Self-Assessment
The first step in being able to “golf with your eyes closed” is to determine how you use visualization, the strength of your mental muscle, and where you will most benefit from learning some new skills. You may never have used visualization before. Maybe you visualize by following an imaginary ball along its path to your target. Or, you may try to visualize during tournament play. Regardless of your experience, take time to answer the self-assessment questions below. This will give you a baseline by which you can measure your improvement as you learn how to visualize and begin practicing.
Imagine that each question is set up as a par three hole. Assign a number value for your answers in accordance to this scale, marking answers to questions 1-18 into the scorecard that follows. Your responses will be referenced throughout the book.
1 = Consistently (Eagle)
2 = Mostly (Birdie)
3 = Sometimes (Par)
4 = Rarely (Bogey)
5 = Never (Double Bogey)
1. I visualize on the driving range and while at home or work.
2. I visualize my shots before and during a round of golf.
3. In my imagery, I see myself performing from an outside perspective, as if through a video camera (externally).
4. In my imagery, I see myself performing from my own viewpoint (internally).
5. The colors and visual surroundings of my images are clear and detailed.
6. The sounds during my performance are sharp and audible in my mental rehearsal.
7. I can change my images in my mind to reflect my desired performance.
8. I use a pre-shot routine when I take a full shot.
9. When playing golf, I am positive and in control of my emotions.
10. I am confident with each shot I take.
11. I effectively shut out negative thoughts.
12. I play well under pressure.
13. After every shot, I am able to mentally leave behind whatever I just did and begin to fully focus on my next shot.
14. To help me concentrate and avoid choking, I use relaxation techniques like visualization and deep breathing.
15. It’s easy for me to relax between shots and then to regain my focus as needed.
16. I have very specific goals for golf and a detailed plan to achieve them.
17. The main reason I play is for pure enjoyment, not for rewards like money, fame, or business gains.
18. Both on the course and off, I find myself visualizing many different scenarios, from school or business to public speaking or other performances.
Questions 19-24 assess your general visualization, motivation, concentration, and confidence patterns. Write your responses in the space provided.
19. If you have ever visualized, when did you do it? (At night? During your trip to the course? Before every shot?) Note how consistent you are.
20. Where can you image most clearly? (While lying in bed with your eyes closed? At the range? At a particular hole on your home course?)
21. Do you usually visualize an entire round, from shot to shot, in order, all the way through? Or just some key elements? Describe the scenes you usually visualize.
22. In which circumstances do you feel most affected by nerves?
23. Imagine that you’re cursing over a bad shot or thinking about what you’re going to do after the round. In such a case, what would you usually do to bring your focus back to the present shot?
24. Which specific parts of your game are you hoping to improve by completing the exercises in this golfer’s mental training guide?
Add up your scores from questions 1-18 on the Self-Assessment Scorecard. If your totals were:
66-90: As a newcomer to visual mental training techniques, you will notice a significant improvement in performance by incorporating the basic lessons of Golfing With Your Eyes Closed into your game on a regular basis. Visualization is a skill that takes practice, so let’s get going! Don’t be overwhelmed by everything you read here. Take it one step at a time and make sure you really understand each concept before moving onto the next one. There’s no need to rush—just like in your golf game, it’s important take the time to line up your mental shots. With patience and practice, you will definitely see improvements in your ability to visualize on the course.
37-65: As someone with experience in visualization, you should find your game becoming more consistent as you learn to visualize consistently. By implementing the exercises presented throughout, you’ll enjoy the game more and lower your score as you play. As you find areas where you are not as strong, take extra care to complete all the exercises and to integrate the visualization training tips into your game.
18-36: As a skilled visualizer, you may have a pretty good handle on visualization and its usefulness in performance enhancement. But there’s always room for improvement. Within this book, you’ll find effective methods to hone and sharpen your mental skills to take your game to a higher level. Each exercise is adaptable to your level of mental and physical ability. Even tour players constantly seek out different exercises to help advance their mental play.
