in the portion of Golfer Expat last month we focused on the development, the physical aspects of the place, the handle and putting. This month I would like to explore the mental side of this very delicate activity, address ways to calm the mind. Please keep in mind; however, there are no absolutes in the technique. My exhortation column last month means: "Whatever works for you on the putting surface is correct."
What I mean by quieting the mind, you ask? After all, is not golf more a mental game than physical? Of course, we have to think our way through every situation on the golf course, but too analyze a putt, be it from two feet or 24, is cons-productive. Rather than stay in the moment and play with confidence, we often attach to a result or results, causing stress and even fear. The bi-product of stress and fear is the tension and stress is the enemy of excellence and put spells disaster more often.
Process vs outcome
The way I quiet my mind in golf is to think in terms of "process" and not in terms of "income". Rather than worry about making some putt, (which is a future event, taking me at the time), I choose to focus on the process, which puts me in the moment, and is the only thing I can really control anyway. The process, which helps me calm the mind, is nothing more than my pre-shot routine. Of course, my mind is engaged leading to the situation by at hand, but once I assessed the situation, determined the line and feel for the pace of the set distance, the analytical side of my brain is off. I concentrate on the feel and performance of the best pre-shot routine which I am capable. My routine is the same every time, and here is the pre-shot routine I use, step by step:
Step 1: Take a position well behind the ball. I'm still squatting low to turn. From this point of view, I want to confirm my line and visualize the ball going in the hole, riding on the line that I set up.
Step 2: Bring the ball slowly and relaxed. I gently balance the putter (back to fourth) in my right hand ala Jack Nicklaus as I walk towards the ball. This is my pledge to feel and distance. This is also my practice stroke; I do not take practice strokes after addressing the ball.
Step 3 :. Align the putter face to target my line
Step 4: Set my posture relative to the putter, which is now in position and in line with the target. I also finished my grip on the club, both hands gently on the handle. At the end of this stage, I mix my feet for balance and alignment, looking back to the hole line and target reference.
Step 5: Pull the trigger, its go time! Standing on the ball and re-thought or second guess is madness! If I'm not sure, I prefer to back and start the process again.
My pre-shot routine, both to put full swing and takes less than 30 seconds. I encourage you to create a pre-shot routine that works for you. Respect it, calm your mind and sink those birdies 15 feet!