The Pressure Cooker of Golf
Golf is a demanding sport that is only getting tougher by the day. It requires peak physical condition, a strong mental game, and nerves of steel, especially when the stakes are high. Whether you are in contention for the win or fighting to make the cut, the pressure can be immense. I feel considering all this, Golf legend Jack Nicklaus rightly said, “The game of golf is 90% mental and 10% physical.” Am sure a lot of you will agree with the GOAT.
Over the past decade, I have closely observed countless rounds of amateur and professional golf. Often, I have seen the leaderboard dramatically changing on the back nine on the last day of the tournament. In many cases, it is a single thought that seems to trip up many talented golfers: “I can’t win this.” This defeatist attitude, the “I can’t win” mentality, has derailed many promising careers.
Having watched my son, Yuvraj Singh Sandhu, pursue a career in golf, I have been deeply invested in the mental side of the game. So, I thought, “What if we could change the narrative? and What if we flipped the script?”
Why the Doubt?
There are many reasons why golfers young or even seasoned ones feel like they cannot win. Maybe it is external pressure – wanting to win for parents, coaches, or friends. Maybe it is the sting of a past loss that keeps replaying in the head. Sometimes, it is simply the unknown – the pressure of playing competitive golf.
“Once you have reconnected with your ‘why,’ you can start building on that foundation piece by piece.”
How do we Cultivate a Winning Approach in Golf?
Developing a positive attitude and a successful mindset is crucial for achieving peak performance in golf. The good thing is that it is never too late and is always feasible to cultivate a winning approach. Winning starts way before the first swing of the tournament; In a way it starts in your mind when you are preparing during the off season. Well next thing is, how to trade “I can’t” for “I can definitely”. This transformation is also achievable if one identifies and thereafter follows a step-by-step process to make it happen. One such approach is discuPLAY: FREE ONLINE GAMEssed in the succeeding paras. Depending upon the level of a player and his style of play this process can be customised.
Identifying Your Intrinsic Motivation:
The cornerstone of this approach lies in establishing your “Why.” Is golf a deep passion for you? Do you find joy in the challenges it presents? Reconnecting with your core reasons for playing serves as a powerful motivator, diminishing self-doubt when the “Why” behind your efforts remains strong.
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Celebrating Incremental Progress:
Winning is fantastic, but what is more important is the journey of practice, consistent improvement, and the sheer joy of the game that truly matters. Hence the importance of celebrating small achievements – it may be holing that clutch putt, striking the ball off the Tee with a crispy sounding impact and effortless rhythmic swing like flowing water. Remember that every improvement, regardless of its scale or magnitude, takes you closer to your being in the winner’s circle.
Turn Up the Fun:
Continuous practice sessions can at times be boring and unproductive. So, with a tinge of imagination try and make your practice sessions fun! Compete with your friends, try new drills, new shots or challenge yourself with mini games. It is a human tendency that enjoyment keeps you coming back for more.
Learning from Setbacks:
Inevitably, everyone encounters challenging days on the golf course. Rather than dwelling on setbacks and cribbing, adopt a growth mindset. Analyse the positives and debrief with your coach or mentor to pinpoint areas for improvement. Leverage these experiences to fuel your practice sessions. This will help you to transform setbacks into opportunities for growth.
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The Power of Visualization:
Our subconscious mind holds immense power. Somehow this aspect is very rarely capitalised by the players. Regular visualisation of yourself sinking that crucial putt exudes confidence and composure on the golf course. This mental rehearsal goes a long way to fostering a sense of self-belief and resilience, thereby building a solid foundation for success.
Cultivating Excellence Through Deliberate and Sustainable Practice:
Build Your Dream Support System: Surround yourself with a powerful network of mentors, coaches, trainers and peers who see your potential. They will be your allies in crafting a clear and pragmatic training schedule. This plan will focus on honing your strengths and turning weaknesses into opportunities. Their realistic and timely feedback will be crucial for solidifying your progress and adjusting along the way. Ultimately, their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in you will fuel your motivation to push beyond your limits and achieve extraordinary things.
Structured Training: Focused practice sessions that are both challenging and achievable are the key. Consistent honing of skills fosters confidence and steady progress.
Optimizing Your Schedule: Prioritise dedicated practice time while maintaining a well-rounded approach that considers personal growth, family commitments, and the development of essential soft skills. This balance will fuel your motivation, help in overall development and minimise chances of burnout.
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Remember:
The journey from “can’t” to “can definitely” is a process. Embrace the challenge, celebrate every step, and trust in your own abilities. The winners’ circle awaits those who believe they can reach it. Now, step up to the tee and show them what you are made of!
About the author
Brig Balwinder Singh Sandhu (Retd) is a is a seasoned Indian Army veteran with a knack for storytelling. He brings his unique perspective to both the regimented world of the Armed Forces and the world of golf, weaving in colorful anecdotes from his experiences.
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