How to Keep a Strong Mindset: When Having A Bad Start to Your Round

by: Murphy Allard

Every golfer has experienced this; you can imagine it—close your eyes, step onto the first tee full of confidence, remember your breathwork, and hit.

A couple of bad shots, a double bogey, or a missed putt and your round feels like it’s over. Much to your dismay, you’ve found yourself a few holes in with a rough start. This is where you can decide to be the difference between an average golfer and a great one—two words: mental resilience.

Recovering from a bad start isn’t just about fixing your swing; it’s about keeping the right mindset to turn things around. I will be outlining proven strategies made to keep you mentally strong not only after a rough start, but before you even step onto the course. These methods will allow you to start and finish your round with confidence.

1. Reframe the Situation

A bad start doesn’t mean a bad round. Golf is an 18-hole game, and even professional golfers have stretches where things don’t go their way. Instead of dwelling on the mistakes, remind yourself that there’s still plenty of golf left to play.

• Instead of thinking, “I’ve already ruined my round,” tell yourself, “I can still play great from here."

• Focus on what you can control—the next shot, the next hole, the next opportunity.

  
  

Shifting your perspective stops the negative momentum before it takes over.

2. Control Your Inner-Voice

Negative self-talk can quickly turn one bad hole into several. If you catch yourself saying things like “I always mess up early” or “I can’t recover from this,” it’s time to reset.

Try using neutral or positive affirmations instead:

• “One shot at a time.”

• “Stay patient, trust my swing.”

• “I’ve bounced back before, and I can do it again.”

  
  

The way you talk to yourself on the course directly affects your confidence and focus, so choose your words wisely.

3. Focus on the Next Shot, Not the Score

When things go wrong early, it’s tempting to start doing mental math—counting strokes and worrying about how you’ll salvage your score. But focusing too much on the big picture can make the situation feel overwhelming.

Instead, break your round into small, manageable parts:

• Play the next three holes as a mini-round and aim for solid, steady play.

• Set a simple goal, like hitting fairways and greens or avoiding three-putts.

• Keep your focus on executing the next shot to the best of your ability.

  
  

By staying in the present, you prevent one bad hole from snowballing into an entire bad round.

4. Use a Breathing or Relaxation Technique

Frustration and tension can easily creep in after a tough start. When that happens, your swing tightens up, and mistakes become more common.

A simple breathing exercise can help reset your mind and body:

• Try box breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and hold for 4 seconds. Repeat a few times.

• Use deep belly breathing before every shot to stay calm and focused.

  
  

These small techniques can help you stay in control rather than letting frustration dictate your performance.

5. Stick to Your Pre-Shot Routine

One of the best ways to regain control after a rough start is to lean on your pre-shot routine. This routine serves as a mental reset, helping you refocus on the shot ahead rather than dwelling on past mistakes.

Make sure to:

• Take the same number of practice swings each time.

• Visualize your shot before stepping up to the ball.

• Take a deep breath before every swing to stay relaxed.

• My personal pre-shot routine is to step behind the ball and envision the shot. Then, I address the ball and take one practice swing. I then set up and hit the shot.

A consistent routine keeps your mind focused and helps rebuild confidence.

6. Adjust Expectations and Play Smart

When players struggle early, they often try to make up for it with aggressive shots—going for tight pins, forcing long carries, or attempting risky recoveries. But trying to “get it all back at once” can lead to even more mistakes.

Instead, shift your strategy to high-percentage golf:

• Aim for the middle of the green rather than attacking difficult pins.

• Prioritize accuracy over distance off the tee.

• Take your medicine—if you’re in trouble, play the smart shot rather than the hero shot.

A well-managed round often turns out better than a reckless one.

7. Remember Why You Play!

At the end of the day, golf is supposed to be enjoyable. A bad start doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great time on the course. Some of the best rounds come from grinding through adversity and turning things around.

Ask yourself:

• Why do I play this game?

• What can I learn from this round?

• How can I challenge myself to stay focused and positive?

Keeping perspective can help you stay motivated and engaged, even when the scorecard isn’t perfect.

Final Thoughts

A bad start doesn’t have to define your round. By reframing your mindset, controlling your inner-voice, and focusing on the present moment, you can recover and still play great golf.

Next time you find yourself struggling early, challenge yourself to stay positive and see how well you can finish. Golf is a mental game, and those who master their mindset will always have an edge.

Which course management suggestion is the best? Let's discuss it; leave a comment below!

My next five blog titles:

·       How to Prepare for Golf Tournaments Off the Course

·       How Self-Talk Shapes Your Golf Game

·       How to Reset Your Golf Swing When You’re in a Slump

·       How to Stay Confident on the Greens

·       How to Practice with Purpose