The last few years have been good for me. My golf game has continued to improve and I have found a way to play consistently. For the most part I enjoy golf more and I’ve had my fair share of success.
But you can’t win all the time…
My last few matches for my golf team have been a bit of a let down. Not because I didn’t play well but because I didn’t win. Although it’s been a difficult lesson for me to learn, I now realise that I can do everything correctly but still hit poor shots and lose matches. Automatic and natural playing is not a miracle cure. It maximises your chances of playing well (winning) but it doesn’t guarantee it!
My confession today is that I haven’t been the best golfer I can be. Although I have been playing well – I’ve let myself and others down with my poor attitude and frustration. I’ve been expecting to hit the perfect shot at the perfect time. This is not realistic and is putting extra pressure and strain on my system.
Expecting miracles to happen is emotional evaluation. Emotional evaluation is letting your emotions and feelings override what reality is. When things don’t match this unrealistic reality you can feel angry, frustrated or worse.
I’ve taken my eye off the ball and stopped playing golf. I’ve been expecting things to go my way and when they haven’t my frustration and stress levels have risen. By expecting too much I have not been able to handle bad bounces, poor luck and the rub of the green.
To play your best golf you need some emotional detachment to what you’re doing. By letting go of all the baggage, expectations and stories you can break free and experience your best golf. It’s not an easy thing to do but something well worth the effort.
Good golfing,
Cameron
Dear golfer,
Pennant golf started in Melbourne yesterday. Pennant golf consists of playing a golfer of similar standard in match play over a neutral course. For amateur golfers it’s a rare chance to experience team golf, have a caddy and play in front of a (small) crowd.
The pressure is intense. Ryder Cup players say the pressure of that event steps up a notch or two, it’s the same in Pennant. The pressure and nerves are greater than most other golf that we play.
Learning to cope with the pressure is the difference between winning and losing. The best and most experienced players are able to manage the nerves, anxiety and fear and come out on top more of than not. I think this skill and ability is the ultimate one – more important than golf swing technique or a good putting stroke.
Learning to manage the pressure starts with an understanding of the automatic process. It’s like a 15th club or having an unfair advantage.
Standing on the 1st tee yesterday I could feel the nerves and the pressure kick in. Unlike in years gone by I did not panic. I relaxed, calmed my mind and got into the present. This enables me to control those uncomfortable feelings for the duration of the shot. I’m not thinking about the score, my swing or my opponent. I’m playing golf. And playing golf is all I can do.
When my first tee shot sailed long and straight a sense of relief and euphoria surged through my body. When my approach shot nestled close to the pin I had won the first hole.
I repeat the process shot after shot. This maximises my chances of playing my best golf. I have long since given up trying to make perfect swings. I let my subconscious take over as it knows best. I have learned to get out of my own way and go along for the ride.
When you hit a wonderful shot under pressure your confidence grows. When you keep doing it you will play your best golf. It’s like magic. Some people call it “the zone”.
Standing on the 9th tee I was 6 up. I had played faultless golf and my confidence and enjoyment where sky high. My goal in this situation is to follow the process. I wouldn’t change my routine for anything! This has been the hardest thing for me to learn. I don’t feel sorry for my opponent or think about the score. I keep playing. Playing automatically.
When I birdied the 9th and 10th holes I went to 8 up. I closed out the match shortly after.
Despite the nerves and extra pressure I had played a remarkable game of golf. I also experienced the magic and fun of the automatic process – and this is better than just about anything.
If you haven’t experienced remarkable golf, struggle under pressure or your game is stuck in a rut then I recommend you change your approach. What have you got to lose?
Learning to play automatically is not a trick or gimmick. It also doesn’t guarantee you’ll play your best golf, it just maximises it – but when you’re on you’re remarkable and remarkable golf is so much better than good. Remarkable golf is the opposite of good golf! Something to think about…
Good golfing,
Cameron
