How a Growth Mindset Can Accelerate Your Improvement in Golf

Embracing Desirable Difficulties in Golf

Hi friends and golfers. Coach Erik Schjolberg coming to you again from Scottsdale, AZ and EJS Golf to help you reach your golfing goals quicker. As a golf coach, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial a growth mindset is for improving your game.

The term desirable difficulties stands as a fundamental principle that is redefining traditional beliefs about practice and learning methodologies. It fundamentally questions the longstanding assumption that the best form of practice is one that is straightforward and repetitive. Contrary to that belief, it is now understood that the human brain benefits considerably from the complexities and the necessity to adjust to changing scenarios. This holds particularly true in the learning process where when faced with too much predictability during practice, our brain's ability to learn starts to diminish because it no longer finds the stimuli challenging.

For golfers, applying the concept of desirable difficulties can be a game-changer in how they approach their training. Rather than the monotony of hitting ball after ball in the same shot with minute variations, introducing different variables into their practice can be hugely beneficial. By changing the shot distances, varying the club used, or playing in diverse weather conditions, golfers engage the brain in a more robust learning experience. This variety not there improves the acquisition of skills but also enhances the golfer's ability to adapt those skills to various situations. Ultimately, what this concept promotes is not just a rote memorization of movements but an enriched understanding and a more profound ability for the golfer to apply their skills effectively in the dynamic environment of their sport.

Implementing Randomized Practice

In the world of golf, the importance of incorporating variety into your practice routines cannot be overstated. Golfers, especially those striving for excellence, often get caught in the rut of relentless pursuit of perfection with every swing during their practice sessions. However, this intense focus on refinement for each shot can end up being detrimental rather than beneficial. The reason for this lies in the functioning of the human brain which craves diversity and can grow weary and unresponsive to constant, unvarying repetition. Put into actionable advice, this means that golfers should consciously vary their practice activities—switching up the clubs they use, the distances they aim for, and the targets they select regularly. This strategy is designed to maintain the brain’s engagement and facilitate its ability to continue absorbing information.

To put this into a tangible context, let’s consider a standard visit to the driving range. A common mistake is to devote a large portion of time to sending ball after ball flying with the same club, such as a driver. Instead of hammering away with ten consecutive driver shots, a more effective process involves a mix-up. One could hit with a driver, then follow up with a mid-range iron shot, and after that, practice a shorter approach with a wedge. This does not just break the monotony; it also simulates the varied conditions one would encounter during an actual round of golf. Engaging in this kind of diversified training helps the brain to become more flexible and efficient at adjusting to the myriad of different situations one faces on the golf course. Importantly, this also enhances the golfer's ability to smoothly transition skills from the practice range to the real-world environment of the golf course where each stroke can be as varied as the course's landscape.

Mastery Learning and Testing

Another critical aspect is the concept of mastery learning. This involves deeply understanding and mastering each component of your game before moving on to the next. It’s about quality over quantity. For instance, before trying to add more distance to your drives, ensure that you are as efficient as possible already under the watchful eye of a coach like Erik Schjolberg in Scottsdaks, AZ.  Coach Erik is known to help golfers of all levels reach speeds they never thought possible.  .

Testing is another tool that can significantly benefit your growth. Regularly testing yourself under different conditions and tracking your progress can provide valuable feedback and help maintain motivation. For instance, setting up a series of practice challenges with specific goals, such as hitting a certain number of fairways or achieving a particular score in a putting drill, can give you tangible targets to work towards.

Overcoming Fixed Mindsets

Golfers often struggle with fixed mindsets, believing their abilities are static and unchangeable. This mindset can be particularly detrimental when facing the inevitable challenges and setbacks in golf. A growth mindset, on the other hand, embraces these challenges as opportunities to learn and improve.  The athletes who adopt a growth mindset are more resilient and achieve higher levels of performance. 

To cultivate this mindset, it’s essential to focus on effort and progress rather than just outcomes. Celebrate small improvements and recognize that skill development is a journey. For example, if you notice that your short game has improved slightly over a month of focused practice, acknowledge this progress and use it as motivation to keep working hard.

The Importance of Mental Skills in Golf

Coach Erik likes to talk to his students about how mental toughness, focus, and resilience are just as crucial as physical skills. Incorporating mental training into your practice routine can have a significant impact on your performance.  How do we know this?  Study after study keeps coming out with the same results.  Plus, this is what I have seen over my decades in golf coaching and especially at the elite level. 

Visualization stands out as a powerful tool that golfers can incorporate into their daily training routine to enhance performance. By dedicating some time every day to vividly imagine playing out various successful scenarios on the golf course, you can significantly impact your mental preparation. Envision the sensation of executing a flawless drive off the tee, or the thrill and precision of sinking a pivotal putt on the green. This daily mental practice is akin to a form of rehearsal, allowing you to build and reinforce confidence in your golfing abilities.

Incorporating this technique regularly, you engrain these positive outcomes in your subconscious, making it more natural when you physically execute the shot. Mental rehearsal is more than just daydreaming; it's a structured practice where you focus your attention on creating detailed, successful golf scenarios in your mind’s eye. Close your eyes and concentrate on the details: the grip of your club, the alignment of your feet, the trajectory of the ball, and even the sound it makes upon making contact. By doing so, you train your brain to become familiar with the feelings of success, which helps in reducing anxiety and increasing confidence during actual play. Through visualization, you're not merely hoping for the best outcome—you're effectively programming your mind to anticipate and execute the actions necessary for successful play on the golf course.

Applying These Insights to Your Golf Training

1. Randomize Your Practice: Mix up your practice sessions to include different clubs, targets, and conditions. This keeps your brain engaged and enhances learning.

2. Focus on Mastery: Ensure you have a solid understanding of the fundamentals before moving on to more advanced skills.

3. Regular Testing: Set up practice challenges and track your progress. This provides feedback and maintains motivation.

4. Embrace Challenges: View setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Focus on effort and improvement rather than just outcomes.

5. Incorporate Mental Training: Use visualization and other mental techniques to build confidence and enhance focus.

Examples for Students

Example 1: Randomized Practice

Imagine you’re at the range working on your swing. Instead of hitting ten consecutive shots with your 7-iron, try this routine:

• Hit a drive.

• Switch to a pitching wedge and aim for a closer target.

• Go back to your 7-iron for a few shots.

• Finish with a few chip shots around the green.

This approach forces your brain to adapt and learn from each different shot, similar to what you’d experience on the course.

Example 2: Testing for Growth

Set up a putting challenge on the practice green. Mark out ten putts from different distances and angles around the hole. Your goal is to sink at least seven out of ten. Keep track of your performance over several sessions. This not only provides feedback on your progress but also simulates the pressure of making putts during a round.

Conclusion

Incorporating a growth mindset into your golf practice can profoundly impact your improvement and enjoyment of the game. By embracing desirable difficulties, randomizing practice, focusing on mastery, and incorporating mental training, you can accelerate your learning and take your game to the next level. As a coach, I’ve seen these principles in action and can attest to their effectiveness. Embrace the journey of learning and growth, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Coach Erik Schjolberg

EJS Golf Academy

Skool Golf Community

Scottdale Golf Lessons

Online Golf lessons

Get my Free Practice Guide Today!