Golf is a mental game, you need to think your way around a golf course. If you watch any of the tour professionals they always enter a round with a game plan. This game plan varies depending upon numerous factors, this can be the type of course that is being played, the weather conditions and many many more.

Of course we are all not PGA professionals, the majority of golfers around the globe are amateur golfers. No matter what level you are at you need to play the game with your mind. If you can get both your mind and your body to play in harmony with each other then you are onto a winner. There are a lot of occasions where a golfer has a good swing, however this is hindered via the mind. If you let your mind creep into your swing and you start to think to much about your swing then the probability is that something will go wrong with your swing. The golf swing is a fluid motion - it is back and through simple as that. Remember that you are swinging a golf club - it just so happens that a ball is in the way of the club. Utilising practice time attempt to make your golf swing as natural as possible and then utilize your mind to play the course - not to control your swing, stance etc.

The mind - in the game of golf can ruin a round - if you make a bad shot it is human nature to attempt to analyze that shot in an attempt to rectify the problem. It is a very hard thing to master the art of forgetting about that shot. I have a personal rule which I abide to - if I make a bad shot I allow myself to think about it for 10 yards after I have put my club back in the bag and then started the walk to the next shot - after I pass the 10 yards I blank that shot out of my mind. If I allow my mind to come into the game to analyze my shots then I know that I will have a terrible round.

Using your mind to play the game is easier than it sounds. The most important thing is that you must have a positive mindset. If there is any doubt whatsoever in your mind about your next shotthen there is a high percentage that something may go wrong. If you are positive about the shot then your body will take over and you will make a much more relaxed shot resulting in a better shot.

Whilst on the course think about each and every shot prior to playing the shot - for eample if you are on the tee of a par 4 and you are hitting your 7 iron well then take a club from the tee which will leave you a seven iron for your next shot into the green. On the same not if you are hitting your pitches well and landing them close to the hole then tee off with a club which will leave you a pitch into a hole. You do not need to take a driver from every available tee. When not on the tee think about the shot and think about what you would like to do with the shot - attempt to picture the shot you would like to achieve in your minds eye. Once you have the shot pictured play the shot and your mind will automatically put your body into position to make that shot.

You need to believe in yourself - for example always think on a par 4 that you are going to get to the green in two and two putt. Everything on the golf course is out to get you - don't let your mind be your enemy as well - use your mind as your allie and conquer the golf course.

Use your mind to play the course - not to control your swing.