Improving your golf game is not just about the shots you make or the kit you choose. If it were that easy more of us would have single figure handicaps.

Did you know that we talk to ourselves up to 70% of the time ( not out loud – thank heavens), but in our minds – it’s called ‘thinking’. From the moment we get up we start. Sometimes it shows in our faces and a friend may say ‘what are you thinking about?’.

What we say to ourselves in these times of thought is particularly important when it comes to golf. How many times have you heard some of the following:- I never like this hole – Water, it’s like a magnet – I can never get out of that bunker – As soon as I know I’m making a good score I go to pieces on the 17th!

So why bother going out, because as soon as it happens we say ‘ What did I tell you it happens every time!’ Why should it surprise you – you’ve already told yourself that it’s going to, so you were right. What you need to start doing is to turn your negative thoughts into positive ones.

So what stops us being positive?

Quite simply there are small ‘thought’ barriers that we don’t always recognize. We can all be amazingly confident in our work, at home, and socially. Why is it then that when we step on that golf course, a different person takes over?

Do you recognize any of these:

I’ve got no chance against a 10 handicapper. She must know the rules, she’s been a member for 18 years. These youngsters are much more confident than me. Some days I’m just not lucky. I can’t get over the water.

These phrases are negative thoughts. If your mindset is negative and you are thinking in a negative way, then these thoughts are very likely to come true.

A positive approach is important and therefore you must change your mindset. Try telling yourself that “YOU CAN” and then YOU WILL.

Look at the examples above and change them to a more positive approach.

You have more shots than the 10 handicapper, you could play very well and she could have an off day so you can beat them.

There are not many members of golf clubs who know all the rules, and if you think you are correct then you should challenge (in a polite way) and state what you believe to be right.

Youngsters may well be more confident, but they lack experience and course management skills.

A positive mental attitude can help you get luck sometimes.

I can get over this water with the correct club and the right attitude.

Remember when you are on the course to motivate yourself, because your playing partner wont!!.

If you make a bad shot, forget it, move on to the next one because you can’t change what’s already happened. Concentrate over every shot, don’t be distracted. Don’t give up because you’ve had a bad hole, or give up half way round – you don’t know how everyone else is doing.

Make sure that before you go out, you set yourself a target to achieve. It could be breaking 100, 90, 80. – getting a certain number of pars or in fact anything which motivates you to a better score.

If you have positive thoughts you game will improve. You must make sure that every shot has your full concentration and your positive commitment.

Find the magic formula to reduce your handicap? Read more great articles by June-Anne Jones about the skills and techniques needed to help improve your golf game. More articles on ladies golf sets and information on ladies golf clothes