 With winter upon us, it can be difficult for
golfers to feel as though they are doing
things that are improving the quality of
their game. Even in the typically warm and
sunny states, there are long stretches where
the weather inhibits a player’s ability to
get a lot of repetitions in- not to mention
the fact that the sun goes down much earlier
than in the summer!
One thing that a player can do is to use this
time away from the course and practice area
as an opportunity to improve and enhance
imagery and visualization skills. One idea
would be to be purposeful about taking time
to think back on shots, holes, rounds, or
tournaments where you recently played well.
Getting in a relaxed setting and reflecting
on those moments- incorporating as many
senses as possible- can build a memory bank
of successes and increase your sense of
confidence. What did it feel like when you
hit those shots or sank that putt? Are there
sounds that you remember, or smells that you
associate with those moments? Challenge
yourself to remember small details in those
images in your mind, and see if you can
really feel as though you are recreating that
situation.
Imagining rolling putts or hitting shots on a
range can also benefit a player, as the body
and mind store these visualized situations in
a way that research has shown can transfer
into actual physical improvement!
As well, looking ahead at your upcoming high
school season or competitive calendar, and
putting yourself in your mind in that future
situation and imagining yourself being as
successful as possible.
Lastly, playing familiar golf courses in your
mind and seeing yourself doing well at that
course is a great way to get your mind in a
better place the next time you actually play
that course.
So, rather than waiting for the rain to stop
or the snow to melt, how about picturing
yourself playing great golf and prepare your
mind for when you can actually hit a ball
again!
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