The Mental Angle Of Golf

Even though you may spend many hours each week practicing golf, there comes a time when you will have to take what you've learned on the practice range out on the course. It's at this point that the emphasis shifts from the physical to the mental side of the game. Out on the course, the golfer's mental processes kick into gear and it's at this time that the results of any mental training or lack of it will show up.

The reality is that very little time is actually spent golfing! When you think about it, the golfer is only over the ball for a matter of seconds and the swing itself only takes less than a few seconds. Most of the time on the course the golfer is walking, riding, talking, standing, or looking (for the ball). Think about how little time is actually spent playing golf. A round of golf should take approximately 4 hours to complete (even though it may seem more like 5 hours). When you think about it, the percentage of time spent hitting the ball might be say 3% to 5% of the total time for the round.

Since so little time on the golf course is spent participating in the physical part of the game, there is much time for the mental angle or psychological aspect of the game to influence and affect the golfer. Golfers have been known to use mental trainers or mental coaches to help them perform at their best. Professional golfers in increasing numbers are seeking professional help to increase their mental toughness in tournaments and are becoming involved in sports psychology programs.

One of the greatest golfers of all time, Jack Nicklaus, believed the mental side of the game was very important. He not only used mental toughness on the course, but he was known for his positive attitude and ability to concentrate. Mr. Nicklaus would visualize the shot he wanted to make and even how he was going to accomplish it.

It's amazing to see how highly educated professional people such as doctors, lawyers, and college professors come unglued out on the golf course. People who in an office setting would never think of blurting out obscenities or throwing a book across the room only need minor circumstances go against them to throw a club or curse up a storm. These actions only prove the point about how important having mental control is to the game.

As important as practicing the game of golf is, the mental aspect of golf is just as important when it comes to shooting your best score.