Before I begin, I would like to thank Dr. Mike Grevlos, Ed.D., Professor of Psychology, for his input and assistance with this idea.
The following essay has two goals in mind. The first is to combine the science of emotion regulation with the science of course management to create a process that maximizes performance. The second is to give the player using such a system the choice to include feels, shot choice and adjustment. In so doing, this process results in a player with a more narrow vision and focus, who can take advantage of creative skill sets and who is better suited for effective concentration and elevating performance.
Has emotion lost its place in golf? Are feels, which are said to be “not real”, also out? Is artistry a relic of a past game gone extinct? The answer to each of these questions is NO, despite what some may advocate.
Distance gains and technological innovation have certainly changed the way the game is played. But, even in the new hybrid, take a big cut, version of golf, there is a need for the inclusion of a process that utilizes emotion, feels and artistry.
So what of course management programs that replace emotions with dispersions? That identify the correct play based on stroke’s gained averages of a database of players? In truth, these programs have a lot to offer and can help many people. They are a good tool and a good starting point. However, they are incomplete.
A complete strategic process makes available the option to use emotions, feels and artistry. Such a process would blend science and the human side to offer the best chance for maximizing performance.
So what might a strategic platform that combines the certainty of mathematics and statistics with the ever changing world of feels and emotion look like? The goal of such a process would be to systematically add the use of feels and regulated emotions to an analytics based strategic platform.
We begin with the concept of an optimal emotional zone. This idea has been around for a while but more and more is being learned every day.
In Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning (IZOF): A Probabilistic Estimation, authors Kamata, Tenenbaum and Hanin state:
The Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) model is both a theoretical framework and a practical approach that enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of the functional relationship between emotions and performance (Hanin, 2000)….The IZOF is defined as a zone of emotional intensity in which an individual has a higher probability of achieving an optimal performance than a non optimal performance.
Some strategic plans today already track and analyze statistics. The same could be done to track emotions. From the same publication:
Determination of the IZOF involves analysis of past performance history and emotional experience related to successful and unsuccessful performances, followed by multiple observations so as to refine the previously established zones.
The beauty of such a system is it allows for individualism:
The IZOF model primarily emphasizes the within-individual dynamics of subjective emotional experiences associated with performance qualities (Hanin, 2000), so that emotional patterns of successful performances can be distinguished from the emotional patterns of less successful performances in each performer. “Methodologically, individually optimal (and dysfunctional) zones serve as empirically established criteria of an optimal performance state reflecting an individual’s performance history.
The authors also touch upon the notion of changing emotions:
Optimal performance is associated with both pleasant and unpleasant emotions, feelings, and moods, which reflect idiosyncratic strategies and skills a performer might use in recruiting and using coping resources. The term “functioning” refers to the influence of specific optimal or non optimal (i.e., dysfunctional) emotions in the performance process (i.e., recruiting the resources needed for generating energy) and ultimately the performance quality.
Authors Charlotte Woodcock a, Jennifer Cumming a, Joan L. Duda a, Lee-Ann Sharp b of Working within an Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) framework: Consultant practice and athlete reflections on refining emotion regulation skills touch upon some techniques they used in their case study to regulate emotion:
Indeed, Hanin’s (2000c) individualized profiling process lent itself well to developing pre-requisites to emotion regulation of enhancing athlete awareness of a desired affect-related performance state, as well as having the ability to detect discrepancies with current emotional experiences (Fischer et al., 2004). Moreover, the content and intensity of emotion responses in the athlete’s optimal (opt-zone) and non-optimal (non-opt zone) zones of functioning guided the development of emotion regulation strategies.
The present case study described key regulation techniques developed such as imagery, goal setting, and self-talk (e.g., Annesi, 1998; Prapavessis & Grove, 1991; Robazza et al., 2004).
The following conclusion drawn by Prof Andy Lane FBASES, Dr Christopher Beedie, Dr Marc Jones, Dr Mark Uphill and Dr Tracey Devonport in The BASES Expert Statement in Emotion Regulation in Sport illustrates the value of such a program.
Although research into emotion regulation in sport is in its relative infancy, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that athletes should use strategies that influence their appraisal of the situation to create the most appropriate emotional climate for competition. Research suggests that this approach is likely more effective than the suppression of emotions that have already happened. In short, where dysfunctional emotions in sport are concerned, prevention might be better than cure.
Given the value of emotion regulation, then perhaps the first part of the routine to play a shot is an option for emotional regulation and adjustment.
Due to the length of such an emotional plan, a complete process will not be discussed in this text. An overview of emotional regulation includes the likes of: understanding the link between motivations, goals and emotions, how to use imagery and visualization tools, how to use self-talk and descriptive letters, how breathing routines and body language can impact emotions, the importance of self-awareness, how to use relaxed concentration routines and meditation, and more……
The next phase of our process provides for strategically altering the type of shot to be played and making adjustments in the swing. This is where feels and artistry ramps up. If you question such an inclusion, consider the following quote from Tiger Woods:
“you have to understand golf is fluid. You’re always making changes. And you’re also making adaptations….every day the field is different, you have to change things here and there, shot to shot, day to day. But every day there’s always that how our body feels, how the wind is blowing, what’s going on. And you have to be able to read that, understand that and adjust to it.”
Given the nuances of each shot such as wind, lie, trouble, hole location, firmness of the green etc.,the player may have a shot that fits better than a stock swing. Our system needs to allow for the choice of such a shot.
Similarly, the importance of distance control cannot be overstated, particularly with the shorter irons. Rarely does the player get many approaches in one round where the yardage fits perfectly with a normal driving range stock swing. Combine this with percentages of putts made on the PGA Tour, and you can see the importance of controlling distance.
“If you’ve ever wondered what magic threshold you must cross to become a first-rate player, it’s simple: You must control distance with your irons. I’ve always been obsessed with distance control. When I felt my iron game was at its peak, I’d sometimes ask my caddie for the distance to half a yard. You control distance by hitting the ball solidly and varying the length and speed of your swing. If you do that well, you become more precise, which rubs off on your direction, too. The week I won the 1974 Tucson Open, I hit hole or the flagstick 10 times.” Johnny Miller
Distance control is achieved by changing trajectory, making adjustments in set-up or minor alterations to the swing.
“Well, that was the shot at the time. I was able to play the shot I wanted to play. That’s exciting, to be able to hit shots I mean, like today, I thought one of the coolest shots I hit today even though no one really realizes is the shot I hit on 8. I had 103 yards and I hit a little 9 iron in there. That was a cool shot. The flight of it, I hit a draw in there which is hard to do hitting it that soft, held it back up against the wind, hit it right against the flag. That to me is where I’m trying to get to the ability to hit shots like that on call.” Tiger Doral 2006
Like Tiger mentioned earlier, a player’s swing can feel different from day to day or even during a round as conditions and situations change. Having the ability to adjust to these changes is paramount.
“A big part of managing a golf course is managing your swing on the course. A lot of guys can go out and hit a golf ball, but they have no idea how to manage what they do with the ball. I’ve won as many tournaments hitting the ball badly as I have hitting the ball well. And in a way I’m more proud of the good rounds I’ve played while hitting the ball badly than of the great rounds while hitting the ball well.” Jack Nicklaus.
Good scores can be a function of avoiding the wrong miss as much as it is hitting good shots. How do you control a miss? Controlling a miss can be achieved by creating a one-way miss which can be obtained with slight swing and feel adjustments.
“Golf is not a game of good shots. It’s a game of bad shots.” Ben Hogan
A go to shot is a must to be a great player, no matter the player’s ball striking skills. Tiger’s go to is a stinger. Here is Jordan Spieth:
“If your A-game is AWOL off the tee, you can still go low—if you have a go-to shot. I love hitting a punch-cut driver, a reliable, pressure-proof tee shot.”
Changing the type of shot or making an adjustment to the swing can also change how the player feels emotionally about the upcoming shot. For example, imagine the hole cut left near the water. Player A feels uncomfortable because he’s been missing left this day. Where he could just aim further right, he also remembers when he moves the ball back in his stance, he rarely misses left. Making this adjustment makes player A feel more optimistic and comfortable about the shot. Adjustments or changing shots can be another form of emotional regulation.
“You can win tournaments when you’re mechanical, but golf is a game of emotion and adjustment. If you’re not aware of what’s happening to your mind and your body when you’re playing, you’ll never be able to be the very best you can be.” Jack Nicklaus
In order for a player to make adjustments and change shots, the player must have a Adjustment Toolbox. This requires practice and experimentation. The more tools in the Toolbox, the more choice available to the player.
Adding this to our system leaves:
The final piece of this process has to do with how much risk to strategically accept. This can be the choice of club off the tee, the choice of targets, the landing spot or type of shot on short game shots and more. These important choices can often determine the success of an entire round.
Risk/reward choices begin with the assessment of the shot. What is the lie like? What trouble is lurking? Various aspects like wind, slope, grain of the grass, firmness of the green or surrounds, etc. Once the details of the shot are noted, the player can consider the type of shot that best fits. Included are adjustments to trajectory, how hard to swing, the shape of the flight and so on. So far, you should be saying “we have already done this” and you would be right. It was already done in loop 2.
The final piece of the risk/reward puzzle is the choice of a target. Where do you want to aim?
In order to make this choice effectively, the player must be totally honest about his or her emotions and motives. Choosing an aggressive target should not be a response to unwarranted emotions or stimuli such as frustration, panic or ego. If the player can’t get past these types of input, then a more rational target is recommended. This is where strategic platforms based on dispersions and statistics can be very effective.
By using statistical analysis based on shot dispersions, science can now nearly eliminate poor emotionally based decisions. Not only that, by analyzing the number of strokes players average from various spots, science can also place relative values on shot choices. Combining the two allows these programs to identify a science based optimum target.
The science based assessment forms a very good foundation upon which to build. The process we have identified in this essay requires the player to practice a certain way, to develop certain skills, to be self-aware, to be honest with him or herself and to be disciplined. A player who fails, for whatever reason, with these prerequisites is better suited to accept science’s choice.
It was the 71st hole of the 1991 Player’s championship and I stood over the tee shot with a one shot lead. I had just birdied 4 of the previous 6 holes, the wind was in and from the left as I chose to play an 8 iron punch shot into the island green. My target was the middle of the green as I addressed the ball but something happened. Once over the ball, I became undisciplined and yielded to the wrong emotions and changed my target to just left of the hole. When I felt the ball heading right off the club I knew I had committed a cardinal sin. The result was a double bogey 5 and a tie for 3rd.
On the other hand, when a shot shape is changed, so is the resulting dispersion. When something is changed in the swing, so is the dispersion. How a player feels prior to playing a shot impacts the odds of success and respective dispersion. In Vegas, the player’s best chance is playing the odds. In golf, a player who understands the inputs which help determine the outcome can influence his or her own odds. A player who can influence the odds is best suited to assess the shot and situation and pick the target.
The 1990 Las Vegas Invitational was the second to last event of the season and I needed a good finish to keep my exempt status on the PGA Tour. My swing felt horrible when I nearly hit it out of bounds on my first of 90 holes in the event. After making a par 5, I decided I had to make change. Beginning on the next hole, I hit a low stinger one iron off the tee on every par 4 and a high cut shot when left with a short iron approach. When I had more than a short iron remaining, I aimed away from trouble and tried to salvage a par. The result was -23 and a tie for third with Corey Pavin.
The following quotes are from Tiger Woods:
“I think you have to play aggressive because these greens are so good and these guys all shoot low.” Doral 2005
“I thought I could place the ball on the correct side of the fairways, pin was in the left, you know, I put it over on the right side of the fairway, pin is on the right, I put it on the left side of the fairway. ” Doral 2005
“It depends. It depends on the feel. I didn’t quite feel as comfortable there with that pin location.” US Open 2005
This leaves:
The science of psychology tells us the mind controls motion best when there is one motivation and one goal. When a player prepares to hit a shot, all sorts of unwanted input and thoughts can rage through the player’s mind. These stimuli can create additional motives and emotions which interfere with the player’s mental performance at the deepest level. A process that relies on avoiding these thoughts is left unprepared when the bubble bursts.
The process identified here anticipates the presence of these influences and finds ways to minimize their impact. The result is a player with a narrowed focus and single motivation that is much more prepared to win the battle against these negative influences.
Science also tells us optimal performance occurs within certain emotional zones. This process discusses the importance of the player being self-aware and recognizing when in such a zone or out. It also touches upon a few ideas how to regulate emotions so the player on the outside can find the way back into the optimal zone. This is a skill, mastered by the best players, that separates the best from the field of hopefuls.
“I can’t give my secrets away. That wouldn’t be right. No, it’s a certain feeling. It’s a certain mental attitude. It’s a certain focus. It’s a certain preparation.” Jordan Spieth after winning the US Open at Chamber’s Bay.
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