Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, your Golf Instruction Editor. Today, I want to talk about something incredibly vital in golf: the mental game. We often focus on swing mechanics, short game, and putting, but what truly separates good players from great ones often comes down to their mental fortitude and how they handle pressure.
I was recently reflecting on a fascinating story involving Jacob Bridgeman, a name some of you might recognize from a viral moment at Pebble Beach. It’s a story that beautifully illustrates the power of composure and focus under pressure, something we all can learn from, whether we’re playing in a club championship or just trying to break 90.
The Power of Poise: Learning from Jacob Bridgeman
You might recall the incident at Pebble Beach where Bridgeman, then a caddie, was involved in an “icing” moment, delaying a competitor’s putt. It became a viral sensation, a moment of high pressure, not for him as a player, but as a crucial part of a team. Fast forward to Riviera, and Bridgeman is now on the verge of a massive win, proving his ability to perform when it matters most.
Who is Jacob Bridgeman? He turned heads in a viral icing incident at Pebble Beach — but now he’s on the brink of a massive win all his own.
The post At Pebble, he iced the winner. At Riviera? He’s flipping the script
“Who is Jacob Bridgeman? He turned heads in a viral icing incident at Pebble Beach — but now he’s on the brink of a massive win all his own.”
This journey from caddie to contender, from a moment of viral tension to his own potential victory, speaks volumes about his mental game. It’s about flipping the script, as the article mentions, and taking control of your own narrative on the course.
In golf, we face pressure constantly – a crucial putt, a tight lie, playing with new people. How you respond to these moments determines your success. It’s not about avoiding pressure; it’s about embracing it and performing effectively despite it.
Why Your Mental Game Matters
Think about it: have you ever hit a perfect shot on the range, only to falter when the pressure is on during a round? That’s your mental game at play. Your mind can be your biggest asset or your biggest detriment. When you understand how to manage your thoughts and emotions, you unlock a completely new level of performance.
“At Pebble, he iced the winner. At Riviera? He’s flipping the script.”
This transformation from being involved in a “distraction” to becoming the focal point of success is the essence of a strong mental game. It shows a player who has learned to channel their focus and maintain composure, no matter the circumstances.
Actionable Drills for a Stronger Mental Game
I tell my students that just like you practice your swing, you need to practice your mind. Here are a couple of drills you can integrate into your routine to build that mental muscle:
Drill 1: The “Pressure Putt” Routine
This drill helps you simulate pressure situations and develop a consistent pre-shot routine that quiets your mind. On the putting green, find a 6-foot putt. Before you hit it, create a scenario in your mind: “This putt is to win the Masters,” or “This putt is to break 80 for the first time.” Go through your full pre-shot routine diligently – walk behind the ball, read the break, take your practice swings, and visualize the ball going in. Then, execute the putt. Don’t rush it. The “WHY” here is to train your brain to execute your routine under self-imposed pressure, helping you stay present and focused when it really counts. The more you practice a consistent routine under perceived pressure, the more natural it will feel on the course.
Drill 2: The “One Shot at a Time” Focus
On the driving range, hit a shot and then immediately, for about 10-15 seconds, reflect ONLY on that shot. What went well? What could have been better? Then, completely let it go. Before your next shot, take a deep breath and clear your mind. Focus entirely on the present shot you are about to hit. The “WHY” behind this is to develop the ability to compartmentalize each shot. Too often, we let a bad shot from the previous hole or even the previous shot affect our current one. This drill helps you practice moving on quickly and dedicating your full attention to the task at hand.
“He turned heads in a viral icing incident at Pebble Beach — but now he’s on the brink of a massive win all his own.”
Jacob Bridgeman’s journey reminds us that our past doesn’t define our future performance. Regardless of what happened on the last hole, or even in a viral moment, you always have the ability to “flip the script” and perform at your best on the next shot, or in the next tournament.
Embrace the Challenge
My teaching experience has shown me that golfers who improve the most are those who are open to working on all aspects of their game, including the mental side. It’s not always easy, but like any skill, it gets stronger with practice and dedication. So, next time you’re on the course or at the range, remember Bridgeman’s shift from viral moment to poised contender. Embrace the mental challenge, practice these drills, and you’ll find yourself not just hitting better shots, but enjoying the game more and performing consistently under pressure. You have the ability to improve, and a strong mental game is the key to unlocking your full potential.
