Keep things simple When I play great golf, it is largely because I keep things really simple during my round.
I do not focus on any technical aspect of my swing, but only think of one or two swing thoughts before hitting a shot.
I may tell myself to 'grip the club softly' for example or 'hold your follow-through until the ball has landed'.
It is up to you to work out which swing thoughts (no more than two!) will help you perform the best on any given day.
Once you have decided on your swing thoughts, keep things simple.
Stick to your pre-shot routine, think you swing thoughts and swing with confidence.
Think your way around the course It is crucial to keep thinking your way around the golf course, in order to make quality decisions, before deciding the type of shot to play and the type of club to use.
Here are a few things you can do: 1.
Play your first tee shot in your head Get off to a good start and visualise your 1st shot (and every other shot!), before stepping onto the 1st tee.
It is very important to start off with a positive mental attitude.
Too many amateurs almost expect to hit a poor 1st shot, but you must take a different approach! 2.
Do not turn one bad shot into two bad shots If you find your ball in the trees and stay in the trees after your first attempt at a miracle escape shot, do not try the same miracle shot again! Make a quality decision and hit the ball out safely onto the fairway.
3.
Play the percentages You don't always need to hit your driver off the tee.
If on a short par 4 for example, rather hit the ball safely onto the fairway with a 5-iron than getting into trouble with your driver.
It is all about playing shots which you can execute well, 90 percent of the time.
There is no point in playing risky shots, which you may only execute well 10 percent of the time.