Keeping negative thoughts out?

[mddubya]

Ok, I'm seriously getting desperate here. I just played my 4th tournament about an hour ago and shot a glorious 104! Every shot that I screwed up on, every single bad shot, I let a negative thought creep into my head. Don't top it, of course, I'd top it. Don't pull it, bingo, huge pull to the left. Don't $kank it, I thought this twice and did it both times. Ect.............., ect.... You get the picture. I stuck to my pre-shot routine on every shot, and the majority of the time I kept my thoughts positive and made some great shots, even a couple of amazing ones. So short of hypnosis, how do you keep the negative thoughts out? I've read "Golf is Not a Game of Perfect", I guess I need to read it again? Any advice anyone?

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by mddubya

Ok, I'm seriously getting desperate here. I just played my 4th tournament about an hour ago and shot a glorious 104! Every shot that I screwed up on, every single bad shot, I let a negative thought creep into my head. Don't top it, of course, I'd top it. Don't pull it, bingo, huge pull to the left. Don't $kank it, I thought this twice and did it both times. Ect.............., ect.... You get the picture. I stuck to my pre-shot routine on every shot, and the majority of the time I kept my thoughts positive and made some great shots, even a couple of amazing ones. So short of hypnosis, how do you keep the negative thoughts out? I've read "Golf is Not a Game of Perfect", I guess I need to read it again? Any advice anyone?

The best way to ward off negative thoughts is to consciously choose positive thoughts. Instead of saying "don't top it,"
you should look at your target and talk yourself through a positive outcome. Tell yourself before each shot something like, "OK, start the ball right at the left edge edge of the bunker, and let the wind bring it in. One bounce and it's right there." See it, feel it, do it.

[ezra76]

Make the swing to hit the ball online with the target. Also never hit a shot you aren't committed you. If you don't "know" exactly what the ball is going to do, how do expect it to do it?

[juniortodd46]

I personally draw a line about 3 ft behind the ball. Before I cross that line I decide where to hit the ball and take a practice swing. Then, I walk up to the ball and hit it. It's helped me tons in the mis hit dept.

[extremeVFT03]

here lately i have been playing some of my best golf. i think it is mainly due to my new preshot routine. i just look at what i have decided what i want the ball to do sometimes bad thoughts get in my head but this is all behind the ball. ill swing two or three quick swings while I'm thinking this then step to the ball and get set and hit. i get set quick that way nothing gets in my head not much there as it is.

[SilverUberXeno]

I've gotten to the point lately that I don't have negative thoughts. When I swing correctly, it's glorious. My big error is a push and/or hook, which is a result of a recent swing change (which has improved my ballstriking by 100%, I'd say). I've got to quiet my hands down, because they'd been doing a lot of compensating before.

But now, when I catch a ball crisp with my driver, it's in the air for sooo long. I can count 5 seconds off before it hits the ground, and that's being conservative with it. Irons are much better as well.

Honestly, what I'd suggest you do is work on your swing. I never think about topping it because it almost never happens to me, and if it does, I think "that was an odd swing". Once you can get your average swing to be one that delivers what you expect of it, any "negative thought" is unnecessary, because a negative outcome becomes the minority of your shots.

Have faith in yourself- but make sure that faith is warranted!

(This advice will cost you one CT250 + BB Solutions shaft )

[Eracer]

Originally Posted by SilverUberXeno

...if it does, I think "that was an odd swing".

That's a great attitude; one I've been working on as well. When I hit a shot with a bad outcome, I try not to get mad - only puzzled.

[EddieC]

md, how's your fun golf versus your tourney golf? Sounds like your nervous and aren't able to relax and just play. A little performance anxiety maybe?

[twofast2s]

well towards the end of last season, i got into a good habit of just letting my body do the swing. i did fairly well as far as full shots. putting was what got me out of scoring in the 70's.

since the season started couple of weeks ago and i'm starting to play again, i realized that i have fear of making bad shots and bad shots creeps up on me. you should focus on the target and let you body swing through naturally. very easy to say then done. keep practicing at the course you'll get it eventually.

[Adam Pettman]

Originally Posted by Eracer

That's a great attitude; one I've been working on as well. When I hit a shot with a bad outcome, I try not to get mad - only puzzled.

Bingo, laugh it off and carry on playing as you had before the bad shot.

[gwlee7]

Originally Posted by Eracer

That's a great attitude; one I've been working on as well. When I hit a shot with a bad outcome, I try not to get mad - only puzzled.

I agree. It's a lot better to just comment on the bad shot rather than make it a personal attack. I used to say "What you'd do that for you $^#&#T$&*%#%$%(*&#%%@??!!" and now I just say "That was interesting".

I will get "mad" but I am totally over it before I get to the ball. It's better to be a teapot than a pressure cooker when it comes to golf.

[mont86]

Originally Posted by Eracer

That's a great attitude; one I've been working on as well. When I hit a shot with a bad outcome, I try not to get mad - only puzzled.

Puzzled...Thats the 15th time I have hit it into the water..LOL..Thats me.

[SiberianDVM]

If you are letting negative thoughts creep in, and are unsuccessful with going with a positive thought, then you need something to keep your mind occupied so your body can swing freely.

Try thinking to your self "Free, easy swing" or imagine hearing an orchestra playing "The Blue Danube Waltz".

P.S. My next tourney is this comig Saturday.

[MCDavis]

Do what I do...get laid before every round. Did I mention I played 36 this weekend...

Seriously, you're not a pro and you're not depending on your golf scores to pay the bills. Take the attitude EVERY ROUND that you're out playing golf when you could be home/at work studying/working/digging ditches/flipping burgers/pumping out septic tanks/whatever. Enjoy each round and recognize that you're going to hit bad shots...so what?

[sandwedge]

If a negative thought comes into your head just back off the shot and let it pass. Then try to visualize the shot you want and keep that picture in your head.