Over the years many pro golfers have asked me for help with their
putting. Professional golfers are quite perfectionistic about
their short games and are rarely satisfied with this crucial part
of their sport.
When you counsel golfers at this elite level, making a minor adjustment
is usually all that is needed to get them to “putt in the zone.”
Sometimes, however, it takes a little while to discover exactly what button you
need to push within the golfer to get them to roll the ball the way they
want to. I ask golfers lots of questions about their approach to putting
and try to understand their putting style and what it is like for them
to be putting in the zone and putting out of the zone.
In many cases we work on the finding the right amount of relaxation.
I teach golfers many different ways to relax their mind and their bodies.
It is essential that their hands, shoulders and arms are free of tension, if
they are to putt well.
Occasionally, we change the pre-shot routine. Sometimes a new routine
produces fantastic results. One pro decided to hum a favorite tune while
walking toward the green.
Some players benefit from learning to hypnotize themselves prior to
addressing the ball. In this hypnotic state, they find it easy to enter the
zone.
Other golfers benefit from utilizing a different practice regime.
Changing they way you practice can have a huge impact on your performance
during competition. Changing the practice routine also helps to prevent
burn out.
Some golfers need to make changes in the way they visualize their putts.
Believe it or not, there are many ways to imagine the putt going into the
hole Gbefore you strike it.
Every so often, we suggest eye exams, new putters or different kinds
of grips. The player must see well and feel very comfortable in order to
perform well.
We also work on mental toughness, so that the golf professional can
believe in himself or herself when they have to sink a pressure putt.
Some players struggle with three foot putts, while others have difficulty
with longer putts when they are in the heat of battle.
Some fine players are intimidated by certain competitors. I like
my athletes to be as fearless as possible when they compete in tournaments.
For more information about our products, seminars and programs,
visit StayInTheZone.com or SingleDigitHandcap.com.
You can also call me 888 580-ZONE.
Jay P. Granat, Ph.D., is a Psychotherapist and the author of How To Lower
Your Golf Score With Sport Psychology and Self-Hypnois and How To
Get In The Zone And Stay In The Zone With Sport Psychology and
Self-Hypnosis.