Often thought of as some sort of witchcraft or wizardry, hypnotherapy could be the answer we have all been looking for when it comes to improving our performance on the golf course

As Arnold Palmer once said:

“Success in golf depends less on strength of body than upon strength of mind and character.”

We all know that when it comes to playing golf well it involves a lot more than having a good golf swing. The “mental game” is key. We’ve all stood over a tee shot or faced what looks like an impossible bunker shot and thought that we’re not going to make it, we’re not going to succeed.

How do we get manage these negative thoughts which will ultimately affect our performance on the course, could hypnotherapy be the answer?

Lizzie Smith, a clinical hypnotherapist and hypnoanalyst, believes it really can and here she tells us why.

Hypnotherapy and golf

Research has shown that when you imagine yourself playing a fantastic shot, it has an effect on your actual ability. Achieving a peak performance on the golf course comes from linking the mind and body and this vital connection provides the important infrastructure to golfing potential.

Very often we attempt to correct issues to do with the actual mechanics of golf, namely the position of the club, without addressing what is causing the problem. There is a cognitive process that leads to every movement we make. The brain affects the physical body which then impacts the club, which goes on to impact the ball.

So what is the answer?

I work with golfers and without exception they all agree that pressure and overthinking affects their game. We are all aware of our own negative “inner critic” that can create havoc with confidence. So how to champion your “inner coach” and get into a “flow” state to counter this? Both the “inner coach” and “inner critic” have an important role to play, however the key is balance and creating a power team you can rely on.

Hypnotherapy can help you to quieten the mind and to focus on the present moment making you better able to manage your thoughts. When we are mentally relaxed, we become more physically relaxed. Muscles feel fluid and we feel self-confident, empowered and able to maintain this “flow” state, even under pressure.

I can help you with focus, concentration, visualisation, staying positive and becoming detached from possible distractions or external conditions. You will learn techniques to keep your energy high and feel at one with your own mind-body connection.

Can it really work?

This week Women & Golf Editor Emma is going to have an online hypnotherapy session with Lizzie to see whether it can really help her game. Negative thoughts and a belief that she is just not going to hit the right shot have always plagued her game. She’ll report back after the session.

We’re also planning to hold a Q&A with Lizzie to answer any of the questions you may have around golf and hypnotherapy. No question is off limits, so please drop Emma an email here.

About Lizzie Smith

Lizzie is a clinical hypnotherapist and hypnoanalyst. She is a member of the Association for Professional Hypnosis & Psychotherapy (APHP) and the National Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (NRPC). She works from her own treatment room in Windsor, Berkshire, and also offers online hypnotherapy sessions. Hypnotherapy is, without a doubt, an incredibly effective way of addressing these permanently, and it is also very relaxing, enjoyable, and hugely beneficial to well-being.

You can read the original blog post and find out more about Lizzie Smith here.