Love that 18th hole decider !

by Jack
(Dorset)

I always used to feel very nervous if I was in a matchplay situation and we were all square coming up the 18th hole.

As my opponent would be driving off I would mentally say " In the trees, In the trees". As he was putting I would be quietly pleading with him to miss. Then of course, when the drive would be smack in the middle of the fairway and the 10 footer would be safely in the hole my heart would sink as I knew it was now my turn.

Recently, I have been working hard on my mental approach, I've been telling myself that I LOVE these 18th hole deciders. These days, as we walk to the 18th all square, I smile and talk quietly to myself: " this is what it's all about, you love being in this situation, you always finish well, you're always calm and you can see clearly in your mind's eye what you want to happen."

I no longer wish my opponent to miss, rather I tell myself that whatever THEY do is out of my control but when it's my turn, I AM in control again and I love the feeling of really concentrating on striking the ball or sinking that putt!.

These thoughts have made such a HUGE difference to my attitude and the positive results are all adding to my confidence in such situations. My body language now oozes a quiet confidence instead of sagging at the feeling of pressure which also gives me an edge as my opponent picks up on the subtle show of confidence.

I just wanted to share these thoughts in this forum, they are simple, but VERY effective.

This 'positive thoughts' forum is such a great idea and I'm looking forward to reading what others will write about.