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What are a few keys for stepping to the first tee feeling confident?Carl from Minnesota sent me this question which I selected for this weeks Mental Game Coach's Corner. Well Carl, that's a concern of many a golfer! There are a few things you can do. I'll assume you haven't read my book and provide as thorough a response as possible. First let me share with you my perception on developing a strong mental game. I believe the best and most lasting way to make the changes you want, including stepping to the first tee with confidence, is to practice some form of mental imagery before going to sleep. Although I will definitely give you some "conscious mind" tips to help you today, it is your unconscious that requires attention. When you practice in your mind the same way your practice at the range or at the course you pre-empt many of the psycho-emotional challenges that arise in golf. So by habituating a strong consistent inner game, your outer game begins to reflect the calm, cool, clarity of your inner game. Make sense? This approach will make the deepest and most noticeable changes in every area of your game. End those first tee nervesFor now you can do the following:
Imagine a time when you felt completely relaxed - this can be anytime you experienced feeling very relaxed and confident. Either on the course or off. Take these feelings of confidence - and visualize yourself stepping to the tee. Go through your preshot routine - see and feel yourself finish a smooth, focused preshot routine and then make the swing you want to make. Anchor this feeling - Ok, this one is a little too involved to detail here. Yet for now simply make the swing you want, in your mind's eye, and take a really deep breath as you see the ball land where you want it to. This process takes just a couple minutes. If you have four or five minutes then that's preferrable as you can settle into things a bit more. This can be done in your car as you drive to the course or at any time just before you tee off. (I am completing a series of mental game audio sessions to accompany exercises like these. You'll be able to listen to them in your car before your round. They'll be ready late November.) The important thing is to get centered within yourself and step into a feeling of confidence prior to teeing off. With just a bit of practice you will find this becomes a habit. The first tee will be an exciting place for you! There's nothing quite like piping the opening tee shot with the crowd watching, right!? Tee it high and let it fly, Carl! All the best. Tune in next week for the next Mental Game Coach's Corner. Who knows. It could be your question I write about! Talk soon! Wade Pearse
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