“The body is a complex machine. When it functions well it is healthy; when it breaks down it becomes ill (and takes you down with it)” (Coon et al., 2019). I am an avid golfer. I am always prepared to go golfing at any given time, day, or function. I have played golf since I was twelve years old. Keeping both your mind and body in good health is imperative to your golfing game. I try to eat well, I exercise, almost daily, and I keep hydrated. Our bodies are complex, and if we do not keep them operating in a good and healthy way, not only can we become sick in body, but our minds can suffer also.
In a study conducted by Jon Finn, there is a need to use psychology in the game of golf. Having a good mental and thinking process, most golfers declare that on the course, a successful game comprises of “a good golf shot is 10% swing, 40% setup and 50% mental” (Finn, 2008). According to Finn, a golfer needs to be able to turn their golfing strategies on and off. I know this to be a fact. When I am not on the course, I am not using my golfing strategies. Having a good mental thinking process is essential in one’s game. As a golfer, you are on a course for a good amount of time. There have been times that I have been on a golf course with my peers for over five hours. This not only takes a toll on one’s mental compacity, but as I said before, their physical health as well.
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Eysenck and Calvo did a study on anxiety and performance. In their article 'Anxiety and Performance: The Processing Efficiency Theory', they stated that two major issues needed to be addressed, “the complexity and apparent inconsistency of the findings; and the conceptual definition of task difficulty” (Eysenck and Calvo, 1992). Eysenck and Derakshan explained their 1992 study in 2010. They found that there was a correlation between complexity and inconsistency. When one is on the golf course, you have to be consistent. The game is incredibly complex. Learning the skills, and techniques, having a good knowledge of your clubs, the courses you play, and how to play the game are not only complex but can be task 'challenging'. During a golfing game, one needs to be in control of their body, mind, and training. When one becomes anxious, your proficiency takes a hit and your game suffers. According to Eysenck and Derakshan, “a high-anxious individual softens use compensatory strategies such as enhanced effort and use of processing resources to achieve a reasonable level of performance effectiveness” (Eysenck and Derakshan, 2010). They continued to say that if one does not have control over their thinking process, then one will not be able to be proficient in their performance. This is true, one needs to be in control at all times when golfing, to be proficient, and have a great game. Eysenck and Derakshan concluded in their study that there could be two contributing issues connected to anxiety and performance. If one does not keep controlled resources or recruit good resources, anxiety can hinder their performance, which can interfere with their tasks and reduce motivation. If one has control over their emotions, is task-driven, and is motivated to stay on course, then they will likely be successful in their endeavors in any task at hand.
I believe that mental, body, and physical health contributes to having a good game of golf. Joh Finn, in my opinion, was on the point on. A golfer needs to be able to turn their golfing strategies on and off. Being able to focus mentally on your game is essential. Allowing one’s self to think clearly and precisely, helps one to become more proficient in their game. Eysenck, Calvo, and Derakshan, all had good theories that one can use to make their golfing game, anxiety-free and enhance their performance. Leaving your anxieties at home, allowing yourself to be task driven; you will become a top-notch golfer.
References
- Coon, D., Mitterer, J.O., & Martini, T. (2019). Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and Behavior (15th ed.). Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning.
- Eysenck, M. W., & Calvo, M. G. (1992). Anxiety and Performance: The Processing Efficiency Theory. Cognition & Emotion, 6(6), 409-434.
- Eysenck, M. W., Derakshan, N. (May, 20ll). New Perspectives in Attentional Control Theory. Department of Psychology, Roehampton University, Whitelands College, London SW15 4JD, UK.
- Finn, J. (2008). An Introduction to Using Mental Skills to Enhance Performance in Golf: Beyond the Bounds of Positive and Negative Thinking. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 3(1_suppl), 255–269.
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