| By :
Stephen Daniels
Learning the mental game of golf is different from gaining the physical skills needed to make it through a round. Skills are acquired through lessons and a lot of practice. Mental mastery of the game, on the other hand, comes through keeping a positive attitude while playing - not by dwelling on past mistakes, or over-thinking the shot you are getting ready to make. For young people learning the sport - and even for experts - mistakes are going to happen. Golf camps offer a great opportunity for kids to learn from experienced players, but they also help beginners stay positive and just enjoy the game. Learning how to drive, chip and execute the all-important short game is important, but beginning players also need to learn not to over-think each move. Many novice and pro golfers alike tend to overanalyze each step. While it's a good idea to carefully consider the different factors that can affect a tee-off or a putt, there is such a thing as thinking too much. This is sometimes called "analysis paralysis." Even the experts can lose their shot when they start spending too much time dwelling on the right angle or the wind speed. If it can happen to the pros, it can certainly happen to beginning and intermediate golfers. One of the great things about these kinds of camps is that they teach young players how to avoid analysis paralysis, because at the end of the day, golf should always be fun. Another common pitfall for young golfers is getting down on themselves. Game skills are easy enough to learn with the right instruction; more difficult is developing the right mindset when out on the links. This is a precise game, and it's important to be accurate to succeed. But if a player makes a bad drive or botches a putt, it doesn't help to get mad, throw a club or a tantrum. All that does is reinforce the negative, which can lead to more bad shots and a bad experience. Forget the botched putt! Move on to the next hole with a positive outlook and things will change. A summer sports camp for young golfers is designed to help kids succeed mentally and physically. Most importantly, expert instructors instill a sense of passion for the game and help campers have fun. Through lessons, real rounds of golf and a healthy dose of free time off the course, campers acquire the skills they need to succeed, while learning that it's just a game and shouldn't be taken so seriously.
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