Golf IQ How to identify and deal with pressure
12 snips
May 26, 2025 The discussion kicks off with reflections from the PGA Championship, laying the groundwork for an exploration of pressure in golf. Insights from a mental toughness expert reveal how urgency and uncertainty impact decision-making on the course. Listeners learn that pressure can lead to comfort zones but can also be reframed as an advantage. The podcast emphasizes understanding the illusion of control and managing emotions under stress, suggesting that nervousness can be a sign of readiness to perform. Practical techniques for navigating pressure are shared throughout.
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Defining Pressure in Golf
- Pressure is the combination of urgency and uncertainty according to Dr. Bhrett McCabe.
- This explains why new or unfamiliar situations feel more pressurized even for experienced golfers.
Brain Seeks Certainty Under Pressure
- Under pressure, the brain seeks certainty and comfort, often reverting to familiar habits.
- This clinging to known swings or routines helps manage uncertainty during stressful moments.
Accept Uncertainty to Reduce Pressure
- Accept that golf is inherently uncertain due to many uncontrollable factors.
- Embrace uncertainty to reduce pressure and avoid trying to control everything, which can be harmful.