The Essential Mental Skills

1. A growth mindset

Our beliefs about our own abilities and qualities – our mindset – fuel our behavior and predict our success on the golf course.  A “growth mindset” is a belief that our skills are not fixed and can be developed and improved through dedication and hard work.

2. A superior “performance process”

The performance process in golf is the process analyzing and committing to the shot and executing the shot.  Most coaches call it a pre-shot routine, but it is a much broader concept.

3. Mindfulness and effective breathing techniques

Great players can focus on the next shot, and more important, the process for the next shot.  They leave the last hole behind and do not think about the next hole or their score.  The apply the principle of “Be Here Now.”  To do this, they use mindful breathing techniques to reduce stress.

4. Sound course management

Most sports psychologists do not teach course management.  L. D. comes to coaching as a player and recognizes that you cannot separate a great mental game from great course management.  Great players make good decisions on the course and make aggressive swings to conservative targets.

5. “Deliberate” practice habits

Most players do not practice effectively.  The most effective practice is deliberate practice, which is practice that replicates the competitive environment and puts players outside of their comfort zone.

6. Visualization and imagery

Great players use both related tools.  When we imagine making a movement, we activate the same area of the brain that we activate when we make the movement.  Visualization is the process of seeing and feeling the golf shot before you execute it.  Imagery is the process of recalling a prior successful shot, round or event using all your senses. 

7. Positive self-talk and body language

Top players use positive self-talk and body language to improve their motivation, confidence and mood, which improves their performance.

8. Effective goal setting and the use of “atomic habits”

Great players excel at setting long-term goals, but more important, creating small “atomic habits” that enable them to reach those goals.   

9. “Grit”

Talent alone does not result in achievement.  High performers are unusually resilient and hardworking, and equally important, they know in a very deep way what they want to achieve.  It is the combination of passion and perseverance that makes high achievers special.  This is grit.