In previous articles I have referred to the need to have the correct attitude to play good golf and that this can be influenced by events off the golf course.
These could be work problems, family problems or even the stress of driving to the golf course with bad driving, lack of direction signs or just the amount of traffic on the N332.
The time from when you close your front door to standing on the first tee is vitally important and can significantly influence your round of golf.
There are some things that you can do to help this process.
Firstly, play music in the car on the way to the course because it is a good mood setter.
What music should I play I hear you ask?
You should play music with a melody, which reflects your personality and golfing style.
For example, if you are a quiet, reserved individual play ballads or elevator music BUT if you are at your best when you play powerful, attacking golf then play up-beat or heavy music.
In general play any music that get YOU into the correct mood.
As an example of this, Steve Davis was the worlds best snooker player in the 1980’s and in his car and dressing room prior to matches he would play ‘we are the champions’ by the band Queen to put him in the correct mood.
You can also help your self in a similar manner when on the course.
To eliminate potentially stressful situations you can sing or hum to yourself when on the golf course, without disturbing your playing partners naturally.
The great Jack Nicklaus once stated that he used to do a lot of humming on the golf course, sticking to the same tune for the full round and once shot a score of 66 to moon river.
Give it a try; what is the worst that can happen?
You never know your karaoke singing may also improve!