Is it essential to possess a selfish mindset to excel in golf?

In the world of golf, success often lies not only in the swing of the club but also in the mindset of the player. Matt, a seasoned golfer, recently experienced this firsthand during a tournament.

Matt started the event with a bang, an eagle on the short par-4 4th and a string of 10-12 foot putts. However, his focus shifted from his game to helping his playing partners find lost balls, a well-intentioned act that negatively impacted his performance.

The pre-shot routine is a crucial aspect of golf, and Matt's poor back nine performance, with a +12 score, was a result of rushing and skipping parts of his routine under pressure. A short, sharp pre-shot routine can help maintain focus and avoid taking too long over a shot.

To play great golf and still interact with playing partners, Matt's pupil has been focusing on the mental side of his game. He has been practicing techniques like visualization before each shot to maintain focus while remaining present, adopting a relaxed attitude by appreciating his swing rather than obsessing over results, and using breathing exercises or yoga for mental calmness.

However, it's essential to be mindful of unsolicited advice, as it can potentially worsen a playing partner's situation. Encouraging playing partners to perform similar drills can help lessen their woes and restore balance within the group. If playing partners are struggling, one can perform "parachute drills" to regain focus, such as hanging the arms down and rotating the body to swing tension away and clear the head.

Being aware of one's strategies and having the ability to say no to players one doesn't play well with can help find a balance between being great company and playing one's best. Some golfers refuse to play with beginners because they struggle to maintain focus on their own game.

Matt's experience highlights the importance of balancing concentration on one's own golf game with interaction with playing partners. It's possible to play great golf and still help one's partners, provided one maintains a short, sharp pre-shot routine, practices mental techniques, and adopts a relaxed attitude.

The club going back into the bag signals the end of the shot, and one can use a ritual, like re-tapping the head cover, to close off the zone. Before setting the golf bag down, one should take into account factors like wind, ideal shot placement, and ball lying position.

In conclusion, mindful golfing is about finding the right balance between focus and interaction. By following these tips, golfers can enjoy a successful round on the course and a pleasant experience off it.