Many of the world's top golfers don't only rely on their golfing prowess. Here's a run down of the top golfing superstitions and the psychology behind them.
Many of us take good luck charms with us through testing times and it’s especially popular to do so in the golfing world. From wearing a particular colour during important games to marking balls in a specific way, IJP Design delved into the superstitions of some of the world's top golfers, and teamed up with Richard Collins, founder of Head for a Win, to explain the psychology behind these quirks.
Tiger Woods
Superstition- Wears a red shirt on a Sunday
“Research has suggested that the colour of clothing can impact on performance. Red may make com- petitors perform more poorly, as it’s associated with danger. It may also increase the performance of the wearer through the primal understanding that the colour red can signify a threat.”
Sergio Garcia
Superstition- Re-grips club before shot
“This is known as a ‘trigger’. It elicits a required action by reminding the athlete to focus 100% in that moment. It’s usually the last thing done before a swing.”
Zach Johnson
Superstition- Recites biblical phrases throughout his game
“Mantras and phrases can help us keep grounded and remind us that the challenge we’re faced with is not the most important thing in the world.”
Jack Nicklaus
Superstition- Carries 3 coins in his pocket to mark his ball.
“By ensuring he has a spare coin for himself, he is avoiding the frustration and anxiety of losing his marker.''
Lee Trevino
Superstition- Never uses yellow golf tees as he believes they’re un- lucky.
“This is a case of priming, whereby a thought or belief makes us act in a certain way. If Lee used an ‘un- lucky’ yellow tee, he may unintentionally change his choice of club selection.”
Ernie Els
Superstition- Throws away golf balls that he’s scored a birdie with, as he believes the ball’s luck has been used up.
“Although it’s unlikely that this superstition has a direct effect on performance, it may impact on confidence.”
Paula Creamer
Superstition- Wears Pink During Her Final Round
“Paula states that the colour pink means something to her, which may make her feel more confident and determined.”
Colin Montgomerie
Superstition- Marks his ball with a 10 pence coin that he always keeps in his back pocket.
“Always keeping the coin in the same pocket avoids distraction. Routine is important, and knowing where to find what you want enables you to keep on task and keep your emotional levels stable.”
Ian Poulter
Superstition- Uses a coin to mark his ball with the head facing up- wards and never at an angle.
“Marking his ball with the head facing upwards will allow him to focus on habit and makes him feel com- fortable whilst waiting for a shot. It may also allow him to prepare himself for the putt; the top of the Queen’s head may give him a good start to visualise the put- ting line.”
To see more from Richard Collins visit www.headforawin.co.uk
