November 01, 2021
By Gabe Hearn
Throughout this series of articles, I️ am going to discuss what I️ like to call the four C’s.
Confidence, commitment, consistency, composure
The first and probably the most important part to achieve a strong mental game is Confidence. Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.” ~ Jack Nicklaus.
Having the right amount of confidence is one of the most important parts of great performance on the course.
Self belief is the first step, you need to believe in yourself at all times. If you start the round with the thought that your not a good golfer than you are already setting yourself up for failure. A good way to gain more self belief is to think about another skill that you have improved at. Remind yourself of the improvements you have made in your life and your golf game.
Stay positive. Always keep a positive outlook on your swing and your golf game. If you don’t think you are capable of playing good golf, you are going to prove yourself right time and time again.
Remember what went well. Take five minutes after every round and either write down the good shots or just make a mental note on how the shot felt and how you felt afterwards.
Visualize and Feel. The more vividly you can see the target and the shot you intend to hit, the less you will see what you fear. Putting the intention into the subconscious mind, can help synchronize the body and mind and increase the chance of success.
Develop a Strong Shot Routine. When you have a good pre shot routine, even when you are in a high pressure situation you can still feel comfortable and confident.
Confidence is the key component to playing good golf and training yourself to do these steps will definitely upgrade your game.
Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening – and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” -Arnold Palmer
We all want our swings to be that much better and to hit the ball that much farther, but if we don’t trust the swing we have and fully commit to each shot, then we’re making it that much harder on ourselves to hit the shots we want to and to shoot a good score.
When we’re standing over the ball about to hit that downhill chip shot or that long iron shot into the green, it’s much easier for those negative thoughts or images of the swing or shot we don’t want to creep in.
Before each shot, picture the best shot you have hit with that club. Remember what it felt like after you hit it just the way you intended. Visualize the ball flying to the target you have chosen. This is a method that Freddy Couples does, as well as many other great players.
Hitting a shot with total commitment means that you have already accepted the outcome no matter what happens. If we have this mindset on a consistent basis, it will help free us so that we can make our best swing.
There are two things that can help you stay committed to your shots:
Doing these things will take time and experience, but practicing and focusing on these points will exponentially increase your confidence and commitment in your golf game.
October 19, 2024
Prepare for success on the course with these expert warm-up tips in San Diego. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering your pre-game routine is key to enhancing performance.
October 09, 2024
Golf has always been more than just a game to me. It’s a reflection of life’s most valuable lessons—lessons I’ve been fortunate to learn from the most influential people in my life, especially my father and grandfathers. My dad, with his unwavering focus and integrity, taught me to always do the right thing, whether on the course or in life. He showed me that true success comes from hard work, discipline, and maintaining a steady moral compass.
But I was also shaped by my grandfathers, both veterans who embodied different, yet equally powerful values. One grandfather instilled in me the importance of family—reminding me that our closest relationships are the foundation for everything meaningful. The other lived life with passion and purpose, teaching me to embrace every moment and live life to the fullest. Together, these influences have shaped not only my approach to golf but how I live and coach today.
As a golf instructor, these lessons are woven into everything I teach. Golf, after all, isn’t just about perfecting your swing or winning tournaments; it’s about patience, perseverance, and growing as an individual. The lessons my mentors passed on to me, I now pass on to my students, hoping to guide them both in their game and in life.
In my experience, the values you learn on the golf course—like focus, respect, and resilience—are the same ones that help you succeed beyond the greens.
October 03, 2024
To access Miramar Memorial Golf Course for the PGA Junior League, all civilian guests must have either a 1-day pass or a 180-day pass, requiring a REAL ID or an alternative form of identification like a passport or birth certificate. All guests are subject to a background check at the Visitor Reception Center (VRC), and processing times may take over an hour. Ensure that all civilian names are listed on the tee sheet, and note that the course is open to U.S. citizens and residents only.