[boltondd]

i was playing today the hardest course around here. i could of birdied 3 of the first 5 holes i was driving well and hitting my irons really well. just about to tee of on the 6th and i had 2 text messages both bad news and then for the next 6 holes i was everywhere. pulled it together for the last 3-4 holes.my question is justhow important is having a clear mind to play?
edit. this was ment to go in the golf section

[bjacogaerllyo]

You kind of answered it yourself. It helps a ton to have a clear mind to stay focused and shoot low scores.

[hoarrimilsora]

I completely agree that it is very important. If you have other things on your mind, chances are you won't play well. Even if you are thinking about the score you are shooting instead of the shot you are about to play. A couple of years ago, I was playing a really good round of golf. I was even through 14 holes. At that time, I had never shot an even round of golf before. One of the guys I was playing with mentioned to me after the 14th hole that the only reason he stayed to play the back nine with us was to see me shoot an even round of golf. From that point on, all I could think about was shooting even, and I ended up shooting about 5 over. If you can just focus on the shot you are about to hit and nothing else, you will probably play better.

[iodillalm]

A great book on clearing the mind and the importance of it is "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose", which others have mentioned before. I started it last year and intend to finish it soon. The concepts in it make total sense and are easy to apply.

[diseeKeythilt]

I know it was baseball but Yogi said it best "90% mental and the other half is physical"

[Vokbeelllicky]

It is extremely important, and hard to master. I am far from that point yet, but do try to work on it every time I play

[boltondd]

i hit 2-3 bad shots on the trot and blow up it was more the fact i was angry else where but i let it effect me on the course. but i know in future to take 5 to calm down before i carry on

[ariniaxia]

Golf is a game for guys with clear desks and consciences.

[bjacogaerllyo]

Read "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose"

http://www.amazon.com/Every-Shot-Mus.../dp/1592401570

[weightpillsnow]

Since you answered your own question

I read Michael Murphy's "Golf in the Kingdom" and if mentally go South I try to channel it. Everyone is different though, one friend starts singing "Swinging on a Star", the old Bing Crosby tune from the Movie Hudson Hawk. The important thing is to know you mentally checked out, and learn how to check back in as quick as possible.