Social Approval in Golf
Why does your performance change when on the course?
I’m following up on my email from last week about going from smooth in practice to jerky on the course…
Here’s what one golfer asked in my putting yips survey:
“I’m fine in practice on the putting green and playing on my own, but as soon as I play with someone, I get conscious of it. So how can I find a way to get good thoughts on the course?”
This issue is at the heart of my philosophy about breaking the yips cycle. This golfer nailed the real culprit…
The fear of looking silly or embarrassment! It’s really not about having good thoughts–it’s more significant than that.
Fear of embarrassment might not be every golfer’s root cause of the yips, but I know it applies to many people.
This is the big reason why your smooth or relaxed stroke turns into a jerky or flinchy stroke on the course.
Call it performance anxiety. Call it a form of stage fright. Call it fear of embarrassment. It’s all the same…
This problem is based on the concept of social approval.
If you can have a smooth stroke when playing alone and it turns jerking when you play with others, only one factor has changed:
You becoming more self-conscious around others!
Tips for Overcoming Social Approval
So you know your putting changes around others when you play for score.
But what are you most concerned with when playing with others?
- Looking silly
- Embarrassment
- Losing star points
- Getting kicked out of your group
- Not playing to your potential, etc.
You have to start with understanding the real fear behind your yips. Then you have to address it head on…
Ultimately, you have to convince yourself that others don’t really care about your performance on the course. They are too focused on their own games!
Related Article: One Golfer’s Solution to The Putting Yips…
Check out “Breaking The Yips Cycle” and learn how to start playing for the right reasons:
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?
“The mental side is everything in golf—the ability to see your shot or line and trust that you can hit that shot or putt. Dr. Cohn has helped me trust my game and putting stroke.
~Frank Lickliter, PGA Tour, Nike 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?
“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
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 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