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Avoid Choking!

When we think of choking in golf, we usually think of a player who is playing well and then makes a series of bad shots under pressure. This can happen to anyone, even the best golfers in the world.


There are a few things that can cause choking in golf. One is anxiety. When we feel anxious, our bodies go into "fight or flight" mode. This can cause us to tense up and make mistakes.

Another factor that can contribute to choking is overthinking. When we start to think too much about our swing or our shot, we can lose focus and make mistakes.

So, what can you do to avoid choking in golf? Here are a few tips:

  • Accept that you will feel anxious. Everyone feels anxious sometimes, especially when they are under pressure. The important thing is to not let your anxiety control you.

  • Focus on your routine. Having a pre-shot routine can help you to stay calm and focused.

  • Ask yourself good questions. Before you hit a shot, take a few seconds to ask yourself some questions about the shot, such as:

    • What is my target?

    • What club should I use?

    • What is the wind doing?

    • How will the lie affect my ball?

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your chances of choking in golf. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, so don't be too hard on yourself if you do choke. Just pick yourself up and revert back to your process.


Here are some additional tips that may help you to avoid choking in golf:

  • Visualize yourself making a good shot. Take a few moments before you hit the ball to visualize yourself hitting a good shot. This will help you to stay focused and confident.

  • Take a deep breath. If you start to feel anxious, take a deep breath to calm yourself down.

  • Talk to yourself positively. Instead of telling yourself negative things, such as "I'm going to choke," tell yourself positive things, such as "I can do this."

  • Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to deal with choking, just get in touch.

I offer face to face coaching @waterloovillegolf and coach online and remotely via skillest.com. Your first online lesson is free - follow me at: https://skillest.com/app/profile/kat-chaszczewski

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