Golfers Who Get Distracted When Going Low

How to Stop Judging Your Performance During Rounds

Distractions are all around on the golf course. But what about your own internal distractions?

Your mind is bombarded throughout a round with distractions, making golf one of the most mentally difficult sports.

Let’s talk about one big distraction that is neglected…

Thinking about how well you are playing…

You may ask, “How could playing well be a distraction?”

The distraction is not about playing well… The distraction occurs when you THINK (or think too much) about how well you are playing.

It’s easy to jerk yourself out of the zone when you deem you’re playing well or better than expected.

Let’s clarify this scenario by examining its opposite… Not playing well.

When a golfer is having a horrible round, their mind starts dwelling on all their bad shots.

These golfers try to figure out what is going wrong, so they analyze every aspect of their performance, dissect their swings, re-evaluate the course and second-guess each shot.

With so many interfering thoughts, it’s no wonder that these golfers find it difficult to get back on track.

Now, let’s look at the converse… Playing well.

Some golfers fall into the, “Why am I playing so well?” trap.

Instead of just continuing to play the game, these golfers will start THINKING about what is going right.

So, they analyze and think about why they are swinging the club so well…

Suddenly, that comfortable swing becomes a bit tighter and more mechanical, shots aren’t dropping like they did earlier in the round, strokes are adding up and now second-guessing creeps into their mind.

The distraction is NOT playing well… The distraction is OVERTHINKING or why you are playing so well.

Moving from PLAYING mind to a THINKING mind will always cause performance to deteriorate.

When you are immersed in just PLAYING or DOING, you can swing the club freely without conscious thought.

When you over think your swing, this creates enough tension to alter your swing and knock you off of your game.

Staying out of the “thinking trap” has been a central theme for PGA newcomer Cameron Champ.

Champ is 23 years-old and leads the PGA Tour this season in driving distance at 335 yards.

Champ’s 129 mph swing speed, 190 mph ball speed and distance off the tee have been noticed by the media and many golfers on the Tour.

Despite the extra attention, Champ is focused on improving his game and not allowing the positive attention to become a distraction.

CHAMP: “I’ve definitely noticed the attention, but I try to just ignore that kind of stuff. I just try to focus on what I’m doing. Obviously, everyone likes to talk about my distance, so I think that’s one thing I’ve really blocked out. Just try to focus on other aspects of my game, just my game in general, and I feel like I’ve handled that pretty well so far.”

Thinking too much on the course is every golfer’s enemy. There is a time and place for everything.

To get the most out of your golf game requires more doing–trusting what you have–and less thinking.

Let Go of Judging Your Performance

Stop focusing on your score every hole. Think about birdie chances and hitting fairways and greens–one hole at a time.

Milk it. When you are playing well, don’t stop to consider why. Keep focusing on birdie chances instead.

Challenge yourself to finish strong on the last few holes instead of protecting your score and playing it safe.

Learn Proven Strategies to Perform with Confidence!

Golfers Mental Edge

Do you suffer from fragile self-confidence after missed hits, playing with strict or high expectations that undermine confidence or the inability to play freely and relaxed on the course?

If you suffer from lack of focus, low self-confidence or other mental game obstacles on the course, you cant reach your true golf potential…

Successful golfers have learned how to perform with ultimate confidence in competition, so we’ve developed The Golfer’s Mental Edge Workbook and CD program to help you do this! 

The Golfer’s Mental Edge program includes the top 8 mental training sessions I do with my personal students to help them boost their mental game and improve consistency on the course.

The Golfer’s Mental Edge program includes 8 confidence-boosting CDs, MP3 audio recordings and an 8-session golfer’s mental edge workbook.

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What are mental game customers saying?

“I want to tell you how much I appreciate all your help. You have made an enormous amount of difference in my game. I feel much better because of your help; I don’t feel the tension like I did before. You should feel very good about what you do for people—it is truly a gift!. I know my students and myself have benefited enormously from Dr. Patrick Cohn’s teaching.”
~Jim Dahline, PGA Professional

“I would like to thank you again for our last mental coaching session, which did offer me yesterday my personal best round ever! On a golf course where I had never scored better than 77, I scored a 73 in competition. I cannot believe the incredible inner work this simple session has produced on me and I would like to thank you again for that.”
~Emmanuel Grizaud, Amateur Golfer

“Dr. Cohn has helped me improve confidence and build a consistence pre-shot routine that helps me stay confident, and learn how to play one shot at a time during competition. He also taught me that I don’t have to hit every shot perfect to score well.”
~Brian Belden, Winner 2003 AJGA Steel City Junior Classic & Marsh Junior at Hawk Pointe


Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!

Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.

You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!

What are our mental coaching students saying?

“After working with you at the end of 2001, I went from 51st to 18th on the Buy.com money list. Mentally, I am a much better player now. Your golf psychology lessons on setting goals, playing without expectations, and reacting well to mistakes has made a big difference. Thanks for all your help and I look forward to continuing to improve my mental game.”
~Tjaart Van Der Walt, Buy.com Tour Winner

“Thank you for the past 4 months working with me under your golf psychology coaching program. My golf game has improved dramatically since we worked together last year. My greatest accomplishment to date was shooting under par for 4 straight rounds of golf. Never in my forty years of playing this great game did I ever accomplish that. Thanks again for all your knowledge and input.”
~Steven Fink, scratch golfer

“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me allot to get back on track and get things going again.”
~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour

“Just wanted to say thank you Patrick for the many years of golf psychology training you have given me to help all the players the Good Lord sends my way and all the knowledge you have assisted me with over the years at the various seminars, tapes, and reading material. It is not often enough that we thank those who have played a significant part in our growing as instructors in this great game of ours. You have helped me in many ways and many of my players are that much better because of your influence in me.”
~Joe Thiel, PGA Master Golf Professional

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