Saturday, January 27, 2007

The Eight Traits of Artful Golfers

The most valuable tool a golfer can bring to the course is a strong mental game.


Morning View by Hinting at flickr

However, according to the team at GolfPsych, each golfer requires different solutions in learning to think well on the course due to their unique personalities and experiences.

Their research on the best players in the world found that there are 8 Champion Personality Traits for golf. They are the only ones that matter and they are critical to your success.

1. Good Focus - Good mental routine for each shot. Opens focus between shots. Not distracted.

2. Abstract Thinking - Thoughts on course management and relevant variables only. Doesn't over-think or over-analyze.

3. Emotionally Stable - Little reaction to poor shots and bad breaks or to good shots and good breaks.

4. Dominant - Moderately aggressive. Takes smart risks. Challenges course.

5. Tough - Tough-minded and Self-reliant. Indifferent to others. Overcomes adversity. Unaffected by conditions.

6. Confident - Secure, self satisfied and guilt free. See self as winner.

7. Self-Sufficient - Very decisive and prefers own decisions. Resists peer pressure.

8. Optimum Arousal - Aware of and controls level of tension to enhance performance. On 1-10 scale: 4 for putting, 6 for driving.

I'm planning to evaluate these traits in my own personality during upcoming rounds to determine which ones require the most attention and improvement. I can assure you that they all need some attention, but at first glance, Self-Sufficiency jumps out as the trait that I may need to work on most.

You can learn more about GolfPsych and the programs they offer at www.golfpsych.com.

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Visit: San Luis Obispo Golf Guide

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Golf as Art

When you disappear, Golf as Art shows up. The resulting void is where all the important discoveries, personal development, satisfaction, joy and fulfillment take place.
–Fred Shoemaker, Extraordinary Golf

Swing motion at its highest level is the uninterrupted flow of natural rhythm from within.
–Tom Woods, True Golf

Your enemy is expectation. Your ally is detachment. The game isn't the process, the game is the dream.
–Kris Barkway, The Magician's Way

A great golf shot is a thing of beauty. Repeating it is an art.
–Mark Guadagnoli, Practice to Win

Golf is performance art and there's no right and wrong in art. You're free to play however you want.
–Grayden Provis, Golf = Life

Artful Milestones

  • Mar 05 - Started playing (1 rd/week)
  • Jun 05 - Broke 80 (21st round)
  • Nov 05 - Increased play (2 rds/week)
  • Jan 06 - Under 10 Index (54th round)
  • Jan 06 - 10 GIR (62nd round)
  • Mar 06 - Less than 30 Putts (75th round)
  • Aug 06 - First Eagle (124th round)
  • Aug 06 - 5 Birdies (138th round)
  • Sep 06 - Broke 76 (146th round)
  • Oct 06 - First ACE (161st round)
  • Oct 06 - Under 5 Index (166th round)
  • Oct 06 - 13 Fairways (169th round)
  • Dec 06 - Broke 72 (184th round)
  • Dec 06 - 70's Streak (9/10 rounds)
  • Feb 07 - Under 4 Index (219th round)
  • Feb 07 - 15 GIR (219th round)
  • Oct 07 - 24 Putts (298th round)
  • Jan 08 - 70's Streak (12 rounds)
  • Jan 08 - Second ACE (332nd round)
  • Apr 08 - Par from Tips (370th round)
  • May 08 - Under 3 Index (382nd round)
  • Aug 08 - 50th Course (420th round)
  • Nov 08 - Broke 70 (460th round)
  • Dec 08 - 16 GIR (472nd round)
  • May 09 - 60th Course (510th round)
  • May 09 - 7 Birdies (511th round)
  • May 09 - Broke 70 (511th round)
  • May 09 - Under Par Streak (2 rounds)
  • May 09 - Under 80 Streak (13 rounds)
  • May 09 - Broke 70 (520th round)
  • May 09 - Under 2 Index (520th round)
  • Jun 09 - 70th Course (538th round)
  • Aug 09 - Third ACE (556th round)
  • Aug 09 - Broke 70 (559th round)
  • Jul 10 - 100 Holes at Even-Par (670th round)

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