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Ahhh, the Ryder Cup. Arguably the best tournament in golf (well it’s my favourite anyway!).

Every year it brings a gripping challenge, twists and turns and adrenaline filled, compulsive viewing. This year was no exception and the stakes were high.

Think of what that must mean for the individuals on each team. Some cope extremely well and rise to the occasion (Reed, McIlroy) and others visibly struggle . And after many years coaching in sport (including golf) I know that no one can underestimate the power of being under that spotlight. You’re on stage. You are being shouted at – encouraged and heckled. Every putt raises your confidence and every miss shakes you to the core.

At this level, it’s less about skill and more about psychology.
But let’s face it when the stakes are so high , you’d look at every way under the sun (literally!) to help you to come out victorious and make your team, and country proud, wouldn’t you?

Of course you would.

Which means that if you can master your ‘mental demons’, you have far more chance of winning your game. What kind of mental demons am I talking about?

Here’s just 3 examples of what that negative voice in your head might just be saying to you:

1. If you lose it today, you’ll be a laughing stock..

2. You’re good, but when you see that crowd you know you’ll just freeze.

3. If you miss this shot, you’ll never pick your game back up. 

 Mastering what goes on inside your head applies to every one of us, but when you are under the spotlight the impact is magnified.

That said, some people relish the chance to ‘perform’, and this year we saw examples from seasoned players and first timers alike.
This years competition showcased some new young stars, it gave us entertainment of the highest order, and as usual it gave us plenty to talk about. The rookies of course have far less pressure on them than the experienced players – which is one reason why they perform well.

Over time that pressure to keep performing builds, and how well they then cope , and manage their minds is the difference that makes the difference.

The Ryder Cup performances will live with the individual golfers forever…. whether they like it or not.
But in golf as in LIFE, the game is not so much about losing as it is about how you handle not winning. Your reactions to what happens to you in life speak volumes about the person you are. So the crucial thing to watch now, will be how each golfer moves on from and builds on, their performance .

In short, who will turn this into a real win? 

Until then, well done Team USA and Team EUROPE.

Both played well, neither gave up.
And the best team won in the end.