Mental Toughness for Golfers: Avoiding Comfort Zones in Golf

A comfort zone becomes a problem whenever a player is playing better than expected or is breaking new ground. I teach golfers how to break out of self-limiting expectations and preconceived beliefs. Comfort zones don't limit great players on tour, such as David Duval, Tiger Woods, and Davis Love, III. Comfort zones actually benefit pro golfers when they can bring a poor round back into their scoring zone and turn a score of 76 into a 72.

When going low, pros don't just try to "get it in the clubhouse" when they get to four under par after 12 holes. If a pro gets to four under par after 12, that's great, but he doesn't stop there. His goal is to get to five under. This attitude, adopted by many professionals, is far from the mindset of the amateur who is playing better than expected or on the verge of breaking a personal best score. In my new book, "Going Low" I teach golfers how to play without the restriction of a comfort zone.

Shooting a personal best round requires many important skills. Great golfers play well because they know how to practice efficiently, are dedicated to improvement, and know the best way to prepare themselves for a round of great golf. I'm not talking about hitting two buckets of balls to get ready for tomorrow's match. Pros are dedicated to quality practice, focused preparation, and improving their games daily. This is the foundation for the development of confidence.

To shoot a personal low round you also need to know how to prepare to play the course, have the ability to make a game plan, and deal with the distractions of the group. You also need to practice in a way that makes your swing repeatable. You must learn how to score your best when it counts, and simplify your game so you can focus on playing golf instead of always working and grinding at it. Going low also requires that you discard any preconceptions about what is and what is not possible to achieve.

The first step to going low is to unlock the self-imposed limits of your own success. I want my students to identify their own mental barriers and unhealthy beliefs that prevent them from consistently playing their best. The next step is to eradicate unhealthy expectations and irrational beliefs so you can unlock your own success. For example, once Roger Banister broke the four-minute mile, everyone broke it because the barrier had been shattered. The first step is to break your own self-limiting beliefs. In articles to follow, I talk more about how to overcome self-limiting expectations and comfort zones.

Dr. Patrick J. Cohn is a master mental game coach who works with athletes of all levels including amateur and professionals. Visit Peaksports.com to gain access to over 500 exclusive mental game articles, audio programs, and interviews with athletes and coaches to enhance your athletic potential: http://www.peaksports.com/membership/ or call 888-742-7225.

To become a mental game coach, visit: http://www.mentalgamecoachingpro.com

---

Essential Information on Choosing the Best Golf Clubs to Suit Your Game

Most golfers, whether a beginner or a pro, struggle when... Read More

Golf Exercise And Stretch Program For Total Golf Performance

Golf exercise and stretch. This is a combination I use... Read More

Do You Want To Play Par Golf?

The key to playing par golf is to focus on... Read More

Tiger Woods, the Greatest Ever? ?NOT!

Tiger is great but still a long way from claiming... Read More

Golf Swing Tips Will Not Work By Themselves

Golf swing tips are rampant! Golfers can't get enough of... Read More

Women Golfers Set New Standards For The LPGA

It used to be unusual to turn on the television... Read More

Left Handed Golf Tips

Where do you find left handed golf tips? You find... Read More

Golf Club Swing Weights

A golf club's swing weight helps the player to be... Read More

Understanding The Rotary Nature Of A Golf Swing

A careful and close study of the golf swing will... Read More

Focus Your Focus - How to Ward Off Distraction During Your Golf Swing

There is a great possibility to lose your mind when... Read More

How to Eliminate Your Golf Slice Quickly and Easily

Here's a really good tip that may help you to... Read More

Can A Golfer Do Without Golf Fitness And Exercise

Just how important is golf fitness and exercise to a... Read More

5 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Golf Clubs and Improving Your Game

How can you lower your scores by simply cleaning your... Read More

The Power Of Combining Golf Swing Basics With Exercise

When training in good golf swing basics is combined with... Read More

Golf Swing Simulators

Are you looking for a way to play golf during... Read More

Public Golf Courses ? Making The Right Choice

Chances are, if you're just starting out, you haven't decided... Read More

What Do the Core and the Golf Swing Have in Common Part II?

In part one of this article we discussed the core... Read More

Women?s Golf And Exercise

While golf is long overdue to benefit from the application... Read More

Improve Your Golf Game With This Secret Weapon

Any golfer who has made any effort to improve their... Read More

Golfing Products And What You Need To Know Before Purchasing

In recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in... Read More

How Timing The Golf Swing Is So Critical To Consistent Shots

Timing the golf swing is extremely critical. It is not... Read More

Improve Your Golf Swing Timing

Golf swing timing is an important aspect of the game.... Read More

Super Golf Wheel Chair that Enables Disabled Golfers to Play Normally

Last week when I was at the driving range I... Read More

Perfect Golf Swing Is Within Reach

The perfect golf swing. Aren't we all look for it?... Read More

Mental Toughness for Golfers: Avoiding Comfort Zones in Golf

A comfort zone becomes a problem whenever a player is... Read More