David, I’ll agree that the mind, body, and emotions are always at play on the golf course, or anywhere else. But which one of the three elements is the most important to good results, is the question.. I would think that varies from person to person. A positive attitude, emotion, will not produce a good result if the body is producing a poor golf swing. The golfer must be convinced, ( mind), to give into the proper technique, which creates good swings, and better results. I frequently begin a round in a positive mood, which turns to anger when the first few holes are double bogeys or worse. Finally, I’ve decided the results will be poor unless I give into a new CONSISTENT technique, as taught by Paul. So, I guess what I’m saying is there is a sequence that must be satisfied for good results: the commitment of the mind, followed by the teaching of the body, followed by the confidence everything will work. Maybe my practical electrical engineering degree is getting in the way of my emotional logic, but that’s the way I see it.
Thank you for your reply!
You stated
“I would think that varies from person to person. A positive attitude, emotion, will not produce a good result if the body is producing a poor golf swing”
I’d add…the body is not producing a “poor” swing on it’s own…it’s doing BECAUSE of the improper use of mind/emotions. A golfer can “appear” to have a positive attitude but what matters most is what;s truly happening “inside” (beliefs,etc.). The body is merely responding to the mind/emotions we have.
It’s all connected and they are all impacting each other.
G’day David,
What a concise talk on the subject. Every shot we take, we walk up to the ball saying “I hope it is playable”, then we asses the lie, the direction we want the ball to go, how we are going to play the shot. What is the risk? What is the reward? How confident we are, how much doubt we have.
I hear some guy cursing on the next fairway, I have a colourful turn of phrase myself – at times. Am I affected by the other guy?
A very few players have minds like a steel trap. I used to be put off by helicopters, they were important way back, I think I am less distracted by them now.
OKAY DAVID,DOWN TO BRASS TACKS,I’VE BEEN TOLD OVER AND OVER THAT I THINK TOO MUCH B4 EVERY SHOT,I.E,,IS THE GRIP CORRECT,THE STANCE ,THE BALL POSITION,THE ADDRESS,THE BODY TILT,ETC,ETC,IN OTHER WORDS,I AM OVERUSING THE MIND,SO NOW,HOW IN HELL,DO I STOP OVERTHINKING EVERY SINGLE THING IN GOLF—Y’KNOW,DONT THINK ABOUT ANYTHING,JUST STEP UP AND HIT IT!!!
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4 Responses to “How Much of the Game Is Mental”
November 19, 2013
RonCalabreseDavid, I’ll agree that the mind, body, and emotions are always at play on the golf course, or anywhere else. But which one of the three elements is the most important to good results, is the question.. I would think that varies from person to person. A positive attitude, emotion, will not produce a good result if the body is producing a poor golf swing. The golfer must be convinced, ( mind), to give into the proper technique, which creates good swings, and better results. I frequently begin a round in a positive mood, which turns to anger when the first few holes are double bogeys or worse. Finally, I’ve decided the results will be poor unless I give into a new CONSISTENT technique, as taught by Paul. So, I guess what I’m saying is there is a sequence that must be satisfied for good results: the commitment of the mind, followed by the teaching of the body, followed by the confidence everything will work. Maybe my practical electrical engineering degree is getting in the way of my emotional logic, but that’s the way I see it.
Thanks, Ron
November 19, 2013
David BreslowHi Ron,
Thank you for your reply!
You stated
“I would think that varies from person to person. A positive attitude, emotion, will not produce a good result if the body is producing a poor golf swing”
I’d add…the body is not producing a “poor” swing on it’s own…it’s doing BECAUSE of the improper use of mind/emotions. A golfer can “appear” to have a positive attitude but what matters most is what;s truly happening “inside” (beliefs,etc.). The body is merely responding to the mind/emotions we have.
It’s all connected and they are all impacting each other.
November 19, 2013
BenG’day David,
What a concise talk on the subject. Every shot we take, we walk up to the ball saying “I hope it is playable”, then we asses the lie, the direction we want the ball to go, how we are going to play the shot. What is the risk? What is the reward? How confident we are, how much doubt we have.
I hear some guy cursing on the next fairway, I have a colourful turn of phrase myself – at times. Am I affected by the other guy?
A very few players have minds like a steel trap. I used to be put off by helicopters, they were important way back, I think I am less distracted by them now.
November 19, 2013
richmosneyOKAY DAVID,DOWN TO BRASS TACKS,I’VE BEEN TOLD OVER AND OVER THAT I THINK TOO MUCH B4 EVERY SHOT,I.E,,IS THE GRIP CORRECT,THE STANCE ,THE BALL POSITION,THE ADDRESS,THE BODY TILT,ETC,ETC,IN OTHER WORDS,I AM OVERUSING THE MIND,SO NOW,HOW IN HELL,DO I STOP OVERTHINKING EVERY SINGLE THING IN GOLF—Y’KNOW,DONT THINK ABOUT ANYTHING,JUST STEP UP AND HIT IT!!!