Welcome

Welcome to issue number 12 of The 3 Minute Golfer. This FREE, weekly publication is here to help every golfer improve their mental game and their personal wellbeing.

Enjoying the newsletter? Why not share the link with your golfing buddies, especially those who love deep diving into the psychological intricacies of the game…the ones who regularly explore their poor shots like they are mysteries of the universe. They might appreciate the insights and tips.

Enjoying the newsletter? Why not subscribe to our Facebook and Instagram!

In this issue:

• Fiery…Burning Up The Course

• Wellness Tip – Slowing The Aging Process

• Mental Demons Q+A

• In Person Events - Book The 3 Minute Golfer

Not already a subscriber? Subscribe here.

Fiery…Burning Up The Course

Ever been that person on the golf course who hits one offline and suddenly your club is helicoptering skyward? If so, congratulations, you might be that golfer with a Fiery Mental Style. If you haven’t done it personally, I’m sure you’ve witnessed it, along with some colourful language, feet stomping, and arms waving. Let’s face it, playing with passion is fun and to be admired, but if the passion is burning up your brain, rather than fueling your performance, then you may need some help.

Think of this newsletter as a shared therapy session for all the Fiery minds who become frustrated on a golf course and start to burn up. Think of it as a chance for you to calmly walk through some simple ways to embrace your internal flame…without setting the whole course alight.

Two Sides of Fiery

Firstly, recognise that having a Fiery Mental Style can be beneficial. You’re someone who “goes big,” embraces the adrenaline rush, and excels in intense situations. You love to tackle the game with enthusiasm and accelerate fully through every shot… there is no holding back and no crippling deceleration at the point of impact. You play golf with a passion that can enhance your focus and commitment, making every moment on the golf course fun.

The problem usually arises when one bad shot triggers a meltdown that would put a toddler’s tantrum to shame. The Fiery golfer is easily aroused and apt to boil over at any moment. Their fieriness is predictable but knowing when the volcano might erupt is less easy to anticipate, which keeps everyone on edge.

Pro Tips to Tame the Fiery Beast

Accept that mistakes happen…like, all the time in golf. If perfection is the requirement for you to remain calm, you definitely need to find another game. 

Keep the flame moderate…never allow your internal water to boil over.

Breathe Deeply…sounds cliché, but there’s a reason every mental coach in the known universe includes breathing drills in their arsenal. When you’re about to detonate after topping a drive 15 feet (we’ve all been there), step back and inhale like you’re trying to hoover a golf ball up your nose. Exhale slowly. Repeat. It sends a signal to your neurological system that things are under control…even when your last shot was not.

Positive (or at Least Neutral) Self-Talk…I know you want to scream at yourself, “You clown, you can’t even hit the ball straight!” Instead, try something like “That’s done. Next shot.” or “Short memory, big comeback.” You don’t have to be Pollyanna about it, but you also don’t have to verbally incinerate your self-confidence after every missed swing.

Pre-Shot Routine…you’re used to routines in everyday life…check phone, coffee, put on pants…in that order. Golf’s no different. A consistent pre-shot routine cues your brain that it’s “go time.” Develop a short sequence: maybe a practice swing, a waggle, and a deep breath. Stick to it. Think of it as your personal spin move before you dunk on your negative thoughts.

Capitalise On The Passion

Being Fiery doesn’t mean you have to bury your passion. It’s more about channeling that energy positively. Picture the Incredible Hulk wearing an Augusta-green jacket. Anger can be power, if it’s controlled. Here’s how to smash in a more constructive way:

Deliberate Aggression…if your natural inclination is to swing hard, make sure you’ve done your fundamental work…hands, feet, alignment, position…so your aggression translates into distance, not an out-of-control clunk that lands two fairways over.

Visualise Success…visualisation isn’t just for Zen masters. Before your shot, take a few seconds to imagine the perfect flight of the ball. It centres your mind on what you want to happen, rather than what you don’t want.

Embrace Mistakes as Fuel…the next time you chunk a chip, think, “Alright, saw what I did there, I will get it right next time.” It’s amazing how re-framing mistakes as immediate motivation can keep you pumped without crashing into meltdown mode.

Stay Present…you can only control the present shot. The past is done, unfixable. The future? Pure speculation. So, when you find yourself replaying your last disastrous hole or worrying about the next water hazard, bring yourself back to the moment. Imagine you’re focusing on a single leaky faucet in your house…you can’t fix every plumbing problem in your entire neighbourhood, right? Stick to the drip in front of you.

Stop the “What Ifs”: Worrying about what might happen next is the fast lane to disaster.

One Shot at a Time: It’s corny, but it works. Your next shot is your entire world for the next 30 seconds.

Parting Words 

Nobody’s perfect in golf…if we were, we’d all be out there collecting major trophies like they’re coupons for free pizza. Being a fiery type means you have a passion that can surge through your veins and propel you to awesome feats on the course. But if you’re letting that same fire melt your composure, the double bogeys will pile up fast.

See the References Here.