Relax and Play Better Golf

Golf is interesting because it doesn't use a standardized playing field or arena. It also doesn't have umpires or referees. So, a golfer, for the most part, is left on his or her own to self officiate.

The popularity of the sport cannot be overstated. Millions gain enjoyment from participating in, or simply watching golf. Golf is a great game that popularized terms such as, tee, birdie, bogie and divot. Speaking of divots, I have a friend, Fred, who told me he thinks golf is not so much a sport as an assault on a lawn.

Golf always seems to remain in vogue and a player's game can peek at any age. There is no age limit in golf and many people start golfing after retirement. Fred says he's noticed professional golfers don't get old and retire and then play football for fun. I think Fred has a point here

Today's Equipment

Today's golf balls, and clubs for that matter, are souped up versions of their predecessors from the early days of golf. Today's equipment improves the golfer's chances of controlling his shots as well as adding distance to them.

Everyone seems to be happy with the modern livelier golf balls. Everyone except Fred, that is. He says that the problem with the game of golf is the ball is round and it's liable to roll anywhere!

Practice

They say practice makes perfect, but practice, of course, can be work. Do all you can to make your practice sessions fun. If you are working during practice you are fighting yourself. This cuts off the creative flow of energy that is needed to develop your skills. When you are relaxed this flow of energy is unimpeded.

It is while relaxing you should be practicing improving your techniques. Improvement isn't accomplished by thinking about what you've been doing wrong but by concentrating on the proper fundamentals. Finding the flaws in your game and being shown the proper fundamentals that will overcome them will require the assistance of a coach. He or she can let you know the proper techniques you should be practicing.

Fred said he is practicing losing fewer balls. He thinks he can accomplish this by using his putter on every shot. He also says he prefers bowling because he hasn't lost too many bowling balls, so far!

Driving

Driving is a skill that comes most naturally to a golfer because usually, a drive doesn't require any touch. It just requires a certain set swing. Some good advice would be to not try to out drive someone in order to make yourself look like a "big hitter." In other words, keep within yourself. Trying to drive the ball for a record distance is counter productive to your game because it encourages tightening up. A good swing is always a relaxed swing. Distance will come as your fundamentals improve.

Fred told me his longest drive came when he drove from Bangor to Chesapeake City to play a round. He also told me the drive took less time than the round of golf.

Putting, Confidence and Relaxation

Putting is a huge part of the game of golf. Most golfers can shave strokes off their scores by becoming better putters. Those who are best at putting are very good at relaxing. They also don't lack for confidence. In fact, confidence and relaxation are the two most important keys to putting.

Many golfers have lost confidence simply by overanalyzing their mistakes. When you dwell on your mistakes you have no choice but to lose confidence. As an old standard refrains "accentuate the positive." You are not your mistakes. Everybody makes them. Shake off your mistakes and go on.

Here's how relaxation plays its vital roll in putting and just about anything for that matter. It is difficult to be confidant when you are worrying and it is difficult to worry when you are relaxed. Worrying brings about negative thoughts and relaxation brings about positive thoughts.

Fred told me he has instilled positive thinking into his game. Now, he says, instead of being afraid he will end up in the bunker, he is positive he will!

The Prescription for Success

Try to keep it all in perspective, good scores are the goal in the game of golf, but they are not what the game is all about. Try not to be so score oriented you forget that golf is a game and you play games for enjoyment.

Adding the stress brought about by trying to play the perfect round will stop and possibly reverse any progress you may be making in the sport. This happens because all motor skills are performed at the subconscious level. Over thinking brings you into the realm of total consciousness where it is impossible to perform at your best.

So, relax and play better golf. If you have been struggling or if you believe you have room for improvement, try to develop an "I don't care" attitude. Try to develop and genuinely use this attitude for at least two months. You may be surprised at the results.

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