What Are You Saying to Yourself on the Golf Course?

Language is powerful. Words matter. Words change our brain activity and control our behaviors. Words impact on our golf swing – for better or worse. We have a choice in the words we use. The use of “positive performance” words and the avoidance of “self sabotaging” words is an important golf skill.

Negative words create or reinforce poor performance. It’s the same whether you say the words out loud, mutter them quietly , or just think them.

How often do you say some of the following?

I Stink; Another awful shot; I’ll probably miss this; I can’t handle pressure; Oh no, not a sand trap; I should quit this game;

I can’t hit this club; This shot is impossible; My mind is gone; Here comes another 3-putt; I hate this hole; This rough is too long;

There goes my round; Don’t hit it in the water; It’s too (rainy, cold, hot, windy).

Words like these create problems, and every time we repeat them, we reinforce the worst part of ourselves.

So, what should you do instead? STOP! Substitute something positive.

Instead of reflexively speaking negatively, substitute something positive. Here are some example to consider:

• I’ve still got more to learn.

• Not every day is going to be wonderful; what should I do now to get back on track?

• This hole is always a challenge for me. I am going to figure out and use a strategy that works better.

• I will work more on the range with this club and put it away for the rest of this round.

• Golf is an outdoor game. Let’s see if I can figure out how to better manage in these conditions.

• I accept that I may not score as well when conditions are challenging, that’s OK. It's hard on everyone else too.

• Long rough is part of golf. Let me make sure I hit the shot I am capable of making, even if it means wedging out back to the fairway. It feels good to make good decisions.

• If I re-commit to my pre-shot routine, I can make this shot.

• This spot is challenging. Let me figure out my best option and then enjoy playing this game.

• When I stick to my putting routine, line things up, and stick to my tempo, these putts go in.

• I can get out of these negative feelings with mindful breathing.

• Pressure is a challenge for even the best players in the world. I can do well by calming my breathing.

• Instead of “What if I miss?” I will think “What do I do now?”

• Sand traps can be a challenge. I will stick to my process, accept the outcome, and take away something I learned.

• What can I learn from what just happened?

As simple-minded as it seems, avoiding negative self-talk and using your personal positive alternatives will help you play better golf. Working on your words is as important as working on your swing.