Instant Golf Tips

Sergio Garcia, with his Players playoff win over journeyman Paul Goydos, quieted his many critics. His victory at the Tour’s “5th” Major had all the earmarks of the coming out his fans and the media had long been anticipating.

How did he do it?

His ball striking is renowned and was dead on for 4 days at Sawgrass. His short game work with guru Stan Utley paid dividends. Windy conditions also favored his low ball flight.

But Sergio won this tournament with his mind.

The animated, pouting El Niño golf fans had come to love (or hate) was replaced by a cool, collected golfing machine.

In his acceptance speech, Garcia thanked Tiger for not being in the field. But in my estimation, Tiger was there, in the guise of Sergio.

Every golfer must deal with his or her emotions when in contention. Spectators saw 2 different approaches on Sunday among the leaders.

For Paul Goydos, his relief valve was his sense of humor and good natured animation:

Other golfers withdraw into themselves under pressure and implode.

Garcia found the perfect blend of focus and expression. And who is the best in the history of the game at that balance. That’s right, Mr. Woods.

Tiger is in a relaxed trance on the course. He goes about his business with only an occasional laugh or quip to his caddy, Steve Williams. Then right back into focus for the shot at hand.

For most golfers, any extreme spells disaster. Any 54 hole leader with 3 rounds in the 60’s invariably “tries” to do something extra on Sunday.

The “I better concentrate and play harder to beat these great players” strategy rarely works; did you do that to take the lead? Grinding does not mean torturing yourself. This is the formula for physical tightness and bad decision making (Mickelson at Winged Foot).

Even worse, the “I am just going to have fun out there tomorrow (Sunday) and see what happens”. Rarely is that golfer holding the trophy on Sunday. Hence, I have never heard those words come out of Tiger Wood’s mouth.

So what’s the secret for the club golfer? An External Prompt.

Say you are in a club match or work golf league showdown. You have been playing well, but when the match gets tight or you have an uncharacteristic lead, you feel it slipping away.

This is when you must be influenced by a force outside your mind to break the pattern:

• Glance at a prepared note card with some basic strategy or a simple swing thought that has been successful in the past, or at the driving range. Take a quick glance and remember what works for you under “normal conditions”. Pros stash these in their yardage books all the time.
• Pull out your wallet and look at a picture of your 3 year old.
• If you have a playing partner, ask him or her before hand to let you know when your “tempo has changed”, etc… Professional caddies are experts at walking the fine line between encouragement and meddling.

Any of these moves (or your own) will break any negative pattern that is starting to form.

Go ahead and let your opponent melt down. You keep doing what got you into contention in the first place. And remember this:

If you simply play and score to your handicap, you will win 90% of your matches.

Now back to the Players Champion:

Will Sergio Garcia continue on and win a major or 2 (or more)? Well, tee to green he is consistently one of the best, so he will be in contention many more times.

This win was no fluke. It was the evolution of the feisty Spaniard. And at 28, time is on his side to fulfill all the promise we saw at the 1999 PGA Championship.

Well done, Mr. El Niño.

- Rob Cotter – http://www.instantgolflesson.com/