Golf Offseason: 11 Mental Game Hacks to Master Your Mindset

The offseason is the perfect time to take your golf game to the next level—without even stepping foot on the course. While it’s easy to focus solely on physical aspects like swing mechanics, the mental side of golf is just as crucial. 

A strong mental game can make the difference between plateauing and unlocking your full potential when the season starts again. This winter focus on building a sharper, stronger, and more resilient mindset. 

Here are 11 proven mental golf strategies to maximize your offseason and set yourself up for success on and off the course. I share these with my mental golf coaching students and know it’ll help your game next season. 

11 Easy Golf Offseason Mental Training Strategies

The mental game of golf isn’t something you develop overnight—it’s built through consistent effort and reflection. The offseason provides a unique opportunity to focus on the habits and practices that strengthen your mindset, so you can step onto the course next season more confident and composed than ever.

Let’s explore these 11 mental strategies to ensure your offseason isn’t just productive but transformative. Keep an open mind and don't be afraid to try something new to get the results you’ve always wanted. 

1. Recap Your Year and Set Goals 

Before looking ahead and setting goals, start your offseason strong by reviewing your past performance. If you use tools like Arccos or DECADE, dive into your stats to uncover insights into your game. 

Look at areas like driving distance, greens in regulation, and putting averages—these stats reveal patterns in your strengths and weaknesses. Reflect on specific rounds or situations where you struggled, as well as times you excelled. 

This honest review provides a clear picture of where you are now and helps you identify the areas that will make the biggest impact when improved. Once you process this season, you can start setting new goals. 

Set Golf Goals 

Without clear goals, improvement can feel random and unproductive. Use the golf offseason to set both short-term and long-term golf goals that inspire and motivate you. 

Focus on outcome goals, like breaking 80 or becoming a 5-handicap, and process goals, such as committing to weekly short-game practice or speed training with Rypstick. Writing them down and reviewing them regularly will keep you on track and ensure that your time and energy are focused on what matters most.

Grab my goal setting guide to set wicked smart goals.

2. Start a Meditation Practice 

When I asked Scott Fawcett, creator of DECADE Golf, about how to improve in the offseason he said meditation was the number one skill to learn. Meditation trains your mind to stay present, calm, and focused, which directly impacts your ability to perform under pressure on the course. 

By meditating regularly, you’ll not only improve focus and reduce stress but also build resilience against the highs and lows of the game. Start with just a few minutes a day, and you’ll notice a more composed, confident mindset next season. Try out apps like Calm, Headspace, and Ten Percent Happier if you’re new to mindfulness training. 

3. Learn Your Mental Golf Type

Mental Golf Type is like getting a custom fitting for your mental game and one of the best golf mindset apps. This system reveals whether you’re more analytical or instinctive, which influences focus, decision-making, and pre-shot routines. 

By working with your mental type, you’ll play with more consistency and confidence, making the game simpler and more enjoyable. This system has transformed my game and is trusted by top-ranked amateurs and professionals alike. No more cookie cutter advice - learn the secrets of staying out of stress to access the zone. 

Plus, you can save 25% on any programs when using the code “WICKEDSMART” at checkout. 

Read my full Mental Golf Type review to learn more. 

4. Write in a Golf Journal 

As Tony Robbins said, “Get in your head and you’re dead.” Sometimes one of the best golf offseason hacks is about doing a brain dump to clear your mental clutter. 

Journaling is one of the simplest yet most effective tools for improving your mental game. Use it to reflect on past rounds, track your progress, and identify patterns in your play—both good and bad. 

Writing down your thoughts can help you clear your mind, set intentions, and gain clarity about what’s holding you back. Even 5–10 minutes a day can provide insights that lead to better decision-making and more confidence on the course. I do this the night before tournaments too as a way to clear my head and show up ready to go. 

5. Learn DECADE Golf

To play your best golf, you need to master course management - which I feel is an extension of the mental game. You need the right strategy to attack every hole and set yourself up for success.

For a more in-depth look at how to think like a pro, you may want to check out DECADE Golf, a system trusted by top amateurs and professionals alike. This system teaches you how to approach each shot with calculated precision, using data-driven insights to help you make smarter decisions on the course. 

I started using it in 2022 and it’s revolutionized my game and helped me become a plus handicap. By understanding concepts like shot dispersion, target selection, and risk management, you’ll reduce unnecessary errors and play more consistently. 

Take time in the offseason to study DECADE’s principles, so you can return to the course with a game plan that maximizes your strengths and minimizes mistakes. When you use the code “WICKEDSMART” you’ll save 20% on your investment. 

Read my full DECADE Golf review to learn more. 

6. Repeat Affirmations 

Affirmations are powerful statements that reinforce positive beliefs about your abilities. By repeating affirmations daily, you can rewire your mindset to focus on strengths rather than doubts. 

For example, tell yourself, “I stay calm under pressure,” or “I make confident swings on every shot.” Use them as part of your pre-round routine, or write them in your journal to keep your self-talk aligned with your goals.

7. Try Out Self-Hypnosis

Self-hypnosis is a next-level mental strategy that helps you tap into your subconscious to overcome mental blocks and enhance focus. With guided audio tracks or apps, you can enter a relaxed state and program your mind with positive imagery and beliefs. 

It’s especially useful for building confidence and letting go of bad habits that might be holding you back. Consider adding self-hypnosis sessions to your weekly routine to unlock a calmer, more focused version of yourself on the course.

8. Tap into the Power of Visualization

Visualization is a powerful tool that you can use in the offseason to make swing changes. By mentally rehearsing each movement, it helps your brain and body connect with the feeling of a new motion before you even step onto the range. 

This technique has helped countless players, from amateurs to tour professionals (including Bryson DeChambeau), achieve smoother and more consistent swing changes. When you mentally “see” yourself making the desired swing adjustment, your brain activates many of the same pathways as it would in real practice, making the transition feel more natural when you physically execute it.

• Find a Quiet Place: Settle into a calm, quiet space where you can focus without distractions. A comfortable seated position or lying down works best.
• Start with Deep Breathing: Take a few deep breaths to relax your mind and body. This helps clear away tension and brings you into the present moment.
• Visualize in Real Time: Picture your swing change as if you’re performing it at normal speed, feeling each step and movement. Imagine the club path, your body position, and the impact.
• Engage All Senses: Try to incorporate sight, sound, and feel. Imagine the sound of the clubface connecting with the ball, or the feeling of your grip through the swing.
• Duration: Begin with short sessions—just 5–10 minutes is effective. As you get more comfortable, aim for 15–20 minutes to reinforce the motion further. Repeat this practice often to strengthen the mental and physical connection to your new swing.

9. Learn to Breathe Properly with Neuropeak Pro 

Breathing is one of the most overlooked tools for improving focus and managing pressure on the course. The right breathing can help you get out of stress and play better golf wicked fast.

While there are a lot of breathing apps, I use Neuropeak Pro and the NTEL belt the most. It helps you train your breathing to optimize performance and stay calm in high-stakes situations. 

By practicing controlled, rhythmic breathing, you can reduce anxiety and maintain a steady heart rate during critical moments. Start incorporating breathing exercises into your daily routine —all it takes is a few minutes per day—to strengthen your mental game and perform at your best.

10. Read Mental Golf Books

Boost your golf IQ this offseason with my book, Wicked Smart Golf . It has 111 practical, easy-to-apply strategies that don’t require swing changes. 

Here’s the thing, lowering your handicap isn’t always about changing your swing, it’s about learning how to think your way from tee to green. The book covers course management insights to mental game tips, it’s a guide that will help you play smarter, lower your scores, and avoid those costly blowup holes. 

Dive into it over the winter months to gain a competitive edge, so when you hit the course next season, you’re ready to play with a sharper, more strategic approach. Check out my list of other mental golf books here. 

11. Start Working Out 

Looking for more mental toughness? Focus on your fitness! 

A stronger body leads to a stronger mind, and fitness is the foundation for consistent, powerful golf. Spend time on full-body workouts that build strength and flexibility while reducing the risk of injury.

After testing out endless workouts, group fitness, and other programs, I've found strength training with compound lifts to be the most effective. Do full body workouts, three times per week as the core for your program. 

Then, add in golf-specific programs, like Golf Forever and core exercises to help target areas that directly improve your swing mechanics and mobility. By investing in your physical fitness now, you’ll show up next season feeling stronger, more confident, and ready to take on the course.

Closing Thoughts 

If you’re serious about improving this offseason, dive into The Ultimate Offseason program.

Inside, you’ll learn how to master your mental game, add speed in the winter months, indoor practice plans and more—all designed to help you start next season stronger than ever. 

You’ll get exclusive video training, step-by-step guidance, and personalized tips to elevate your game, available on the Wicked Smart Golf app and exclusive members area. 

Let’s make this your most productive offseason yet!