Keeping Personal Problems off the Golf Course

On the golf course, golfers are often left alone with their thoughts. For that reason, without mental preparation and focus, golf can become a frustrating and even depressing endeavor, especially for the competitive golfer. There are a myriad of things that can take a golfer’s focus away from the task at hand; allergy symptoms, raindrops, a nagging injury, or slow play. The most damaging distraction is, arguably, personal issues. Two recent examples, though varying greatly in actual severity, are good illustrations. Sergio Garcia is an amazing talent. Recently, he came within a tiny margin of taking Tiger Woods’ number one spot in the Official World Golf Rankings. Until, that is, he went through a breakup with his girlfriend, Morgan-Leigh Norman, daughter of golfing great, Greg Norman. Since the March breakup, Garcia’s play has suffered and he has admitted openly that it affected his performance. “Obviously the break-up with Morgan didn’t help. You get over some things. Others take a little longer.” Much has been reported about Amy Mickelson, wife of Phil Mickelson, and her recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Phil immediately suspended his tour schedule in order to be with his wife and family and this week marks his return to the tour. It remains painful for him to speak publicly about his wife’s condition and it is undoubtedly difficult for him to keep it from his mind while on the golf course. Although Garcia and Mickelson have problems that vary a great deal in actual severity, both are equally distracting to the individual golfer. Every person, whether amateur or pro, male or female, from time to time, has personal difficulties that affect their play and they don’t need to be as grave as the two described here to make an impact. Dr. Morris Pickens, GolfersMD sports-psychology expert puts the issue in perspective in speaking of whether such thoughts can be controlled. “No, those issues can’t be forgotten,” says Pickens when asked about whether Garcia and Mickelson could be put out of their mind. “They can be minimized, but not forgotten.” Methods for Dealing with Life Issues on the Course Dr. Pickens has two methods recommends for his players, which include 2007 Masters Champion, Zach Johnson, when faced with any off-the-course issues: 1. Physically get the issue out of the system before stepping onto the course. Write the problem down and leave it in the car, at the hotel, in the locker room. 2. When thoughts of the problem enter the mind while on the golf course, and they often will, don’t dwell on it or fight it. Finish the thought and get back to focusing on the next shot. Source: “Sergio García Blames Slump in Form on Split From Girlfriend,” John Hopkins and Jack Malvern, The Times, London, UK, May 27, 2009. Alan L. Hammond