One Under Par

A Newsletter from KeyGolf...August, 2000

THOUGHTS ON GOLF PSYCHOLOGY

The psychology of the game and the mental side of the game are typically thought to be two different ways of describing the same thing. Generally, the two are used as though they are inter-changeable. To be useful, however, they must be understood as the creatures they are. Finding someone who can describe the difference is not easy. Most players have a hard time making a distinction.

Psychology is a body of knowledge. It is based on studies of the mind and mental processes. It enables us to know what process the mind is going through, but not necessarily what to do about it. The mental side of the game refers to thought content as the mind goes through its processes.

Psychology can help us diagnose our mental condition and to understand it. The mental side of the game is for producing the thoughts we need at the right times to get the results we want.

Psychology deals with the way we are. Thinking, or mental activity, precipitates what we do. Here's the principle: the way we think produces an action which produces a result. Psychology can help us under-stand our behavior and how it affects us. It is not of itself the thinking path that activates our game. Thinking stimulates action. Psychology studies and looks for the meaning of the stimulation.

To get to the bottom of the mental side of the game, we need them both, each one doing its own job in our behalf at the right time. However, even if the thinking is correct, if it is improperly timed, it is likely to be self-defeating. In golf, as in other sports, we can suffer from too much mental activity which will bind us up mechanically. That is particularly true if the thought process focuses on mechanics. If it is true that the least number of moving parts in the swing is best, so it is with our mental activity. The least number of thoughts, with the least complicated pattern is vastly superior to any other formula. Extra baggage may be advisable if one is going on a long trip. For golf, though, leave the extra bags at home.

There are four parts to developing the game: building, adjusting, shot planning and executing. Psychology may help us with the first two, but it is of little value for planning, and no help at all during execution.

Later we will call attention to the content of the thought process when practicing and playing. How that is carried out is as critical as when it is done.

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Let us know if you have questions or comments.