Tom Tucker is a World Golf Teachers and United States Golf Teacher Federation-certified golf instructor. He may be contacted via his website or at the Plum Creek driving range in Batavia, NY.

Every golfer carries on some sort of internal dialogue when they play, and the best players say the best things to themselves.

Absolutely nothing is gained by saying to yourself (or even worse – out loud) “you idiot, how can you hit it there” or “how can you leave that putt short” or “how can you blow that putt by the hole”. 

Instead, take the lead from some of the games best by saying positive things such as:

  • Matt Kuchar  “If you stay patient good things happen”
  • Bubba Watson  “If I have a swing I have a shot”
  • Jack Nickalaus  “C’mon Jackie boy you’re the best”

Plant positive thoughts and feelings in your brain before you take your shot, such as “smooth swing, middle of the fairway” as opposed to anything with “don’t” in it, such as “don’t hit it left”, or “don’t hit it in the water”.

Avoid any thoughts with “don’t” in it like the plaque.

What happens when you say to yourself “don’t think of an elephant”?

You immediately think of an elephant, because in order to understand a negative instruction, our brain must first create and attend to an image of that which we are telling it not to do.

On the other hand, positive self thought creates images that prompt actions that are consistent with a positive outcome.

Here’s a little homework assignment for each of you: take five minutes to make a list of positive things that you can say to yourself next time you play or practice that will engage the right mindset to play great golf.

Here are couple of examples of thoughts that I use personally:

  • “Aim a little right, hit a soft draw”
  • “I’ve got this shot all day”
  • “I could hole this putt ten times in a row”
  • “I think I can actually hole this chip”
  • “Where would I rather be than right here, right now” (I borrowed this one from Marv Levy, former Buffalo Bills head coach)

Keep the list filed on your computer, and take the best three thoughts, write them down on the back of a business card or on an index card, and stick it in your pocket. You’ll read them at least twice per day, and before you know it you’ll be a positive golf thinker.

Love your practice, enjoy your golf,

Tom