| Golf instruction schools across the country are | | | | and control. |
| embracing an old theory and developing it into a new | | | | According to many golf instruction schools, gaining |
| concept: golf psychology. Like any other sport, there | | | | control of the thoughts and emotions that present |
| is a degree of mental preparation that must be | | | | themselves during a game can be accomplished by |
| undertaken to really succeed as a golfer. | | | | many different means, including hypnosis, meditation, |
| Once a player has mastered his swing, he must learn | | | | and relaxation training. Reducing stress by mastering |
| how to control the thoughts and emotions that go | | | | the mind is an exciting area of golf. Psychologists |
| hand in hand with playing golf. To be a truly great | | | | agree that the mind always leads the body. The brain |
| player, you must learn to maintain emotional balance | | | | creates the mental images that are necessary to |
| on the golf course and use energy effectively, not | | | | accomplish certain goals in a game of golf. The |
| wasting it on unnecessary emotions and actions. | | | | images then serve as a reference point, or map, that |
| It is known in the field of psychology that anger, | | | | guide the bodys actions towards the goal. In the end, |
| frustration, anxiety, and a fear of failure can all affect | | | | golf instruction school experts claim that once a |
| a persons physical actions quite negatively. With all of | | | | golfer masters these concepts, all that is left to be |
| the anxiety and frustration, a persons adrenaline | | | | done is to just swing the club. |
| kicks in, releasing norepinephrine, releasing adrenalin | | | | Many golf instruction schools teach the keys to |
| into the muscles. This causes heart rate increases, | | | | performance as being able to imagine or visualize |
| high blood pressure, and blood lactate levels increase. | | | | what you want your performance to be like and |
| This all increases the tension in a players muscles, | | | | being able to manage emotional challenges |
| affecting flexibility and a golfers ability to perform | | | | effectively. Distractions are a constant part of any |
| well. Thus the cycle keeps circling, because this then | | | | game of golf, and strategically avoiding and managing |
| of course causes more frustration and anger. | | | | those distractions is key. Finally, golf instruction |
| Increased adrenaline also can reduce the amount of | | | | schools recommend becoming vigorously involved in |
| blood flowing to the hands, affecting a players grip | | | | the mechanics of the game, maintaining focus and |
| on the club. This is all why it is believed that the basis | | | | also avoiding outcome thinking and over emphasizing |
| of any great game of golf starts with mental health | | | | results. |