Golf is a challenge of the mind and the body. The objective of the game is to get the ball in the hole with the fewest shots. This sounds easy, but we make it hard. The difficulty that the majority of golfers have is that they think about their situation too much and normally in a negative light. Golfers who play consistently have a positive attitude towards the game. It is very hard to hit a good shot if you have negative thoughts in your mind.
One of the best pieces of advice that I received, was from a former Australian Cricket Captain. He told me to sit in a dark room on my own, close my eyes, and visualize the best shot I have hit with each club in my golf bag. You might find it hard to get a visual for each club, but keep trying until you find that shot. I was told to repeat each positive shot in my mind. The reason for this was to put a positive mind set on each club and to take away the negative vibe from each club.
Think about how that shot made you feel when you hit the ball with that club. The feelings from these shots need to come back into your mind.
Most people are scared to hit certain clubs in their bags because of the fear or negative vibe they feel from that club. This is due to the strong emotion that the player has attached to this club from not so perfect shots. If you can clear your mind of the negative and focus on the best shots you have hit with each club, you will find yourself playing great golf along with using the required club for each situation rather than compensating with another club.
When giving lessons, I look to improve the golfer so they can achieve their goals. Some goals are easier to attain than others, but the secret is to continuously work hard at the swing change or mental thought so you can improve and meet your target.
Many people have lessons with the expectation that they will be instantly cured of any swing errors. The expectations that I have is that the player understand what needs to be done and then for the player to go and work on the task. Some players will improve instantly and others will take a little longer. You will go backwards on occasions before you become good.
The hardest thing to do in golf is to have a lesson and then go straight out for a game and expect a strong result. This can happen on occasions, but it needs to be understood that you need to practice the new technique for a period of time before you can have the confidence to use that technique under pressure on the course.
Take the time to work on your game to achieve the long term goals!