Strategy on the St Andrews course

The Old Course at St Andrews isn’t an easy one by any means. It can not only intimidate with history and legacy but also instil fear of winds, grass, road and bunker if not more. What makes a Champion here isn’t just about golf. We catch up with Greg Liberto, of My Mental Game Coach on The Open experience at St Andrews. He speaks with Anand Datla

1. Tell us about The Open experience for players, fans and scribes. Why is it that the experience is considered nearly surreal, bordering on near spiritual reverence?

The Open experience is so special for everyone because it is the oldest major, and has such a rich tradition of incredible memories. The links style course adds to that unique feeling because it allows everyone to see a style of play that is completely different than events played in the US. The weather can certainly contribute to the surreal impact of it because the players are asked to compete in conditions that are extremely challenging, and sometimes frustrating.

There is no question that the spectators at an Open Championship make it special because of their knowledge and respect of this storied event. Some of their family members have been attending for generations, and the stories and experience they bring adds to the overall mystique.

Overall, what makes the Open Championship so special is how it looks and feels. Whether you are watching it on TV or experiencing it live, the Open Championship is absolutely unlike any other tournament in golf. (The Open image credit: John Boyne)

2. The Open this year is at a course that many consider the home of golf. What are your thoughts on St Andrews?

St. Andrews is unquestionably the home of golf. The game was first played here in the 1400’s and has undergone periods of time where it was questionable as to whether or not it would even survive. It is interesting to note that the Royal and Ancient, which is the governing body for golf today, came to be as a result of the Society of St. Andrews golfers that was started at St. Andrews in 1754.

I love it because of the different challenges it provides the players.

The sand traps are completely different (they even have their own names), and every golfer has an increased desire to win due to the fact that is St. Andrews.

3. Speaking of the mind, what is the difference in a player’s mindset going into a major compared to normal tournaments? Are there specific things that players can do to prepare well for the big events?

There is no question that a player thinks and feels different playing in a major. The media is increased, the attention to the event is increased and their desire to win is increased. Taking all of these factors into consideration, it is easy to see how a major tournament can have a player thinking and feeling differently.

My recommendations to someone playing at a major, especially St. Andrews, is you have to have a Mental Game Strategy. This is a high level thought process, or plan, to keep you focused from the first shot to the last. Here is an example of how a Mental Game Strategy works.

Prior to winning the Open Championship a couple years ago, Phil Mickelson was not a big fan of the event. When he finally decided to Embrace It, things changed. He decided to play in the Scottish Open to better prepare himself, and went out and won the Open Championship the following week. Having a mindset or plan to “Embrace It” changed his perspective and increased his ability to perform at this specific major.

4. Jordan Spieth has nailed the first two majors under contrasting situations. Do you think he can make it three in a row when the players get to Scotland in July?

I do. Jordan Spieth is an extremely rare individual in a lot of ways. He does not let the enormity of the situation negatively impact him and his confidence is at an all time high. What I really like about him is that he is so grounded, especially for his age. He has strong family values and does well at staying focused on one thing; playing great golf every time he tees it up. His desire to win is as strong as anyone in the field, and his momentum continues to increase.

5. Besides Spieth, who do you think might be favoured to win The Open this year?

I picked Dustin Johnson to win the US Open and am staying with him as my pick for the Open Championship. His second place finish at the US Open was hard for him to take and I think he has something to prove to himself.

6. Have you been following Anirban Lahiri and Indian golf? What are your thoughts on the game in India and Anirban’s chances for a good run at St. Andrews?

I have seen the increased interest in golf in India and it is great to see it becoming one of the fastest growing sports there! Golf has always been a global game and the increased attention to the Asian and European Tour is great for the game as a whole. Having someone like Anirban compete in major golf tournaments is only going to strengthen it.

Living in the US we are fortunate to see much of the European Tour on the Golf Channel. As a result, I have had a chance to see Anirban play. I like his personality and style of play, and think the Open Championship will be a great experience for him. I also believe he grew as a player from his experience at the US Open last month. If he can secure a top 25 finish at the Open Championship, it will have a very positive impact on his career and the future of golf in India!

Greg Is the Head Coach At My Mental Game Coach