No term in golf psychology is as overused and misunderstood as MENTAL TOUGHNESS. I’d never heard of this term as a golfing teenager. There was determination, focus, confidence, control, handling pressure etc but no “mental toughness”. It’s as though a TV commentator came up with the name one day to simplify the mental game for the viewers! Since then this new “thing” has become the “must have” in every sport! Its over generalised and imprecise definitions give golf psychology a bad name – but this is a shame, as it represents a crucial set of attributes for playing your best golf. It ALSO describes what it takes be balanced in life, relating to elements known for centuries.

SO WHAT IS IT? It’s defined as remaining consistently determined, focused, confident, and in control under pressure. Hang on a moment – I’m sure I’ve heard of these things before…! To me it means being able to consistently play your best when it matters.

So how do you develop it then? Just as you would when learning the physical side of golf, to develop mental toughness, you need to look at the balance of how all of the elements interconnect as one.

Determination – the hungriest animal doesn’t always get the food but it will try harder than any other and bounce back from setbacks with even more hunger. This used to be called having “fire”.

Focus – Fire on it’s own is not enough. When there’s one shot to play and distractions all over the place, you need to stay on target. This clear head requires the space to think given by “air”.

Confidence – Air and fire are a powerful combination but what about your emotions? Confidence is having a self belief so strong that you know you have unique qualities that make you better than your competitors at competing. This mastery of your emotions was related to “water”.

Control under pressure – Air, fire and water will always flow, but on what? Unless you can keep grounded and present, you will have no foundation and will crumble under pressure – you need “earth”.

Now fair enough, most psychologists wouldn’t describe traits for mental toughness in such metaphysical terms! I’d rather help extend your awareness though. In the old days, these four elements were brought into balance in us by a fifth. The fifth one went by many names, depending on which part of the world you were from. Today we’d call it SPIRIT. Put simply, the most inspired player (ie the one with the most spirit) will bring out their best when it matters. Whether you play on tour or at your club, it is your spirit on the day that will give you the mental toughness needed to win. I’m not a religious person but I do believe in the human spirit with all my heart. I normally write about specific techniques to develop aspects of your game, so you might be expecting me to tell you how to develop your spirit. But I can’t. I can only offer an idea for you to consider to help you further connect with your own spirit.

Spirit is what makes you feel alive – your spark of life. So on or off the golf course, consider this:

What makes you feel more alive? Do more of it.

What makes you feel less alive? Do less of it.

Simple, not always easy - thank golf and life to always give us more to learn!

If you’d like to learn more about mental toughness and golf psychology, I’m giving away audio mental golf tips through a series of six free tipcasts to help you through the toughest parts of the game. Sign up for my newsletter now if you would like to receive these.

Love every shot!

Adam Sprackling

Mental Golf Coach