Focus on the Worst Shot to Get the Best Shot

Golf is a paradoxical game.

• The harder you try, the worse it gets.
• The less you focus on score, the better your scores are.
• The less you think, the better your thinking.
• You play with and against others, but it’s an individual sport.
• You have to get worse for a little while, so that you can get better long-term.

Makes you wonder why we even play this game.

But there’s one paradox that I’ve found is one of the most powerful mental strategies in golf: accepting the worst case scenario.

Specifically:

The more you embrace the worst case scenario, the less often the worst case scenario will happen.

So, what is the worse case scenario?

Well, I guess it’s pretty self explanatory. On any given shot, or in any given round, what is the worst possible thing that can happen?

Usually people say something like a shank, or whiffing it, or hitting it out of bounds. Or for a whole round, most say some exorbitantly high score relative to their skill level.

And I of course agree. Those are some strong worst case scenarios.

Now at this point you might be thinking, “Why on earth are we talking about bad shots and horrible scores? Aren’t we supposed to be thinking positive thoughts?”

But this is where yet another golf paradox comes in:

To get the best shot, you have to accept the worst shot.

Don’t believe me? Here are 6 evidence-based psychological ways that accepting the worst case scenario helps you hit better shots:

1. Cognitive appraisal
   • When faced with a potentially negative outcome or worst-case scenario, our minds engage in cognitive appraisal. This process involves evaluating the situation, its potential consequences, and our ability to cope with it. By objectively assessing the situation, we can gain a realistic perspective and understand that even the worst-case scenario may not be as devastating as we initially imagine.
2. Fear extinction
   • Humans are wired to experience fear as a survival mechanism. However, prolonged fear and anxiety can be counterproductive. One way to cope with the worst-case scenario is through fear extinction, which involves gradually exposing ourselves to our fears or worst-case scenarios. By repeatedly confronting and experiencing the fear in a controlled manner, our brains learn to adapt and reduce the fear response over time.
3. Acceptance and tolerance of uncertainty
   • Uncertainty is an inherent part of life, and learning to tolerate it is crucial for being okay with worst-case scenarios. Accepting that we cannot control everything and that some outcomes are beyond our influence allows us to develop a sense of resilience. Mindfulness practices and past situation processing techniques (like post-round reviews or journaling) can help cultivate acceptance and reduce the need for absolute certainty.
4. Cognitive flexibility
   • Being able to adapt our thoughts and attitudes is another important aspect. Cognitive flexibility refers to the ability to shift perspectives, consider alternative outcomes, and find new solutions. By training our minds to think flexibly, we become more open to different possibilities, including the worst-case scenario. This enables us to generate contingency plans and alternative paths, fostering a sense of preparedness and reducing anxiety.
5. Positive reappraisal
   • Rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of the worst-case scenario, positive reappraisal involves finding meaning or positive aspects within challenging situations. This cognitive strategy allows individuals to reframe their perspective and focus on personal growth, resilience, and opportunities for learning.
6. Coach support
   • Humans are social beings, and having a support network can greatly enhance our ability to cope with difficult situations. Sharing our fears and concerns with an instructor or other golf coach can provide emotional support, alternative viewpoints, and practical advice. Knowing that we are not alone in facing the worst-case scenario can increase our sense of security and reduce anxiety.

And this doesn’t mean resigning to only ever hitting bad shots, or being ok with never improving.

This simply means that you can handle difficult situations.

Which frees you to not be scared of them.

Which allows you to swing freely.

And therefore hit better shots and shoot better scores.

One thing for you to work on this week:

To-do: Accept the worst case scenario in order to get the best case scenario.