Strategy Managing Expectations: Can a Great #Golf Start Hurt Your Round?|Golf for Beginners

Golfers have expectations, (as do all humans) whether they believe it or not when starting their round; a great score, awesome putting...the list is endless. Managing expectations is probably one of the most difficult issues to overcome for golfers of all levels.

On his first hole (the tenth tee) of the OHL Golf Classic at Mayakoba, Kevin Mitchell scored a hole-in-one. You would think everything would be coming up roses for Mitchell after that pumped-up start, and it did...sort of...Mitchell followed through with a birdie on eleven. Then Mitchell took a par, birdie, bogey and finally wound up with a 66 and tied for 68th place after four rounds. (Please note ESPN has his name listed as Keith while Golf Digest lists it as Kevin).

Espn.Com/golf/leaderboard

Can anyone maintain such high expectations after an ace? Should you try?

READ: Try to Win and You Won't?

On the flip side, Zimbabwean golfer, Marc Cayeux, left all expectations behind after a devastating motor vehicle accident left one leg shorter than the other. “It’s been a tough seven years, so, on my first year back, I had no expectations. I just basically tried to get back into the swing of things and learn all over again...". Caveux made the cut!

Managing expectations requires determination. Here are a few tips to help overcome thoughts that consume, in order to getpositive results during a round.

1. SLOW DOWN: According to thoughts coach Gary Leboff, "symptoms of immoderate depth include speeding your meals, riding too rapid and shortness of breath." Identifying these modifications and consciously doing the opposite will assist you get into a relaxed mindset.

2. MANAGE HIGHS AND LOWS on the course: According to PositiveMentalImagery.Com, you will lose momentum when you have a great round going and begin to dwell on it. Conversely, don't consider that if you have been blowing all of your putts that it'll hold to happen. Maintain practical expectations approximately your recreation and live grounded.

3. STAY IN THE MOMENT: It's common practice to think about the next shot but, in many cases, golfers think way too far ahead. According to GolfMentalGameCoach.com, when French player Alexander Levy was, " totally immersed in the moment: seeing the shot, playing the shot, seeing the result and then playing the next shot," his game took a turn for the better.

Managing your expectancies takes exercise and strong resolve; expertise where your weaknesses lie and lessening the strain you placed on yourself is step one to higher leisure of the sport.

How do you manage your expectations on the golf course? Share in the comments section of Golf for Beginners blog and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.