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Psychology & Mental Health All clubs Expert ⏱ 7 min 🇬🇧 Video in English, summarized

Bob Rotella: The Mindset of Golf Champions

Bob Rotella is one of the experts commissioned by the FFGolf to help its players improve. The federation met with him in Florida. There, he summarized what he expects from a player who wants to become great: deep self-confidence, composure, and total commitment.

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Bob Rotella
Bob Rotella · his YouTube channelFree lesson selected by Fred P.

To be continued

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What the lesson shows

Bob Rotella talks about a “inner arrogance”: When players arrive on the course, he wants them to feel like the world belongs to them, that this is their game—the one they’ve invested the most time and energy in. Believing that you can win a major is ideas that we create in our own minds. The challenge is to believe in yourself, stay calm, and not get in your own way when the title is on the line.

Champions have two things in common. First, they picture themselves in their minds as a top player who wins major tournaments. Then, composure: making silly mistakes and accepting them without getting flustered—whether it’s a slow playing partner, putts that roll back, or a wedge shot that lands in the water. The most common mistakes are to play on doubt, fear, or indecision. He adds that in France, as soon as one player wins a major, the others will start believing in it much more quickly.

The Exercise, Step by Step

  1. Before you play, remember all the hard work and talent you've put into your game.
  2. Create a mental image of the kind of player you want to become.
  3. On the course, accept every mistake as a normal part of golf.
  4. Don't let a slow playing partner or a missed putt throw you off.
  5. Before each shot, make a clear decision and play without doubt or hesitation.

Key Takeaways

Bob Rotella advocates for inner confidence: feeling that the course belongs to you.
Believing that you can win is an idea you create for yourself.
Champions see themselves winning in their minds.
Composure means accepting one's mistakes without letting them get to you.
The most common mistakes: letting doubt, fear, or indecision get the better of you.
You have to decide that you want to be among the best and commit to it.

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Playing with doubt.
  • Playing with fear.
  • Being indecisive when it's time to play.
  • Let a mistake or an in-game incident throw you off balance.
  • Become more cautious as the stakes rise.

Driving Range Mode

Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.

  1. Visualizing yourself playing well before the session
  2. After every missed shot, note your reaction and calm down
  3. Decide on the shot before taking your stance, without second-guessing yourself

Your Questions

What is "inner arrogance" according to Bob Rotella?

The feeling, when you arrive on the course, that the world belongs to you and that golf is the area where your talent and hard work shine the brightest.

What do champions have in common?

They picture themselves winning major tournaments in their minds, and they keep their cool: they make mistakes, accept them, and don't let them get to them.

What are the most common cognitive errors?

To play on doubt, fear, or indecision.

Learn More

All “Psychology & Mental Health” videos →Find the lesson that's right for you Tiger Woods' Course Management: Starting from the GreenTiger designs each hole starting from the green, refuses to allow himself any mental errors, and advises amateurs to aim for zero three-putts first. Justin Rose's Focus on PuttingHis attention and eyes move from the target to the ball, then Rose strikes as his attention goes back to the target: nothing stays frozen over the ball. Céline Boutier's Course Management, from Tee to GreenOn the course, Boutier explains her choices: a target off the tee, minimal carry on the approach, a low or high chip depending on the lie, and reading from three angles. Bob RotellaAll of his lessons

Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Bob Rotella). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons, without hosting them.

* Amateur competitions with guidance from the pros