The spiritual habit of winning major championships

The main tournament tests players in other matches. They demand mental resilience, emotional control and unwavering focus. Even experienced players can be taken apart under unremitting pressure and towering expectations, but there are some special rises. They are the ones who walk away with the trophy.

So, what separates the main champion from the other champions?

I had a conversation with Rick Sessinghaus, a golf teacher. Sessinghaus is the co-founder of FlowCode, an elite psychological training program designed to help athletes take advantage of the best golf performance. According to him, almost every major champion has a series of core mental habits that set them apart when under pressure.

However, these habits are not reserved for tourism professionals. With the right basics and some practice, you can develop a champion mindset and guide it when it matters most.

Whether you want to break your personal best or win your own club championship, these proven psychological strategies can help you succeed at the biggest moments in your life.

Stay present

Sessinghaus said that when we watch players hit incredible shots under tremendous pressure, like Rory’s unforgettable 15 shots at the Masters, we often see that someone was completely immersed in it at the time.

“The flow state has been completely immersed in the current moment and trusted that we have the skills that match the challenges,” Sessinghaus said.

So, how do you access this elusive “flow” state? One of the most effective ways is through sensory triggers, and there are some to choose from.

The first sensory trigger is visualization. Sessinghaus emphasizes the power of your eyes in shaping your feelings. Use them to lock the shot you want to hit. Can you clearly see your expected results? Or are you replaying past mistakes?

The second prompt is breathing. Feeling through the nose and then through the mouth outlet. You can count your breaths or practice your diaphragmatic breaths – keep an eye on your abdomen rising and falling with each inhalation and exhale.

The third option is to get your body in contact. Practicing fluctuations is an easy but effective way to take your body into rooting at this moment. Finally, there is an auditory trigger: What are you hearing around you? In that moment, use these sounds to connect with what is happening around you.

Each of these triggers is designed to pin you to the present. Under pressure, we often stumble because our minds turn to past mistakes or future consequences. And, when you are busy thinking about how to “get it back”, you are not giving the current shot the attention you need. That’s when fear spreads, it will quietly erode your game.

Manage your fears

Sessinghaus said the opposite of flow is fear.

“When someone is in a state of fear, they see the environment as a threat, and when it is a threat, we get a stress response now,” Sessinghaus said.

This natural stress response usually occurs in two ways: fighting or flying.

If you are a fighter, Sessinghaus explains that you may be a little tighter to fix the club and cannot release the club, usually shooting right (for the Rights). And flight responses often cause players to become short and fast. Usually causes hook to deflect.

What is the key difference between average players and elite players? Refilling the ability to shoot as an opportunity. Rather than viewing this moment as a threat, the top players interpret it as a challenge.

According to Sessinghaus, one of the best ways to start practicing this mentality change is to focus on the things that inspire you. For some players, this is a chance to be creative. For others, this could be the prospect of hitting a specific yardage or club. Whatever it is, let this excitement lift you out of your fear and worst thinking and into the moment you are now. Get close to it with a positive, strange mindset.

Post-development practices

While most golfers (no skill level) understand the value of solid pre-one routines, they are often overlooked after the routine. However, this may be crucial. In fact, having an internal self-talk immediately after shooting can be the key to long-term success.

According to Sessinghaus, good late habits have nothing to do with emotion, but more to do with analysis.

He said: “Be curious and analyze.”

One shot, especially after the poor, resisted the emotional urge to react. Instead, ask constructive questions focused on control: Is the code count correct? Am I totally committed to swinging? Is it a suitable club?

Answering these questions honestly can help you learn without escalating anxiety.

Another important component of a powerful post-gun routine is confident body language, Sessinghaus said. It’s something that all great champions have, usually without even realizing it.

“Think about retro tigers,” Sessinghouse said.

He said the concept continues to raise awareness and boils down to two simple but powerful actions: Find and see.

“When we’re very anxious, we tend to look down at the ground, and our vision tends to get very narrow,” Sessinghaus said.

Instead, raise your sight and scan the horizon, 180 degrees in front of you. This broader perspective helps calm the brain and relieve anxiety.

“Part of the flow is to reduce brain wave activity,” Sessinghaus said.

By looking up, you can better reset and refocus your chances before the next shot.

Train it to trust it

Remember, champions are not born with elite mentality, but training them. Practice staying present, changing your perspective and increasing your awareness and you will change your mindset.