QuadCityDiscGolf.com
Site Map | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Copyright © 2008 QuadCityDiscGolf.Com. All rights reserved.
BACK
HOME
BACK TO TOP
By Joan King
  1. Don't prejudge the outcome. The difference between pros and amateurs is that amateurs fixate on the trouble to hit into. The amateur rushes the swing trying to get it over with, or thinks so much about his mechanics that he freezes over the ball.
  2. Create your own success. The golf course is not the source of your problems. The way you perceive the golf course is your problem. When Morgan Pressel played in the LPGA Women's Open for the first time at age 13, she perceived the gallery lining the fairways as silent trees that would not distract her. See the bunkers as defining the boundaries of golf course for you, not as hazards that are going to "trap" you.
  3. Take the time to prepare yourself to hit the shot. Create your reality by visualizing your perfect swing and telling yourself to trust your swing. Allow the swing to happen instead of making it happen by steering the club.
  4. Acknowledge your fear. Feeling nervous is normal on the first tee shot or when people are watching. Swing your club to release the tension until you can "feel" your smooth, effortless swing. Aim and align yourself carefully. The knowledge that you are square to the ball will make you feel more confident. Visualize your target and swing to it. As Harvey Pennick said, "Take dead aim" (on your target). Just before swinging, take in a deep abdominal breath to calm and focus yourself in the process of swinging the club back and through.
  5. Feel the fear and do it anyway. The true meaning of courage is to be afraid, but to step out and risk failure even though your hands and knees are shaking. If you don't make this bold move to believe in yourself and your ability, fear can immobilize you. Swing with authority as if you aren't afraid. Breathe deeply to reduce the tension. Tension and timidity will cause the ball to fall short, possibly into more trouble.
  6. Let fear be your ally. Know that fear is a reaction to holding on to feelings that are based on assumptions of what happened in the past and might happen again. Decide that overcoming fear can make you stretch and reach your fullest potential
  7. Believe in yourself and in your ability. The ultimate fear of most golfers is self-doubt: the "what will they think of me" need for approval. When you require no approval from outside yourself, you own yourself.

Seven Ways To Beat Fear On The Course