Does Thinking Really Interfere with your Golf Performance
If you are not supposed to think about technique or winning while competing, what should you think about?
Is it even possible to shut down your thinking? The issue is not thinking per se. The problem is what and when you are engaged in conscious thought.
For instance, before you swing the club, you should think about how you will play that shot. Also, you need to consider the playing conditions, hazards, wind, and greens.
However, once you step to the ball, conscious thought should shut down, and you should rely on your instincts and trust your ability to make an effective shot.
Several negative consequences occur when your mind drifts back and forth between the present and the future. Focusing on your technique or score can cause you to second-guess your strategy and not commit to the shot.
When focused on winning, you may pay too much attention to the leaderboard, leading to overly aggressive or conservative choices. Worrying about winning heightens pressure and increases anxiety, which interferes with your ability to stay calm and focused and swing the club freely.
The key to peak play is the ability to switch off conscious thought after identifying your strategy for the shot and then immerse yourself in executing that strategy.
After the first round of the 2024 Annika tournament, Jiwon Jeon shared the lead, carding six birdies to offset a pair of bogeys. Jeon’s top priority is keeping her LPGA card. Jeon has made only ten cuts in 22 total starts this year and is currently ranked 98th in the Race to the CME Globe.
The top 100 golfers in the rankings will gain full LPGA Tour status for next season. Jeon realizes the best strategy to keep her LPGA card is to not think about the end result.
Instead, Jeon is committed to staying locked in on her process and letting the cards fall where they may.
JEON: “I’m just inside the top 100 right now, and then obviously, I want to keep my card for next year, but I try not to think about it too much… I’m trying to figure out what I have to do out here and then really focus on each shot. I think that work really paid off today. I want to continue to do the same thing for the rest of the rounds, rest of the tournament.”
Staying immersed in your play can be challenging when a lot is on the line. Let’s be realistic. Will random thoughts flow into your head? Sure.
The goal is to recognize that your mind has drifted and quickly re-focus your attention on the task at hand.
By staying process-oriented and focusing on one shot at a time, you are more likely to be on top of your game, which can ultimately lead to the desired outcome without the added pressure of constantly thinking about winning.
Try this tip to turn off conscious thought and immerse yourself in playing the shot. Take 20 shots on the practice greens from varying distances. Each time, after identifying your strategy, take a deep breath, clear your mind, and hit the ball.
Repeated over time, this exercise will help you immerse yourself in the process during competitive rounds.
Related Golf Psychology Articles
- When Should Golfers Refocus versus Restart?
- How to Refocus and Restart During Your Golf Preshot Routine
- Focus on the Process in Golf
- Subscribe to The Golf Psychology Podcast on iTunes
- Subscribe to The Golf Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Golfers Mental Edge Program
“The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0” is new in 2021. This audio and workbook program helps you overcome a lack of focus, low self-confidence or other mental game obstacles on the course that prevent you from reaching your true potential in golf. Learn the secrets to better focus, confidence and composure that Junior, Collegiate and Tour Professionals use to WIN!