The overly analytical golfer
Most of the golfers I know are very analytical. Not all, of course, but most seem to take a very analytical approach to swing and their game in general.
Phillip, a 15 handicap told me: “Sure, I’m analytical. I’m always thinking when I’m on the field. I’m thinking about my pre-shot routine, my set-up, my mechanics and if ‘I’m hitting the shot correctly. Afterwards After taking the shot, I analyze what I did wrong so that I can correct it in the next shot. “
“That’s a lot of thinking,” I told him. “Yeah, that’s why I called you. I’m trying not to think so much about the course. I think I’m thinking too much!” answered.
Take a look at the first four letters of the words analytical and analytical. Do you notice that they write the word “anal”? Being “anal” means being tense. I find that many golfers fall into this category and here are some of the traits they demonstrate:
- Constantly analyze the swing
Analyzing your swing can lead to tension and loss of freedom in your golf swing. Your swing cannot be loose while you think about your way. Constant analysis of your swing can lead you to make unnecessary changes and distract your attention from being in the moment and enjoying more.
- Overthink your game
These golfers spend too much mental time on club selection, trying to figure out the conditions, checking themselves to see how they are doing, constantly thinking about the score, etc. Of course, these things are important, but some golfers spend so much time trying to make the “best” decision that they actually get in their own way and “think better.” Between takes, stop thinking about the game by concentrating on the field, talk to others, observe the sky, the birds, the trees or whatever you can see that makes you feel good. Be grateful that you are on the golf course and acknowledge those things!
- Worrying about the past and the future
I find that many people say that they have their minds “racing” because they are always thinking and cannot “turn it off.” In fact, this is not real thinking at all because real thinking is clear, direct, and makes you gain energy; do not lose it. What they describe is not thinking; is worrying. They are worried about the past or the future. All you can do is remember the past or imagine the future. None of that is real at the moment; it’s only in your head. The past has already happened, so you can’t make it happen now and the future hasn’t happened yet, so that’s not real either. All you can do is waste mental energy on them when you carry negativity from the past or project it into the future. Either way, reality is now and always will be.
How analytical are you?
To your best golf!
