Golf Information sponsered by Indy Golf Shop

Unique Mental Challenges for Women Golfers


The game of golf provides trials for every player, independent of the player's gender. However, for some women in our society, there is a special challenge.

Women in the Western world have traditionally been raised and socialized to be cooperative, polite, feminine and "nice". There is implicit pressure that some women feel to make sure that they don't stand out too much or present themselves as trying to outdo or "embarrass" another woman. These messages can sometimes conflict with being competitive on the golf course.

In stark contrast, men have traditionally been reinforced and given full latitude to be competitive, win at all costs, and take down their "opponent". In the English language, there is a lot of overlap between adjectives that describe masculinity and those that describe a competitor. Time after time men can go head to head on the golf course, do whatever is necessary to beat their adversary, and then enjoy the 19th hole with their fellow competitor.

For many women, it doesn't feel that simple. For some there is a perceived or real fear that if they are too competitive in the golf arena, that they may suffer some social consequences. Some fear being labeled as "too competitive", "too serious", or worse. Some women feel as though they must choose between "social" golf and "competitive" golf, as there is not as much of an overlap as it feels there is for the men.

Admittedly, this is an internal conflict that some women do not experience, as they are in arenas where this doesn't feel like an issue. Others are perfectly content to let their golf development and improvement be a priority- without concern for the potential social ramifications.

Gratefully, society continues to move toward embracing the notion that a woman can be both competitive and feminine. However, for the women for whom this inner conflict exists, it is often helpful to recognize this clash and resolve to be purposeful about coming to peace with it.

What is your goal for your game? Is it more socially related? Is it more competitively related? Are there times when one takes priority over the other? Clarifying this objective in advance of the day at the club or course can help keep things in perspective and help goals be met more easily. At the very least it can help create an internal environment that feels less confused, thus allowing the game to be one that is more enjoyable and pleasurable.

Jeff Troesch, MA, LMHC is an internationally recognized expert in the mental side of golf. As the former Director of Sport Psychology for the David Leadbetter Golf Academies, Jeff has worked with thousands of golfers nationwide and brings a wealth of experience to seasoned golf professionals as well as the recreational golf lover. You may contact Jeff directly through his website, http://www.fitnessforgolf.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

Los Angeles Times

Golf notebook: Johnson shares lead; Woods is five back
Columbus Dispatch
Golf Headlines from AP Former Marysville resident Stephen Gangluff finished second in the PGA Tour final qualifying tournament and was one of 27 golfers to earn exempt status on the tour in 2012. Chris Wilson of Dublin tied for 51st and will be exempt ...
Sun Is High and Players Take Turns Going LowNew York Times
Golf notes: Johnson shares Pebble lead; Woods 5 backLexington Herald Leader
Tiger gets his PGA Tour season off to solid startSan Jose Mercury News
Washington Post
all 2,713 news articles »


San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

For Jim Harbaugh, pro-am golf is just another game
San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
It was a respectable debut in the golfing limelight. Harbaugh attacked the course with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. And if you think this guy is kind of weird as a football coach, you should see him as a golfer. First, there's the outfit – the ...
Harbaugh and Smith: Golf pairing a sign of things to come?San Jose Mercury News
Jim Harbaugh playing golf looks a lot like Jim Harbaugh coaching footballNBCSports.com
San Francisco 49ers, Giants, Pebble Beach Charity Golf Shoot-Out (PHOTOS, VIDEO)Huffington Post

all 87 news articles »


USA TODAY

Golf lifestyle channel? Clint will make your day
Montreal Gazette
The main thing America needs right now is a golf lifestyle cable channel. Thank goodness Clint Eastwood is ready to provide one. He has been named "creative board chairman" of the about-to-launch Back9Network, of which he is a founding shareholder, ...
Clint linked to golf channelStarPhoenix
Clint Eastwood to help create new TV golf channelUSA TODAY
Clint Eastwood backs alternative golf channelWaggle Room
Washington Post (blog) -Yahoo! Sports -Hollywood Reporter
all 26 news articles »


The Huntsville Times - al.com

Bill Belichick remains his verbose self
ESPN
Jeff Gross/Getty Images Getting information out of Bill Belichick on a golf course is pretty much the same as it is around a football stadium: nearly impossible. "Hell, yes, I told our guys, 'Make them go to Manningham,'" said the New England Patriots ...
Belichick takes a break with team on solid groundThe Providence Journal
Tom Brady, Bill Belichick head to Pebble Beachbettor.com (blog)

all 14 news articles »


Mira Vista Golf & Country Club Adds Over 50 Members in 12 Weeks
San Francisco Chronicle (press release)
Following a complete restoration of their historic golf course, Mira Vista Golf & Country Club has added 54 new memberships since the grand re-opening last November. Following a complete restoration of their historic golf course, Mira Vista Golf ...

and more »


The Guardian

Golf-McIlroy takes lead in Dubai but may rue missed putts
Reuters UK
By Matt Smith | DUBAI Feb 10 (Reuters) - Rory McIlroy sank seven birdies to be 13 under par after the second round of the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday, two shots ahead of Martin Kaymer, who hit his first hole-in-one. Surprise overnight leader Rafael ...
McILROY TAKES LEADSportinglife.com
Golf-Cabrera-Bello makes scorching start to lead Dubai ClassicReuters Africa
McIlroy seeks caddy help for birdie charge in DubaiTimes of India
bettor.com (blog) -Irish Times -Middle East North Africa Financial Network
all 454 news articles »


Golf Digest <3319.T>-2011 div forecast
Reuters
Feb 10 (Reuters) - GOLF DIGEST ONLINE INC PARENT-ONLY EARNINGS ESTIMATES (in billions of yen unless specified) Full year to Full year to Dec 31,2011 Dec 31,2011 LATEST PREVIOUS FORECAST FORECAST Annual div nil NOTE - Golf Digest Online Inc is the full ...

and more »


Golf Clap for CVS Caremark
msnbc.com
By Seth Jayson For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), CVS Caremark met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share. Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue improved and GAAP earnings per share grew. CVS Caremark booked revenue ...

and more »


Cedar Ridge pro to speak at Hard Rock Casino Tulsa Golf Expo
Tulsa World
Phillips will be a guest speaker at the Tulsa Golf Expo. JOHN CLANTON/Tulsa World By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer Tracy Phillips will be among featured speakers Saturday and Sunday at the Hard Rock Casino Tulsa Golf Expo. If he was so inclined, ...
Seniors: What can you do for your golf club?Victoria Times Colonist

all 3 news articles »


Disc golf team making impact on and off the field since 2009
The Daily Athenaeum
The West Virginia Disc Golf Club has plans of making a run at a national championship at the end of the season, but it's not only making an impact on the field. Dating back to 2009, the Mountaineers have been making charitable efforts to give back to ...
Disc Golf TournamentWDAM-TV

all 2 news articles »

Google News

home | site map |
© 2007