The Mental Game Plan: How to Practice Golf Like a Champion
- Dr Paul McCarthy
- May 15
- 3 min read
“Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent. ”But what you make permanent depends on how you practice—not just physically, but mentally.
Most golfers hit the range with good intentions, then fall into a mindless rhythm: ball after ball, shot after shot. If you want your practice to actually translate into better performance on the course, you need a mental game plan for your session.
Here’s how to practice with purpose, discipline, and mental edge.
Before Practice: Set Your Mental Intentions in Your Mental Game Plan
Golf isn’t just a physical challenge—it's a mental chess match. Before you even touch a club, ask:
What am I working on today? (One clear technical or tactical goal)
What mental habits do I want to build? (E.g., commitment, patience, focus)
What does “good practice” look like today—even if my swing isn’t perfect?
Write it down. This helps shift your mindset from “hitting balls” to training like a player.
Example Goal:
“I want to sharpen my commitment routine with every iron shot today.”
Phase 1: Warm-Up With Mental Awareness
As you start, don’t just loosen your muscles—tune in to your focus and feel.
Mental Drill:
Begin with wedge shots and say out loud what you want to feel (e.g., “tempo,” “solid strike”)
After each shot, ask:✅ Did I have a target?✅ Did I commit to the swing thought?✅ Did I react or reflect?
Use this phase to wake up your decision-making, commitment, and emotional tone.
Phase 2: Deep Practice With Routines
Now it’s time to simulate the course.
Pick a target
Go through your full pre-shot routine
Visualize the shot
Hit with full commitment
React like it’s a tournament (no re-hits!)
Practice isn't just mechanics—it’s rehearsal. Build your pre-shot routine into muscle memory.
Add pressure:
Use a scoring challenge (e.g., 10 fairway drives in a row)
Keep a tally of how many shots you hit with true mental commitment
Phase 3: Manage Frustration and Mental Slumps
Every golfer gets annoyed when they mishit shots. But in practice, that’s the perfect moment to train your reset process.
Try this Mental Reset Routine:
Exhale slowly and fully
Say your reset phrase (“Let it go,” “Next ball, fresh mind”)
Recommit to the next rep
Handling frustration in practice trains your nervous system for in-round resilience. The best players aren’t just technically sharp—they recover faster.
Phase 4: Random Practice & Decision-Making
To bridge the gap between range and course, you need to randomize your reps.
Instead of hitting 20 7-irons in a row:
Hit Driver → 9-iron → Punch shot → Lob shot → 3-wood
Pick imaginary holes and “play” them mentally
Add pressure: “I need to hit the fairway or I lose the hole”
This forces your brain to:
Recalibrate distance
Re-engage focus
Make decisions under mini-pressure
This is mental training at its best.
Cool-Down: Reflect, Review, Refocus
End your session with a short mental wrap-up:
Ask Yourself:
What did I do well mentally today?
What distracted me or caused me to rush?
What’s one thing I’ll take to my next round?
Write 3 things down in a golf journal. Over time, these reflections will sharpen your self-awareness and consistency.
Final Thoughts: Practice Your Mind Like You Practice Your Swing
Great golfers don't just repeat swings—they train their minds to stay present, poised, and committed under pressure.
If you show up to the range with a mental game plan, you’ll build habits that show up when it matters most: on the course, under pressure, with a scorecard in hand.
Practice With Purpose. Play With Confidence.
Need help designing your personal practice mindset plan or journal template? Let me know—I can build one tailored to your goals.
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