jculverhouse's blog | GLT Golf

Dr. Bob Rotella has been a Professor of Sports Psychology at the University of Virginia for over 21 years. He is also Director of the University of Virginia’s Golf Psychology Department and President of the North American Association for Applied Sports Management. Most importantly for the purposes of GLT’s Golf Psychology series, he is widely considered the Godfather of Golf’s Mental Game.

In today’s edition of the GLT Mental Game of Golf series, we will examine the importance of a process focus through a concept known as T+F= I, Thoughts plus Feelings equals Intention.

It’s a catchy title, but what’s it all mean? Buckle up, Team GLT is about to drop a whole batch of Golf Psychology on you.

Next up in the GLT Golf Psychology series, we examine the process of quieting the inner chimp, and how it applies to the mental game of golf.

Have you ever been driving near a red light or stop sign and instinctively slowed down, without even realizing what you were doing until you were stopped? Or, perhaps you get nervous when standing on a high balcony or near a bridge? Don’t worry, we aren’t going to attempt to diagnose you or tell you these are symptoms of some horrible disease. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Following his incredible scrambling performance at the 2018 PGA Championship, Tiger Woods was asked how he was able to shoot three under despite missing 7 of 9 fairways on the front 9. His response gave yet another bit of insight into the powerful mental game of golf he possesses. But, when and how did Tiger begin his quest to mastering golf psychology? The answer to those questions can be summed up in two words, or one name, if you will: Jay Brunza.

In this quick start guide to GLT Golf’s Golf Psychology series, we will provide a brief look at 3 psychological characteristics of excellence, why some golfers fail to develop these characteristics and how these golf psychology skills help you as you attack golf’s mental game.

Of all the skills elite golfers possess, three stand out as essential from a golf psychology point of view: a growth mindset, automation and chunking.

Perhaps you have seen the cartoon drawing above. It depicts a golfer surrounded by a list of more than 50 thoughts that might be going through his head as he swings the club. Does this golfer seem familiar to you?

When July began, Francesco Molinari was the number 123 ranked golfer in the world. Not only was he playing poorly, his Tour status was in jeopardy.

Now, with a few days remaining in before August begins, Molinari finds himself the winner of two tournaments, including a Major.

During his victory speech following The Open, Molinari made sure to thank each member of his team, including its most recent addition, renowned mental performance coach Dave Alred.

What do Jordan Spieth, Brian Harman and Tiger Woods all have in common?

They all have a U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championship under their belt.

Numerous participants in this competition have gone on to have professional careers. Established in 1948, this tournament gives a chance for amateur boys under the age of 19 to showcase their golfing abilities.

Consider these two practice scenarios: 1) Following an initial warm-up period on the driving range, you are left with 60 balls and plan to hit 20 each with a driver, 7-iron and wedge. In what order will you hit them? 2) You drop three balls on the green and putt them toward a hole. Will you putt all three balls from the same spot or one ball from each of three different spots?