For any amateur golfer, the game is hard enough without making it tougher on yourself by getting into your own head and filling it with negativity.
We see it every week on the professional tours, where golfers manage to get frustrated, get into a negative mindset and from there, capitulations and more can happen.
Still, while the professionals can often find their way out of it eventually, it’s much harder for an amateur to turn that negative thought process around and come out the other side.
Rory McIlroy explained how his mindset was at The Masters and how it helped him win, but for the amateur, it’s not always so easy.
However, as we’re seeing more and more in the modern game, the pros are open with their advice and according to two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, there’s something amateurs can do that he feels everyone can explain, but then don’t put into practice.
Collin Morikawa’s tip for amateurs who are struggling
If someone like Collin Morikawa is giving out advice, then it’s a good idea to tune in and listen.
Indeed, Morikawa put on a ball-striking clinic with Me and My Golf back in 2023 and in that video, he explained one of the biggest issues holding the average player back.
Speaking about the idea of identifying what a good shot looks like, Morikawa explained that too many amateurs focus on what the bad shot might be.
“The hardest thing, anyone can answer it but when they’re playing, they don’t ask themselves that question [what does a positive shot look like],” Morikawa commented.
“I love to know what’s around me. I love to know the water, the hazards, and at the out of bounds. but the last moment of your routine has to be what does a good shot look like?
“And people can explain it really easily, it’s funny, but it’s actually being able to tell yourself that at the last moment, and that’s what you have walking into the shot.”
- READ MORE: The golf shot Rory McIlroy actually taught Tiger Woods despite being 10-majors behind him
Justin Thomas’ big gripe with amateurs that fits into Collin Morikawa’s advice
Hearing the pros talk about golf and give out advice is one of the coolest things to listen to for either an aspiring golfer or a fan of the game.
However, that doesn’t mean that the average amateur doesn’t frustrate the top guys either. In fact, just this week, Justin Thomas explained what infuriated him.
“That’s number one. I see it every week in pro-ams. For some reason, amateurs never want to hit enough club. They’re holding onto the 9-iron they hit 150 back in 2003 and that’s how far they hit it,” Thomas said.
“It’s infuriating to me to watch amateurs in his pro-ams not hit enough club. This game is hard enough already. Like, just hit more club, I dare you to hit it over the green.”
Thomas’ comments here fit into what Morikawa is saying about picking and visualising the positive shot over the negative.
Too many times we see an amateur think they can’t hit a certain club, so they play safe and end up doing what both Thomas and Morikawa mention here.
As mentioned, we could all do well to heed this sort of advice.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
