Both Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz know how difficult it is to play quality, high-level golf consistently and not let a bad shot, a bad hole or a bad tournament get you down. Staying balanced and not riding an emotional roller coaster is often what separates the good players from the greats, both in the professional and amateur ranks.
So, what is the key to playing golf consistently and at a high level?
On the latest episode of GOLF’s Subpar Podcast, Knost and Stoltz answered a Subpar Hotline question from college coach Ethan Blair and shared a key mental trick they both use to stay balanced on the course. It all boils down to narrowing your focus.
“One thing I’ve always done is I feel like every round is divided into 18 tournaments,” Knost said. “It’s just like, that hole that you’re in, what’s the best way to play that hole? Once it’s over, it’s over. We’re on to the next one. That’s the way to stay absolutely even out there. Because as much as we get mad, and we all do, there’s nothing you can do about that last shot that you blew at Scottie, because he messed up. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Tuesday at Royal Oaks hitting his guys or a Sunday at the Master, when he is in that shot, what do you need to do to hit a good one?
“Our college coach used to say, No matter what happens out there, it’s never as good as you think it is, and it’s never as bad as you think it is when it goes bad,” Stoltz said. “I think that’s when I play my best golf. It’s small goals. It’s a small goal, miss small. Your mind can start to wander, and you have so far ahead of yourself. Keep it as simple as: If it’s a 200-yard par-3, just hit the green or let’s put a birdie look there. OK, take that one, and put it there to the next one. Small goals.
To hear more from Stoltz and Knost, check out the full podcast on YouTube. And if you want to be part of the Subpar Podcast, now’s your chance. Just call the new hotline and leave us a message with a question, story or hot take, and we’ll pick the best ones and play them live on the show. The Subpar Hotline is open 24/7 at 480-269-6166.
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