I’ve been told a thousand times by many people, “You’re an absolute head case on the golf course.”  People have always said the hardest part of golf is the 6 inches between your ears.  Or golf is X% mental.  For some, that isn’t the case.  For me?  It ABSOLUTELY is.  I was reminded of this just a few days ago.

My game has been in shambles for awhile, and I’ve been trying to fix it for a long time.  I used to shoot consistent high 70s or low 80s.  That’s become high 80s or low 90s.  I’m all over the place.  Well, last weekend I finally had a good round going.  I stepped to the 18th tee needing a double bogey or better to break 80.  Par 4, needed 250 yards or less off the tee.  Then the approach was to a slim green over a creek.  It was my first time on this course, so I didn’t know the hole well, but that’s no excuse.  I was already in my own head thinking “don’t make triple”. What do I do?  4 iron left into a hazard a la Rory at Lahinch.  Drop.  Approach to green looks perfect, but alas, short and in the crap.  Another drop.  Flubbed chip.  Second chip to tap in distance.  Triple Bogey 80.

This scenario is the story of my life.  I constantly find myself playing “what-ifs” in my head before they even happen.  “You only need to make bogey here to break XYZ.”  “This 4 -ooter is for $30.  Don’t blow it,” and proceed to not even sniff the cup.  And ask Bill, it has nothing to do with my game/swing physically.  The pieces are there.  I just keep getting beat by myself. I’m obviously crazy.

But, Is There Any Hope?

So I’ve fully come to grips with the worst part of my golf game being the mental aspect. For some, they think the mental game is negative self talk like you see with Jordan Spieth.  For others, it’s choking in big moments like the unfortunate 3 putt from DJ on 18 at Chamber’s Bay.  Me?  Well, I have it all.  Negative self talk?  Check.  Tinkering with my swing mid round?  Yup.  Overthinking short putts?  Bingo.  It’s all there.  But is there hope for me?

Thankfully, I have friends that not only make fun of me being a head case, but are also willing to help.  A good friend of mine, good ol’ Data Guy Ken, has helped me tremendously with this.  How?  One simple book: The Inner Game of Golf by W. Timothy Gallwey.

Now, there are tons of golf books out there offering swing fixes and the keys to improving your game.  They’re all marketed as the best golf book ever written, and everyone has one to recommend.  But this one?  This one is different.  It has no mention of physical swing tips.  No fundamental drills.  It’s all about the mental game.  It gives you different mental techniques to drown out negative self-talk, swing thoughts, and just focus on enjoying golf.

Now, this is the best golf book I’ve ever read by far.  I’m much more relaxed on the course, I enjoy myself more, and guess what?  I’m shooting better scores.  My game is finally coming around and it’s in large part due to this book.  It’s nothing to be embarrassed about.  There’s a reason so many pros have mental coaches that they work with.  So, if you’re a head case on the course like me, I’d suggesting considering Data Ken’s advice, and check out The Inner Game of Golf.