World No. 1’s 4-Word Mantra: How to “Dance in the Rain”

We’ve all been there, standing over a tough shot, the pressure mounting. Maybe it’s the final hole of a club championship, or simply a friendly wager with your buddies that’s gone down to the wire. That familiar tightening in your chest, the clammy hands, the swirling thoughts of “what if I mess this up?” It’s a universal experience in golf, and it’s one that even the world’s top players grapple with. But what if, instead of fighting it, we learned to embrace it?

This week, I was captivated by LPGA star Jeeno Thitikul’s refreshing outlook on pressure, a philosophy that resonates far beyond the pristine fairways of the professional tour. As Lifestyle Editor for The Daily Duffer, I’m always looking for those human stories that speak to the heart of golf culture. Thitikul, fresh off a triumph at the Honda LPGA Thailand and facing the weight of expectations at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, offered a masterclass in mental fortitude that every golfer can learn from.

When reminded of her impressive top-10 streak at the upcoming tournament, her response was both witty and telling:

“Thanks for the pressure. No worries.”

That juxtaposition – acknowledging the pressure while simultaneously dismissing it with “no worries” – perfectly encapsulates her four-word mantra: “Dance in the rain.”

Embracing the Storm: What “Dance in the Rain” Really Means

“Dance in the rain” isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about shifting your perspective, finding joy and excitement even in the most nerve-wracking moments. For us everyday golfers, this translates beautifully to our own rounds. How often do we let a bad shot or a challenging hole derail our entire game? Thitikul’s approach suggests a different path.

Think about your last round where things weren’t going your way. The weather turned, your swing felt off, putts weren’t dropping. Did you curse the golf gods? Or did you find a way to “dance” through it, perhaps by focusing on one good shot, enjoying the walk, or simply appreciating the time spent outdoors?

Thitikul shared her experience from her winning performance at the Honda LPGA Thailand:

“The nerves is always going to be there, but you have to beat the nerves. 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 isn’t just about golf; it’s a profound life lesson. It’s about finding exhilaration in overcoming obstacles, rather than being paralyzed by them. It’s about enjoying the journey, even when the path is a little bumpy.

Learning from the Falls: Resilience on and off the Course

Another powerful takeaway from Thitikul’s philosophy is her gracious acceptance of imperfection. Even the best golfers don’t play a “perfect 100 percent” game. She reflected on her pursuit of a major win:

“Obviously when the pressure moment, when the nervous moment coming, you’re not going to get it every time. … 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 speaks to the heart of resilience. How many times have we duffed a chip, chunked an iron, or three-putted from nowhere, only to let that single mistake haunt us for the next few holes, or even the entire round? Thitikul reminds us that falling is inevitable, but it’s the learning and the “11th time” that truly matter. Every missed shot, every bad bounce, is an opportunity to learn, adjust, and come back stronger. This mindset applies equally to a tough day at the office or a setback in a personal goal.

From Prodigy to Perspective: Maturing Through the Game

Thitikul’s journey also offers a poignant look at how our relationship with pressure evolves. As a 19-year-old, she briefly reached World No. 1 and admits she “put a lot of pressure on myself.” Now, with a few more years under her belt, her perspective has shifted dramatically.

This is a testament to growth, not just as an athlete, but as a person. We often put immense pressure on ourselves to be perfect in our younger years, whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or golf game. As we mature, we learn the value of self-compassion and the understanding that striving for perfection can be a joy-killer. It’s okay to have a bad shot, a less-than-perfect day. The beauty lies in the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Your Turn to Dance: Actionable Takeaways for Everyday Golfers

So, how can we, as everyday golfers, incorporate Jeeno Thitikul’s wisdom into our own lives—on and off the course?

1. Adopt a Mantra: Find a short phrase that resonates with you. “Dance in the rain” works wonders for Thitikul. Maybe yours is “One shot at a time,” “Enjoy the walk,” or “Embrace the challenge.” Repeat it when you feel the pressure building.
2. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities: Instead of dreading a tough lie or a long carry, view it as a chance to showcase your skill and creativity. What’s the best you can do from this situation?
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes. As Thitikul says, “if you fall, that’s fine.” Acknowledge the error, learn from it, and then commit to the next shot with a clear mind.
4. Focus on the Joy: Remember why you started playing golf. For many of us, it’s the camaraderie, the beautiful scenery, the challenge, and simply being outdoors. Let these elements ground you when the pressure rises.
5. Embrace Imperfection: Understand that you don’t need a “perfect 100 percent” game to have a great time or even to play well. Golf, like life, is about managing what’s thrown at you and making the most of it.

Jeeno Thitikul’s approach to golf is more than just a strategy for winning; it’s a blueprint for a richer, more fulfilling life. By learning to “dance in the rain,” we can transform moments of stress into opportunities for growth, joy, and a deeper appreciation for the game we love.