Why Do We Abuse Ourselves

“I don’t like my swing. It’s so unreliable. I hate it. Every time I need it, it abandons me. It breaks down under pressure. It sucks. I know something’s wrong with it…” This was an actual conversation I just had with a PGA golfer. I told him, “If your swing was an employee, it would quit.” And of course…it did.

The famous, old-time golf professional, Tommy Bolt, tied his driver to the back of his car after a poor round of golf. As the club was drug across the highway, a police car pulled Tommy over. “Are you aware you’re dragging a golf club behind your car?” Bolt replied, “I’m trying to teach it a lesson.”

Why do we abuse ourselves? Why do we blame our equipment or our swing?

When I played amateur and professional tennis tournaments, my serve was by far the most dominant aspect of my game. It was world-class. I treated my serve as if it was its own entity. I named it “Big Al.” I never put it down. I always felt it would be there for me when the money was on the table. I flooded my mind with how good it was. I convinced myself that my opponents feared its power, accuracy and consistency. “Big Al” was my friend.

I told the negative-speaking PGA golfer the following about his swing:

• Compliment it when it gives you power, accuracy and consistency.


• Speak of it to others with reverence and respect.


• Be patient with it.


• Expect it always to be there for you.


• Keep your body language positive around it.


• Give it simple, firm and loving instruction.


• Trust it when under fire.


• Take it to a swing doctor (PGA Instructor) when it shows illness symptoms.


• Practice it with the same attitude as you play with it in a round of golf.


• Treat it like it was your best friend.


• Love it.

Build on your strengths. See challenges not problems in your game. And never, ever put your game or yourself down.

It’s time to think like a Champion!