Submitted by: Glen Izzard, CIM; Investment Advisor, Portfolio Manager
You step up to the tee. The air is crisp, the fairway wide, and you’ve got confidence in your swing. But then — slice. The ball veers into the bunker. We’ve all been there.
Golf is a game of skill, but also one of mindset. And so is life.
Whether you’re running a business, making an important life decision, or simply planning ahead, your mindset can either move you forward — or hold you back. The same mental slip-ups that lead to trouble on the golf course can just as easily throw off your judgment in everyday life.
Here are seven common ‘mind traps’ that can throw you off course — and how to avoid them to stay in the fairway, both in golf and in life.
1. The Anchoring Trap: Don’t Let One Shot Define the Round
Have you ever teed up with the memory of a past great shot — and then been thrown off when this one didn’t go the same way? That’s anchoring. It’s when we put too much weight on what we first believed, even if the current situation has changed.
For example, maybe you once trusted a brand, a product, or an idea because it served you well before. But holding on too tightly can blind you to signs that it’s no longer working. Think of golfers who always use the same club, no matter the conditions.
The key? Stay flexible. Adjust to the terrain in front of you — not the one you remember. Just as a smart golfer reads the course each time, a clear thinker looks at what’s happening now, not what has happened in the past.
2. The Sunk Cost Trap: Know When to Take a Drop
Every golfer has faced the tough decision: play it out from the hazard or take the penalty and drop a new ball? Clinging to a bad shot just because you’ve already committed doesn’t make it any better.
This trap shows up when we stick with something because we’ve already spent time, energy, or money on it — even when it’s clearly not working. It’s hard to walk away, but smart players know when to regroup.
The lesson? Don’t let past choices control your next move. It’s not about how far off course you’ve gone — it’s about how quickly you recover and refocus.
3. The Confirmation Trap: Don’t Just Talk to Your Golf Buddies
Picture this: you shanked a drive, but your buddy reassures you, “I did the same thing — don’t worry about it.” Comforting? Sure. Helpful? Maybe not.
This is the confirmation trap: only listening to voices that agree with your current thinking. In golf, that’s like always practising with the same group, even if no one’s improving.
To get better, you need honest feedback. Fresh perspectives. Maybe even a coach. Step outside your echo chamber and seek advice that challenges you to grow. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s the only way to improve your game.
4. The Relativity Trap: Play Your Own Game
It’s easy to compare your scorecard to the person you’re golfing with. They’ve got a better drive. A newer putter. A lower handicap. But remember — everyone’s playing a different game, with different strengths and challenges.
This trap appears when we make decisions based on what others are doing, forgetting that their goals, resources, and comfort zones might be very different from ours.
Your job? Focus on your course. Stay true to your own values, priorities, and pace. The best round you can play is the one that suits you.
5. The Exuberance Trap: Don’t Let a Hot Streak Go to Your Head
You’ve birdied the last two holes. You’re on fire. And then… you overswing, lose focus, and the ball lands deep in the trees. That’s what happens when we get a little too confident.
The exuberance trap kicks in when everything seems to be going right, and we forget that the game can turn quickly. We start making riskier decisions, convinced we can’t lose.
A strong mindset means staying grounded — no matter how good the last hole felt. Enjoy the momentum, but don’t lose sight of the fundamentals.
6. The Risky Comeback Trap: Don’t Try to Win It All Back on One Hole
You double-bogey a hole and suddenly feel the pressure to ‘make it up’ with a heroic shot. You take a risky drive, hoping for redemption — but instead, you find the water hazard.
This trap shows up when we chase losses with bigger risks, trying to recover everything at once. But in golf, as in life, forcing a comeback rarely works.
The better approach? Take a breath. Stick to your plan. Play the smart shot. One solid stroke at a time will get you back in the game.
7. The Superiority Trap: Stay Humble, Play Smart
Ever played with someone who thinks they don’t need advice? They brush off tips, ignore the conditions, and trust their ‘gut’ on every shot. That’s the superiority trap — and it rarely ends well.
Even the best golfers have coaches. Why? Because no one is immune to blind spots.
Avoiding this trap means staying curious. Ask questions. Be open to learning. And remember: the goal is to get better, not to be right all the time.
Final Thoughts: Play the Long Game
Ben Hogan once said, “The most important shot in golf is the next one.” No matter what’s behind you, you always have the power to make a better choice right now.
In golf and in life, it’s not about perfection — it’s about awareness, adjustment, and attitude. Avoid the mental sand traps, focus on your next shot, and enjoy the round.
Because at the end of the day, the real win is walking off the course knowing you gave it your best.
Based in Meaford, Ontario, Glen Izzard is a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM®) and Discretionary Portfolio Manager with over 15 years of experience helping clients navigate investing, cash flow, estate planning, and retirement transitions.
Known for his client-first approach, Glen focuses on building clarity, confidence, and long-term results. An active community supporter, he serves as treasurer for the Meaford Chamber of Commerce and as Assistant Coach with Georgian Bay Lightning Hockey. Glen’s mission is simple: provide thoughtful guidance, practical strategies, and a steady hand so clients can stay on course — financially and in life.
Please contact: (226) 909-8688 glen.izzard@optimizewealth.com
