Welcome

Welcome to issue number 14 of The 3 Minute Golfer. This FREE, weekly publication is here to help every golfer improve their mental game and their personal wellbeing.

In this issue we resume our exploration of the different mental styles’ golfers exhibit on the course.

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.

In this issue:

• Dreamy…Head in the Clouds and Happy

• Wellness Tip – The Money Wellness Connection

• Mental Demons Q+A

• In Person Events - Book The 3 Minute Golfer

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Dreamy…Head in the Clouds and Happy

Have you ever teed up on the first hole, taken a quick practice swing, gazed into the gentle breeze rustling the trees… and the next thing you know you’re playing partners are politely pointing out that it’s your turn? If this sounds familiar, welcome to your life as a golfer with a Dreamy mental style. 

As a Dreamy, your head is often in the clouds, conjuring everything from spectacular hole-in-ones to imaginary golf cart parades. While you might be the easiest-going player on the course and rarely rattled by a bad shot or random event, your gift for daydreaming can also keep you from delivering your best golf when it counts.

Being a Dreamy Player often means you show up to the course with a big grin, soaking in the fresh air, smelling the fresh mown grass, happily humming some unrecognisable tune. You’re relaxed. 

The problem arises for Dreamy when the stakes get high…maybe it’s an important stroke-play event or you’re one hole away from beating your best buddy for bragging rights. That’s when your relaxed approach can become a liability as you find yourself in “La-La Land” when hyper-focusing on your next shot is the only way you are going to meet the challenge.

That, of course, is if you want to meet the challenge, which is often not your main desire.

Arousing From Your Sleep

Sport psychologists are always talking about getting optimally aroused to perform (more on this in Issue 17). Too bored or half-asleep, then you might need a gee up. Too anxious or over-hyped, then you might need to relax. Optimal performance requires just the right amount of energy or “arousal”.

Dreamy Players often hang out on the low side of arousal, which feels comfortable, but can mean your focus and intensity are not ready to execute your best stroke. 

Try This: Before each shot, take a couple of deep, deliberate breaths. Then do something to rev your engine a little, like a quick couple of bounces on your toes.

Tune In

When your mind wanders, as it does for all with a Dreamy mental style, gently guide it back by focusing on what’s around you…like the position of your feet, the pressure of the club in your hands, or the chatter of the people nearby. This purposeful thought will bring you back into the moment.

Studies on mindfulness in sports show that athletes who regularly practice tuning in with “attentional focus” perform better under pressure (Kaufman, Glass, & Arnkoff, 2009). 

Pro Tips - Practical Strategies to Get Out of the Clouds

Mini Routines…Develop a consistent pre-shot routine…perhaps do the same practice swing, adjust your glove, take a deep breath, then address the ball. Routines bring you back to the task, no matter how far your imagination has drifted.

Set Small Goals…Instead of daydreaming about finishing 18 holes with your best round ever, focus on smaller, more immediate targets like, “On this shot, I’m aiming for that tree in the distance.” Accomplishing smaller, realistic goals helps keep your mind anchored in the now.

Post-Shot Reflection…Give yourself 5-10 seconds after every shot to objectively assess what happened. “That was a bit off the toe,” or “My follow-through felt rushed.” Then let it go. Doing so acknowledges the shot and gently pulls your mind back to the present moment. No shame, no blame…just a note-to-self.

Self-Compassion…Dreamy Players can sometimes beat themselves up for “not trying harder.” But if you treat mistakes or mental lapses with kindness, you will be more likely to regroup faster (Neff, 2003). Laugh it off and commit to focusing on the very next swing.

Why Dreamy Matters

Being the Dreamy Player can bring a certain magic to a golf course. You’re the person who reminds everyone to enjoy the journey, not just the score. But with a few mindful strategies, you can keep the clouds parting just enough to hit shots that reflect your true ability. Balance that breezy imagination with a dash of intentional focus, and you’ll find your game, and your enjoyment, rising to a whole new level.

Sure, you’ll still drift into that cinematic fantasy of sinking a 50-foot putt to win the Masters. But when you snap back, with your heart rate just right, your feet firmly planted, and your mind ready for the shot at hand, that’s when you know you’ve found the sweet spot.

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