Athletic Mind Institute

Mental Performance Training
for Golf.
Mental Training for Your Best golf

Question: What percentage of the game of golf is mental?
Answer: Most golfers agree that a large percentage of the game of golf is mental.

Question: What percentage of mistakes made on the course are mental mistakes?
Answer: Most golfers agree that the majority of their mistakes are mental mistakes.

Question: What percentage of time do golfers spend on mental training?
Answer: Most golfers spend minimal or no time at all.

Even though a large percentage of the game is mental, AMI finds that golfers spend most of their time practicing the technical aspect of the game (swing, grip, stance, etc.) and spend minimal or no time on the mental aspect. It is not due to a lack of willingness or desire, but rather a lack of knowledge on how to practice the mental game. The technical and physical components of golf are extremely important, such as fitness, skill, and ability, but mental training is necessary to complement these areas for optimal performance.

AMI’s philosophy is that it requires five key components to play your best golf: Physical, Technical, Tactical, Mental, and Personal. The Athletic Mind Institute specializes in working with the Mental and Personal components of success, but promotes emphasis and collaboration in all areas.

The Athletic Mind Institute provides personalized MENTAL training in areas such as setting and achieving goals, performing under pressure, maintaining focus, dealing with distractions, imagery, self-talk, proper breathing, handling mistakes and adversity, confidence, motivation, and playing in the zone. Without proper mental training, a golfer will never be able to reach his or her full potential. AMI also recognizes all golfers have to balance their personal lives for maximum performance on the golf course. Whether it is balancing academics, relationships, or any other type of stress, AMI helps golfers make certain that outside issues are handled and optimal performance takes place both on and off the course.

The Athletic Mind Institute is completely dedicated to helping you become the best golfer possible. First, we work with other specialists to make certain that you receive comprehensive training, such as working closely with your swing coach. Second, we pride ourselves in providing experiential training on the range, putting green, bunker, or course - since you have to “mentally perform” on the course, you need to “mentally practice” on the course. Third, through live observations, we become extremely familiar with your mental tendencies and build a mental training program specifically for you. Whether it be in person, on the phone, or through email, AMI works with hundreds of golfers throughout the country and our success can be seen with PGA and LPGA golfers, college All-Americans, high school state champions, nationally ranked youth, and many golfers making the successful jump from high school to college.

“Having taught several P.G.A., L.P.G.A. and top ranked juniors, it is my belief that improving one’s technique is not the only answer to reaching personal goals. Golf is the ultimate mind game in all sports. Dr. Todd Kays has taken the mind and muscle aspects of golf and translated them into concepts that are very informative and enlightening. He has helped many of my students improve their mental toughness and as a result has improved their games dramatically.”

David Hunter

• Southern Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year, 2002, 2003
• Central Ohio PGA Teacher of the Year, 2002, 2003
• Golf Digest, Best Teacher in State, 2003-2004
• Golf Magazine, America’s Most Outstanding Teachers Award, 2003
• Head Golf Professional, New Albany Country Club

Common AMI mental training topics:

Imagery/Visualization for Ultimate Success
Five Components for Getting in the Zone
Goal Commitment – One Shot at a Time
Concentration and Focus for the Whole 18 – One Shot at a Time
Mental Recovery between Matches
Mental Recovery from Mistakes and Ineffective Shots
Pre-Shot Routine
Post-Shot Routine
Pre-Tournament Mental Preparation
Relaxation for the Optimal Swing
Performing Under Pressure – When the Shot Counts
How You Practice is How You Play – Ultimate Keys to Successful Practice
Quieting the Mind
Confidence and Trust in Your Swing and Game
Scoring No Matter What
Walking the Talk – Successful Self-Talk Strategies
Muscle Tension – How to Eliminate this Swing Distraction
Mentally Managing the Course
Energy Awareness on the Course
Mental Performance Profiling for Your Mental Strengths and Weaknesses
Mentally Evaluating Rounds and Getting Better

If you would like additional information on these programs, services and prices or have other questions, please feel to contact us at 614.874.0178 or write to Dr. Todd M. Kays at drkays@athleticmindinstitute.com.