Golf Sports Psychologist | Dr John Pates UK

Dr John Pates

“If you want to be a Champion, you have to think like a Champion”

Welcome to my website. My name is Dr John Pates, PhD, and I am a Chartered Sports Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with golfers on the PGA Tour. My teachings have helped golfers win Majors, World Championships, Tour events and Ryder Cups. If you want to improve your game and shoot lower scores, book a free discovery call by pressing the link below.

Dr. John Pates’ Mental Performance Program for Golfers

As a performance psychologist, Dr. John Pates works with elite golfers to develop a champion’s mindset by strengthening their mental, emotional, and psychological skills. Below is a structured list of key areas that are essential for building a golfer’s mental game.

1. Pre-Shot and Post-Shot Routines (Consistency and Focus)

Pre-Shot Routine Development – Creating a mental and physical process to build confidence before every shot.
Visualization & Mental Rehearsal – Mentally seeing the perfect shot before execution.
Breathing Techniques – Using controlled breathing to manage nerves and enhance focus.
Anchor Triggers for Confidence – Developing a specific cue (e.g., deep breath, practice swing) to reinforce trust in the shot.
Post-Shot Routine – Managing reactions to both good and bad shots to maintain emotional stability.

2. Emotional Regulation and Resilience (Handling Pressure and Adversity)

Stress and Anxiety Management – Techniques to stay calm under pressure (e.g., mindfulness, progressive relaxation).
Reframing Negative Thoughts – Shifting focus from mistakes to learning opportunities.
Confidence Building – Strengthening self-belief through positive self-talk and success journaling.
Emotional Recovery Strategies – Quickly resetting after bad holes or rounds.

3. Focus, Attention, and Flow State Training (Maximizing Mental Sharpness)

Present-Moment Focus – Training golfers to stay in the “now” rather than dwelling on past mistakes or future outcomes.
Selective Attention Control – Learning to block out distractions (crowds, opponents, weather conditions).
Accessing Flow State – Using rhythmic breathing, visualization, and triggers to enter a peak performance state.
Cognitive Load Management – Simplifying thoughts to avoid overthinking.

4. Confidence and Self-Belief Development (Building a Winning Mindset)

Success Journals – Tracking progress, achievements, and reinforcing positive experiences.
Powerful Self-Talk & Affirmations – Using uplifting and empowering language to strengthen confidence.
Handling Expectations & Pressure – Strategies to manage external pressures (media, sponsors, personal expectations).
Body Language Training – Using posture and gestures to project and reinforce confidence.

5. Mental Preparation for Competition (Tournament Readiness)

Personalized Pre-Tournament Routines – Developing strategies to optimize mental readiness before events.
Course Strategy & Visualization – Mentally mapping out the course and planning strategic approaches.
Dealing with Uncertainty – Training for unpredictable scenarios like bad weather, tough pin placements, and slow play.
Resilience in Adverse Conditions – Mental tools to maintain composure in difficult situations.

6. Pressure Performance and Clutch Mentality (Performing Under High-Stakes Situations)

Handling Final Round Pressure – Training to stay composed in contention.
Executing Under Pressure – Developing pre-shot techniques to stay centered when stakes are high.
Building a “One Shot at a Time” Mentality – Keeping focus on the present rather than leaderboard positions.
Managing Fear of Failure – Developing a fearless mindset through exposure training and resilience-building exercises.

7. Recovery, Reflection, and Post-Round Analysis (Continuous Improvement Mindset)

Post-Round Reflection Journals – Analyzing what went well and what can be improved.
Emotional Reset After a Bad Round – Techniques to move forward without dwelling on mistakes.
Reinforcing Success and Learning from Mistakes – Constructive self-review without self-criticism.
Mental Recovery Techniques – Meditation, relaxation, and cognitive distancing strategies for mental reset.

8. Long-Term Mental Training for Golf Mastery (Sustaining a Champion’s Mindset)

Building a Mental Toughness Routine – Consistent psychological training integrated into practice.
Resilience Against Slumps – Strategies for overcoming losing streaks and confidence dips.
Mental Conditioning Through Habit Formation – Embedding success habits into daily life.
Mindset Coaching for Career Longevity – Developing perspective, adaptability, and passion to sustain high performance over time.

Final Thoughts: The Mind as a Golfer’s Strongest Weapon

The mental game is what separates good golfers from great ones. By integrating these psychological skills, elite golfers can develop mental toughness, emotional stability, and a mindset built for sustained peak performances.

who should enrol on my program

Whether you’re an elite golfer, a rising talent, or a dedicated amateur, my coaching programs are tailored to help you achieve peak performance and perform under pressure.