How to Control Temper Tantrums on the Golf Course

Have you ever thrown or even broken a golf club after a few sequentially awful golf shots? Perhaps you've chucked a club into the pond or stormed off a green in disgust after three-putting from under ten feet?

Many golfers can remember a time when their bad golf shots resulted in some sort of temper tantrum ...did it help, or hurt, your round?

Sergio Garcia is, perhaps, the king of temper tantrums on the golf course. I remember years ago after he missed an easy putt, Sergio spat into the cup ...and it was captured right on TV. I wondered how Tom Lehman, the next golfer to putt, felt picking up a wet ball, not to mention if Sergio Garcia even thought about his actions on the golf course.

More recent notable infractions include Sergio's response to a poor tee shot on the 16th hole of the WGC tournament in Memphis - Garcia slammed his club into the tee box. Subsequently, at The 2019 Open, Garcia again portrayed a breach of etiquette by flipping his golf club without even looking, endangering his nearby caddie. Sergio was disqualified after admitting to bad behavior in Saudi Arabia for "serious misconduct".

Sergio Garcia's temper tantrums might cause him some grief off course as some PGA Tour are calling for the golfer to be banned from play. 

Actions always have consequences, so, even if he doesn't receive a suspension, Garcia's anger and tantrums must internally be affecting his game. What can Sergio Garcia, and amateurs who suffer from temper outbursts do to stop the madness?

Related Read: Frustration led DeChambeau to Do This on the Golf Course

Gaining control of your emotions before a round of golf starts with positive self-talk and having confidence in your game. Remember that, although golfers strive for perfection, golf is a game of recovery. Don't beat yourself up for not having a perfect shot - instead, be excited at the prospect of "the game" itself, that is, getting back into play and into the hole in the least number of strokes. You play golf against yourself, which means that you tackle both physical and emotional elements for eighteen holes.

Joan King wrote an article on the expectations we have in golf and how to manage your emotions on the course to score better and have more fun. King states, "How good you are at golf is determined by how you react to the ever-changing situations during the round, not about what you expect will happen. The more flexible you are, the more control you have."

Lastly, think about how you look to the rest of your group as you get teed off...do they even want to invite you out for another round?

Your thoughts are welcomed in the comments section of this golf blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

photo: PublicDomainPictures.net

Self Improvement On and Off the Golf Course

While we can’t control everything in our lives...like a bad shot on the golf course, we do have some say in what happens during our daily routines.

With a few smart strategies in place, you can employ some incredible self-improvement strategies that will enhance your life. Think through what you want to work on, whether it’s kicking a bad habit, developing a healthy one, or trying new things.

Below are a few ideas you should consider both on and off the golf course. Thanks to Stephanie Haywood for her help writing the non-golf portions of this blog.

Develop Confidence

Probably the most important part of a solid score on the course and for life, in general, is to develop a confident attitude. Do not live in fear of your next shot, think of yourself as a good golfer and always remember your best shots. Positive self-talk will help you immensely both on, and off, the course!

Tend Those Pearly Whites

Being busy, stressed, or tired can often mean something’s got to give. If you have neglected your dental visits for any reason, why not get back in the habit? Believe it or not, your oral health is actually a reflection of your overall health. There appears to be a link between what’s going on in your mouth and your mental health, heart health, and gut health. By making improvements in your oral health, you can be happier, healthier, and see all around betterment in your well-being. It’s a great way to ensure you have plenty to smile about, as well!

Go on a Golf Getaway Weekend

We all need a break every once in a while to recharge our batteries and clear our minds. So, if it’s been a while since you’ve had some quality downtime, perhaps it’s time to head off on a much-needed weekend golf getaway. The good news: You don’t have to travel very far!

Myrtle Beach, for example, is a wonderful place to recharge as it offers everything from gorgeous beaches (including the 60-mile Grand Strand), dunes, and numerous shopping opportunities. Golf enthusiasts can also take advantage of the many beautiful courses throughout the area, giving you a great opportunity to get in a little exercise and stay active during your stay.

Make your getaway easier by booking a golf package with better rates on both golf and hotel accommodations. Leaving the chaos of life behind for a few days will allow you to recharge your batteries.

Address a Hurting Heart

Sometimes, when we go through something very upsetting or traumatic, it can be easier to set aside our emotions than to deal with them head-on. This can be especially true when it comes to grief, although as Psychology Today explains if we don’t explore our painful emotions stemming from a loss, it can lead to what is termed incomplete grief. There are some wonderful resources out to help connect you with support groups, information, and advice.  

Straighten Out Your Finances

As tax time rolls around, many of us have to pause to consider our overall financial picture. If you aren’t in the position you would like, it may be time to take a gander at your finances and set things right. If you never created a budget for home use, it’s the perfect time to do so.

Start by listing your monthly income from all sources and tally it. Then, list all your monthly expenses, including your fixed expenses and your more flexible ones.

Your flexible expenses are things that you can alter, such as clothing and entertainment (golf is not flexible for many people like myself), while the fixed ones you can’t change easily, such as your housing and car payment. Deduct the expenses from the income, and your end result should be zero. If you’re in the red, cut some expenses, and if you’re in the black, put more money into savings or toward paying down debts.

Pulling Things Together

In golf as in life, once you set goals for yourself, how will you achieve them? You might be surprised to learn setting goals doesn’t normally prove helpful. You are actually more apt to see success by setting goals in a stepping-stone style. Clarify what you want to achieve and how you will get there, and rather than trying to do things in an all-or-nothing manner, pick just a few ideas to work toward at a time. That way, you’re less apt to become overwhelmed and discouraged.  

We all have things we could be working on in our lives. If you are looking for ways to enjoy a better quality of life, there are choices you can make and gains to be had. Do some self-introspection, set some goals, and make self-improvement a priority!

What type of self-improvement methods do you apply to your golf game? Let us know in the comments section of this golf blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Image courtesy of Pixabay

Sharpen Your Game with 365 Easy Golf Tips from the Pros

Have you noticed that, after taking a golf lesson with your instructor, your game shows a marked improvement? Shortly after however, and without continued guidance, your game slowly reverts back to its original state. Most golfers don't have an instructor on the range or course during the entire season but now you can have great golf tips at your fingertips 365 days a year.

Illustrations and one-page tips from putting to sand play offered in the golf book "365 Golf Tips and Tricks From The Pros" by Jay Morelli are designed to simplify every area of your game with a suggestion per day ...playing without fear is my favorite.

This golf book rightfully opens with tips on the rules, segues into Golf Etiquette, takes you through course management, drills, the mental game and even offers help on purchasing the right type of equipment for your game.

Below are three golf tips I selected from the book (one tip each for beginner, intermediate and advanced golfer). For a read into the other 362 tips, click on the link at the end of this golf blog.

Tip 40: LOGICAL BALL POSITION,
Dick Capasso, PGA Teaching Pro, Augusta Georgia
Many players get confused about where to play the ball in their stance for shots off the turf.

We have all heard conflicting advice on this subject. Each shot is a new experience and should be treated as such. The best place to place your ball is in the way of your swing. Try taking a few practice swings and pay attention to where the club nips the turf. That spot is where the ball should be played for that particular stroke.

Tip 179: PLAY WITHOUT FEAR, by Jay Morelli, Director of the Original Golf School, Mount Snow, Vermont

Golfers are so often afraid of bad shots that they sometimes play timidly, making timid golf swings. You are much better off going ahead and making a committed and strong swing. Commit to the shot and don't even think about what not to do. A non-swing will never produce a good result.

Tip 269: COIL UP FOR POWER, by Sandra Jaskol, LPGA Teaching Pro, Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, Old Westbury, New York

To get more power and distance, practice with a medium-sized rubber ball between your legs to feel the rotation of your upper body uncoiling above a stable, planted lower body. This springlike effect will keep you more centered over the ball while maximizing your coil with explosive power and speed.

If you expect your golf game to improve, you need a teaching pro. That being said, when your instructor isn't around and you require a brush up (even on the golf course), pull out your "365 Golf Tips and Tricks from the Pros" pocket-sized guide, thumb through it and you'll most likely find the answer to your questions.

About the Author:

Jay Morelli is Director of The Original Golf School at Mount Snow, Vermont and Plantation Golf Resort in Florida. He has been teaching and improving golfers at all skill levels for more than 40 years. He founded the Original Golf School and the Accelerated Teaching Method in June 1978. Golf Digest voted him the top teaching pro in Vermont, and he has been named New England PGA Teacher of the Year. He has produced four major DVDs and written four books on golf.

Bruce Curtis has been at the forefront of photography for more than four decades. As a photographer for Time, Life, and Sports Illustrated, he has been on the frontlines as a photographer of many conflicts around the world. He has won more than 25 awards and provided photography for more than 40 books.

Learn more about 365 Golf Tips and Tricks from The Pros

Photo credit courtesy of 365 Golf Tips and Tricks From The Pros

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook.

Balancing Competitive and Social on the Golf Course

Many women face a dilemma on the golf course. By its very nature, golf is a social game. You are on the course for up to five hours yet are actually swinging the club only a few minutes of that time. There are a lot of opportunities to chat whether it is in the cart or waiting on the tee. That social aspect is great, but what if you want to be competitive as well? A balance of both is ideal, and the following three tips from golf writer Beth Myers will help achieve a perfect middle ground.

 

Learn from the Pros

 

Golf Phoenix 2009 LPGA event with Michelle Wie

 

If you watch golf on TV, you likely don’t see a lot of chit chat between the players. That is because when the camera is on, they are getting ready for their next shot. If you were to go to an event in person, you would find the players actually talk quite a bit during the round. The key is to separate your time and not let one get in the way of the other. When you get to your ball, you need to switch into ‘golf mode’ and cut out the chatting. Focus on your shot, pay attention to details and do your best. The times when you are walking in the fairway or riding in the cart are best for being social. There is nothing wrong with doing both, just keep them apart.

 

Plan Post Round Activity

Not wanting to be rude, sometimes women feel required to be as social as possible on the golf course. If you have something like dinner or drinks planned for after the round, you won’t feel as pressured because you know there will be time enough to catch up later. That doesn’t mean you don’t talk at all on the course, but it will help keep you focused on the golf.

 

It’s Okay to Win

To our credit, we women are generally more considerate than men. That translates to the golf course when some women have a hard time really wanting to win. They want to golf well but don’t necessarily want to take attention away from others by winning the trophy at the end of the day. My advice is to let that instinct go and try your hardest to play your absolute best each time. Golf is a hard game and it’s a great feeling to have won something – anything – on the golf course.

 

Don’t sell yourself short. You have practiced a lot, improved over your years of playing, and you should be rewarded with a little recognition.

 

One of the best parts of golf is the social aspect. To be sure, that is a major reason that it is such a hugely popular recreation activity. You can entertain clients on the course or just have a great time with friends. There is no reason to take that out of the game. At the same time, you can still play your hardest and compete with yourself and with others. The next time you play, focus on finding a comfortable balance between socializing and playing golf. It is different for everyone but, when you find the right mix for you, your best golf is soon to follow.

 

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Beth Myers is a passionate golfer, mother & wife…not in that order .  She writes for East Coast Golf Sales on all things women’s golf - you could say she is a little obsessed.  Be sure to follow her on twitter @GolfBeth

 

 

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and friend on Facebook

 

photo credit: Phoenix.about.com

 

 

Posted via email from stacysolomon's posterous

Tiger Woods rebuilding Mexico for blue-bloods and thinking outside the tee box

Click here to listen.


Please don't say that Tiger Woods is becoming an elitist!

I always thought that Woods' upbringing was middle-class Cablinasian entering the sport at a bit of a disadvantage but now it appears to me as if Tiger Woods is becoming one of them...that is, corporate, blue-blooded American. Even his name, Tiger, seems much more of a terrific marketing ploy than Eldrick, a name in which his father tagged him after being saved by a South Vietnamese soldier during the war.

Woods believes, before even building his new golf course in Punta Brava, that it will rival Pebble Beach! Nattily clad at a press conference at the Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, Tiger said, "When you get to No 12 it is similar to No 8 at Pebble Beach."

Ah but there IS a difference between Pebble Beach and Punta Brava, dear Tiger. Pebble Beach, although woefully expensive to tee off from, is public and Punta Brava will be private and, as Woods mentioned, "safe".

Perhaps Woods is building up his new course as a way of building his high-end brand (as Tim McDonald believes)?

As anal as he is with his golf game, so is he with his golf course. Tiger Woods "walked three and a half hours on site and had to have surgery the next day," mentioned Brady Oman, Flagship Group co-founder and one business partner in the deal.

Another surgery? Maybe el Tigre is tired of playing the game and is now resorting to, well, resorts? Despite a slumping economy, there are still plenty of wealthy individuals who would pay upward of $3 million dollars for a plot of land where Tiger plans to settle himself. Although Woods is 'mum' on his return, he has mentioned that he won't be 100% until 2010!

Golf for Beginners also offers plenty of golf tips this week in addition to the Tiger Talk. We discuss offbeat and peculiar ways to get to the green. Do you always have to sink a birdie putt with a putter?

Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Subscribe to our weekly podcast through this RSS feed:http://feeds.feedburner.com/golfforbeginners or through iTunes.

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"Shiny Tech" courtesy of Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)"

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Photo Credit: © PETT
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader - Lexington, United States