Our Own Worst Enemy...35
Expectation Syndrome
Every golf shot we attempt ranges from statistically possible to statistically exceptional. When we choose shots that are statistically exceptional we open ourselves to the debilitating “expectation syndrome” where we are flooded with mental negativity from failing to achieve the exceptional.
Between the two extremes of statistically possible and statistically exceptional are the statistically reasonable shots. Let’s look at the “exceptional”. From 20-30 yards, the PGA Tour average (i.e. the best players in the world) will get up and down only 50% of the time. Their proximity to hole for approach shots is almost 50 feet. From 8 feet, putts made are only 50%.
PGA Tour players hit hundreds of practice shots each day, have physical trainers and a swing coach. Consider where you would rank compared with these players and what is statistically realistic for us to expect. Our realistic performance is going to be somewhere south of PGA Tour players. Failing to have this realistic perspective subjects you to “expectation syndrome”—unnecessary disappointment and doubt undermining subsequent shots.
Bottom Line: Don’t be your own worst enemy. Avoid expectation syndrome by having statistically realistic expectations. If you want to try the hero shot—have fun and go for it. Just have realistic expectations.
Each Thursday we’ll bring you a helpful insight.
Swing to the Target,
Ed