tip of the month - september

Visualize Your Round — How Thinking Clears the Swing

Concept: Golf is as much a mental game as physical. In September, when conditions settle into a comfortable cadence and the crowds thin, it's the perfect time to practice course visualization — mentally rehearsing shots before executing them. This builds focus, sharpens decision-making, and smoothens execution.

Why Visualization Works (Backed by Data)

  • Richie Ramsay, a DP World Tour winner, highlights the importance of a consistent pre-shot process, noting how pros visualize shot shape, consider lie, wind, and distance before swinging (Golf Monthly).

  • Research has shown that guided imagery primes both brain and body — helping your swing motions feel familiar and automatic when under pressure.

Step-by-Step Drill: Visualize Before You Swing

  1. Assess the Shot
    — Stand behind the ball. Observe the lie, wind direction, and desired landing area.

  2. Pick a Tiny Target
    — Choose a small spot (a blade of grass, a divot)—not the flag. This makes your brain focus clearer.

  3. Visualize the Flight
    — Close your eyes briefly and see your ball flying on that path, landing softly. Imagine the sound at impact.

  4. Picture Your Movement
    — Imagine your body motions (setup, swing, rotation) blending into this shot — smooth, balanced, confident.

  5. Execute with Intention
    — Open your eyes and commit to that clear mental image as you swing.

  6. Reflect Quickly
    — After the shot, note what felt right or off in your visualization vs. reality—then let it go and prepare mentally for the next one.

Benefits for September Golfers

  • Sharper focus in quieter fall rounds.

  • Better shot execution, especially when greens slow or fairways are damp.

  • Reduced stress—visualizing success breeds calm confidence.