The difference between a good player and a topbirdie (a term I use to those who earn more money in the professional tour) is simply your ability to concentrate. In a big tournament, losing concentration in 2 or 3 shots each day, will mean a total 10 to 20 strokes over par at the end.
Demanding perfection in the field, is to let your emotions take over your confidence, destroying the natural smoothness of your mind set game. This is a basic principle, champions already know it. We can safely say that 90% of the game is mental and only 10% result of your fisical skills.
The mind reeducation is possible with all people in whatever area. With professional and amateur golfers and even weekend players, this must be developed with discipline, investing as much time in your mind workout as improving the mechanical bases.
Exercise nº1 to get more concentration (based on the techniques of DeRose Method of high-performance):
Before going to bed, sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Choose a dry, quiet and pleasant place. During the first 10 minutes think of anything positive that has happened since you stood up, let a slight smile on your face. During the next 10 minutes do not think of anything, soak up the feeling of emptiness and lightness for the pleasure of not thinking. The firsts days of practice are rough, you will soon realize that it´s difficult to empty your mind, often other thoughts will cross your mind and distract you. The dispersion is a characteristic of our mind and as such you don't need to worry about it, instead you should care with the ability to observe this and then extend the focus of not thinking as long as you can.
We want to train the mind power to get used to concentrate and to be a tool in your favor rather than be another hurdle to join the field. After these 10 minutes, go rest. Now, train every day.
It's simple, and it gives you the basis to develop a better ability to concentrate to feel some results (1 to 3 months). Remember, it requires regular discipline of practice and patience with your body. This is golf.
Tip : have a daily practice notebook where you can register your advances and retreats.
by Cirilo | eduardo.cirilo@metododerose.org