This morning, I attended a seminar about the "Psychology of Golf". The topic intrigued me because all of my personal golf instruction -- and that which I've observed for other golfers -- focuses upon the physical aspects of the game. The swing, the grip, addressing the ball, the stance, club selection, etc.
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Then he stated that professional golfers on average, will sink a putt 96% of the time when the hole is three feet or less away from their ball.
Not sure where he was going with this factoid, I wrote down the figures from the chalkboard anyway. Then he explained what happens after the 4% of the time when they miss those short putts. Again, he was talking about the pros, not average golfers.
He went on to say that on the very next hole, about 80% of the time, their tee shot will actually miss the fairway. Why?
Instead of letting the missed putt go from their consciousness, they'll often mentally 'carry' that negative experience from the previous hole -- to their drive on the next hole. His point was all about not letting the past, which is unchangeable, influence one's present frame of mind.
Even the finest golfers in the world hit bad shots. Past moments of failure shouldn't degrade our present experience. Above all else, he wanted others to remember that the game should be enjoyed. Life presents enough obstacles without our help.
