Every golfer hits bad shots. That is part of why golf is one of the hardest sports in the world. However, how you react to bad shots can have a hugely negative influence on your score. Likewise, learning from good shots can have a positive impact on scores.
In this video, Scott Cranfield explains Tiger Woods' mental tricks that help him react to both good and bad shots on the golf course.
Christmas Day
If someone asked you where you were last Christmas Day and what you did, you would likely be able to remember fairly easily. That is because it is a significant event, and the memory has stayed with you since. Well good and bad golf shots can have the same effect, staying in a player's mind and influencing future shots.
Tiger's Twirl
If you've ever seen Tiger Woods hit a good shot, you will likely have seen him twirl his club after his follow-through, a sign he likes the shot. This is Tiger's way of anchoring or storing that swing in his mind and rewarding himself for a positive action. Next time you hit a good shot on the course, find some way to reward yourself in order to save the memory and feeling of that shot.
10-Step Rule
Another one of Tiger's tricks that Scott explains is his 10-step rule. Anytime Tiger hits a bad shot, he may get angry, but makes sure to forget about the shot 10 steps down the fairway. Next time you hit a bad shot, try counting out 10 steps and then letting the memory of the shot go.