Hello Golfers:

Let’s get your game ready for the 2014 Season!

In an effort to bring the best in golf instruction to my clients, I am now Certified as a Sports and Performance Psychology Coach.  I am currently open for appointments regarding this aspect of training!  I would like to welcome you to visit my new webpage at www.dmperformancecoaching.com.

Please enjoy the article below!

Benefit In 2014 Using Proper Goal Setting Techniques!

The new season provides a great opportunity for you to improve your golf game!  This year, many of you will focus on making swing improvements, decide to work on your fitness, make short game changes, or perhaps strive to improve the mental side of your game.  I am excited to tell you that I can help you in any of these areas.  The results for my students thus far in Florida have been terrific.

Today, I would like to open with discussing the importance of using proper goal setting techniques.  The best athletes in the world have a formula for success, and it begins with a well thought out plan of attack.  Without one, a golfer could have the best intentions to improve, and not reach the goals they set out for at the beginning of the season.  This often leads to a loss of interest, negativity towards one’s game, and a loss of enjoyment in the game that they would have previously said they loved.  This is why an improvement plan using proper goal setting techniques is essential if you are excited to reach new levels in your game in 2014!

Here are three tips to help you to reach your golfing goals:

If you are not fully aware of how much time you have to give to the areas of your game that need improvement, it is likely that your goals will be set too high, and you will end up frustrated and discouraged.  Keep in mind that whether you are a tour player, or a weekend golfer, it is important to set goals that are challenging yet realistic.

Let’s say that you decide to embark on a swing change this season.   Learn to love the great shots you hit more than you despise your bad shots.  Take time each day to savor how good it felt when you hit the ball exactly the way you wanted to with the new swing move.  Paying more attention to the good you are doing will build confidence, and keep you committed to your goals through the challenging times.  Recognize where you still need to improve and take note of it, but spend most of your time thinking about what you are doing right rather than what you are doing wrong.

Becoming fixated on having a certain score, your place in a tournament, or the distance you are currently hitting your irons is a sure set up for frustration and stress.  Instead, focus on the things you can control that will help you to improve in the long run.  These are called process goals.  Examples of process goals could be your dedication to practicing, commitment to maintaining a good mindset, or even scheduling in down time to let your body heal.  Focusing on the process is something that you can also take to the course.  When I played golf with Doctor Bob Rotella, he wouldn’t write down our scores after each hole.  His primary focus was on my attention to the pre-shot routine.  He understood this principle.  Dedication to the process on and off the course brings one the best chance to succeed.

Good Luck!

If you are in the Miami area this winter, come and visit me to get your 2014 season off to a great start at the beautiful Melreese Country Club!  I have been personally trained by the golf’s best swing coaches, and look forward to helping you become your best!
If you would like to work on the mental game, I am not limited by distance!  We can have face to face conversations using Google Hangouts or do phone consultations.

Thank you all,

Dave Mahoney

www.davemahoneygolf.com
www.dmperformancecoaching.com