Questioning if Self-Centeredness Improves Golf Performance?
In the world of golf, maintaining a balance between focus and camaraderie can be a challenging task. Matt, a seasoned golfer, has found strategies that allow him to excel on the course while being a good companion to his playing partners.
Recently, Matt had a successful start at an event, making an eagle and a string of 10-12 foot putts, turning in one over. However, his back nine was a different story, with a +12 score that felt worse on the card than it looked on the course. It seems that his focus shifted from his game to helping his playing partners, a common issue when trying to strike a balance.
Matt's pupil has been focusing on the mental side of his game, including routine, acceptance, and trusting the process. One of the strategies he employs is the pre-shot routine. Before setting the golf bag down, he takes into account factors like wind, ideal shot placement, and ball position. The club is pointed at the mini target no more than a few inches in front of the ball, and the focus is maintained until the shot is completed. The club back in the bag signals the end of the shot, and Matt can then pay attention to his playing partners.
In challenging situations, like a struggling playing partner, Matt uses what he calls "parachute drills". These include hanging the arms down, rotating the body to release tension, and stretching to reset oneself mid-round. Breathing techniques, like rectangular breathing, can help steady the nerves both on and off the course, reducing the risk of panic and improving performance.
Matt also emphasises the importance of setting agreed-upon social norms for pace and conversation. This fosters both individual performance and pleasant group dynamics. Encouraging playing partners to perform similar drills can help alleviate their struggles and maintain balance within the group, but be careful not to cross the line into unsolicited advice.
It is possible to play great golf and still interact and help playing partners. However, some golfers refuse to play with beginners because they struggle to maintain focus on their own game. It is important to remember that one has the right to refuse playing with individuals with whom they do not play well.
In addition, introducing an anchor, such as a tap of a head cover, a click of fingers, or a specific phrase, can help initiate a consistent pre-shot routine. A short, sharp pre-shot routine can help maintain focus and improve performance.
Finally, having a picture in mind of where you want the ball to go before setting the golf bag down can help maintain focus. Matt learned this the hard way when he forgot to pull the pin out for his playing partners a couple of times.
In conclusion, Matt's strategies demonstrate that balancing focused golf practice with interaction among playing partners is achievable. By employing techniques like breathing exercises, pre-shot routines, and maintaining concentration during one's own shots, golfers can improve their performance while still enjoying the company of their playing partners.
