Do You Have the Confidence to Play Competitive Golf?

Competitive golfers are always in search of the elusive characteristic called confidence. For some, they had it and now have "lost it". Others, claim never to have had it, and aren't really sure what it is. Still more know what it is because they "see it in others", but don't think they have enough for themselves. Read about, watch, or listen to athletes as they talk about confidence, and how revered this trait is. The specific answer for optimal confidence is somewhat dependent on each person's own set of circumstances. Talent, opportunity, skill, luck, and many other factors can be plugged into the confidence equation. However, there are 4 steps you can use to instill the confidence of a championship golfer.

1. If you want to have the confidence of a champion, then begin training like a champion.

Confidence comes primarily from optimal preparation and a sense of having all the requisite tools in the toolbox to adequately address the competitive situations that might confront you. This means work hard on your technical, physical, and mental preparation, or be prepared to face the inevitable consequence of self-doubt and worry when faced with difficulty when performing.

2. Catch yourself doing things right.

Most of us, when asked, can recount a litany of things that we didn't do well the last time we were on the golf course. How many things can you recall that you did well? Most of us have expectations that we're supposed to do certain things when we compete, and fail to give ourselves the credit due when we do these (so-called) routine things. Every time you hit the drive into the fairway, make a four-foot putt, or hit a green in regulation is a positive accomplishment. How many deposits do you make in your confidence bank? If you're like most, you're certainly making plenty of withdrawals!

3. Strengthen your weaknesses.

Make an honest accounting of where you believe yourself to be weakest and do whatever it takes to improve. This can be a physical or mental area, and addressing the "weakest link" will boost your confidence. Virtually every player with whom I've worked has a particular area of his or her game that feels weak relative to the rest, and few people are willing to put in the extra time and energy to overcome this. It's usually more enjoyable and less frustrating to work on our strengths.

4. Measure yourself against your own criteria.

Many people allow their confidence to be shaken easily and quickly because of comparisons to others. How many of us have experienced the circumstance where we're feeling pretty good about our abilities, only to permit our egos to be bruised because someone else we see is faster, stronger, more consistent, or more proficient? This is toxic to our confidence, without regard to how we're performing. If, instead, we measure our performance based on our own realistic expectations and where we are developmentally, we are much less likely to be caught up in the race to be as good as someone else. Instead, we are in the race to improve ourselves and rely on our own standard to evaluate our gains and/or setbacks.

Jeff Troesch, MA, LMHC is an internationally recognized expert in the mental side of golf. As the former Director of Sport Psychology for the David Leadbetter Golf Academies, Jeff has worked with thousands of golfers nationwide and brings a wealth of experience to seasoned golf professionals as well as the recreational golf lover. You may contact Jeff directly through his website, http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.

---

Better Links Directory

Tips for Buying Used Golf Clubs

Used golf clubs can be great for those who are... Read More

Strength Training For Junior Golf

Much debate has occurred about kids and strength training. There's... Read More

Secret 7 Necessities for Great Golf

The game of golf can be difficult when you consider... Read More

The Reason Why Clone Golf Clubs Are Worth It

When it comes to choosing a new set up of... Read More

Golf Ideas Clone Golf Clubs Buyers Guide

The TruthLets be honest you decided to click on this... Read More

Golf Fitness: The Quickest Way To Play Better Golf

Golf has always been viewed as a game of leisure.... Read More

5 Keys to Mental Toughness for Junior Golfers

If you have any interest in seeing first hand the... Read More

How Different Courses Can Help You Become a Good Golf Player

Golf is an fulfilling and absorbing sport but, even so,... Read More

One Out of Two Golfers Will Have a Golf Swing Related Injury - Can You Prevent Yours?

I have a friend who blew out his ACL in... Read More

Using A Golf Swing Trainer May Surprise You

Many amateur golfers start out playing golf for fun. Most... Read More

Shoulder Exercises To Improve Your Game

Your shoulder strength and flexibility are essential to producing an... Read More

Are You Fully Benefiting From Your Golf Swing Training Videos

The golf swing is so central and so important to... Read More

Beginners Guide to Buying a Set of Golf Clubs

You walk in to a golf store and there are... Read More

The Worlds Elite Golf Courses

We all here different opinions of great challenging golf courses... Read More

Before Purchasing A Gift For A Golfer...Ask Yourself These 3 Questions

It should be rather clear to everybody that the gift... Read More

How To Create Better Shoulder Stability For Golf

Shoulder stability is essential to packing a powerful golf swing.... Read More

5 Best Uses for Hybrid Utility Clubs

Have you seen those new hybrid utility cubs? They are... Read More

Golf Exercise And Stretch Program For Total Golf Performance

Golf exercise and stretch. This is a combination I use... Read More

Golf Grub

GOLO GOLF GRUB Fuel for the golfer."A good diet can... Read More

Womens Golf Equality

Women have been trying for years to be viewed as... Read More

Mental Concentration, Golf, and You

All players, when they are concentrating on a stroke, are... Read More

Basic Golf Etiquette

Many golfers take to the sport without the basic understanding... Read More

Golf Equipment ? The Most Expensive Is Not Always Correct For You

The essentials of golf begin with the clubs you choose.... Read More

How A Golf Workout Routine Can Crush Your Competitors

A golf workout routine can be as simple as using... Read More

Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Reach

The perfect golf swing. Aren't we all look for it?... Read More