Hello, fellow golfers! As a golf instruction editor for The Daily Duffer and a PGA-certified instructor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with players at every level – from weekend warriors to tour professionals. One constant I’ve observed, no matter the skill set, is the universal challenge of handling pressure on the course. It’s the invisible opponent that can make or break a round, and it’s something every golfer faces.
Recently, I was struck by how LPGA star Jeeno Thitikul described her approach to pressure. Her insights are not just for the elite; they offer powerful lessons for all of us looking to improve our mental game and find more joy in golf.
Embracing the “Dance in the Rain” Mindset
Thitikul’s philosophy revolves around a simple, yet profound, four-word mantra: “Dance in the rain.” This isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about shifting your perspective, finding excitement in the face of nerves, and allowing yourself to enjoy the process, even when conditions aren’t perfect.
“The nerves is always going to be there, but you have to beat the nerves,” she said. “Sometime you get more worried about the future, about what next shot I’m going to do. But I told myself, this is the time that you need joy with it, need joy with excitement, need joy with the nervous moments. That’s why I kind of try to dance in the rain.”
This resonates deeply with my own teaching philosophy. So often, I see students tighten up when the stakes feel high – whether it’s a critical putt for a personal best or a drive in front of friends. That tension, both mental and physical, is often the biggest obstacle to a good shot. Thitikul reminds us that embracing those nervous moments, rather than fighting them, can actually free us up to perform better.
Why this approach works:
- Reduces tension: When you allow for nerves, you release the unproductive mental struggle against them. This translates to more relaxed muscles and a smoother swing.
- Enhances focus: By accepting the present moment, you stop worrying about outcomes and can fully commit to the shot at hand.
- Increases enjoyment: Golf is meant to be fun! This mindset helps you rediscover the pleasure of playing, even when challenges arise.
Drills to Cultivate Your Inner Rain Dancer
Here are a few drills you can incorporate into your practice and rounds to help you “dance in the rain.”
Try this: The “One-Shot Challenge”
This drill helps you focus solely on the present shot, just as Thitikul describes. When you’re on the course, pick out one shot per nine holes that you identify as a “pressure” shot. It could be a tricky chip, a long iron over water, or a crucial putt. Before you address the ball, consciously tell yourself, “This is exciting! I’m here to enjoy this.” Take a deep breath, visualize a good outcome, and commit fully. After the shot, regardless of the result, acknowledge that you embraced the moment. This trains your brain to associate pressure with excitement, not dread.
Here’s a drill: “The Imperfect Practice”
Thitikul recently won the Honda LPGA Thailand event, her first victory in her home country, even though she felt her iron play was “well below 100 percent.” She learned that you don’t need a “perfect 100 percent” game to win. This is a crucial lesson. Often, we get fixated on perfection, which only increases pressure. For this drill, go to the range and intentionally hit some shots with a slightly “off” feel. Maybe try a 70% swing, or hit some shots knowing your alignment isn’t spot-on. The goal is to focus on getting a playable result despite not feeling “perfect.” This builds resilience and teaches you to scramble effectively when your A-game isn’t there.
Jeeno Thitikul claims 8th LPGA win — and first in home country of Thailand
Learning from the Falls: Resilience in Pursuit of Goals
Another powerful aspect of Thitikul’s approach is her outlook on setbacks. She’s still chasing her first major, having finished runner-up at last year’s Evian Championship. Instead of being deterred, she sees multiple opportunities ahead.
“You have 10 times, you’re not going to get it 10 times. You’re obviously going to fall for sure. But I think the times that you fall, then you learn what the next time you’re going to do. But if you fall, that’s fine. Because you have the 11th time coming again.”
This is a perspective every golfer needs to adopt. Golf is a game of constant learning and adaptation. A bad shot, a missed putt, or a rough round isn’t a failure; it’s data. It’s an opportunity to learn and adjust for the next attempt. I tell my students that genuine improvement comes not from never making mistakes, but from how quickly and effectively you recover from them.
Try this: The “Bounce Back” Routine
After a shot you’re unhappy with, instead of dwelling on it, engage in a quick “reset” routine. It could be as simple as taking three deep breaths, wiping your club, and then walking to your next shot with positive self-talk. The key is to physically and mentally detach from the previous error. Thitikul’s perspective of “it’s a new week, it’s a new journey, it’s new themes” applies to every single shot on the course too – each shot is a new beginning.
Shifting Your Perspective on Expectations
Thitikul had already been World No. 1 once before, for a week after the 2022 Toto Japan Classic when she was just 19. She admitted that she put enormous pressure on herself then. Now, her perspective has changed.
“Right now, when I have a bad shot, it’s OK, you have another one. I think it’s more relaxing. It’s small thing to handle. But I just told myself, I really enjoyed it to be where I am right now and then I’m not going to be in this position forever. There’s going to be more top players coming up, but I want to perform and enjoy this position the best that I can.”
This is a powerful reflection on managing personal expectations. We all want to play well, shoot low scores, and impress our playing partners. However, when these desires transform into rigid expectations, they become breeding grounds for pressure and frustration. Understanding that golf is a journey with ups and downs, and that there’s always “another one” (another shot, another hole, another round), can dramatically reduce the self-imposed pressure.
Your golf journey is unique. Embrace the challenges, learn from every shot, and remember to “dance in the rain.” You’ll not only see your scores improve, but you’ll rediscover the immense joy this wonderful game has to offer.
