I play to a plus 1 and compete...

Question
I play to a plus 1 and compete in state tournaments. Qualifying has not been a problem...even though it takes a score of around even par. My problem is that in the tournament itself, I find myself with a weak mental approach; feeling that I am not as good as my fellow competitors. Lately, I have even had a total "fear" of hitting the driver due to a lack of any confidence that I know where they're going. When I practise, I hit all shots very well. Can you help with the mental/confidence side of the game? I am 46 years old, have played in 6 state amateurs in the last 8 years,; and have tried to qualify for the US Open,US Publinks, and US Mid-AM without success.
Thanks for your time,
John

Answer
Hello John,
Your question and problem are what separate the pros from the want to be pros. Conisistency is the key to top play. You are defeating yourself with your thinking and expectation.

Your attitude must change to focus on what you want and not on what you fear. Fear is another word or practiceing what you do not want. If you think it you practice it.

Begin with changing your goals. Do not play to win, play to get better and enjoy the golf. Change your self-pressure, accept where you are mentally and set a step by step plan to move out of the hole you are in.

Then set up a very strong pre-shot routine and practice it until it becomes a part of you. Enjoy, plan, do your pre-shot routine, hit the ball and accept what happens. Practice more, within the mental game, and do not compete with others. Compete only with yourself. Your competitive par is the only par that counts. Wish the rest of the players well and get on with your own personal game.

Make sense? Now go do it.

Bob Phillips, Ph.D. Golf Psychologist