Bradley Turner, the 2018 North Florida PGA Section East Central Chapter Professional Development Award winner, is a PGA of America Golf Professional and the Executive Director and Dean of the College of Golf at Keiser University in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Bradley Turner on the importance of helping students overcome fear and mental barriers:
The great Bobby Jones, who won 13 major championships from 1922-1930, believed that the average player totally misunderstood what is meant by concentration. Jones said, “Many golfers think they are concentrating when they are merely worrying. Worrying and fear are the culprits for poor play.” Fear on the golf course has been around for centuries and will likely endure for as long as golf is played. Why do golfers get so worried about a golf shot or an upcoming round of golf that their emotions manifest into physical symptoms of fear? As instructors, we must help students identify their specific fears, whether it’s the short three-foot putt, hitting over water hazards, bunker shots or first tee jitters. A pragmatic approach to these challenges is essential if students want to overcome these fears. It’s vital that students are realistic about their game and keep expectations in line with their ability, remembering their training and preparation. Process goals are the key to improvement, focusing on committing to the desired ball flight and trusting the swing through impact rather than worrying about potential negative outcomes. The ability to visualize is a skill that needs to be practiced and developed over time, with some students preferring to feel the shot in their body rather than visualize it. Positive self-talk is one of the most important attributes of high-performing athletes in any sport, and students must learn to be supportive “caddies” to themselves. Finally, utilizing quiet time before rounds to rehearse key swing thoughts and visualize challenging shots can significantly reduce anxiety and replace fear with confidence.
Bradley Turner on the business impact of helping students overcome fear and mental barriers:
Addressing the mental aspects of golf creates profound business value that extends far beyond technical instruction alone. Students who overcome their fears and mental barriers experience more enjoyment and satisfaction from the game, leading to higher retention rates and continued lesson bookings. When golfers can manage their emotions and play with greater confidence, they see measurable score improvements that reinforce the value of instruction and increase their willingness to invest in additional coaching. The mental game component differentiates instructors from those who focus solely on swing mechanics, creating a premium service offering that commands higher rates. Students who learn to overcome fear often become advocates for their instructor, sharing their transformation stories with friends and generating valuable referrals. The holistic approach to instruction that includes mental coaching builds deeper relationships with students, as they appreciate help with the psychological challenges that often frustrate golfers more than technical issues. Teaching mental skills creates opportunities for specialized clinics and workshops focused on course management, pre-round preparation and performance under pressure. Students who develop better mental approaches often progress faster in their technical skills as well, since fear and tension interfere with proper swing mechanics. The ability to help golfers enjoy the game more leads to increased participation, equipment purchases and facility usage. Many golfers who struggle with fear avoid playing altogether, so helping them overcome these barriers directly contributes to growing the game and expanding the customer base. Instructors who develop reputations for helping with mental game issues attract students from wider geographic areas, as this specialized knowledge is relatively rare in the industry and highly valued by golfers who have struggled with performance anxiety.
If you would like to email the author of this Best Practice directly, please email bturner@keiseruniversity.edu.
