Anxiety

Is anxiety a big factor in golf: yes! Often, we hear golfers say, "I make a great practice swing, but when the ball is there, I make a different move!" That's one of the most accurate golf comments of all time. Normally, golf phrases developed over time, are not worth the breath to speak them, but that one is accurate What changes when the ball is set in front of you? The anxiety level appears and we tighten up. Another accurate phrase; "tighten up", thereby topping the ball!

One way to fight anxiety AND hit better shots is to rethink your focus. It's logical to look at the ball, you're already facing it at address. It's logical to then swing at that ball you're facing. It's logical to swing AT it, not through it, since it's your target. BUT, IT"S NOT YOUR TARGET!!! For righthanded golfers the target; flag, fairway whatever, is on our left and we must move to our left as we do throwing a ball or punch. I always mention to golfers my experience with blind golfers. They have an edge over those of us who can see the ball. They are target, not ball focused!!! They play great golf............! Everything you do in the pre shot routine is target oriented; club selection, target determination, grip, alignment, stance and ball position, then we change our focus to hitting the ball rather than the target we just were engaged with.

After we get adept at focusing on target and hitting quality shots in normal play, we attempt tournament golf. Moving from swinging with no ball to ball, then with ball on the range to ball on the golf course, are anxiety fraught arenas. Once we enter the world of tournament golf, the level intensifies big time. Even scramble style events make folks very nervous. Once you add level of play demands, people watching, scoreboards and official scorecards, the world becomes a dizzying place for many competitors and they often end the round by telling the scorekeeper it's the highest score they've ever shot.

I have arrived at big pro ams which are to be locally televised and had my playing partner amateurs see the tv trucks, crowds of spectators etc. and tell me they're not getting out of the car! The stories go on, too many to share here and now. This is why we need a timed out, short routine that is the game plan for every swing you make. Routine, as in military training, breeds confidence while keeping you focused.

As with most obstacles in life, if we continue to deal with them positively, there is success at the end. We can learn to handle anxiety through repetition of practicing, playing and competing.

I usually end my commentary with the recommendation of a lesson, but this time I recommend you play in golf tournaments. As with all the sports we've played, the tension sometimes yields to victory and the resulting relief, sense of pride and accomplishment is enormous. Keep, playing, continue competing.