Warning - reading this page will reduce your handicap !!!!!!!!

Carl Morris * Ian Parker * Jamie Edwards

Playing full time Professional Golf from the age of 23-26 was great fun. I learned so much that I can pass onto you all (here comes the but) but I never had a trained brain. Tiger Woods had a trained-brain by the age of 12.
 
To make sure Tiger members learned these skills a little earlier than I did and in some cases earlier than Tiger Woods himself, I booked myself onto a practitioner course with two of the best mind Coaches in Europe - Jamie Edwards and Carl Morris. Straight away I realised how important this side of the game was, so I followed it up with my Masters this year, making me one of only fifty Golf Professional’s in Europe with this qualification.
I will continue to implement 'Trained Brain' skills during YMG and Tiger sessions each and every year, which will improve your game and be great fun.

Ian,

A Quote From Tiger Woods ...

“My creative mind is my greatest weapon. It is a kind of inner vision that enables me to see things that others might not, like a certain way to play a shot. The psychology of golf can be complicated as it does entail mental toughness, self-confidence, conquering inner demons, instant recall of past success and being able to purge failures.

IT IS A GAME WITHIN A GAME, I DEVELOPED MY MENTAL STRENGTH EARLY, I CAN NOT OVEREMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF YOU DEVELOPING YOURS NOW”
 

Trained Brain Tips:

Tip 5:  Set goals then measure and monitor your progress in achieving them

Setting realistic goals for yourself will focus your mind on achieving those goals and give added purpose to your practice and play.
 

Joshua Taylor:  Goals for 2007 ...

GENERAL
1. To always be smart and courteous on the golf course.
2. To play with a smile even when things get tough!
3. Practice at least once a week (between weekends)
· Play Par 18 to improve my short game and keep score.
· Dry Practice to improve my swing and in particular improve my posture and grip.
· Practice putting at least 3 times a week with at least 25 putts in each session.
4. Develop my mental game;
· Keep my 3 shot diary.
· Replay in my mind, shots from my 3 shot diary.
· Develop my ITV by recording my good shorts by hitting the record button on my clubs
· Develop my breathing control for use “before” and “after” shots as required.
· Watch some golf DVD’s (of Seve and Luke D) to study routine and rhythm.

PAR 3
1. Reduce my handicap from 3 to 1 (or below!).
2. Birdie every hole on the course.
3. Remember to use the PAR 3 course as important short game practice.

MAIN COURSE
1. Reduce my handicap from 28 to 18.
2. Shoot a personal best of 83 or better (White Tees)
3. Win a MG Junior competition.
Play on at least 10 different courses and learn something from each of them
This will be the 2nd year Joshua uses an Excel Spreadsheet to record the results of all his practice and play sessions in order to monitor his progress towards his goals !

Tip 4:  3 Shot Diary (Reminder)

Have you stopped using your 3 shot diary? If so, it is time to get started on it again !

Trained Brain - 3 Shot Diary Entries ...
 
Florrie Moss-Winterbottom
 
On the 16th December 2006 my three best shots were:
On the 6th hole I hit a wood and it went pin high and close to the green.
On the 1st hole I chipped with a 9 iron from about 20 yards from the hole and it landed about three feet away from the hole.
On the 2nd hole I hit a long put and got it close to the hole about a foot away.
 
Megan Dennis
 
My best three shots from 22nd July 2006 ...
On the third hole I hit a good drive and I went stroke on the green.
On the 6th hole I hit a good chip with my pitching wedge close to the hole.
On the 7th hole I holed I putter in from 8 feet for a par 3.
 
My playing partner was Henry. I did my routine but we lost on the last.
I enjoy my game and the Tiger Club
 

More Trained Brain Tips ...