The Impact Bag Golf Blog

Golf is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. One common mental trap is mind reading—assuming you know what others are thinking about you. For golfers, this might sound like, “My friends or parents will think I’m a failure if I play poorly,” or “If I hit a bad first tee shot my playing partners will think I’m rubbish.”

This bias can lead to unnecessary pressure, fear of judgment, and overthinking. But the truth is, most people aren’t scrutinizing your game as harshly as you might think.

Why Does Mind Reading Happen?

Mind reading stems from insecurity and a natural desire to be seen positively by others. In golf, where every shot feels like it’s on display, it’s easy to assume others are judging your performance. However, these assumptions are often exaggerated or entirely false.

Strategies to Combat Mind Reading

1. Challenge Your Assumptions
   When you catch yourself thinking, “They’ll think I’m a failure,” ask, “Do I have evidence for that?” “Is this 100% true?” Most people are focused on their own games, not yours.
   
2. Reframe Your Thoughts
   Replace assumptions with neutral or positive alternatives. For example, “My parents are here to support me, not to judge my score.” “My playing partners don’t care how I play as long as I’m good company!”
   
3. Focus on What You Can Control
   You can’t control what others think, but you can control your attitude and effort. Put your energy into playing your best, not into guessing what others might think. Mind reading is a form of cognitive interference and affects performance negatively.
   
4. Practice Self-Acceptance
   Remind yourself that your worth isn’t tied to your scorecard. You are more than your golf game, and true friends or family or even strangers will respect your effort, not just your results.
   

On-Course Game: “What’s the Evidence?”

Objective: Train your brain to question assumptions about others’ thoughts.

• Setup: Each time you catch yourself worrying about what someone might think (e.g., “They’ll think I’m bad at this”), pause and ask:
  • What evidence do I have that this is true?
  • Is there an alternative explanation (e.g., “They’re focused on their own shots”)?
• Rules: Keep a tally of how often you catch and challenge these thoughts.
• Reward: Over time, you’ll notice these assumptions happening less often.

Range Drill: “Play for Yourself”

Objective: Reconnect with the joy of golf by playing solely for your own satisfaction.

• How to Play:
  1. During a practice session, imagine you’re the only one on the range. Pretend there’s no audience, no competition—just you and the game.
  2. Focus entirely on your own goals, like hitting 5 consistent shots in a row or improving your tempo.
  3. At the end of the session, reflect on how it felt to practice without worrying about others’ opinions.

Letting Go of Assumptions

Mind reading creates unnecessary stress and distracts from the enjoyment of the game. The truth is, most people are either too busy with their own thoughts or rooting for your success. By questioning your assumptions and focusing on your own experience, you can play with more freedom and confidence.

Do you find yourself worrying about what others think on the course? How do you manage those thoughts? Share your strategies in the comments below!

If you want help with your mental game or golf swing please follow me on Skillest and we can have a chat.