Mind Over Sports

For those of you who follow my column know that I believe there’s a relationship between an athlete’s feelings of self-worth (self-esteem) and performance. Regarding the US Open, it’s my opinion that Phil Mickelson’s trip to attend his daughter’s eighth-grade graduation enhanced his own feelings of self-worth and his game. Athletes who are happy and whose lives are in harmony perform close to their skill levels on a consistent basis. Women in the LPGA who take a break and have a baby often return to the tour and start winning tournaments.

On the negative side, as soon as Tiger Woods publicly accepts Sergio’s apology and gives vent to his anger his game will kick in. When athletes are angry, they give away their power. I’m surprised Lindsey Vonn, Tiger’s significant other (who has a strikingly similar appearance to two of Tiger’s past significant others – all statuesque blonds who were highly intelligent – one of whom he married) does not kick some sense into his head and encourage him to resolve his issue with Sergio. He had a chance, when they shook hands, but said not a word. By accepting Sergio’s apology he would be doing it for himself, not Sergio.