June 1, 2024 5:05 pm

Expect Failure and you Rarely Disappoint Yourself

This is one of my favourite mantras. I only wish I was as good at adhering to it as I am at advising on it. How many times have you stood on the course, looked at the water hazard in front of you and thought: “I bet I smack this ball into that lake…..”

This is not smart. Don’t let the negative thoughts creep in. Instead, let’s remind ourselves that we are focused on hitting this ball down the middle of the fairway. Of course, we are not going to achieve this every time – but focusing on trying is a much better state of mind than the watery one above. Imagine success, not failure.

If you feel yourself making negative internal comments about your next shot, you need to deflect these fast.  When you’re standing on the tee, look forward to the challenge of hitting your next drive straight down the fairway. Don’t fear the shot. Embrace the challenge.

Of course, you cannot make yourself hit a good shot purely by thinking you are going to do so. But you sure as hell can make yourself hit a bad shot, by expecting it.

Categorised in: Tip of the month, World of Golf London