Re: Attitude on the tee box

Hi Robert,

This is truely a hard one to give advice on as peoples attitude and mental state vary from one to another. What you have to ask yourself is why this is effecting me. I know what my faults are and hopefully by telling you they might be able to shed some light on to your mental focus.

Mind Fault 1) Knowing that people are watching me tee off (Mainly on 1st tee as everyones usually waiting there)

How I correct my mind - If playing in a comp say a four ball then I try and go 3rd, why 3rd you may ask. Well You have seen two people drive the tee and if someone duff's it up before you it gives you confidence and also the presure of going last is not upon you. Also on the first tee I tend to only do a 3/4 swing with my driver under control and not beet the hell out of it (this is another of my faults). If I am by myself then slow my swing right down so that I concentrate on hitting it correctly.

Mind Fault 2) Presure shots to get distance. These by far are the worst as you know you need a good drive / first shot so you end you trying to give it your maximum, smash the ball to smitherines swing. Of course this results in you being very tense in the arms and body i.e. just think what its like when your angry. This is no good at all as your swing just go's to pots.

My mind correct - I do a lot of controlled breathing which I learn't from doing karate i.e. Inhale on your back swing then exhale on your down swing. It takes practice but I find it very useful as it focuses my mind.
I also before any tee shot always take a drink of water just to relax me.

Hope it gives you some insight but most of all the best bit of advice is don't let it worry you as you will find your setup routine and rythem.

Cheers
Mark

Re: Attitude on the tee box

hi robert,
i think sometimes we can get too intense over this game i am the same!
marks makes a lot of good comments in his post but as ive posted this morning ive just had my best round ever due to having a slightly apathetic approach to the game.
ive got so naffed off with playing in wind and rain and soggy conditions wearing 3 layers of clothes and generally playing badly that on saturday where im normally raring to play i could have took it or left it and the approach worked i was really relaxed and everything was very fluid. i didnt have a million swing thoughts in my head and after being par after the first 4 holes i knew i was on for a good round.
try it mate you never know BTW my confidence was so low i would freeze over the ball for about 5 or 6 seconds