Lesson 5 of 5
What To Do
JJ tells a story from the Big 10 Championship at Victoria National. Through 3 rounds Ohio State was in second place behind Illinois, arguably the best team in the country. Coming down the famous last 5 holes in round 4, the team played them +10 and fell from 2nd to tied 5th. In the meeting after, all 5 players blamed a technical flaw in their swing.
JJ's answer: it was not their swings that put the ball in the water coming down the stretch. It was the 6 inches between their ears. The one thing that separates the average college golfer from the All-Americans is the belief they have in themselves. If you truly believe in your ability, you will make confident swings down the stretch. Be 100% committed to every shot. In JJ's words, PLAY FREE, IT'S A LOT MORE FUN!
How To Do It
Step 1: Keep the same targets
When you are playing well late, keep picking the same kind of targets you picked all day. Do not suddenly get careful and aim away from everything. Steering the ball is how good rounds slip away.
Step 2: Use your routine as an anchor
Nerves on the last few holes are normal. Your routine is your anchor. Same steps, same length, same performance cue. Do a box breath on every tee from 16 through 18.
Step 3: Commit 100%
JJ says the only thing you can do is be 100% committed going into each shot. The more doubt you have in your head, the more likely you are to hit a poor shot.
Step 4: Play free
Swinging free does not come naturally for most people, so practice it. JJ's two best ways are affirmation statements, telling yourself repeatedly how good you are, and visualizing success regularly.
Step 5: Visualize 5 putts before bed
Pick 5 putts you made today. Before you go to bed, see those putts going into the hole over and over. JJ says this trains your mind to see the ball go in, which leads to making more putts in reality.
Open these forms to build your Confidence Bank and Yard Card
Performance Yard Card
Your affirmations, one performance cue and your motto on a card that lives in your yardage book.
Open the form
Post Round / Tournament Review
Review every round like a tour player: what went well, intruders, letting go of mistakes, and your plan.
Open the form
Post Practice Review
What I Learned Today. Commitment, routine, mechanics, body, nutrition, course and equipment.
Open the form
Everything you save here is stored in My Playbook.
When To Use It
- On the last 3 to 5 holes of a good round
- When you are leading or close to a personal best
- Before bed after any round, with the 5 putts
Common Mistakes
- Getting careful and steering the ball late
- Blaming your swing for a mental collapse
- Adding up your score on the 16th tee
- Rushing to finish once you are close to a goal
Practical Exercise
Play Free Breath
Use this on every tee from 16 through 18. Breathe in for 4 and say your closing affirmation. Hold for 4. Breathe out for 4 and let doubt leave your body. Hold for 4 and see the shot you want.
Pattern: 4-4-4-4 seconds, 2 cycles. The voice counts each second for you.
Ready
Takeaways
- Late collapses are usually the 6 inches between your ears
- Belief separates good players from great ones
- Same targets and same routine on the last holes
- Be 100% committed. Play free.
- See 5 made putts before bed
Reflect
Use It Next Round
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