The Inner Game of Golf

1. The Inner Game: Overcoming Self-Interference

The quality of our performance (P) is equal to our potential (p) minus the interference (i) with the expression of that potential.

The Inner Game concept is about recognizing and reducing self-interference to unleash our full potential. This interference often comes in the form of self-doubt, fear, and over-analysis.

Common forms of self-interference:

• Negative self-talk
• Overthinking technique
• Fear of failure
• Perfectionism

By focusing on reducing this interference rather than trying harder, we can significantly improve our performance in golf and other areas of life. The Inner Game approach emphasizes learning to trust our natural abilities (Self 2) while quieting the critical, controlling voice in our heads (Self 1).

2. Self 1 vs. Self 2: Understanding the Two Selves

Self 1 was more of a hindrance than the great help he wanted me to think he was.

Self 1 is our ego-mind, constantly judging, analyzing, and trying to control our actions. It's the voice of doubt and criticism. Self 2 is our natural, intuitive self, capable of learning and performing complex actions without conscious thought.

Characteristics of Self 1:

• Judgmental
• Analytical
• Controlling
• Doubt-producing

Characteristics of Self 2:

• Intuitive
• Naturally capable
• Learning-oriented
• Performance-enhancing

The key to improvement lies in learning to trust Self 2 while quieting Self 1. This shift allows for more fluid, natural movements and accelerated learning.

3. Awareness: The Key to Natural Learning

Awareness itself is curative.

Non-judgmental awareness is the foundation of natural learning and improvement. By simply observing our actions without criticism, we allow our bodies to make subtle adjustments and improvements automatically.

Benefits of awareness-based learning:

• Reduces tension and overthinking
• Allows for natural corrections
• Enhances feel and control
• Accelerates skill development

Techniques like "back-hit-stop" or focusing on the feel of the club during the swing help increase awareness and improve performance without conscious effort to change technique.

4. Relaxed Concentration: The Master Skill

Relaxed concentration is the key to excellence in all things.

Relaxed concentration is the optimal state for learning and performance, characterized by full engagement without tension or anxiety. It combines heightened awareness, clear choice, and trust in one's abilities.

Components of relaxed concentration:

• Focused attention
• Absence of self-judgment
• Trust in natural abilities
• Clear intention

This state allows for peak performance by accessing our full potential without interference from doubt or overthinking. Practices like mindfulness and focused awareness exercises can help develop this skill.

5. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Expectations

Blessed are they who have no expectations, for they shall not be disappointed.

Self-doubt and rigid expectations often limit our performance and enjoyment. By letting go of these mental constraints, we can perform more freely and often achieve better results.

Strategies for overcoming doubt and expectations:

• Focus on the present moment
• Embrace uncertainty
• Trust in your natural abilities
• Reframe "failures" as learning opportunities

The "what if" technique, imagining how you'd perform without fear or doubt, can help bypass limiting beliefs and access untapped potential.

6. The Power of Non-Judgmental Observation

Awareness simply sees and accepts what is; it doesn't place a positive or negative value on the result.

Non-judgmental observation allows us to see things as they truly are, without the distortion of our preconceptions or desires. This clear seeing is essential for effective learning and improvement.

Benefits of non-judgmental observation:

• Clearer perception of reality
• Reduced emotional reactivity
• Enhanced learning ability
• Improved decision-making

By practicing this skill, we can gather more accurate information about our performance and make more effective adjustments, leading to faster improvement and greater enjoyment.

7. Balancing Performance, Enjoyment, and Learning

Performance, enjoyment, and learning—these three goals are all present in golf.

The PEL Triangle (Performance, Enjoyment, Learning) represents a balanced approach to golf and life. Focusing solely on performance often leads to tension and reduced enjoyment, while neglecting performance can lead to stagnation.

Benefits of balancing PEL:

• Sustained motivation
• Faster improvement
• Greater resilience
• Enhanced overall experience

By consciously attending to all three aspects, we can create a virtuous cycle where enjoyment fuels learning, learning improves performance, and improved performance increases enjoyment.

8. Trust: The Foundation of Peak Performance

Trust thyself, every heart vibrates to that iron string.

Self-trust is essential for accessing our full potential and performing at our best. It allows us to relax, focus, and let our natural abilities shine through.

Ways to build self-trust:

• Acknowledge past successes
• Practice mindfulness
• Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities
• Cultivate a growth mindset

By developing trust in our Self 2, we can reduce interference from Self 1 and perform more consistently at a higher level.

9. Discovering Your Own Technique

Self 2 is the one who has to hit the ball, the one being addressed by this criticizing, doubting, overcontrolling voice of Self 1.

Instead of rigidly adhering to prescribed techniques, discovering your own natural technique through experimentation and awareness can lead to better results and more enjoyment.

Steps to discover your technique:

• Experiment with different approaches
• Pay attention to what feels natural
• Focus on results rather than form
• Trust your body's innate wisdom

This approach allows for a more personalized, effective technique that works with your unique physiology and mental makeup.

10. The Pressure Myth: Redefining What's at Stake

In golf itself there is no pressure.

The pressure we feel in golf often comes from the meaning we attribute to the game, not from the game itself. By redefining what's at stake, we can reduce unnecessary pressure and perform more freely.

Ways to reframe the stakes:

• Focus on the process, not the outcome
• Embrace the challenge rather than fearing failure
• Define success beyond just the score
• Remember that it's just a game

By consciously choosing the game we're playing while playing golf, we can create a more enjoyable, less pressured experience that often leads to better performance.

Last updated: April 6, 2025