.jpg)
Get off the Roller Coaster - July 8, 2024
Being More Consistent
Bio
ONE Way® founder, Michael Riggs, holds a master's degree in applied sports psychology from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. University of Virginia is recognized worldwide for its emphasis on research and innovation in the field of performance psychology. As an educator, Michael has opened the minds of students at all levels, encouraging them to "dream big." As a multi-sport athlete and longtime coach, he's worked with athletes from skilled amateurs to professionals. And as a business professional, he's fostered innovation.Using the ONE Way platform, each client is personally guided by a ONE Way certified Coach to realize his unlimited potential. ONE Way Coaches serve as objective guides who empower their client to become their own catalyst for change. Since 1996, Performance Consulting Ltd.has offered one-on-one personal coaching, group workshops, and custom presentations for athletes, business executives, and organizations seeking to think better perform better live better.
Does you scorecard look like a roller coaster ride at Disney Land? Birdies or pars nearly always followed by bogeys that wash out all the gain? Do you feel that a dark cloud always emerges that spoils your par or birdie runs? Worse yet, do you find yourself falling into a bogey comfort zone knowing that the only way to card birdies is to rebound off of a bogey? Phew! That way of thinking and playing golf will exhaust any player.
But, how can a player learn to be more consistent?
First, just like the stock market, a report card from school, or the weather, realize there are going to be ups and downs. Realize that 100% consistent play is not going to happen; and that small peaks and valleys are a reality. This realization helps to take the pressure off of the player. Now that the pressure to be great day-in-and-day-out is removed, players can focus upon the process of hitting quality shots.
Second, gather your last ten scorecards and try to determine if there is a pattern to your inconsistency. You may find a consistency to your inconsistency, of sorts. Become a real student of your game and take the time to use your head to uncover patterns of play. If, for example, you tend to follow a par on a par three hole with a missed fairway on the next hole, it could be that you are relaxing excessively or "rewarding" yourself following a great par on a tough hole. Could it be that you begin to get timid after a bogey, or two, and start to guide your club head through the ball because you’re afraid of what might happen? Use your cards to be a detective and figure out trends and correlations in your thinking and your game.
Lastly, is a strategy used by many Tour players. Divide the eighteen hole round into six, three hole rounds and set a scoring goal for that "mini-round." After each mini-round, set that score behind you and reset your scoring goal for the next three holes. Simply repeat this process six times. This strategy may help to break down the round in your mind and lessen the possibility of a roller coaster round.
Inconsistent scoring is a fact of golf – even for professional players. However, with diligence, patience, and intentional effort, all players can play with fewer highs and lows.