The Mind Game – Jenny Sevil Golf on Life’s Terms

We golfers can understand how to improve our golf game from discovering more about ourselves, our character defects and assets. Often how we react to good and bad golf shots can be the same way we react to every aspect of our life. If you do everything fast in life you will find that you play golf fast and probably swing fast. GOLF is an analogy of LIFE itself. The game of golf appeals to people from all walks of life, all ages, men, women and for many reasons. The reasons why you play golf and the type of person you are all contribute to how you play the game. Let’s take a look at some different personalities, their golf game and how the mind game strategies can benefit each and every one of these individuals. Remember GOLF doesn’t change but the player, the players’ life, experiences, thoughts and emotions do, therefore their outcome will differ.

MEET DOUG I would describe Doug as a student of the golf swing and a passionate golfer dedicated to improving his game. Doug’s career requires he understands how things work scientifically and he approaches golf very much the same way. A sportsman from a young age, a sprinter he tells me, he sometimes swings the club at the same speed - quick. Doug has embraced the game of golf and I take my hat off to him for the time and research he has invested in creating a swing he technically understands. Knowledge is power. I believe this is why Doug has found instant results from the knowledge I share with him on the mental and emotional aspects of the game too. Doug has built his golf swing under the instruction of Graves Golf Academy using their single plane solution technique derived from the theories of the great ball striker Moe Norman. I work with Doug on reinforcing these concepts and I never teach a student that there is just one way to swing the golf club. As mentioned, Doug has a very analytical mind and when I started working with

I have played golf for some 44 years now. In recent years, I have transformed from tournament player to Mental Coach and Mentor. The more I explore the ways to help other golfers to improve their game the more I realise the parallels golf has to life.

By Jenny Jones (formerly Sevil)

him realised he embraced the technical side of the game with every ounce of his being. I believe I have slowly added to Doug’s understanding of the importance of visualization and just feeling shots too! This is how I can get Doug to slow down –the golf swing is not a sprint! I believe he is testament to being able to take his game to a new level using his technical understanding with a more aware mindset. If we are too technical, we lose the flow of the swing and the trust process. Doug is getting amazing results due to his constant commitment to checks up – Check-ups are beneficial in life whether it’s the gym, a doctor, recreational time out, a psychologist or nutritionist etc. Doug Grose: Lakelands Golf Course Member. “I find working with Jenny very easy. Jenny is good, not only on the technical side, but always emphasises how important your thought processes and routines are to get the best swing outcomes. Within two lessons I won my first event in many years. I won because I kept the right thoughts over the short but miss-able putts and the shots where I would normally feel pressure. With Jenny’s’ coaching I now seem to “keep my head in the game” and not start getting negative with myself when something goes wrong. I now visualise the shot first, concentrate on positive thoughts and then let my mind do the job of executing the shot as I visualised and practiced it. We work on processes and routines which are all very helpful when out on the course in competition. My new swing was actually working well, it was my thinking that needed fixing and that is something Jenny is a real whiz at doing!

Golf professionals are just the same as any golfer, with similar obstacles to overcome to achieve their goals. MEET JOHN One Saturday afternoon I had a phone call from John. He introduced himself, probably out of desperation and frustration, after having just played in a pro-am and not playing anywhere near how he wanted to. He had just spoken with his son, also a talented golfer, who

GOLF ON LIFE’S TERMS

said “Dad, I’ve got this book you should read. It’s on the mental side of golf.” After that phone call John committed to working with me and looking at old limiting beliefs about himself and what he ‘thought’ he could achieve. He chose to set new goals and then started to believe he was not only capable of achieving them but that he deserved it too. Often in life comments from parents, a teacher or peers can sabotage our dreams and cast doubt on our own belief of what we are capable of. Often these people are unaware how their comments, or even advice, can have detrimental scars on our self-esteem or self-worth that then holds us back from reaching our full potential. John has been 100% committed to giving himself the best shot to finally become the best golfer (and person) he can be. His dedication to tasks I have given him has been phenomenal and he is seeing and feeling the results…. not only in his golf game. John is at the gym, lost 6kgs, drinks less beer, is happier and more motivated than ever. John Wright. Head Professional golfer at Yamba Golf Club. PGA Australia. “Jenny is fantastic to work with. She is very understanding of where you are within your mind. Jenny always replies to your text or phone calls whether it’s before or after a round. The support and confidence you gain straight away is massive, our first session it’s something I’ll always remember, l changed there and then. Here’s the difference. Jenny has walked the walk and had fantastic success, so why wouldn’t you want to work with her. Her understanding of where you are with your mind and game is second to none. Her approach to your individual state of mind is fantastic. Her pathway for change is simple and once you’re on your way it’s very easy to follow. I work daily on my state of mind whether it’s on the course or writing notes. You can read all the books like I’ve done but there’s nothing like listening to Jenny and her experience. It has been a revelation. I once suffered from the usual anxiety, not good enough thoughts, even over the ball, let alone on the drive to the course. My state of mind on the course now is one of calmness and inner confidence and now l have the tools to choose how l feel. Even my practice has changed to a controlled state of mind. I once got a bit worked up after a poor shot but not anymore. I just recently competed in the NSW Senior Open and couldn’t believe the state of my mind under pressure in some of the worst conditions I’d played in. To hit the shots that l did definitely wouldn’t have happened without the work I’d done with Jenny. I have found new enjoyment in the game and in myself as a person.

MEET DONNA Donna attended a group presentation on The Mind Game at Lakelands Golf Club and after resonating with some of the self-sabotaging examples I described, she decided to book herself into some personal lessons and mind sessions. Donna is passionate about playing golf, a vibrant and fun woman, however, we discovered she had some self- destructive thoughts and negative self-talk that needed to be smashed. Donna actually has a positive outlook to improving her golf but just needed some guidance on being kinder to herself. When we are a little anxious about our game and other people, it affects our results. We decided Donna needed to work on becoming a “Calm and Confident golfer.” Her new daily affirmation is proving to help on her way to achieving her goals. Donna Phillips: Member at Arundel GC and Southport GC. “Jenny has given meaning to the old saying: “It’s all in your head” and “You are what you think”. We are what we tell ourselves, so constantly saying; “You Idiot” doesn’t help but rerouting to: “I hit my drives long and straight – MY GOD! It starts to happen. It sounds too easy you say – well it does take a bit to overcome your biggest handicap, “yourself” and you have to find what works for you. That’s what Jenny is all about. I have to say I’m enjoying the journey to enlightenment.”

MEET PENNY AND JANELLE They are two lovely young mums with children still at school. They come to see me after school drop of on Monday mornings. One of their first lessons they commented on was that while they were at golf, they forgot about everything else in their busy lives. We can use golf as a mindful experience. It wasn’t long before they were excitedly planning ‘girl’ golf trips away (just like the boys!). This reminded me how golf is a wonderful tool to connect people and to embrace life, fun and time out. Penny has been able to coax Nadia, her neighbour, to join the group and we have also had other ladies join in and experience the great vibe of group lessons. PENNY - “I hadn’t picked up a golf club for over 11 years. Prior to that, I was an absolute beginner, so essentially I was starting over. Jenny is so good to work with, so positive, encouraging and able to translate a swing technique into a process that produces amazing results.

Her approach to mentoring/teaching the game of golf, about understanding that I’m going to hit good and bad shots (that’s ok and accepting that), help with focusing on the bits I do well and celebrating that. As Jenny says, we all tend to remember what we didn’t do well and play down what did do well when someone asks us. Golf is about managing the negative so that it becomes a positive - the result being feeling good and playing well.” JANELLE - “Working with Jenny has been amazing… she is such a positive, insightful and inspiring lady. I’m a true beginner, so her gentle and detailed instruction helped me to build my swing. Every week I learn a little more and enjoy improving.” Penny Bergmark and Janelle Watts: Beginner golfers. Mums need time out and connection with other women!

MEET JOSH

Josh came to work with me as his uncle (Peter Zidar) and aunty (Libby Wilson/Zidar) are both professional golfers, and indirectly it was suggested that with his desire to become the best golfer he can be, then looking at improving his mental strength will be vital. Josh has amazing support from Mum Katrina and dad Brendan. It so refreshing to work with a young golfer who is reaching for the stars. I admire how Josh is open and honest about how far he wants to go with his golf. He is not afraid of hard work and is so willing to absorb the information, tools and strategies to help improve his all-round golf game. We discuss how easy it is for people to dismiss the dreams of the young by saying “Only a few will make it as a professional golfer, it’s too tough!” Or, “Do you have a back-up plan?” I was told those things, but I never gave up on my dream. So, if some country girl from Tenterfield can win on the international stage and become No. 1 in Australia than I am going to be the first person to encourage someone to follow their dream. I am careful to point out that it won’t always be easy. Golf is up and down, just like life. Good days and bad, good shots and bad shots, high and low moods and emotions as well. Learning to address feelings, frustrations and even anger are some of the things Josh and I discuss. I remind him how important doing his ‘homework’ for his mental training is. It’s just as important as hitting balls on the range and building muscle memory for the swing. WE NEED TO DO THE SAME FOR THE MIND. I often refer to going to a gym. If you want to build strong and defined muscles, you have to repeat-repeat-repeatrepeat lifting those weights. It’s no different with the MIND exercises I teach! Josh Liston: RISING STAR – QLD Junior development squad. “Jenny is incredibly nurturing. I feel comfortable and can ask/discuss anything. It almost feels like a family member. Everything I bring up she has been there, every emotion and situation I feel on the golf course Jenny can relate to, and then give me strategies to deal with it. I have worked with sports psychologists/coaches and the difference is the realworld experience Jenny has. She has done it and lived it. Hearing about how she dealt with each scenario/challenge/ win is inspiring. Knowing that she had the same challenges growing her career makes me believe in myself and want to work harder to make it happen. I feel, working with Jenny, has helped my game by just having another level of support! A support that knows what I’m feeling and what I need to do. I feel my mental game is on track to grow with my physical ability. I even had the chance to prove it recently by winning a 6 player- 5-hole playoff and on the day beating the No. 1 Australian junior! Pretty chuffed with my mental ability to persist and stay in the moment. I know working with Jenny has changed my game for the better- I don’t think I could go forward without it now…”

MEET EMILY

I first met Emily at a junior girl event run by professional golfer Lee Harrington who is passionate about growing the junior program in this country. I was more than happy to put my hand up to help on the day. I love giving back to this game that has given me so much. Enjoyment of sport, family time together both with my parents and siblings and with my own children. Golf gave me the gift of meeting people all over the country and the world. Getting to travel at a young age part of the NSW development squad and teams. Then a scholarship to the USA and then onto a professional career. Golf enabled me to have a life beyond my wildest dreams and the experiences and friendship still are with me and continue today!

I started to follow Emily’s progress from that junior day and asked her to attend one of my Mind Game Presentations at Lakelands Golf Course. After the session Emily wanted to work with me and was prepared to pay for her ‘Mind Session’ out of her own money. I wish parents would realise the importance of this aspect of the game. Giving children the chance to learn to build a strong mind deliberately and ways to control emotions at an early age will help them to improve their golf game as well as life issues! Emily Mum’s, Karen, soon picked up on how our sessions were helping Emily and booked her in for 10 session in advance.

Emily is a perfectionist and one determined young girl with the aspiration to go to college in the USA! She is a hard worker, but we have become aware that because she is a perfectionist that she must be careful not to be so hard on herself. Golf is not a game of perfection as is nothing in life. We are learning to embrace the good and not so good personality traits to use them all as strengths, even the bad, if channelled in the right way. Emily is fun to be around, she has a wonderful sense of humour and when I see that come out on the range, putting green or in our sessions it gives us both great joy. Life lesson here for all of us - make sure to enjoy the journey of improving your golf and life! Emily is learning to be handle the days that are less than perfect and embracing more of the simple steps and results she is achieving on her journey.

“I find it very encouraging to work with Jenny. Every week I am given another bit of confidence towards my golf and towards life. It is also a very and relaxing environment working with Jenny and I really enjoy our sessions. Most golf pros who help people like me only focus on the technique and the physical part of golf and whilst they do care about the mind aspect of the game, I don’t believe they put enough emphasis on how important a good mind-set is in golf. I believe that mind-set effects the quality of a round of golf as much as or more than the technical side of the game. Through my sessions with Jenny I have realised that the process and attitude towards hitting a shot determines a lot about the outcome and how happy I am with the shot. This means that I am a lot more focused and cheerful on the course now, which lead to me having some of my best scores I’ve had in months. I am so much more confident in my golf now than before. I’m enjoying my golf a lot more now that I have a process to my golf and ways to handle my emotions on the course.”

Whether you are a mature aged man with a passion for the game, a lady member that wants to be more relaxed and lower your handicap, an established player that wants to really commit and go with the burning desire that you had as a younger player, whether you’re a young mum who wants time out and fun, a talented teenager that wants to compete with the best in the world or a young vibrant girl that loves the game and is so determined to improve, if you want to get results then look at the following: Embrace who you are, all your personality traits! To improve your golf and your life, be open to understanding the type of person you are. Understand that all of us have strengths DRAFT 2 LADIES MAGAZINE.pdf 1 7/01/2020 5:08:39 PM

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and weaknesses, we all hit good and bad shots, and golf and life presents to us good and bad experiences. The key to success and improvement comes from looking within. If we realise we are not perfect, there are no perfect shots and that life isn’t perfect, then the pressure is off! Take time to celebrate the good qualities you possess, the good shots you hit, the good things in your life and golf on life’s terms will only get better!

Jenny Jones (formerly Sevil) Professional Golfer. The Mind Game jenny@jennysevilthemindgame.com.au Lakelands Golf Course, Merrimac. QLD www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

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