Golfers tend to think that if they could play every shot as if it were in practice, they would see a huge improvement in their scores.

This just simply isn’t true. The first and most important thing to understand here is that this energy, which we perceive to be negative, can be harnessed into a positive force more powerful that you can ever imagine.

Whether it be fear of poor play in front of playing partners, not playing to your own expectations or not playing well in that big competition, there are several reasons which give you that emotion we call “nerves”. You get nervous because what you are doing means a lot to you and you are greatly concerned by what might happen in the future. This in itself could be considered a positive. But we immediately think nerves are bad because we are used to associating them with fear and doubt, and then ultimately not playing to our potential.

If we can start putting a positive association with those feelings, we will no longer fear them but play better as a result.

Realize this – you will never “get rid of nerves”, you will just learn how to use them to become a better player. The best players in the world actually welcome nerves, as it increases their intensity and focus. It lets them know they are in contention and in a mental state that makes them capable of playing their best. Experience with managing this emotion and turning it into a positive will allow you to start realizing your potential as a golfer.

None of us know exactly what we are capable of doing or becoming in this world. But what we can say for sure, is that if we never leave our “comfort zone” we will never find out just how good we can be.

When we are out of our comfort zone we are in the realm of the unknown and this feeling of being frightened (or nervous) tells us this. Nerves tell us we are about to break into new possibilities and reach new scoring levels. You have to embrace it and realize this is the state you will be in when you break your best score or win that competition.

Think about this the next time you experience nervous feelings.

Being as prepared as you can be for each shot will increase your confidence and reduce negative interferences such as doubt and fear. But the feelings of nerves will give you that level of focus and awareness that you can never feel when you are practicing. Your senses are far more powerful.

A well practiced and disciplined shot routine is a great way to take you into the zone and keep you in the present moment. For me it’s a huge part of a good mental game and playing your best golf. If we can focus on the steps of our routine instead of our fears, we will feel more confident and make a better execution. You can even introduce breathing methods to relax you if you find this helps. Making it a habit to be focused on a positive intention for the shot instead of thinking about negative possibilities, or the past or future, is the key to getting better.

In addition, our practice of golf as a more visual and feel based game instead of a technical one, will gradually reduce our tendency to think about our swing mechanics which is another major cause of doubt on the golf course. As Bob Rotella tells us “Confidence is playing with your eyes”.

Change your perspective of nerves from a negative to a positve and you will get better playing with them. Think about nerves, not as something that will hold you back in the future, but as something that will give you positive energy in the present. You are only feeling nervous because you are not in your comfort zone which is exactly what we need to break out of in order to get better.

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I based this article on this month’s Golf Magazine interview with Fred Couples by Mike Chwasky. I found it very compelling reading because so much of what he said was in accord with the philosophy of the Golf State of Mind teaching. In his always very candid style, Freddie gives us an insight into how he is able to continuously play relaxed, confident golf, despite all the pressures of the game.

Freddie has always had the demeanor of someone un-fazed by life at the top of his sport. Great golf seems so natural to him. The characteristic pulling of the shirt, the slow, ambling walk between shots, his congenial manner – all convey a man that is grateful for the game and simply enjoys life. His swing is an extension of his personality – easy-going, relaxed and laid back. But what lies within in a fierce competitor that has made him one of the legends of the sport. We have so much to learn from Freddie.

Tempo and Rhythm

If the average amateur golfer could copy the smooth tempo and rhythm of Freddie Couples (or Ernie Els for that matter) they would see a huge improvement in their game.

This “effortless” power and graceful rhythm that Fred generates starts with his hands:

“The tighter you hold anything, the slower you’ll be. You really need to be soft and supple to create clubhead speed and power. When I’m at address you could walk up and take the club out of my hands easily. That’s how soft I hold it.”

To the average golfer wanting to crush the ball huge distances, this might sound counter-intuitive. They think that the tighter they hold the club and the harder they swing, the more power they will produce. In fact, as Freddie tells us, the exact opposite is true. Freddie “Boom Boom” Couples, even at 50, is one of the longest and best ball strikers on Tour. He attributes this to keeping his whole body (and most importantly, his hands) relaxed and maintaining good balance.

“When I reach impact, my right hand feels like it’s almost off the club, which gives me a more powerful hit through the ball than if I was “choking” the grip. I wouldn’t necessarily teach anyone to do that, but it’s the right kind of feel.”

Remember the phrase “light is right” next time you are out there. When it comes to your grip pressure, the looser the hands, the better rhythm, power and ball striking you will achieve.

Successful Putting

On discussing his on-going success at the Masters, he puts it down to a deeper understanding of the “art” of putting and green reading:

“If you can’t read a putt you don’t have much chance…I see the line from behind the ball and then hope to see the same line when I get over the ball. When I do, I putt well.”

Putting is probably the most important factor in winning at Augusta. Under pressure, staying relaxed and centered over the ball throughout the stroke is the key, especially on short putts.

“The worst thing you can do is move your body or head on a two-footer because it takes almost nothing to open or close the club face just a tiny bit, which will lead to a miss.”

We would (obviously) all like to play golf like Freddie Couples. But even when he’s not playing his best, he looks like he’s relaxed and having fun. And why wouldn’t he? This is perhaps the most important thing to learn from him. Enjoy it no matter how you play. Try to follow Freddie’s lead and play relaxed, stress-free golf. Simply gripping the club a little lighter is a great start. Tension in your body and mind is not conducive to playing your best golf and Freddie’s style is testament to that. Take a look at the video below and feel that same tempo and relaxed action the next time you are on the course or practicing.

Do YOU want to learn how to switch between being relaxed and enjoying yourself on the golf course into the zone which will give every shot your maximum attention and focus? This and many other mental game techniques are covered in the Golf State of Mind CD and mp3.

REUTERS/Shaun Best

Not thinking about the 1 of 7 cuts he had previously made in a major, Oosthuizen had a calmness about him all week. While others were focusing on the “unfairness” of the weather conditions, Louis looked as if his aim was to have fun and simply enjoy the challenge of playing one of the world’s best courses on the biggest stage.

But just how did he keep his composure and remain so efficient in his process with such intense pressure on his shoulders? A four shot lead in the final round of a major can be erased in a matter of minutes (remember Dustin Johnson at Pebble?) but he never looked like blowing up and losing his grip on the Claret Jug. His secret? A little red dot just above the thumb on the glove on his left hand

Known as a “Concentration Trigger” the aim of the red dot was to take him deep into the zone during his Pre-shot Routine. The theory behind this is that in golf, a game that lasts for up to 5 hours with continuous stops and starts, a player has to be adept at switching from a relaxed state into a a highly focused state that connects them with the shot they are about to play. Louis Oosthuizen recognized that past failures to perform were largely due to poor temperament and lack of focus, not lack of talent. By looking at the Red Dot it told him all his focus had to be on the shot at hand.

In other sports this is easier to achieve (e.g. a referees whistle), but in golf, you are on your own. Using the trigger, Louis was able to stay calm between shots, and then regain his focus when needed. A visual trigger like this can be all that is needed to immerse you in the shot and give it 100% of your concentration.

For Louis, looking at the Red Dot, was his trigger to go into a deeply focused state of intense concentration during his Pre-shor Routine and stick to his process of executing every shot as best he could.

Do YOU want to learn how to switch between being relaxed and enjoying yourself on the golf course into the zone which will give every shot your maximum attention and focus? This and many other mental game techniques are covered in the Golf State of Mind CD and mp3.

(AP Photo/Tim Hales)

1. John Daly

Daly surprised us all this morning, shooting a 6 under 66. On his first Open visit back to St. Andrews since winning here in ‘95 and wearing the loudest pants in the tournament, he made 4 consecutive birdies during a faultless round. The Open has an uncanny knack of being favorable to the older generation of golfers. Experience counts for a lot in links golf, and at 44, John Daly has plenty. But who knows what tomorrow will bring? With so many highs and lows in such a turbulent career, anything is possible. I’m definitely rooting for him.

2. Rory McIlroy

The wig-wearing Northern Irish prodigy is almost certainly a future major winner and links courses are where he learned his trade. Although his 63 (-9) is now the lowest opening round Open history (and matches the lowest round ever in a major), I don’t feel particularly surprised by this exceptional performance. Simply put, the kid is an unbelievable talent. Weather conditions proved to be in his favor today but I have a strong feeling he will be around on Sunday.

4. Tiger Woods

With most of us hoping that Tiger is heading closer towards Jack Nicklaus’ records and further away from his “transgressions”, his 67 (-5) was a solid opening and shows signs of his form returning. Although slow to start, he “let the round mature”, and his first new putter in 11 years started to work. No one has won the Open here 3 times and we know Tiger likes to break records if they’re within reach. He loves this course and his game definitely looks like it’s coming back.

5. Phil Mickelson

The Open Championship doesn’t treat the World no.2 very well at all. His record in this major is dismal. Whether he puts too much pressure on himself to perform, or his style of play doesn’t suit the conditions, his performance today was below average to say the least. He hit only 7 out of 14 (wide) fairways and his back-swing seemed to get further past parallel as the round progressed (he’s working on exactly the opposite with Butch Harmon). Somehow, I don’t think it will be Phil’s year.

5. Road Bunker

The infamous bunker protecting the 17th green proved to costly for some today and could play a part in deciding the champion. With a vertical face taller than the average player, if the ball lands deep inside the only option is to go backwards. Today we saw players putt backwards to give themselves a shot out of the sand. We also saw Anders Hansen take 4 shots to get out and made a quadruple bogey 8.

Can’t wait for tomorrow!

The WM Open (formerly FBR) hosted at TPC Scottsdale has the attendance record for a PGA Tour gallery, which gives you an idea of how popular and exciting golf is in this state. TPC Scottsdale golf course is one of the signature courses of Arizona golf and provides spectators with one of the sport’s most entertaining tournaments. Thankfully, this is one of those PGA Tour venues that the public can play ($287 in winter and $77 in summer).

If you like heat, then you will find some great deals during the summer months, which in Arizona is the “low season”. But of course this is one of the best winter destinations in the US. Arizona has so much more to add to any golf trip. Relaxing at Spas, bathing in hot springs and taking mountain treks through canyons and rios contribute to making this a great family vacation spot.

Golf is simply put, exciting here. Desert golf provides a challenge like no other type of golf course. Indeed, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk and Annika Sorrenstam nurtured their talents on Tucson golf courses whilst at Arizona State University. With such fast and treacherous shots on and around the greens, it makes sense that endless practice on these courses made them masters of the short game.

Hitting over canyons and vast bunkers and avoiding the harsh desert flora (and fauna such as rattlesnakes) whilst having to negotiate with fast, heavily contoured greens make this a unique test of golf. The key is to keep the ball on the immaculate fairways and your head in the game.

If, before every shot, you are thinking about how the outcome of it will affect your score, or whether you will impress or embarrass yourself, you put too much pressure on your ability to execute. Ever wondered why you are able to play great on the driving range, but horribly on the course? This is the very reason and understanding why is an integral part of learning to play better golf through the inner game.

Golf has a inherent lure to the ego. The first time you bombed the ball 200 yards onto the green and holed the putt for birdie probably made you think of turning pro. Then, trying to follow it up on the next hole, you inevitably get brought back down to reality. No one can play to their true potential or enjoy the game to the maximum whilst continuously listening to their ego. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride with no ending.

The ego is protection from our fears, and when you play “ego golf”, you are not playing with complete trust in your abilities. You are being distracted from what is real and from truly connecting to the shot at hand. You are looking at yourself from the outside, instead of listening to what is coming from within.

Thinking about future possibilities and how you will look in front of your playing partners or to others in general, takes away from the potency of the present moment, which is entirely where you need to be to play your best golf. The past is irrelevant, and at this point, so is the future. The focus has to be purely on the shot at hand. Visualize the shot, feel the shot and use your routine to get into “the zone”. Thoughts about score and equating your self-worth with the outcome of a golf shot only creates doubt and a lack of focus on your true objective. Accept the bad shots in the same way you do the good ones and just appreciate this great game.

By getting rid of our ego, we open up entirely new possibilities for our golf scores and in our lives in general.

But how do we do this? The Golf State of Mind audio book will show you how to disconnect from ALL the negative mental interferences that prevent you from reaching your true potential.

The island of Hilton Head captures the very best attributes of both oceanfront and inland golf. These links meander through forests, marshes, lakes and sand dunes providing excellent shot making options and a great test of golf. With over 20 world class courses on the island itself, Hilton Head is without a doubt a golfer’s paradise.

Harbor Town Golf Links is the most famous of all the Hilton Head Golf Courses. The signature red and white light house which backdrops the 18th green is what most golfers think of when they visualize Hilton Head Island. Home of the Heritage Classic (now the Verizon Heritage) on the PGA Tour since 1969, Harbor Town gives the public the opportunity to walk in the footsteps on legends. Won this year by Jim Furyk, the tournament attracts the biggest names in golf and it is without a doubt testament to the superb quality of the golf course.

Designed by a joint collaboration of Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye in 1968, the course stretches a total of 6973 yards (par 71), taking you through countless foliage and forests, lagoons and sand dunes. All the while maintaining a Scottish aire in homage to the game’s forefathers. Narrow tree-lined fairways and small greens make accuracy the primary focus. The match deciding 18th hole along Calibogue Sound is one of golf’s most spectacular finishing holes. With the famous lighthouse and Marina in the background, the goal is to stick to the challenge of making par and not get caught up in the awe-inspiring beauty of your surroundings.

The springtime is the perfect time to visit Hilton Head, before the inevitable summer heat and humidity arrives. This is also the best time to enjoy the local seafood with freshly caught fish, shrimp, scallops, oysters, scampi and calamari available aplenty.

Harbor Town is truly one of America’s greatest courses. Greens fees run from $125-$255, and although this may seem steep, it’s one of those courses you “must play” at least once throughout your lifetime. With so many other great courses on offer, there are a number of options for arranging your Hilton Head tee times and a wonderful golf vacation on this (should be re-named) “Golf Island”.

One such hot-spot is The Kapalua Golf Resort in Maui. This has to be one of the most beautiful courses and first class golf experiences in the world. Set amongst the pineapple fields on the south coast of Maui, it boasts three 18 hole championship courses and the luxury “Kapalua Bay” Ritz Carlton hotel.

The Plantation Course hosts the PGA Tour’s SBS Championship every January, and it’s the perfect place to start the golf season. Its 7411 yards combines links golf with tropical splendor. With views of the ocean and volcanic mountains on every hole, its wide rolling fairways are fast and hard providing a challenge to all levels of golfer. Designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore (opened in 1991) in the mold of great courses such as Augusta and St. Andrews, it is a course which gives the thinking player an advantage over the long hitter. This is course is perhaps the best of all Hawaii Golf Courses. With no rough it offers plenty of opportunities to get out the driver and swing hard at it. The 663 yard par 5 18th is a dramatic end to a fantastic round of golf. Judging the wind and the downhill elevation change provides a great decider of any match…

This time of year is the perfect time to visit. South Maui, is one of the driest, sunniest areas of Hawaii. With great swimming beaches offering fantastic sailing, snorkelliing and scuba diving, there is plenty of activities to suit all tastes. The longest running Food and Wine festival in Hawaii is hosted at Kapalua between June 24-27 and brings some of the worlds top chefs and sommeliers to the resort. It’s a long-weekend of daily culinary exhibitions, interactive wine tastings and evening gala events.

Hawaii Golf will give you the ultimate golf experience in a tropical paradise at any time of year. The warm, tranquil waters, heavenly beaches and welcoming natives, make this the perfect golf vacation.

When you set scoring goals for yourself and you are not meeting them, frustration and dissatisfaction set in, leading to more poorly hit golf shots. In golf, you need to give up control to gain control. Learn how to accept the outcome of all shots (good or bad), swing freely at your target and enjoy all the challenges that the game throws at you.

A great way to break away from scoring targets is to set yourself goals that have nothing to do with the number on your scorecard. One such goal is trying to to stick to your shot routine for x number of shots per round. Even the top players in the world struggle to achieve this for every shot, but they continually work to improve it. Being able to go through a good shot routine and make sure you are mentally prepared for each shot as well as accepting the outcome of the shot, will help you more than continually measuring your game by your score.

At the end of each hole write down the number of shots that you felt you successfully stuck to your routine. Total these numbers and make this your new target.

Try this and I’ve no doubt that you will see lower scores.

In this video, Jeff Ritter shows us an effective way to read greens and improve our scores through better putting. Green reading is an integral part of any good pre-shot routine on the putting green and we can always get better at it.

In the Golf State of Mind Audio Teaching, I talk about how to develop a strong routine for better green reading and this video includes a few of those elements. We can hugley increase our chances of holing a putt before the ball is struck and this is why this it is considered to be part of the “mental game“.

Helpful tips include visualizing where water would run if you poured a bucket of water on the green and feeling the ground beneath your feet to better judge the slopes. Remembering to look at the putt from as many different angles as possible (not just behind the ball) and not under-reading the break will also help you make more putts.