Preparing to Play (Part 1)
Preparation time for golf is a very exciting time because it is at this time when your ambitions are set and you dream of those fantastic scores, which will ensure your victory.
You imagine long putts dropping and long drives which split the fairways and you see yourselves being applauded by your fellow players, pointed out to strangers as the champion and being warmly welcomed wherever you go.
Well, in some ways this is all very good because it is this type of dream which provides the interest and enthusiasm to play BUT preparing to play in a competition must start with a more realistic approach.
You must realise and accept that your thinking must take into account that you cannot play beyond your capabilities.
You all know what your limitations are and you must not wish to play at a level above our normal game because if you do ask for more than you can provide, then you can very quickly become disappointed on the day and your interest levels will fall accordingly.
The gathering together of all your requirements for the day is the first priority and this preparation should be obvious.
The condition of every thing you need must compliment your intentions and you must make every effort to look good because to look good is to feel good and care should be taken to make sure that at least you look as if you can play the game.
This is one of the factors included in the feelings of confidence, which as you know is needed if you are to play well.
Golf is a game where good common sense reaps large rewards so prepare sensibly, it is a good idea to sit down sometime when you have a few minutes to spare, and list all of your possible requirements because we all have special needs – may be a sticking plaster for a blistered finger or toe, perhaps a pack of indigestion tablets.
All of these to help overcome the possibility of negative thoughts entering your mind at times when you should be concentrating on your golf.
This article on preparing to play will continue next week with relaxation and essential routines prior to commencing play.