Dr. Travis Fox

Holding doctorates in both Psychology & Hypnotherapy, Dr. Travis Fox has devoted his life to understanding the mind & how to be in control of it.

Over the course of the year Dr. Fox is going to examine the game of golf and how you can improve your game.

- GolfObserver editors

Winning Again: Mindset of a Champion

What is that "X" factor that seems to set apart the champions from the rest of the field? Do they work harder? Practice more? Or do they have better skills naturally? Could it be their equipment, balls or their superior caddies? While all these items do play some part in the making of a champion, it is their ability to keep their head focused on what they want more than the others that sets them on top.

Photo © Nick Laham/Getty Images Annika Sorenstam showed why she is considered one of the greatest players in the game with her U.S. Women's Open victory.

Think about this, when top players first come to the tours they are so focused on winning for the first time that it is almost an obsession for them. All they think about is getting the chance to get in position to win. They eat, sleep and dream about winning. Their minds are so focused on that goal that it almost compels them to the winners circle. So what does that tell you? All of your winning must come from your mind first and your "reality" second.

Annika, when she first came out on the LPGA, was so focused on winning every time she set foot on a course that she almost did! Her mind was rock hard and tuned into making opportunities come to her. Her mind-game was the key to her winning. Once she achieved most of the major victories, her mind started to relax and her winning was less frequent. How did she turn it around? In my opinion, when her good friend Tiger Woods came out on the PGA tour and was winning as many tournaments as she was, her game tuned in again. Her mind-set was now a friendly race to claim who is the best golfer in world and perhaps of all time against Mr. Woods

This week we saw that mind-set come into reality. Annika won her tenth major in a decisive fashion during an eighteen-hole playoff over Pat Hurst. I am sure that with her and Tiger tied, each with ten majors, we will see more of this champion mindset not only from Annika but Tiger as well. What a great time to be in the game of golf!

What can you take from Annika÷s win? Remember that your mind will produce your thoughts both on and off the course. What thoughts do you think while playing your local course? Do you believe you can shoot your personal best or do you worry about all the things that could go wrong?


This weeks "Prescription for your Mind™"
Play your next round in your mind before you step onto the course. Imagine how it feels to play that way. What you will look like doing it? And most of all, how will the joy feel that comes from it? Keep that mind-set and trust that it will happen as long as you relax and believe it. Remember Annika÷s and Tiger÷s mental attitude when thoughts come that are not what you want!