Sean O’Hair recently stated, [golf] is not about shooting a record-low score or playing your best every day, it’s about getting it in the clubhouse if you don’t have it (Golf Magazine, Jan 2006). In other words, what do you do when you’re not playing well? I often ask the golfers I work with, how bad are your bad days? A good response to this question usually means they are on the correct path.
Last months article dealt with having a good approach to every shot, this article addresses the importance of a good response. The main reason having a good response is so crucial to performance is that it impacts your approach. The feeling of momentum is nice to have and is thought to be contagious. For instance, a string of birdies or pars can lead to a feeling of confidence and momentum. It is easy when we play well to have a good response, however, it is what you do when you have a bad shot. A bad shot followed by a bad response is likely to lead to a bad approach and then starts the downward spiral. If you forfeit having control over your approach and response, then you forfeit your competitiveness and competing on the course, no matter the outcome, is the essence of mental toughness.
Mental toughness is a simple concept to understand, but it is not easy to apply. If it was easy, then everyone would do it. It takes a disciplined player to “let go” of a bad shot, hole, or round. The truth in golf is that there will always be another shot to be executed and the essence of being a competitor lies in the ability to focus on the next shot.
Some examples of poor responses to poor shots are anger (thrown club), frustration (muscle tightness), loss of poise (slumped shoulders), and feelings of doubt (thoughts about losing or bad score). Examples of good responses to poor shots can include: taking a deep breath, being composed (upright posture), relaxing the muscles, and reminding self to “let it go” or “focus on the next shot.” Anyone of these mentioned responses are in your control, which one will you choose? Keep in mind, your response will often dictate your next approach.
Rob Bell’s, PhD dissertation deals with helping golfers with the yips. To order your Mental Rehearsal Audio CD, contact Rob Bell at 865.591.7730 or rbell2@utk.edu
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