Women, in particular, see trouble and immediately panic.
I am sure men do as well, but they tend to keep it hidden. With women, it is written all over their faces. Their tempo quickens, they pull out the driver, even though an iron or hybrid is the club, and throughout their entire pre-shot routine, what little of there is… all they see is the trouble. In fact, the green is not even in the equation…it’s all a focus on the trouble.
So guess where that ball is headed. Right into the trouble.
A better approach is to notice the trouble, but don’t focus on it. Instead, focus on where you want the ball to go.
Selecting the right club is part of the confidence equation. As I am getting my yardage, I get it to the front edge of the green and pin. I know with this big cross wind and all-carry shot, I’ll need to select the perfect club. All the trouble is short, but over clubbing will leave me with a slippery downhill putt. Further, I am on an elevated tee. With that, I can shave a few yards. I decide with the strong head wind that my hybrid is the club to use.
Selecting the right club is critical because it provides confidence. As I begin my routine, I am intently focusing on my landing spot – just left of the pin. The wind is left-to-right, so I’ll aim a bit more left to accommodate for this cross wind.
I make a committed swing and admire the results!