AZ Family sports reporter Nick King covered the mental side of golf in a story titled “Golf is a four-letter word: exploring the psychological side of golf,” enlisting feedback from major champion Wyndham Clark, Epson Tour player Ashley Menne, and local high school golf standout Landon Ashcraft.
They all work with sports psychologists like Debbie Crews, founder of Opti Brian and Co-Director of Better Your Best. Now, with better instruction, technology, and fitness, it’s no wonder athletes also are looking to improve the mental aspect to gain an edge.
Turns out the winning strategies learned on the golf course also translate to better performance off the golf course. It’s a mentally stimulating game. It involves strategic thinking and execution, problem solving and hand-eye coordination. All things that help with everyday life, too. Playing golf also is a stress reliever and mood booster, providing the kind of activity, fresh air, and social interaction that produces overall well-being and slows cognitive decline.
While good shots are exhilarating, poor shots can be maddening. But with a positive frame of mind for the next “shot,” it becomes much easier to make the most of every day whether playing golf or not.
