Golf is as much, if not more of a mental sport than it is a physical sport. That being said, what are some mental tips for keep your golf game sharp?

Try bringing some consistency to a game that is so inconsistent. By coming up with a routine before every shot, hole, or round, you can make all the difference in the world in your golf game. Have you ever seen someone just walk up to the tee and hit the ball? Usually that does not end well. Have a routine and stick to it. That way, even when your shots aren’t landing where you want them to, you can settle into your routine for the next hole.

Whatever it is that makes you comfortable, make sure you consider it before you go out onto the course and try to implement it into your game. If you have one friend who you are particularly comfortable around and you enjoy golfing with, continue to golf with them. If you have a certain outfit that you feel most comfortable golfing in, wear that! Whatever makes you most comfortable while golfing is what you should be doing. Comfort is key to your success!

It is extremely easy to become negative and frustrated on the golf course. This will not help your game. Instead, focus on the positives. Perhaps you have a great shot but it takes you four more putts to get it in the hole. Instead of focusing on the putting aspect of your game, focus on your great drive! Next time, you’ll get the line right and the putt will drop. Frame your mind this way. Focus on the things you are doing right.

In life and in golf, you need to leave the past in the past. One way to let off steam and forget any errors is the, “10-yard rule.” It’s a psychological strategy employed by Tiger Woods in his prime, amongst others. After a bad shot, you can vent your frustration (internally of course) until you’ve reached a point ten yards from where you struck it. After crossing the imaginary line, that shot is history. This strategy may or may not work for you, but you need to find a strategy that does work in order to leave the past in the past and look to the next shot! 

The great amateur Bobby Jones once famously said: “Golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course… the space between your ears.” There is no question that golf can be more of a mental game than a physical one, but by following the above tips, you can stay mentally sharp while on the green.