95. Game management is very important, but self  management is at the heart of every great player

Every year, people ask me who I think is going to win this years “Open” believing me to be a top tipster with inside knowledge of a dead cert who they can load their wages on at favourable odds. Even though no one can put a name to the winner, I do know what his character will be.

He will be player who puts himself into as real a playing situation as possible even when he practices. He will control his reactions and inner feelings on a shot to shot basis and align his game strategy accordingly. He understands that if he cannot control himself and his emotions he will lose the focus of the calm state that is essential for performance.

He is positive as in the sense of thinking the right things and seeing the right mental pictures with powerful imagination. He leaves all technical detail on the range but brings the feeling and the essence of technical working to the course and applies it as an artistic expression.

He understands that the shot he sees in his mind is created by the controlled spin applied to the ball by his hands through the clubface.  (Good golf is imagination with the hands)

He also understands that the power he generates is from swinging the club head and not by heaving with the body. He never entertains the idea of attempting the impossible by trying to hit straight shots with the long clubs.

These traits are developed over many years, not days and weeks, and it gives us an individual who at a deep level is supremely competent and confident but at the same time, mindful of the fact that the game is not perfectible.

He will also know that when he gets these many attributes at their respective peaks, good performance is guaranteed and great golf a distinct possibility He knows that the right “golf character” is essential and just like an actor; the part must be rehearsed so the he can step into it, act it, and ultimately, live the part.