How to Maintain Composure on the Field

Mental Strengthening Methods by Golf Writer John Sherman
Enjoyment, Not Caring About Peers, Staying Present
Swing Control, Building Determination, Creating a Pre-Shot Routine

Golf is a mental game.

Golf is a mental game. Maintaining composure during a round is the most important thing.
[Photo by Golf.com]

A single word from a playing partner can cause everything to collapse. Especially amateur golfers tend to make a ‘mistake’ on the hole after making a birdie. They score a double bogey or worse by hitting Out of Bounds (OB). They sometimes hear sarcastic remarks like "You’re just paying for that birdie." Maintaining composure in golf is important. It is the shortcut to your best score. Recently, the American golf media Golf.com introduced the know-how of golf writer John Sherman. It is a method of controlling the mind contained in his upcoming book, The Foundations of Winning Golf: A Guide to Competition for Golfers of All Levels.

First, he advises to enjoy golf. Sherman emphasized, "The purpose of playing golf is not just to record a low score. Having a good time should be the main focus." He pointed out that many amateur golfers take the game too seriously. Excessive tension lowers performance. "Changing your mindset is important. If you change your attitude toward golf, you can actually play better," he said.

There is no need to be conscious of your partner’s results. Golf is a sport where you compete against yourself. Sherman explained, "You don’t need to worry about what others think," and "Just because your partner made a perfect shot doesn’t mean you have to be perfect too." He added, "If you can relax and avoid anxiety about golf, your game will improve significantly."

Sherman advised to maintain ‘preparation,’ ‘routine,’ and ‘reaction’ to control your mental state. "If you stick to these three processes, you can avoid factors that interfere with your game and increase your confidence in your shots," he said.

He urged players to focus on the present. There is no need to recall what happened on the previous hole. Sherman said, "There’s no need to agonize over what has already happened. Focusing on the present and using meditation techniques to relax your mind can also help."

He emphasized cultivating fighting spirit. He said, "Fighting spirit is an essential trait to overcome difficulties during a round," and "If you have the fighting spirit to overcome crises, it will be a great strength in your play." He also recommended ways to control your swing. Sherman explained, "There’s no need to worry about the swing mechanism. Focus on brushing the grass just in front of the ball and hum a song to relax."

It is necessary to keep your pre-shot routine. It is the most important thing to make an accurate shot. He said, "Before taking a shot, you need to check the current conditions. You should look at the distance, lie, weather conditions, etc." He added, "Before taking a shot, stand behind the ball and focus. The pre-shot routine doesn’t need to be long, but you should have a habit of doing it intentionally."