When I was a Coach at The University of Tennessee, we had one of the world’s most famous golf agents come in on three occasions to speak with some players about becoming their client once they turned professional. This agents name is Rocky Hambric.
Rocky has represented several of the biggest names in golf including Dustin Johnson. He has also represented several Major Champions.
Do you know what the most important thing this agent was looking for in a young player?
It was not how talented they were as a golfer.
It was not how far they hit the ball or how proficient they were at chipping or putting.
IT WAS DOES THIS PLAYER POSSESS A GREAT DEAL OF SELF- WORTH OR SELF- ESTEEM?
Now self esteem is defined as confidence in one’s worth or abilities: Self Respect. In simple terms, this means you really like yourself as a person and you believe in yourself.
Rocky further explained to me that if a player did not have good self- worth, then this player is bound to struggle as a golfer. Playing a game as demanding as golf, everyone is bound to struggle at one point.
Players with good self- worth or self- esteem are able to bounce back from things. The player whose whole life is centered on their golf success is bound to have trouble.
WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?
1) BE POSITIVE, UPBEAT, OPTIMISTIC, AND SELF ASSURED AT ALL TIMES- Always tell yourself that you will be able to accomplish what you set your mind to.
2) BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND -We plan for success in life, why not do the same thing with our golf? Keep feeding your mind positive thoughts.
Keep reminding yourself about all the positive qualities you possess as a person and as a golfer.
Pat yourself on the back when you do something positive, whether this is golf related or a school test. Do not be too critical on yourself when things do not go your way. This way you will be able to build on all your small successes. This will increase your confidence levels and belief in yourself.
3) NEVER LET YOURSELF SAY ANYTHING NEGATIVE ABOUT YOURSELF- You eliminate the negativity and self put- downs. Instead of telling yourself you are a poor putter or driver, you rephrase things to say “ I am working on my putting and I can see that I am getting better.” Do you see how this works? You are creating a different picture in your mind when you phrase things in the positive.
4) KEEP THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE- The players that realize golf is just a game have the correct perspective. I think Jack Nicklaus once said that golf was about the third or fourth priority in his life. Don’t let golf become so big that you value yourself on how well you play. YOU are NOT your golf score. Great players keep golf in perspective.
THESE CONCEPTS WILL ALLOW YOU TO DEVELOP A STRONG SELF- ESTEEM. THEN YOU WILL BE ABLE TO MOVE MUCH CLOSER TO THE CONFIDENCE LEVEL YOU ARE SEEKING IN YOUR GAME.
As a Coach, it is imperative to sign players that have a great deal of confidence in themselves. COACHES WANT POSITIVE WINNERS ON THEIR TEAMS. BE THAT POSITIVE CONFIDENT PLAYER. PRESENT
THIS CONFIDENCE TO THE COACHES! They will be able to sense this from you when you meet them.
Many players have good technique. Far fewer players possess the necessary confidence in themselves to come through when the pressure gets turned up. Those players that really believe in themselves are the one’s that are successful almost every time. They are successful because they consistently see themselves as high achievers. THIS IS WHAT A COACH IS REALLY LOOKING FOR.
Try these simple yet highly effective concepts. I will guarantee you they will make a tremendous difference in your game and your life.
Best of luck.
