Game Up By: Tyler Komick, Director of Instruction

1.  Winter Workshops for Feb 

Mondays – February 10, 17, 24. March 3 (5:30pm)

Wednesdays – February 12, 19, 26, March 5 (5:30pm)

Sundays – February 9, 16, 23, March 2 (10:00am)

2. Junior Clinics for Feb (PDF with information attached) 

3. Academy tip for Feb

 Golf is Mental: Komick’s Top Golf Tips from HP Academy

The mental side of golf is just as crucial—if not more so—than the physical aspects of the game. While technical skills like swing mechanics, putting, and ball striking are vital, your mental game plays a huge role in how you perform under pressure, recover from mistakes, and maintain focus throughout an entire round. Here’s why the mental side is so important:

1. Maintaining Focus and Concentration

Golf requires sustained attention for hours at a time, often with breaks between shots. The ability to maintain focus, block out distractions, and stay engaged with each shot is a mental skill. If your mind wanders or you lose concentration, even a slight lapse can lead to costly mistakes. The mental side helps you stay dialed in from the first tee to the last hole.

2. Handling Pressure and Nerves

Whether it’s a big putt to win a match or simply playing in front of others, pressure is a part of golf. Your mental resilience determines how well you handle nerves. A calm and positive mindset allows you to perform under pressure, while anxiety and self-doubt can lead to mistakes. Mental strength is the key to staying composed and confident, especially when the stakes are high.

3. Recovering from Mistakes

In golf, no one hits every shot perfectly. Mistakes are inevitable. The difference between a great golfer and a good one often comes down to how they handle those mistakes. A golfer who dwells on errors will struggle to focus on the next shot, while someone who embraces mistakes as learning opportunities can quickly recover and maintain a positive attitude.

4. Building Confidence

Golf is a game where belief in yourself and your abilities can have a huge impact on your performance. The more mentally strong you are, the more you’ll trust your skills and decisions. Positive self-talk, visualization, and mental preparation are all ways to boost confidence, leading to a more relaxed and effective game.

5. Staying Patient

Golf can be frustrating, especially when things aren’t going your way. Patience is a vital mental trait in this sport. Instead of rushing through a round or getting frustrated with poor shots, mentally strong golfers stay patient, accept that golf is a game of ups and downs, and trust that their hard work will pay off over time.

6. Consistency Over Time

A strong mental game leads to more consistency. If you’re able to stay calm, focused, and positive through the highs and lows of a round, you’ll be more likely to perform at a consistent level. Mental strength helps you avoid emotional swings that could throw off your game and allows you to focus on executing each shot to the best of your ability.

7. Enjoying the Game

At its core, golf is meant to be enjoyable. Mental strength isn’t just about managing pressure or recovering from mistakes—it’s also about keeping a positive and relaxed mindset, enjoying the challenge, and not getting bogged down by bad rounds or difficult situations. The more you embrace the mental side of golf, the more you can truly enjoy the experience, no matter the result.

In summary, the mental game in golf is just as important as the physical. It affects your focus, confidence, recovery, and ability to handle pressure. By strengthening your mental approach, you can improve your consistency, performance, and overall enjoyment of the game. Reach out to any one of us here at the HP Golf Academy if you would like to discuss further.