Golf is a mental game, especially at higher levels. That’s why it’s important for golfers to develop a strong inner game or mental toughness. You constantly see players with “great talent” who rarely fulfill their potential. The problem is that golfers often don’t receive education about the mental game—mainly because their instructors or coaches didn’t emphasize the importance of mental strength when they were learning to play.
That’s why we want to talk to you a bit more about this. So, keep reading and discover everything possible about golf and sports psychology.
Is Golf a Psychological Game?
In golf, your decisions, thoughts, images, and feelings shape every swing. Mental training helps players develop key mental skills to complement the mechanics or physical aspects of their game. What most people don’t realize is that mental training is not just for players who are struggling, but also for those who want to improve their overall performance. Coaches and players have used mental training for years to gain a competitive edge in golf.
Confidence, trust, focus, and composure are the daily lessons I teach my students. Understanding these components allows players to become mentally strong and improve their performance.
To develop mental toughness in golf, there are several mental skills you can learn. Here are some tips:
- Focus on the present. Many golfers are already halfway through the course the moment they step onto the first tee. “If I could just start with three pars,” they think. “Then I can afford a couple of bogeys on those tough holes around the turn, and maybe grab one on the par 5 12th, since the wind should be behind us there.” Go step by step and don’t get ahead of yourself.
- Control your mind. If your mind is ahead of you, how can you focus on the immediate task—the shot you’re facing right now? You can’t control what will happen in 30 minutes or what happened 30 seconds ago. All you can do is focus on your next shot, chip, or putt and give it your best effort.
- Every shot is a new challenge. Each time you reach your ball, your goal is to get it into the hole from that position in the fewest strokes possible. Don’t think about what happened earlier or about worst-case scenarios—just focus on how to get the ball into the hole as efficiently as possible from where it lies.
- Never give up. Amateur golfers can be guilty of giving up on rounds too soon. Remember, you have a handicap that helps you, and your luck on the course can turn around with a good swing or a decent break.
Now you know how to practice golf: always remember that the mental and physical aspects of the sport are equally important.
