How to Achieve the Mindset of Tiger Woods
What motivates Tiger Woods? The answer may surprise you…
It’s pretty simple… For Tiger, playing golf is a lot about winning. But it’s also about engaging in the battle to beat others players.
“I think I just enter events to win, and that’s it… It’s still about winning the event. That’s why I played as a junior, all the way through to now–is just to try to kick everyone’s butt. That to me is the rush. That’s the fun. That’s the thrill,” said Woods said this week prior to the 2013 US Open.
He’s always played with this type of competitiveness, even as a junior. He enjoys the rush of a good duel and the mental battles inherent in trying to win.
“And it’s been nice to be a part of the mix for 17 years now out here and be a part of a lot of great duels and a lot of great battles. And that to me is why I prepare, why I lift all those weights and put myself through all that is to be in those positions. It’s fun,” said Woods.
It you look at the definition of competitiveness, Woods description is perfect. What’s interesting to me–about his statement this week prior to the US Open–is how he enjoys the thrill of the battle or what it feels like when he’s in contention to win, which I think is the real motivator.
Other top players on the PGA Tour, such as Bob Tway, have told me the same about what it feels like to be in the heat of the battle…
These players feel the adrenaline and excitement of trying to win and enjoy this part the most. We know Tiger is chasing records. However, the adrenaline rush is what Tiger lives for, which may be more of a motivator today than actually holding the winner’s trophy.
I find players adopt two different mindsets when trying to win. One is the golfer that loves the heat of competition and thrives in it. I think it helps Woods focus his best.
The other mindset is about fear of failure and worrying about blowing the lead or making mistakes. I think this hurts most golfers chances of winning.
What do you do when you have a chance to win? Do you embrace the adrenaline rush of the battle or do you tighten up in fear of not closing the deal?
Please forward this email to other players and coaches who your think would appreciate my mental game tips.
Note: We’ve posted new golf psychology podcasts for you on the blog. To get caught up, visit this page:
Golf Psychology Podcasts at Peaksports
The top CD program we have for the mental game of golf is:
The Golfer’s Mental Edge Workbook program
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- Does Jordan Spieth Have The Tiger Woods Syndrome?
- Is Tiger Woods Suffering From The Yips?
- Golf Psychology: Tiger Woods-like Concentration for Golfers
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Download a free sports psychology report to improve your mental game!
Learn more about our one-on-one mental game coaching.
Golfer’s Mental Edge
What’s the big sign that your mental game is the weak link in your golf game? When you can’t play consistently as well as when you play a practice or casual round–or your range game is way better than your game on the course. If you suffer from lack of focus, low self-confidence, poor composure or other mental game obstacles on the course, you can’t reach your true potential in golf.
The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0 Audio and Workbook program is ideal for any amateur, collegiate, junior, and tour professional golfer.
Golf coaches and instructors would also be wise to teach “The Golfer’s Mental Edge 2.0” principles to their players. This program is perfect for any golfer who wants to improve performance and consistency by managing their mind better on the course.