The Golfing Mind

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comWhen we do things without thinking and do them automatically the outcome is generally pretty good, however when we try too hard to control our level of performance we frequently get in our own way and inhibit our ability to execute because we have too many thoughts cluttering up our minds. In a sense, it's like telling your friends a joke in the clubhouse and they all laugh very heartily, a few days later at someone's house one of your friends asks you to retell the joke. However now everything is different, you are self-conscious, self-aware and trying to tell the joke in a way that makes it funny as opposed to just telling the joke. Golf is a game where, when we play with abandonment, without stress or indeed expectations we will more often than not perform at our best. The average amateur golfer plays golf for fun for professional golfers it's a job and therefore there are different dynamics in play, nevertheless, even professionals can experience those moments of abandonment when they play unconsciously and the results are plain for all to see - we too can do the same if we just follow a few simple guiding principles. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comClosing a game when you have a lead is never as easy as it seems, especially to the player with the lead! There have been many recorded instances of players blowing a five-shot lead or a four up advantage not only in the professional ranks, but it happens All too frequently with the average club golfer. How do we get the job done? how do we close down a match or an Open Championship. Today's podcast looks at that question in detail and makes a few suggestions that will help us get it in perspective but more importantly understand what we can do to avoid self-sabotage A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text We all know that golf is a game, and we play games for fun. Yet, how many golfers don't have fun on the golf course!! I think the reason for that is because too often - golfers have unrealistic expectations, they often expect to be hitting shots like the professionals to hit perfect drives to make all the clutch putts and in so doing create unnecessary stress. What I call the Fear Factor in this podcast we explore that in some detail and look at strategies to help us manage it.http://www.siegergolf.com A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comMany people think that their mental strength "is what it is". There is nothing they can do to improve it and the more or less figure that's all there is to it. The reality is we can increase our capacity to perform at higher levels by developing our mental strength, which has been demonstrated scientifically to be achievable for all people. However, it does involve action on our part and not sitting passively and just telling herself to be mentally tougher. There are exercises and techniques we can use and the sooner we engage with them the faster we will see an improvement on the course. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/buy-nowGolf would be a much more enjoyable game if there was no uncertainty. If we knew we could find the middle of every fairway, impart explosive backspin onto our wedges (just for show) and get out of any bunker with the effortless ease over feather floating in the sky. Sadly, golf is an uncertain game, even at the highest level we never know exactly how the shot will turn out. We can mitigate much of the problems through technique and execution -but for the average golfer there is much to be gained from reducing the amount of uncertainty in our own game, this is not some pie in the sky concept but something which can be demonstrated. This week’s podcast explores uncertainty and looks at things we can do to mitigate it in our own game thereby playing better and enjoying ourselves more. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/preland-pageHow often have you been playing one of the best rounds of your life and with six holes to go you just know (almost as though you had psychic powers), you just know it's going to blow up. How often have you had a commanding lead in a match play game and you knew it wasn't enough!!! We have all been the victims of this self-sabotage mechanism, Why? When we start defending a score or trying to defend our game it can all too often go horribly wrong -we see it and have experienced ourselves and seen it on the Tour. One of the single biggest blocks to golfers getting better- is themselves and their belief that things are going to go wrong. This episode explores in detail what we can do to fix that and keep the good run going all the way to the final hole A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text The mental side of the game of golf is highly impacted by our 'habit' of thinking, or our mental approach to the game both on and off the course.There are without doubt good habits, bad habits and sad t say downright ugly habits - in which camp are you. Chances are you'll think you are in the good camp. Sorry to say I doubt you will be quite as much as you may believe. The thing we need to do is identify the good habits, connect to them and make them our mental template going forward.http://www.siegergolf.com A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutSometimes, for reasons best left to Sherlock Holmes to discover, our game abandons us. We fall into what is generally called a 'slump', our swing becomes a cross between a softball batter and a first-time lumberjack. On the greens, we can feel a sense of victory if we avoid a four-putt, and the fairway looks as narrow as the parting on a 1930s matinee idol's haircut. We play with a sense of gloom and despair and have to all intents and purposes have lost hope.No one is immune, the causes are as plentiful as the victims and painful or frustrating as it feels - does not mean there is nothing we can do about it. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comWe all have a Bogeyman. Or at least a dark thought that lurks within every golfer. a hole you cannot make par on, a club you just cannot hit, a shot you fear, a player who beats you every time. No matter how hard you 'try' the bogeyman haunts you, and history repeats itself once again.It is not limited to amateurs many brilliant professionals cannot win a tournament or hold it coming down the stretch, why? Perhaps the reason is not as simple as you may imagine. But the solution certainly is. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutFew shots cause more stress or pain than the dreaded four-foot putt. If for a birdie missing it is painful and a cause for misery, if for a par it becomes pressure-filled as we don't want a bogey as the result of such a short putt. Is there a way we can improve our ability to manage deal with and overcome this approach and give ourselves the best chance to make these putt more and more often? A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutYou will have heard of an athlete or golfer as being in the zone, where they perform with an almost otherworldly level of skill. The mystery is not that they are performing at an almost superhuman level but that they don't know how it came about. Is there a formula, are there factors we can control that increase the probability of getting to and being in the zone. In this podcast I discuss and explore some commonalities it is good to be aware of. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutAt one level the mental game of golf (and life) can appear as complex and unknown as Quantum Physics, yet at another level extraordinarily simple. So simple that it is missed and overlooked because it is obvious. In this podcast, I explore the one thing that above all I believe is the keystone of the mental game of golf (and life). Though simple in theory, putting it into practice is another thing altogether. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comVery very few players (other than professionals and scratch players) practice with any purpose or regularity. The majority of amateurs go to the range and hit balls, all being well they will feel good about how they are swinging it and consider it a good session. Practice is essential to enable us to develop good on course habits. We can't recreate pressure on the range but we can establish an approach to each shot to give it 100% of our focus. If we do not incorporate that aspect into our practice sessions we are missing a really beneficial oppertunity. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comIf there is one keystone principle that is essential to managing your game from a mental perspective I believe it is this one in this podcast. Throughout my professional career people seem to hope there is a secret move, thought or technique that will be an instant fi to their golfing (and life) woes. There is not. But there are critical principles that are to be found in every endeavour where we are seeking to be our best and perform at our highest possible level. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comThe mindset and motivation of players from the 1930' and 40's were I believe very different from today, with small purses, limited sponsorships and prize money only available for the top 10 or 15 places.Some played for glory others money but the great champions Hogan, Nelson Snead were all able to stand above the pack - natural talent and a work ethic that would put most professionals to shame today played a huge part, but their mental approach was also a significant factor. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comThe bounceback factor is a constant indicator of better golfers. The players who make birdie after a bogey is one of the most revealing stats of the top 20 golfers in the world. Whatever level you you are at, the ability to let go of bad shots, to actively manage setbacks on the course, will help you get back to the right frame of mind to play your best golf. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comWith a NEw Year comes fresh hope and dreams of the best being realised. The eternal lament of the golfer "If I could only..........putt, chip, drive, relax, make birdies...." you know the speech. So why so often do our well-intentioned desires fail? From my profesional expereince is is. due to having unconscious blocks (or beliefs) which we are not aware of, and subsequently, get stuck in habits that impede progress and hold us back.This podcast explores this aspect and makes some very good recommendations. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text As we look forward to what we want to achieve in our golf game next year, I imagine "Get Better" is top of the list regardless of your current level of play.This week I look at three things to consider to best give yourself a realistic chance of making that positive change happen. Additionally, amongst the packages on offer the Silent Mind Golf Platinum Package, is for professionals and teachers who want to work one to one with me. It sells for $1999 To kickstart your 2022 golfing intentions, however, this offer is available until the 6th Jan 2022, or until six people have signed up whichever comes first.https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/opw6QYse?coupon_code=SMG2022PLATWith the Platinum Package in addition to the online lessons you get7 one-to-one Skype consultations with Robin during the 13 week period. Unlimited e-mail contact with Robin for one year Phone consultations on an as-required basis for One Year from the date of signing up. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutAll things being equal you will experience a moment when it all goes spectacularly wrong, whilst cruising to an easy win, you somehow manage to play shots that not only defy belief but hand victory to your opponent. It happens, to the very best players in the world. What can you or more importantly should you do about it. In this podcast, Robin explores them with some practical advice. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutGolf is not a thinking game, or is it? Robin explores his views on the role of thinking and golf. Specifically when we are playing and start trying too much and start getting in our own way.Just as too many cooks spoil the broth as the saying goes...too many thoughts clutter the mind and lead to lack of focus. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutThe key fundamentals of the mental game of golf, are the same as for our lives. Personally and professionally there are a few. key aspects which are critical to the development of a strong positive expectation filled self-image. As. golfers we commiserate, and get down on ourselves ten times more often than we encourage or lift ourselves. up. Why? This podcast shines a light on this keystone fundamental aspect, with the knowledge and application, you will see the improvement. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutThe Awesome Eight Challenge was created by myself and a friend; in Part 1 last week, I spoke about the world's Coldest, Lowest and Toughest courses. This week we explore The Highest, The Hottest, The Most Southern, The Most Northern and The Greatest (which I got very wrong).Please sit back and enjoy my adventures globetrotting in search of the most Extreme Golf Courses. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutIn 2001 with a friend who was a professional adventurer, I set off to play the eight most extreme golf courses in the world in under one calendar year. Finally, after much research and planning, we were ready to go. So, in December 2001, we set off for North America to tick off the first three courses from our challenge, The Lowest, The Coldest and The Most Difficult. In this two-part podcast, I share the experience of the first part of our adventure A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutAs this is the 50th podcast I thought I would share some thoughts and reflections about some background and the wider application of pressure in our lives. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutThe simple act of slowing down is the single fastest-acting cure to tension and stress on the golf course. Too often the stress builds slowly and we are speeding up and 'trying too hard', when what we need to do is to take our foot off the accelerator.This podcast explores the causes and the fixes we can employ to get back control. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutLow expectations generally find their origins in a negative outlook - which is usually the result of past experience. However, think of your outlook like a lens through which you see and interpret the world. On the golf course in particular low expectations seem to be a common factor in those who perform poorly - and poor shots are generally met with a shrug of the shoulders and an exasperated shout of "I knew I was going to do that". But guess what there is a much more simple fix than you have ever imagined. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutWhen our game deserts us in the middle of a match it is rather like being in a skid in a car when whatever you do appears to make no difference. Why?Chances are you were not taught what to do and certainly never practiced what to do, the analogy is similar with golf - we need to BE PREPARED!! Like a boy scout. This podcast not only explores this idea but for the first time gives you an exercise you can do to prevent meltdown on the course, and in the supermarket queue as well!! A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutThe notion of having a positive attitude is too simple a concept to be taken seriously. It sounds straight out of the Disney movie playbook. Yet research and studies have demonstrated that it does. On the golf course too many. p[layers are starting with a bad attitude and simply compounding the consequences of such an approach. Listen to Robin look at the facts and reflect on how we can and should embrace a positive attitude both on and off the golf course. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutToo many golfers have rather dull, feeble and rather pointless practice swings. They've seen the pro's do it so think I'd better have a go at that. It's called a practice swing because that is exactly what it is - an opportunity to actually PRACTICE the shot you are about to take.Why waste this opportunity! This podcast explores the major benefits one will gain from incorporating it into your pre-shot routine.Plus it will settle tension and make for more consistent shots. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutBlaming circumstances, the rules, our opponents, our star sign, or God, is not of any benefit to our being in the right space to play our best golf. Easy to do (which is why we do it so often) but in reality, it is a distraction that is negative and impedes up from playing our best golf. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutWith the Ryder Cup around the corner, how do we manage a strategy in match play to give up our best chance of playing our best golf? Sadly there is no go-to solution but from my experience, there are some personal strategies that I believe can be the difference that makes the difference when the going gets tough. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutLack of preparation before we tee off is possible for the amateur golfer amongst the most common yet easily fixed problems I encounter. But who wants to warm up when there is golf to be played. If pilots, surgeons or actors went to their work with the same level of pre-performance preparation that the average amateur golfer display no one would fly - get operated on or go to the theatre :-))) Food for thought plus a great way to save a few shots on every round. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutSometimes we get emotional overload, not just when we are angry, but also when we try too hard or get down on ourselves over a poor shot, or when our game does not match our expectations. It does us no favours the idea that you play better when you are 'mad' is amongst the dumbest things some golfers say.This podcast has there instant on-course tips you can apply in any situation where you feel the emotional state is getting out of control. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutI find there is ofter a huge amount of wisdom and instruction contained within a quotation. Today being the 40th Podcast I thought I would share a few of my favourite golf quotations. Though there are hundreds I have chosen these as they relate to our relationship with golf (or my relationship with golf anyway) A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutWe all know universally that a red light means Stop, Danger, Do Not Pass Go. It brings our attention to the fact that we need to be exercise caution. Equally, we know that 'getting the green light ' means Go, All is Safe, Proceed.In golf on the course, we need to make sure we are not making decisions with the Red Light shining in our minds (or the Red Mist to be more exact), as it impairs our ability to perform to our best. The faster we can turn red to green the better. Find out more. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutToday I share the 5 questions I most commonly get asked when people discover I am involved in coaching and writing about the Mental Game of golf. Chances are if we met you may ask me one of the five, but if you didn't then you are welcome to send in a question to [email protected] and I will answer it (if I can) on a future podcast A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutNerves we all get them, but how we manage them will determine how we deal with them. Too often players try to either ignore (bad option), think their way out of it (impossible) or simple beat themselves up for being "weak" - (dumb).This weeks episode is all about how to understand the function of nerves accept and make friends with them - as you'll understand it can help you to focus on the task at hand, and not over think the nerves themselves. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutThe single least utilised aspect of improvement is the lack of meaningful practice on the range. I imagine that on average 95% of people at the range are simply hitting balls in the hope that they hit a good shot. Usually without any clues as to why or how that happened :-))Practising with intent and purpose will reward the diligent player, who hits 20 balls in 30 minutes rather than 100 in haste and without real thought. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutWhat is the X Factor that the very best golfers have, what is their secret sauce? Though they may differ in background, temperament and approach to the game, the one thing they all have in abundance is confidence in their ability to win. They believe. They believe that have what it takes, they believe that coming down the stretch they will prevail. We amateur golfers would do well to believe in ourselves just a little more, to adopt a more positive approach to how we think about what we can do. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutPressure always needs an outlet or it will simply find a weak spot to burst through. This is basic science for materials but within the mental game to we need not only to manage the pressure but to find a method technique or fix to stop it building up to a point where it overwhelms. Today podcast explores exactly what strategies you can employ - to create your very own safety valve. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text http://www.siegergolf.comThe notion that the mental game is a modern study is both erroneous and quite simply bonkers. However, very few players of the past wrote much or articulated their approach to the mental game. One who fortunately did is the 6-time Open Champion, Harry Vardon.One bit of his advice he shares I think is the single best tip for golfers of all levels and until I read it, I had never heard a teacher /writer /coach or player mention it. When you hear it I hope it has the same impact on you. Quite Brilliant. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutPressure in golf exists, but it is self-created and not in the least life-threatening. If it were life-threatening in the way that emergencies in skydiving are, especially when you are falling at 120 mph with a failed main parachute and 13 seconds left to live, then you make sure you do have Emergency Procedures to save your life. Creating strategies of the course to help you deal with emergencies on the course I believe is the single most overlooked weapon players should be developing. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutThere is a paradox in golf that the less we try to control the swing, the process the actions surrounding the actual playing of the game, the better we often play. Too often we play at a level of Conscious Incompetance, rather than Unconscious Excellence.It is a rather elusive position but we regularly get to it almost in an instant in the most improbable of circumstances. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutTechnology has many benefits for the average golfer, but it is no substitute for confidence. How do you build confidence? Amongst many methods available, for golfers, I encourage improvisation and imagination. Think Jazz, think different think magic think outside the box, become the architect of your own brilliance. .... you got the idea, now listen to the podcast. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutPutting is an art a science and a bit of a mystery to most of us. We can one day play like an inspired wizard of the green, the next day like a beginner of a municipal pitch and putt course. IS there a secret? In truth probably not but there are factors we are often unaware of, that can help us. Robin explores in this weeks episode. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutMost players when asked which one shot would they most like to take again - chose a bad shot. Ever wondered why? A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutBeing in the moment - stilling your mind of all thoughts - both negative and positive is the ideal state of mind. To function instinctively, intuitively and automatically without fear thought or worry. Is such a rare thing that no player can turn it on and off. When it happens it is almost by accident, players know they are - 'in the zone' - but not sure how they got there. This podcast explores that in more detail and offers suggestions to help you. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutToo often we are the victims of self-sabotage, we become our own harshest critic more often than not while we are on the course and about to take a shot. There is another way...... A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutSo often when I meet golfers, they ask me for a tip they can use immediately and see results. Today I share that tip plus as it is the 25th Podcast I am making a one-time amazing offer to 25 listeners of the podcast. Listen for details. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text https://www.siegergolf.com/offers/BaAEYBog/checkoutWith the first Major of the year played, Robin Sieger reflects on his analysis of the players performance both mechanically and mentally. A Birkhall Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices