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.

---

Learning To Play Golf With Fitness

Learning to play golf has now become the pursuit of... Read More

Tips For Correcting A Golf Slice

Correcting a golf slice is the fastest way to shave... Read More

Golf Humor Examines Golf Emotions:- Are We Just A Bunch Of Cry Babies?

Let's examine an aspect of the game that I find... Read More

How to Win at Golf

What's the point of playing sport if you don't want... Read More

Pull, Push or Carry? I?ll Carry My Golf Clubs Thanks

I love to play golf and I love to walk... Read More

Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Reach

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

The Proper Golf Swing Technique

There is no doubt that the proper golf swing technique... Read More

Create A Gift Basket For A Golfer Lover!

The choice of what gift to give your family and... Read More

Golf Nutrition Is Not An Oxymoron - Listen Up

Golf nutrition is still a relatively new concept. However, everybody... Read More

Top 14 Tips for Selecting A Golf School

With the increase in number of schools for learning Golf,... Read More

How Fitness Has Changed The Face Of The PGA Tour

Professional golfers on the tour today are approaching fitness as... Read More

Natural Golf Tips

Golf tips are often welcomed by the most avid of... Read More

Golf Specific Weight Training...Dont Fear It

The fascinating thing about golf-specific weight training is that despite... Read More

How The Golfer Elbow Can Be Avoided And Cured

The golfer elbow is very similar to the tennis elbow... Read More

How to Maximize Your Distance by Hitting Triples Instead of Home Runs

This lesson is entitled, "How to Maximize your Distance by... Read More

Basic Golf Etiquette

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

A Valuable Golf Exercise In Your Office When You Have A Moment

Golf exercise is not necessarily in a gym. Getting creative... Read More

Watch the Pros Play Golf

You can check out a pro golf swing on video... Read More

Will You Have The Time For Your Golf Training Exercise

Modern living is such that many amateur golfers fear golf... Read More

How To Achieve The Proper Golf Swing

Every golfer wants to know the magic secret to achieving... Read More

Do You Fear Golf Weight Training Programs

In a sport that hardly has any controversies; few issues... Read More

Essential Information on Choosing the Best Golf Clubs to Suit Your Game

Most golfers, whether a beginner or a pro, struggle when... Read More

The Most Useful Driver Golf Swing Tip

A very important driver golf swing tip to constantly bear... Read More

Online Golf Lessons Save Time And Can Be A Great Help

Online golf lessons have grown tremendously in popularity, for the... 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 To Improve Your Golf Swing Timing

Golf swing timing is a key factor in being able... Read More

How A Golf Stretching Routine Can Impact Your Game Quickly

Even as you read this article, golf stretching routines continue... Read More

Why Exercise Is The Key To The Correct Golf Swing Release

A poor golf swing release has been one of the... Read More

Understanding The Rotary Nature Of A Golf Swing

A careful and close study of the golf swing will... Read More

Why Tiger Woods Golf Swing Technique Is So Effective

Golf sensation Tiger Woods' golf swing technique has been the... Read More

Baggin It Right...Raises Your Game

Even the most casual of golfers needs a golf bag.... Read More

Choosing the Right Golf Clubs

Planning on becoming the next Tiger Woods? If so, the... Read More

Using A Golf Fitness Video Will Save Time And Improve Your Game

Using a golf fitness video is a great alternative to... Read More