Learn from Alison Nicholas and Tiger

Each month I have been helping you through your mental highs and lows from the amateur golfer’s standpoint. This time I thought it would be a little different – as well as interesting – to share some insights on how the professionals cope.

We have such a busy and exciting month for the cream of ladies’ golf, with the start of July seeing the Ladies’ English Open at the Oxfordshire.

I am really looking forward to attending in search of more valuable insight into how the ladies at this professional level deal with the emotional ups and downs of such a competitive game.

I have been talking to my good friend Alison Nicholas (pictured), who as you know has her eye very much on the ball (excuse the pun) where the ladies are concerned for her role as captain of the Solheim Cup side next year.

We have arranged to meet up during the event so her take on how the ladies are coping will indeed be fascinating.

It is a little-known fact that Tiger Woods had a golf psychologist from the age of 12; his name was Jay Brunza. Tiger possibly did not know the importance of having a sports psychologist at that age but he certainly does now.

Tiger has often said that he doesn’t need to work on his mental game, but then will follow this up by saying that he doesn’t need to ‘because all the strategies have been in place from the age of 12’.

It is so important to develop your mental skills and clearly the earlier the better. And while many golfers may not have been fortunate to take this on board at 12 years of age – believe me, it is never too late.

If you think of the sports person you most admire, how would you describe them? Possibly driven, motivated, dedicated, ambitious – all these skills are not to do with technique or talent but everything to do with ATTITUDE.

All professional golfers, both women and men, can all play golf!

But, what sets the likes of Tiger, and indeed my good friend Alison, apart from the rest of the crowd, is the correct mental attitude when they need it the most – when the real pressure is on them.

If you make the choice to learn to be more aware about what it takes you too can create a winning positive mindset.

I often hear people say ‘I am naturally a negative person’ or ‘it’s my personality – I can’t change that’. Well here’s a news flash – you can!

Positive mental skills can be learned the same way that you learned the golf swing.

All these professionals have had to work at being where they are not just physically but mentally too. Of course, some find it easier than others; in the same way that some golfers are more gifted at putting or driving and have to try harder on other areas of their game.

Every month I give you tips on how to get yourself into a more positive state of mind.

It’s up to you whether you take the time to practise these along with your physical skills – they will not just happen!
I do promise, however, that once you have applied them you stand every chance of not only creating the golf game you want to achieve, but also the success in life you seek.

All these skills are transferable – remember the person you are off the golf course is the same person you are on it!
Top players have the ability to perform ‘in the zone’.

It is in this ‘state’ where the best results are achieved most easily.

You can liken the zone to that feeling of everything being so easy on every level, when you are operating without conscious thought and without effort.

To give you an everyday example, remember what it was like when you were learning to drive a car. It was awkward trying to remember everything in the correct order, but after time you learnt to drive without any conscious thought for the process.

Last month’s Free Article was ‘How to Get into the Zone’.

This month’s new members’ FREE REPORT is ‘How to Create a Great Golfing Attitude’.

Visit the website  and join TODAY! 

If you are already a member and would like a copy, I will be arranging a special Lady Golfer members’ area on the site where you can access this report and any others you may have missed. You will be personally emailed with the details.