Do you think that you play with a rigid or more flexible approach when it comes to your game? Your answer is definitely reflected in the quality of your current rounds. You can learn to improve your game by being more adaptable in golf.
The game of golf can definitely try the patience of even the most composed of people. You don’t have to be a club thrower to have issues with maintaining a winning attitude for 18 holes.
The key to success is your willingness to be more adaptable to the flow of your game. And there are three powerful truths you must adhere to in order to position yourself for big wins in golf.
TRUTH #1 – Being More Adaptable Is a Must Because Golf is Unpredictable
Your game will never unfold the same way twice. There are too many variables in play.
When things aren’t happening the way you expected or the way you’d like, you’ve got to be willing to adapt. That’s the name of the game.
This means giving yourself permission to change things up and try something new without the fear of negative repercussions. This opens the door to opportunities that can lead to big wins.
TRUTH #2 – Being More Adaptable Is a Must Because You Can’t Control Everything
You are not a robot, therefore you won’t swing the exact same way every day. No one can. Not even professional golfers. If you’re someone who tries to control everything in your swing then you will invite a lot of frustration and disappointment into the process.
You have direct control over certain parts of your game, and other parts you can’t do anything about. One of the big controllables is how you respond to changes with your swing.
Just because your swing feels different doesn’t mean you can’t play with it unless you tell yourself that you can’t. If you’re playing with a poor attitude you will likely respond to swing changes with negativity.
But if you’re playing with the attitude of a winner, you can shut down your fear by committing to work with exactly what you have in the bag. A golfer with a winner’s attitude believes that he or she always has enough of what is needed to play well. This kind of attitude can pave the way for big wins.
TRUTH #3 – Being More Adaptable Is a Must Because Growth Comes from Failure
I get it. You don’t like to fail. I don’t either. But your biggest advancements in any endeavor, including golf, will come through failure.
Nelson Mandela said, “I never lose. I either win or learn.” Is that your approach to golf? The only way to be in a position to learn is by maintaining a winning attitude. With the right attitude, you can objectively examine your performance without the added baggage of your feelings like disappointment, embarrassment, or fear getting in the way.
Just because you mess up a shot doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Just because you try something and don’t get the result you wanted doesn’t mean that your attempt was a failure. The only time you fail is when you choose not to learn something from the experience. This is another big controllable you can leverage in your game that can lead to big wins.
Leave me a comment below and tell me which if the three truths is the biggest takeaway for you from this post. I’d love to hear from you!
Start freeing yourself today from the weight of frustration with your game by taking a more adaptable approach to your practice and your play. Your game will never be a picture of perfection. But it can be consistently solid. Your big wins will be the result of the quality and consistency of the mindset that you develop and take to the course.
If you need help with your head game CONTACT ME to schedule a free consultation call. There are a variety of ways you can improve your golf mindset to make the upcoming golf season your best yet. I look forward to helping you find the perfect fit.
I must say that although my handicap number hasn’t changed much my attitude and feelings about my game certainly have. Reading your posts have really brought home how much of a mental game golf is. I really was my own worst enemy! Your positive approach, demonstrated in your emails and FB posts, have helped turn around how I think of myself and then how I think of my game. I didn’t need more lessons on mechanics, I needed a new mindset.
I recently played w/my husband and it was the first time I finished w/a smile on my face after really enjoying spending 18 holes with him! Now my score hadn’t changed but my thought process did, and that made all the difference!
I’m so thankful that Terri Gilchrist ’liked’ you on FB so that it showed up in my feed…. and now I get your emails.! I’ve learned things from you I would not get from a lesson on the range. Plus, a lot of it can be applied to life, not just golf. I’m way more upbeat (and less hard on myself) than I used to be!
Thank you!
Karen, As you continue to improve your mindset and steer clear of “anyway” shots on the course you will begin to see your score improve. I am very glad to hear that you are having more fun playing! That’s terrific! You’ve got to be your own cheerleader on the course and keep your mind focused on what you’re doing right. Keep up the great work and let me know if you have any questions I may help you answer. Thanks so much for your lovely comment!! Shannon
Shannon I have read that Ben Hogan looked at golf as a game of misses, not mistakes but misses. He felt he only hit 5 or 6 shots a round perfectly . So at my level I am learning to adapt. Most shots I hit will not be perfect . If I accept that and accept the challenge of the next shot and making it work for me I have found I can play better golf. Plus I have more fun and score better. I still expect to play well but as you stated above the manner in which I do that based on my swing each round may vary . However no one looks at how they only want the final score.
Frank, Scores matter. I can appreciate that they are a big part of every sport. It’s the path that golfers take to get them that really makes the difference of whether or not they see them. Golf must be seen as a constant place to learn and grow. The easier your approach to the game the easier it is to play well. Keep playing the one-shot challenge to the best of your ability in the moment, especially when you already know you have more fun and score better. And do expect to play well. Just be honest about what that means as it relates to the process in your game, rather than just the outcome. I love your continuing desire to learn and grow! Nice job, Rock Star!
Hi Shannon,
After reading and rereading, number 2 and 3 can be found in my game. I’m not sure if it relates to really practicing my game and expecting a better outcome.
My approach to controllables has helped my daily practices and due to bad weather indoor training and practicing skills. However when playing and competing it has been a different story, just like some of the things you mentioned.
I’m looking forward to the upcoming season with all of the mindset help you’ve given.
Tom, Thanks for your comment! You want to keep your approach to practice and play the same. If you are good at focusing on the controllables during practice, you want to be good at maintaining your focus on the controllables on the course. It’s about really understanding what the contributors are for good outcomes and staying selectively focused on them both on the range and course. That’s where you get an ROI for your efforts. Keep up the great work!
I have taught myself to be adaptable since listening to your podcasts and emails. I have a totally different mindset when I play now. I’m relaxed, focused and adaptable, not frustrated. I believe my score has dropped 10 strokes since I’ve been listening to you and a HUGE thank you for all your help.
WOW, Ruth, that’s incredible!! Congratulations on your improvement and thank you so much for letting me celebrate your success with you! I am honored to have been a small part of your win. 🙂 Keep up the great work!