Adam Scott’s performance in the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial helped solidify his world No. 1 ranking.
Outlasting Jason Dufner in a three-hole playoff, Scott took the victory to become the first player in PGA Tour history to have won every Tour event in the state of Texas.
Scott’s opening nine holes on Thursday was only good enough for a 4-over-par 39. Some players would pack it up at that point, but Scott went the other way.
He would go on to play his remaining holes at 15 under par, including the playoff.
Slow starts happen to everybody, but how you respond will determine the outcome.
Here are a few tips to consider the next time your round doesn’t start off exactly as planned:
• Narrow your focus. It’s easy to dwell on poor shots, but it is imperative that you stay focused on the shot you are about to hit. This not only helps you make a better decision in terms of shot selection, but it also keeps your emotions in check.
• Get back to basics. After a couple of bad shots most players start speeding up their swing as the frustration mounts. This is a double-edged sword that will dig your hole even deeper. Take a few deep breaths and check fundamentals like grip, posture, and alignment. The next step is to make smaller, slower swings to build up your rhythm and balance.
• Stay positive. Golf is a game that can change very quickly for any player. As easy as it is to make a bad swing and hit a bad shot, it can be just as easy to make the next swing great. Be positive about every shot you hit despite the outcome. Your next swing may end up being the best ever!
For more tips from Golf Channel to help you improve your mental game, click here.