What we can learn from Casey’s new attitude

It was another action-packed European Tour event as a host of players battled it out for the Porsche European Open. In a tournament that showcased everything from the weird to the wonderful, it was comments made by eventual winner, Paul Casey, that captured my interest.

Let’s take a closer look at what was said.

In the aftermath of a serene third-round 69, which put him in position to win his 14th European Tour event, Casey admitted he’s playing the best golf of his life right now.

The 42-year-old has now earned more than $7 million in prize money this season and gave an insight into what he puts his current form down to, citing remarks made earlier in the year by fellow Englishman Lee Westwood: “As Westwood said, when you don’t care as much you’re dangerous, and I’m falling into that category now. Makes me dangerous.”

It might seem like a dismissive approach, but there are lessons to be learnt here.

In essence, the Englishman is saying that he doesn’t care about the outcome of the shots he hits.

We’ve all been there when things are going badly and we start to go for shots we shouldn’t in a bid to rescue our score. Or conversely when things are going well and we start to panic and try to hang on.

For most golfers, no matter the level, thinking this way will have a negative impact more often than not.

What’s important to understand is that you have far less control over the result of a shot than you think. A bad bounce or a gust of wind at the wrong time can turn even good shots into potential disaster.

And I’m not saying this will eradicate the bad shots from your game, but it will make them easier to deal with. Even the best players in the world hit duffs, shanks and tops from time to time but what separates them is their ability to forget about them and move on. They understand that it’s important to control what they can and let go of what they can’t.

Casey’s comments in Germany echo Westwood’s sentiments earlier in the year. After carding an opening-round 67 at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, the former World No. 1 said: “Don’t get me wrong, I’m still trying my hardest but I don’t care where the ball goes, I don’t care what I shoot. The consequences of the way I play don’t bother me anymore.”

So while we can’t make you hit the ball like two of Britain’s most successful golfers, everyone can learn how to develop a mindset which will improve their golfing experience.

Remove the emphasis on the outcome, and at the very least you will enjoy the good shots more and be much less anxious about trying to control a score from start to finish.

Give it a try and see how you get on.

Got any good tips for having a better attitude on the golf course? Let me know in the comments below or you can tweet me.