Golf Mental Toughness: What Is It And How You Can Get It

Golfers who are able to play at very high levels of competitive golf all have strong mental toughness skills. Mental toughness is comprised of handling pressure well, not allowing external circumstances to affect oneself, and maintaining the ability to be in control of themselves and their golf games at will.

For a golfer to be mentally tough, they need to be able to focus when they are hitting their golf shots. There are really only 3 minutes out of your whole round of 18 holes that you are actually swinging the club to hit your shots. Anyone can learn how to concentrate well for three minutes. Especially since there are gaps of time in between each shot you hit. In order to focus better on your shot, you need to approach each shot a certain way. You need to have a plan on how you want to hit your shots and then be able to trust it and follow through. Being mentally tough on the course also has to do with grinding it out on a bad day. Great golfers are able to score respectably even if their swing gets a little off track. They can rely on their short games and their will to get the ball into the hole.

Many golfers have struggled with losing their concentration standing over the golf ball and during their actual shot. This can be avoided by simply making the necessary calculations and preparation before your shot and then executing what you just planned to do. Second guessing and indecision are not a characteristics of being mentally tough. Make it a point on every shot to commit to and follow your plan. You'll notice your concentration will get better and you'll stop doubting yourself at the last minute.

It's very helpful to work on your self-esteem and self-confidence off of the golf course because it will definitely carry over. There are many ways you can work on these things, from mediation, to positive self-talk, affirmations, etc. Whatever form of improvement you choose, I'm sure you'll notice you are able to improve your golf mental game as a result. Results don't always happen overnight, but they do happen. Working on your personal growth off the golf course can lead to more confidence, better decision making, handling pressure, and executing the shots you want to hit when you want to hit them.

Golfers who have great mental toughness are able to handle pressure the best. Having the proper perspective can help you deal with pressure effectively. From a Zen Buddhist approach to handling pressure, you would see that it (the pressure) is only an illusion (as much of life also happens to be). When you are playing for money or drawing closer to the end of an important match, it's normal to start to feel more pressure. Start to look for the pressure if you feel it coming on. You'll notice it's not really tangible or real, it's only your mind making it up. How each golfer handles pressure is why some seem to do better than others. It's how they view it and how they view the situation. Try to view it as not really being real and you'll start to be able to excel under so called "pressure". This gets better with practice. Training your mind to become mentally tough is definitely a process but it is possible and will help you play well when you want to the most.