except the target. All other focus should be internal. Swing trigger, feels, whatever you’re trying to accomplish with each shot. Including, very important here, your breathing. If you focus on your breathing and the target, everything else just kind of fades into the background, where it belongs. 

[tbsbama]

I agree with Helts. Target to me is so important in a tourney. From the tee I pick a tree far in the distance of where I want the ball to finish. I do this from behind the ball and as I walk to the ball I stare at that tree. Once setup one more look at my target tree. Then hit the shot. By focusing on my target tree the only thing my mind will see is the tree. I also do the same on medium and long approaches but my target tree is my start line to work the ball off of. For me it clears the mind of outside interference and brings focus to just one good thing. Works for me well hope it can help. 

[Petethreeput]

I agree 100% with @b.helts.  I would add though, and most sports psychologists would agree there is a method (which I can't do by the way) to regain the sense of mental freedom.  I suspect we have all be "in the zone."  Think back to that time, what were the circumstances?  Were you relaxed, happy, angry, empty?  What was it you did to get there for that period of time, was it building on a prior shot, was it the 12 pack of Miller Lite, was it...?

When I jump onto the bogey train, I try to think back to what was going through my mind during my last heater.  I try to re-create that feeling.

Again, though b.helts is correct, aim small miss small, the mind cannot process "don't, can't, and other negatives" but will respond to "do and can."

 

[Barfolomew]

Helts nailed it! 

 

Now I'm a tourney rook lookin to play more, play par golf in practice.... But I came over from Softball cause of injuries and have years of experience in competitive games as a top hitter and always batted in 3 or 4 spot.... and I would tell guys the number one thing is CONFIDENCE.... when I came to the plate I was over flowing with confidence to the point of being cocky, internally smiling not outward showy like the bluffers, think poker lol..... I almost felt bad for the pitcher cause it wasn't going to go his way lol.... I'm hoping I can find some of that in golf tourneys as I play more, learn to be calm and confident yet can't wait for your turn to hit cause its fun as F not fearful when its your turn...

[naval2006]

Great advice on this thread.  Especially the picking a target to aim at. A point and shoot attitude that eliminates a lot of doubts. 

 

Theres another situation I’d like to know how you deal with. After a bunch of bad shots you need to come back and move on but frustration opens the gates to dark thoughts. I admit I command myself to shut my mind for a while and talk to partners or check on my phone. And I too take shelter in my little playing routine. Often I pull through, but some days are hard.