Playing golf to your potential requires you to have confidence in your own ability. It’s as simple as that. Standing over the golf ball in your address position, you need to be convinced in every fibre of your body that the movement you are about to produce will have the desired outcome.
If you do this, your technique will be committed, aggressive and free flowing. That is, ultimately, all you can ask for in a timeframe of under two seconds.
Next time you are out playing a casual game, rather than placing too much focus on the potential outcome of the shot and your technique. Take yourself out of your current comfort zone and try visualising and achieving different shot types for each swing you make. By doing this, you will get an understanding of what it is like to set-up to a new shot every time with no pre-conceived notions and be totally committed to achieving a postive outcome.
When you are ready, take this new-found confidence to the next level in a game situation and don’t let past negative outcomes influence you. Your last thought before you swing should be a positive one.
• Scott Clark is the PGA teaching professional at Turnberry Resort. For lessons, call Scott on 01655 334190. Follow him on Twitter @ScottClarkPGA
Originally published on bunkered on September 27, 2013.