Golf Psychology Online

Nick Madgett is a sports psychologist and qualified Mind Factor coach.

“I was first introduced to the concept of golf psychology and quietening the mind by European Tour player and former Ryder Cup star Barry Lane His words had a profound effect on me, not only did it change the way I approached my game, I immediately understood what he was talking about, something that had never happened when receiving instruction or advice about swing mechanics.

Keen to learn more about the mental side of golf I went in search of books on the subject, unsurprisingly there are a lot to choose from and just as unsurprisingly the quality of the content varies considerably. However, with very few exceptions, about which more later, a common theme emerged from these books, there was one hell of a lot of padding in them. It seemed to me that a huge amount of superfluous words were being used, in all likelihood to a) make the spine big enough to print a readable title on the bookshelf and b) to convince the purchaser that here was a wealth of information worthy of him or her parting with the cover price.

Although I waded manfully through many of these books it was the next decision I made that really provided the rich vein of gold about the psychology of golf, I decided to talk to the golfers themselves and get their thoughts on the subject. The professionals I spoke to were not surprisingly all very aware of the effect of the mind in golf and the majority considered it to be as important to them as their technique and ability, in some cases more so. Talking to amateur golfers on the subject was in some ways even more interesting, beyond having heard the old adage that the biggest distance on the golf course is between ones ears, most had never given any thought to this element of their game whatsoever. It was fascinating to see the dawning realisation about this hitherto undiscovered aspect of the game cause them great excitement usually along with a cry of “why didn’t someone tell me this before”.

But here a word of warning, as I had to explain to some of the overexcited amateurs this is not that secret something offered to all of us at some time for 49.99, which will lower our handicaps by anything from 5 to 15 shots or our money back, nor is it intended to take the place of lessons with your club pro and time on the range. The basics are as important as they always have been and always will be, good posture, grip, balance, swing plane, course management etc are still vital, this is about letting yourself execute these techniques to the best of your ability.

So finally here it is, an ever growing website with, I hope, no padding, providing an introduction to golf psychology for amateur golfers everywhere. It may encourage you to read more in depth tomes later, if it does we have reviewed the best of breed for you, or you may just be happy with what you read here. Either way you will have an invaluable addition to your golfing armoury and if it’s valued by over 90% of tour players worldwide shouldn’t you have it too.”