Why Does Your Stoke Change?
Does your putting stroke feel different on the course?
Maybe you consider your putting game as your primary strength, then all of the sudden you can’t make a short putt.
Most golfers will attempt to work it out by spending more time on the practice green.
Some may try to change grip, switch putters or change stroke…
After all the work or changes to your putting, the on-course putting woes continue.
Why?
If you putt well on the practice green, but not on the course, improving your stroke is often not the answer (but the more obvious solution for golfers).
The key to unlock your performance on the course is to improve your mental game and address how your mind if affecting your game…
When all the practice is complete, the most important part of your game is your mental approach to golf.
Top golfers make the decision to improve their mental game.
For example, Rory McIlroy struggled with his short game at times during the 2015 season. McIlroy’s short-game difficulties were obvious at the 2015 Frys.com Open where he finished tied for 26th place.
McIlroy commented that his troubles with his short game were more mental than physical. After the 3rd Round, McIlroy, talked about how a few missed putts can dramatically affect his mental game.
Related Article: Mental Keys to Rory McIlroy’s US Open Putting
MCILROY: “I don’t think it’s a technical issue at all because I putt the ball really well on the putting green. Then I got out there and I hole a couple and maybe I’ll miss one or two and it gets into my head. It’s more a mental thing and trying to trust myself a little bit more.”
McIlroy spoke about how working with a Sport Psychologist has helped him overcome similar issues in the past.
MCILROY: “I’ve spoken to some people before: Spoken to caddie Dave [Renwick] about the mental side of putting; Worked with a [Sport Psychologist] back in 2010. There are different ways [to overcome it].”
Improving your mental game can help you identify why your putting changes on the course, such as:
- Fear of missing
- Fear of not playing to potential
- Worry about disappointing a partner
- Trying too hard
- Being too cautious and not wanting to 3-putt.
The first step is to find out what’s getting in the way of a smooth or relaxed stroke on the course.
And keep in mind: strokes don’t break down under pressure, golfers’ minds do.
Tips for Improving your Mind Game
Know how your putting changes on the course. For example, how does your stroke change, such as it feels tight or jerky?
How does your thinking change on the course? For example, do you stop believing you can make putts after you miss one early in the round?
You may have the putting yips. However, not all putting woes comes from having the yips. Check out Breaking The Yips Cycle to see if you have the yips:
Overcome The Yips and Enjoy Golf Again!
Golfers, do you suffer from:
- Anxiety, tension and over control of the stroke or swing?
- Performance anxiety about what others will think?
- Inability to wing the club freely on the course, despite the fact that you can in practice?
Check out: Breaking the Yips Cycle
Golfers: Learn how to overcome the fear that keeps you stuck in a vicious cycle
Instructors: Learn how to give your students the mental game edge.
Coaches: Help your team members play with freedom instead of fear or tension.
Breaking The Yips Cycle: How to Putt, Chip, And Pitch Freely and Enjoy Playing Golf Again
What are Golf Psychology Students Saying?
“To win at any level, you have to train both your mind and body. Dr. Cohn does an excellent job of teaching you how to develop confidence and touch around the greens, both of which are vital to any player’s success. Dr. Cohn has taught me excellent practice drills for putting that have helped me become a better putter.
~J.L. Lewis, PGA Tour winner
Download Our FREE Anti-Yips Putting Drills
Do you spend most of your practice time trapped by stroke or mechanics on the practice green?
Are you unsure how to practice to hep you overcome the putting yips?
Golfers: Learn how to putt with freedom using proven putting drills!
Download our FREE putting report and drills to help you unlock your putting potential today!
What are golfers saying about our putting yips drills?
“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me to get back on track and get things going again.
~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour
Overcome The Yips With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
What are our mental coaching students saying?
“I am a PGA Professional and when I connected with you, I just wanted some ideas to help my students. But thanks to you, my own game has improved! I think I will shoot 69; negative thoughts have vanished; and my self-talk and confidence has improved tremendously. I will be referring my students to your web site.”
~Bill Allen, PGA Pro