leave it in the past

Mental clarity in golf is important.  Celebrating after a good shot can be just as detrimental as getting aggravated over a bad shot.  Both responses are emotional.  The best golfers are usually very calm in how they respond to good and bad shots during a round.  Check out the highlights from Patrick Cantlay's round yesterday.  

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When a player is emotionally grounded, they are able to think strategically about the next shot.  Some common errors that can be made when you are making decisions through emotional lenses include:

1. Forgetting that you are playing a par 5.  If you are calm in how you make your decisions, you can still walk away with a par.
2. Compounding penalties. One penalty is not the end of the world.  It happened, do the best that you can to finish the hole strong.  
3. Rushing your putts.  How you got to the green does not matter if you can sink your putts.  Always take time to read and plan out your putts so you can avoid 3-putting.
4. Feeling defeated.  So you hit the ball in the water on a par 3 and tripled the hole.  There are plenty of holes left.  Leave it on the green and walk to the tee box with new life. 
5. Forgetting to play your game.  Never abandon what works for you.  Stick to your game plan and play to your strengths. 

While these tips seem to be helpful only when you are having a tough time, they should be applied when you are have a great round.  Celebrating too early leads to poor decision making.  Never become complacent on the golf course, always stay disciplined.  If you happen to make it to the end with an awesome scorecard celebrate and leave it in the past.  The next round of golf is a new challenge.  Treat it that way!!
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