It’s impossible to say precisely how big a role the mind plays in the mental golf side, but everyone agrees it’s a big one. Like the swing itself, no one has ever completely mastered the game’s mental side.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Golf presents a dizzying array of mental golf challenges. There’s the swing’s complexities, course and weather conditions to account for, risk-reward calculations, club selection and other factors – both tangible and intangible.

Then there’s the mental golf emotional aspect. Negative thoughts plague many, if not most, golfers; these impulses can derail a good round, or short-circuit the player before he reaches the first tee. The same goes for nerves, which can be good in small doses but debilitating if untamed.

In this series, we’ll tackle the common mental demons all golfers face at one time or another. Developing a balanced, consistent approach is key to excelling at the mental golf elements – just like the physical side.