A Lesson From Napa: The Danger of Future-Thinking

Written By Tom Johnson

During a recent appearance at the PGA Tour’s Procore Championship in Napa, I was reminded of how quickly the mental game can unravel when we lose the present moment.

  • The Trap of Triumph: I immersed myself in "visualizations of triumph"—imagining myself holding the trophy and reliving a victory before it happened.

  • The Result: By living in an imagined future, I was unable to handle adversity when it arrived in the present. When my plan wasn't matched by reality, I took it hard and let negative shots linger.

  • The "Attitude of Gratitude": I learned that successful performance requires a light approach and a free swing. Adopting an attitude of gratitude—appreciating the opportunity and the challenge—is the only way to keep tension, the enemy of good golf, at bay.

Tom Johnson
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