60# Managing Excitement and Arousal in Golf.

The Podcast discusses the impact of excitement and inner dialogue on golf performance. Excessive excitement leads to tension, disrupts focus, and affects shot execution. Positive self-talk, both before and after a shot, can enhance performance and build confidence. Experienced players like Tom Kite and Greg Norman emphasize the importance of controlling emotional intensity and mentally reinforcing positive experiences. The text highlights the significance of managing inner dialogue consciously to optimize performance.

Negative Effects of Excessive Excitement on Golf Performance:

Excessive excitement can negatively affect golf performance in two ways:

1. Tension and Performance Impairment: High excitement causes inner arousal, leading to tension that hampers performance. This can manifest as faster tempo, loss of balance, and disrupted movement patterns.

2. Difficulty Concentrating: Excitement triggers a stream of distracting thoughts, disrupting focus in the moment.

Experiences of Golf Professionals

David Feherty, an experienced golfer, observes that young, inexperienced players often get overly excited too early in a round, displaying behaviors like "hitting the roof" and "jumping up and down."

Tom Kite suppressed his excitement over a successful shot during the 1992 US Open, knowing he still had most of the course ahead of him.

Managing Excitement

Controlling emotional intensity after a shot is crucial.

Greg Norman, a former golf professional, advises encouraging and congratulating oneself, especially after difficult shots. He stresses the importance of inner dialogue in maintaining focus and building confidence.

Conclusion:

In summary, excessive excitement can negatively impact golf performance through tension, concentration difficulties, and impaired movement. Managing emotions and maintaining positive inner dialogue are essential for optimizing performance.

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