Mental Game Plan for a Golf Competition
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- May 15
- 2 min read
Here's a Mental Game Plan for a Golf Competition, covering pre-competition, during the round, and post-round strategies to help you stay composed, confident, and focused from the first tee to the final putt.
Mental Game Plan: 1–2 Days Before the Competition
Goal Setting
Set SMART goals:
Outcome: “Finish under par / make the cut / top 5”
Performance: “Hit 70% fairways / average <32 putts”
Process: “Commit to every shot / use full pre-shot routine”
Mental Rehearsal
Visualize:
Walking confidently to the first tee
Executing drives, approaches, and recovery shots
Responding calmly to bad breaks (e.g., a lip-out or lost ball)
Emotional rehearsal: Feel calm, focused, in control
Course Strategy Review
Review hole-by-hole plan:
Tee shot targets
Green-light vs yellow-light pin positions
Wind tendencies, layup zones, trouble spots
Write a “Game Plan Card”: simple cue phrases for each hole or section of the course
Night Before the Competition
Wind Down & Reset
Limit screen time 1 hour before bed
Journal: “What I can control tomorrow” vs. “What I can’t”
Use a confidence mantra:“I’ve prepared. I will trust. I will commit.”
Breathe deeply: 5-7 minutes of box breathing (4 in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold)
Morning of the Competition
Mental Warm-Up (20–30 minutes)
5 min quiet breathing (settle nerves)
5 min confidence visualization (your highlight reel)
3–5 key affirmations (write on glove or scorecard):
“I stay composed”
“One shot at a time”
“Commit > perfect”
Practice with Intent
Rehearse pre-shot routine on range and putting green
Focus on feel—not outcome (you’re preparing, not fixing)
Finish warm-up with your favorite club for confidence
During the Round
Pre-Shot Routine
Breathe – Center with one slow inhale/exhale
Visualize – Clear picture of shot shape/trajectory
Cue Word – “Smooth,” “Solid,” “Target”
Commit – 100% to the plan, accept any result
“Routine = control. Control = calm.”
Mental Rules on the Course
1-shot focus: Only the current shot matters
Post-shot routine:
Good shot: “Yes, that’s it.”
Bad shot: “Accept, learn, move on”
Emotional reset:
Mistake → pause → deep breath → refocus phrase:“Next shot. New chance.”
In-Round Maintenance Tools
Between holes: shake out tension in hands/shoulders
Use anchor cues:
Grip check
Deep breath before tee box
Glance at glove mantra
Reconnect with body: Walk with rhythm and calm pace
Post-Round Reflection (Same Day)
Post-Round Mental Debrief
3 things you did well mentally
1 moment you were proud of under pressure
1 moment you could handle differently next time
Use a simple “WIN / LEARN / NEXT” format:
WIN – What worked today?
LEARN – What needs attention?
NEXT – What’s one goal or cue for your next round?
Optional Add-Ons for Tournament Play
Mental Scorecard: Track how well you stayed committed and composed (score yourself 1–5 every 3 holes)
Tournament Journal: Record how nerves, routines, and focus changed between rounds
"3-Word Reset": Personal cue phrase for tough holes (e.g., “Calm – Commit – Close”)
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