You're Correct!

Everyone has those rounds when no matter how hard you try a bad game just gets worse!

In these situations, its always best to relax the body and refocus the mind. Playing badly and getting worse is frustrating and this frustration is the thing which often tips players over the edge until they pour out massive numbers.

Although its easier said than done, golfers need to clear their mind and approach every shot individually. Still being angry about a previous shot shows that a golfers mind is not in the present and is still rooted in the past. It is unlikely that a golfer still thinking about a bad shot will go on to produce a great one. A great way for golfers to focus on their next shot is use a pre-shot routine and the following mental preparation.

1. Begin the pre-shot routine when the bag is placed by the ball. Use this moment (the bag impacting the ground) to release all thoughts about previous shots. Golfers can do this because they are blessed with having control over their emotions. Understand that no matter how much it hurt, the previous shots have gone and cannot be returned.

2. From behind the ball, assess all the different elements which could affect the shot such as lie, wind direction, weather conditions and obstacles to overcome.

3. After the different elements have been weighed up, select the club to be used and the type of shot you want to play. Its vital to commit to the shot you want to play.

4. Stand behind the line of the shot and imagine the ball traveling towards your target, really try and see it fly through the air. Imagining a great shot is a way for your brain to tell the body what to do.

5. Take a few practice swings again imagining the ball flying towards the target.

6. Set up to the ball after aligning yourself to the target and let the shot go.

7. After the shot has been hit, select a point 10 yards in front of the ball. No matter what the result of the shot, commit to leaving it behind once you cross that point.

Stopping the rot on the course is possible but takes good mental strength and the will to carry on.

Its something you see often happen when a round goes badly, players becoming very angry! It looks bad, makes playing partners uncomfortable and will not improve your scores. Relax and refocus on the job at hand.

This is a real killer and will make scores balloon. If you go out with a particular swing thought in mind then stick to it. Dont chop and change between swing techniques as this will over-complicate and confuse the golfer.

Although becoming angry with yourself and trying a 100 different swing thoughts is not the best way forward, giving up on the round completely will get you nowhere! Never, never give up; you never know whats around the corner.