Improve your
golfing IQ with
smarter thinking

Improve your
golfing IQ
with smarter
thinking

How can Smarter Thinking improve your golf game?

In a recent (2023) survey, 85% of golfers reported that they worry about their performance ahead of a round and almost 98% feel their golf is regularly negatively impacted by their mental thought patterns. Some of the biggest fears expressed were nerves off the tee and fear of failure, which generally arise from unproductive ways of thinking, either about our self, or others.

Addressing these unproductive thoughts directly, Andy developed a unique, single-session intervention that achieved measurable improvements in performance, reductions in social anxiety and the improvement of psychological wellbeing:

Bowman, AW and Turner, MJ (2022) When time is of the essence: The use of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) informed single-session therapy (SST) to alleviate social and golf-specific anxiety, and improve well-being and performance, in amateur golfers. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 60. p. 102167. ISSN1469-0292 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102167

Focus on the process, not the results

Your goal for any round of golf should never be a good score. The more you focus on the result, the more you focus on something uncertain.

When you focus on uncertainty, your brain prepares for potential threats by triggering the “stress response”. You’ll know this as nerves, tension, confusion and bad golf. Also, when you’re focused on a (future) outcome you’re no longer “present” which is where you need to be to play your best.

To access your best skills, especially under pressure, it helps to set goals that are completely within your control i.e., there’s complete certainty about whether you can achieve them or not – this is where Smarter Thinking can help. During our sessions, we’ll work together to understand your unique areas for growth and help improve the following:

Mental
Skills

We can teach you how to enhance your mental skills such as visualisation, goal-setting, and self-talk. Visualisation allows you to mentally rehearse your shots, improving your ability to execute them accurately on the course. Goal-setting helps you set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your game, providing direction and motivation. Self-talk involves using positive affirmations and constructive inner dialogue to stay focused and confident during play.

Managing
Pressure

Golf can be a mentally demanding sport, especially in high-pressure or stressful situations such as competitions or critical shots. We can teach you strategies to manage stress and anxiety, enabling you to stay calm and composed under pressure. Techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you regulate your emotions and maintain optimal performance levels.

Building
Confidence

Confidence is a key determinant of success in golf. We can help you develop and maintain confidence by identifying and challenging negative beliefs or self-doubt. We can also assist you in building a strong mental game plan tailored to your strengths, enabling you to approach each shot with belief in your abilities.

Improving
Focus

Maintaining focus and concentration throughout a round of golf is essential for consistent performance. We can teach you techniques to enhance your attentional control, such as focusing on the present moment, using pre-shot routines, and practicing mindfulness. By staying focused on the task at hand and minimizing distractions, you can improve your shot-making and decision-making on the course.

Overcoming
Adversity

Every golfer experiences periods of poor performance or setbacks. We can help you navigate these challenges by providing support, perspective, and strategies for overcoming slumps or adversity. We can assist you in reframing negative experiences, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a resilient mindset to bounce back stronger.

Effective
Practice

Developing effective practice habits is essential for improvement in golf, but not all practice is equally effective. We can help you develop structured, purposeful practice routines that target specific areas for improvement. By incorporating mental skills training into your practice regimen, you can maximize the effectiveness of your training sessions and transfer your skills more effectively to competitive situations.

Working with Smarter Thinking can provide you with the mental tools and strategies necessary to optimise your performance, manage the psychological challenges of the game, and ultimately achieve your goals in golf.

We look forward to speaking with you and learning more about your game and how we can help you achieve your goals.

Lets Talk

Quick Links

Contact

Scroll to Top