Why golfers should meditate 10 minutes a day, according to a PGA Tour rookie

You can do a lot for your golf game in 10-15 minutes at the gym, whether it’s a quick circuit workout or a workout designed to build stability and mobility. But training your body is only part of the equation when it comes to golf, a mentally trying sport at the best of times. That’s why Tour rookie Sebastian Cappelen spends his 10 spare minutes meditating — learning to find your inner peace can be particularly helpful in a stressful moment on the course and improve your chances of recovering from a bad shot or keeping composure throughout your backswing.

“If I only have 10, 15 minutes it would probably be spent on mental stuff,” Cappelen said. “Sometimes it’s so important to be able to keep your heart rate and your mind at the right pace throughout every round. If you get that off, then it throws your rhythm off.”

We all know how important rhythm and tempo are to the golf swing. Practicing your ability to control your heart rate will serve you well during stressful moments on the course.

“For a lot of guys it works just finding your quiet place,” Cappelen suggested. “With someone in your ears for 15 minutes, and doing some visualization stuff, or it could be breathing exercises.”

Luckily, there are plenty of apps you can use to help you meditate such as Headspace, the Mindfulness App and Calm. All of these apps feature guided meditation exercises that will help you find your “quiet place” in pressure moments on and off the course.

So the next time you feel your blood begin to boil on the course, or one of your playing partners starts to get under your skin, try closing your eyes and taking five deep breaths, holding each for a few seconds. This will help you lower your heart rate, calm down and help you keep your head in the game.

Still skeptical? It’s worth a try. Perhaps the only thing holding back your golf game is you.

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