Golf Tip of the Month

Selective Memory

I enjoy on course playing lessons at Aldwickbury Park and I am often surprised at the comments pupils make on a certain tee or before a particular shot. Standing on the 12th tee or fairway I am sure the, 'I always hit it in the hedge here' comment is not far away! Other favourites include, 'I always go in those bunkers on the right' (5th tee) and 'I can't get out of this bunker' (3rd green) are equally as common - sound familiar? Every now and then a pupil comes along who will say the opposite, 'I love this hole' or 'I always hit a good drive here' and more often than not they do play that shot or hole well.

Next time your out playing give this a try: Before each tee shot try to imagine or recall the best tee shot you have ever played on that hole. The more vivid the recollection the better, try to picture the flight of the ball, how it sounded when you struck the ball and how you felt when you hit the shot. Sounds simple but to do this effectively and eliminate negative thoughts before each tee shot is very hard!

I can't promise that it will work everytime but I can promise the corellation between positive thinking and good shots is far higher than negative thinking and a successful outcome. Let me know how you get on......

Robin Turley

Head PGA Professional