There have been several athletes through history who had to learn how to control their tempers on the playing field and later became model performers. It may surprise you to hear that the stoic tennis great Bjorn Borg had a hot temper when he was a kid. He wrote that he was a terror on the court; cheating and beating his racket on the ground when he missed a shot. Eventually, Borg's father, Ruun, locked his racket in the closet for 2 weeks. That was a such a shock to young Bjorn that when the 2 week period was up, he changed his ways for good. We all know about his success and comportment after that.

Bobby Jones- the Bobby Jones- also had a fierce temper and he had to learn how to deal with it. Tommy Bolt. The list goes on and on. Even Arnold Palmer tells a story of how his temper got the best of him once and his father came down on him in a way that makes him tremble to this day.

That was Deke's style and Arnold benefitted greatly as a golfer and human being from his father's tutledge and guidance and stern reprimands when young Arnold got out of hand.

Not everyone (I'm talking about fathers now) could handle the situation as Deke Palmer did. I know I couldn't. I have a hard time reprimanding children. Perhaps you are torn between doing what you know is right for your child and your own personality. I sense that from your letter. You may be like me in that regard.
Perhaps you could have a quiet talk with your son away from the golf course. He wants to do well from what you have described in your letter (in school and so forth). Tell him about the other great athletes in history who became champions because they overcame their personal struggles on the athletic field. Tell him the story af Bjorn Borg and show him a video of one of Borg's matches. Explain how Borg may not have been able to come back and take the match had he let his temper get the best of him. But most of all, when he completes a round of golf in which he has behaved appropriately regardless of score, tell him you are most proud of the way he conducted himself. Let that be the focus of your pride. He will get the message.

I hope that helps.

-Dr. S

Hi Martin,

Answer #1: I am sponsored by Titleist so my choice was between the Pro V-1 and the Pro V1-x. I chose the Pro V-1 because, even though it is slightly shorter off the tee, it is softer and that should help around the greens. To be honest with you, I probably couldn't tell the difference if the name wasn't printed on the cover. But I had to choose one and that was my thinking. The Pro V1-x is slightly more popular among tour players (see the comparison at www.titleist.com)

Answer #2: Practice putting with only one ball. It is too easy to become a ball-raker (a very bad habit) when hitting 3 balls to the some hole. Besides, who cares if you can make it after you know the line and speed? The objective is to be able to do it the first time (like on the course). Go through your routine on every putt. Line it up (you don't have to look at it from both sides on the practice putting green. People will think you're crazy. But look at it from behind. Never hit any golf ball at any time under any circumstances without aiming at something.) Then step to the side and address the ball properly. Look at the target one last time and stroke it without delay. When practicing your putting you should be thinking: "I'm practicing my putting routine." Botched routines (esp. standing too long over the ball) cause more putts to be missed than anything else with the possible exception of moving your head on the short ones- which is deadly)
I hope that helps.

-Dr. S

Original post blogged on b2evolution.