The Mental Part Matters
by Dr. T. J. Tomasi, Keiser University College of Golf Senior Faculty and Director of Research
The most striking finding of a study of how 18 good players handle stress is not that they all used intervention techniques with varying degrees of success but how little attention they devoted to preparation in the form of mental practice. The study was conducted jointly with Dr. Adam Nicholls from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom and Dr. Nick Holt of the University of Alberta.
“We (the researchers) thought at this level they would already be aware of the importance of coping with stress,” said a surprised Dr. Nick Holt, who headed up the study. “In many sports, people focus on the technical side, and the mental side is neglected. But like technical skills, you must learn and practice mental skills. If you look at the best golfers – people like Tiger Woods – they are renowned for a powerful mentality. They can cope well with stress.”
Takeaway: In a game like golf, where much of success depends on using one’s brain, the approach too many golfers take to the mental side is a “hands-off” approach; aka, “it is what it is.” Golfers will practice their swings, and some understand the importance of the short game; however, working on mental skills doesn’t appear on the radar for too many. How many players do you know who divide their practice time something like this: 20 minutes on the driver, 15 minutes on the irons, 30 minutes on short game, and 25 minutes on brain running? Not many, and yet there is no quicker way to ruin your golf day than a crimp in your brain running operation.
This young pro has only one person watching, but before she becomes a top-flight player, she’ll have to learn to play in front of thousands – and it’s a skill as important as any part of the golf swing. Remember, as you develop your game – play golf, not “what will people think of me.”
Even the pros are part of Tiger’s gallery. All the successful pros have learned how to neutralize the stress of a gallery – it’s just one part of running your golf brain.
If you’d like to study with Dr. Tomasi and other PGA Master Professionals, contact The College of Golf today.
