Trackman Talks: The Mental Game Big Three (episode 3)

Attitude reduces threat

The brain sees golf as either a threat or an opportunity. A negative reaction to poor shots can increase tension, narrow options, and trigger physiological responses akin to "fight, flight, or freeze," which are detrimental in golf.

By replacing judgment with curiosity, players can significantly reduce this perceived threat, allowing the brain to see golf as an opportunity and freeing up their performance. This shift in attitude challenges players to cultivate a relationship with the game that fosters exploration and expression of capabilities rather than fear and anxiety.

How to use Trackman to reveal attitude

Test Center & Performance Center

The Test Center and Performance Center are perfect for exposing mindset patterns. Every shot counts – and players’ reactions tell the real story.

These tools are excellent for observing a player's attitude, as every shot contributes to the final score. This setting reveals how players react to "unwanted or unexpected outcomes," showing if a previous shot contaminated their focus on the next one. Observing their reactions and the resulting dispersion patterns can highlight how they cope with different outcomes.

Introducing Trackman on the course can also simulate pressure, helping coaches understand where a player's attention lies, when measured outcomes are at stake.

Introduce the 1-2-3 system

• 1 = great shot

• 2 = good enough

• 3 = poor outcome

The 1-2-3 system involves players personally grading each shot and verbalizing it to defuse the automatic emotional response.

Many golfers, especially skilled ones, struggle to acknowledge the 1s or 2s, viewing them as expected, while reacting negatively to 3s. However, accepting 3s is crucial for developing the skill of acceptance, which is considered the ultimate mental game skill under the attitude umbrella.

By pre-programming the brain to accept a realistic number of 3s per round, players can avoid contamination and focus on the next shot

Teach players to accept 3s and celebrate 2s. Not every shot is – or needs to be – a 1.

Calibrate expectations using dispersion data

What is a “good enough” shot for a 15 handicap? Use Trackman to set that standard.

Trackman's dispersion data is essential for calibrating a player's expectations and defining what constitutes a 1, 2, or 3 for their specific skill level.

If a 15 handicapper has tour-level expectations for their dispersion, they may incorrectly grade a "good enough" shot (a 2) as a "poor outcome" (a 3), leading to undue self-criticism. Coaches must engage players in discussions about what is reasonable to accept based on their individual Trackman data. This will foster a more realistic and positive attitude.

Practical tools for coaches

• Start each session with: “What are you grateful for today?”

Gratitude lowers threat and shifts the mindset toward learning. While seemingly simple, answering and writing this down before playing golf reduces the threat perception from the golf course.

An appreciative and grateful mindset helps players settle down, enabling them to form clear intentions, focus attention, and maintain an attitude that supports their performance.

• Use the Second Arrow metaphor: "You can’t control bad bounces – but you can control your reaction to them".

The "Second Arrow" metaphor illustrates that "first arrows" – unavoidable negative events like bad shots, slow play, or external comments – will always occur in golf and life. However, players can control their reaction to these events, which is the "second arrow".

The goal is to avoid shooting the second arrow, allowing players to deal with the inherent ups and downs and the chaos of the game, and to walk off the course feeling their attitude was top notch, regardless of the score.

Final thoughts

Trackman can’t measure what’s in a player’s head — but it shows how well their attitude connects intention to execution.

Technical and physical aspects of the game are presented by Trackman with measurable data. When coaches integrate this data with their awareness of mindset to build context, rather than merely offering critique, it fundamentally transforms the learning and playing experience.

This miniseries with Niklas Bergdahl, Gary Nicol and Karl Morris has delved into both theoretical and practical aspects of golf's mental game. The Mental Game Big Three – Intention, Attention, and Attitude (the glue that holds it all together) – are interlinked and essential. These are not merely abstract concepts but represent the cognitive and emotional processes that govern a player's ability to execute on the course.

Want more Trackman Talks insights?

Check out our previous episodes and stay tuned in to the Trackman Blog for more.

Trackman Talks: Master the Smash Index and Spin Index with Frederik Tuxen

Trackman Talks: Attack Angle and Swing Plane in Short Game with Joseph Mayo

Trackman Talks: The true impact factors with Hugh Marr

Trackman Talks: Turning data into smarter practice with Tom Boys