"A psychologist claims that golfers can remember 'astonishing detail' and among professional sportsmen and women have the best memories."

Bob Warters quotes the work of Dr Joel Fish, director of the Centre for Sport Psychology in Philadelphia who says, "Golfers can remember significantly more, often in astonishing detail, compared to athletes from other sports. They are helped to remember because each shot is unique, whether distance, approach, wind speed or slope."

Ernie Els says, "In the majors, I really remember my wins. I remember almost every shot," whilst Luke Donald says, "It doesn’t take me long to remember things I've done and shots I've played." Although it's not as easy for him in everyday life when off the golf course. However Matt Kuchar says, “I just try to play the shot in front of me. I’m much more in the present than the past."

In conclusion Bob writes, "For amateurs it's different. Maybe it's best to play just one shot at a time - and forget what's gone before." Unlike the professionals who as it has been suggested file away their good memories for use at a later time." For instance when faced with a similar wedge shot they successfully played in the past.  Or for that matter bringing to memory a famous shot played in the past.
Something like Justin Rose thinking about Hogan's iconic shot at Merion and finding his tee shot ending up very close to where Hogan played his famous second shot.

"Whatever works," is a good golfing adage and I'm inclined to go with Matt Kuchar. However if recalling successful shots you've played in the past has been helpful then by all means keeping working at it.

One of the best examples of staying in the moment was Justin Rose's game plan at Merion. “We (Rose and his caddie) had just four thoughts as part of the process — what’s the appropriate shot, execute it, accept it, move on."

Right On!

Here's the link Bob

Quote of the Day
"His nerve, his memory, and I can't remember the third thing." - Lee Trevino commenting on the downside for the ageing golfer.

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