Instead, be positive and trust that your swing will get the job done

A few years ago I attended a seminar featuring a very well-known sports psychologist. He started out talking about the power of positive thought by using a lot of technical terms and language none of us really understood. Five minutes into his presentation he had 130 golf pros in the room completely confused. Next, he started in on how the brain doesn’t understand negative words. Say what?

According to him instead of “Do not hit it OB right” the brain drops the negative word “not” and processes “Do hit it OB right.” Well, I’ve hit enough shots OB right, left, and anywhere else a golf ball can go to get on the wrong side of the white stakes. I’m now more than a little curious about this whole idea that will enable me to never hit another shot out of bounds. Unfortunately, I never did get the message. Maybe I was so caught up in his brilliance I just missed the message!

I’ve had plenty of my members tell me they have to donate a ball to the water before the “Water Gods” let them pass. I ask why and they say, “Because that’s the way it is. I can never get over the first time. I know I have to hit one into the lake before I can cross.” I guess it’s like paying a toll on that hole. Or maybe you ‘re feeling guilty for having the pleasure of being on the golf course so you punish yourself by hitting a sleeve of new ProVs in the lake. Now you feel better!

I don’t know if the brain understands or processes negative words or not. I don’t know if the lectures I used to give myself on bad days caused me to play better or worse. And I don’t know if the Water Gods really have that much control over the flight of a golf ball. What I do know is I’m better off focusing on where I do want to hit the ball rather than thinking about where I don’t want it to go.

All this sports psychology/thought process/self-help/don’t-think-about-this-only-think-about-that is more than I can handle. If I was capable of doing everything I was supposed to do to hit a golf ball properly I’d probably be smart enough to find another pastime that would cause me a lot less heartburn than golf. I have nothing against sport psychologists. I’ve learned a lot from them and I’m a better player because of them. People just need to be careful about taking information too literally and being consumed by it.

This is all about being positive and trusting that your swing will get the job done. We all know when we have negative thoughts, negative events tend to happen, and positive thoughts tend to produce positive results.

If you’re having problems focusing on positive thoughts see your local PGA Professional/Sports Psychologist. They can help you find a good mental place to play golf.

Kim Anders is the Director of Golf at Estrella del Mar Golf and Beach Resort in Mazatlan. An accomplished player early in his career, he nearly starved to death when he tried playing for a living. Kim now focuses on the administrative side of golf and helping others find enjoyment in the game. Contact Kim at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .