Looking to take your game to a new level? You can get one-on-one advice on improving your game from Dr. Jack Singer at GolfLessons. Dr. Singer is a world-renowned sports, industrial and clinical psychologist whose work has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, FOX SPORTS and ESPN. He writes a column called Ask the Sports Doctor, where he answers questions from readers about sports. One reader specifically asked for help getting to the next level:

Dr. Singer,

I’m having trouble getting to the next level in shooting great scores. I routinely make four to six birdies per round, but I find myself making the doubles, etc. that push my scores back into the 70s. Although I do need work with my putting, I think my barrier is mental because I am confident and proficient at striking the ball. Thank you in advance for your help.

Brent

and the Doctor’s answer…

Brent,

Thanks for the great question. What you are referring to, of course, is the all too common problem of consistency (or lack of it) during any particular round. Consistency is intricately related to confidence and being relaxed all through the round. Therefore, I would suggest as a first step in determining what is happening during a typical round of golf, keep a note pad with you and record your thoughts after each hole. By that I mean record particularly negative and positive thoughts. Examples such as, “I hope I don’t bogey this hole like I did the last time I played here” (negative), or “I feel confident that I can at least par this hole.”(positive).

If you are honest with yourself and carefully record all of the thoughts for the hole, you should see a pattern develop. From that pattern you will probably be able to predict where your birdies and bogies will be. It’s always the self-dialogue that leads to the performance. For example, negative thoughts lead to over-tightness - in both your body and grip - and that certainly leads to inconsistent play.

Brent, if you are consistent about recording your internal dialogue, before you know it you’ll use that information to be more consistent in your round of golf!