How to make improvements as a golfer with 2009 Open competitor and professional tour player Daniel Gaunt

Professional golfer Daniel Gaunt has played in some of the worlds toughest courses and tournaments.

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Here he gives Outside Performance an insight into how to prepare for a major competition and how to make technical improvements in a Q&A.

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How do you usually prepare for a big tournament?

So I prepare for big events just the same as I would any other event. I have learnt over the years that each tournament is the same just means a little more.

Basically I get to events either Monday evening or Tuesday morning. I play a practice round and spend time looking at the greens and surrounds for best spots to leave the ball come Thursday's competition. Wednesday is basically a chill out day with lots of short game practice.  

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Do you usually set aside different days for different skills in practice or do you work on everything as a whole and what do you think is the best way to work? 

You have to find what’s best for you. Like I said I have figured out hitting lots of balls isn’t for me. I’d rather hit small amounts and have fun with it.  Then more short game work to make it fun with different drills. I only ever work on technique if I’m really struggling with a certain aspect of my game 

If you have a tournament where a skill is poor how do you usually work on it and improve?

Most of my problems come from bad rhythm and bad connection in my swing. So I use towels under my arms for connection and a lot of iron shots but at half pace to get my rhythm back. 

Is golf more a physical skilful sport or more psychologic?

Golf can be both. You still need to have the skill and without it anyone will struggle.

But if you have great psychological aspects then it can help a lot. A strong mental side on things is huge in the game. As soon as you have doubts then there will be problems. 

Is there methods you use to improve your mindset? 

I have used a lot of mind relaxation apps on my phone at night to help relax and with positive thinking. Most of those can find online which help me. Also lots of books specifically Bob Rosella.

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What advice would you give youngsters who have the ability but mentally haven't been able to cope?

I would stick with it. It’s worth going to see a psychologist to try different things.

A lot of the problems in golf we all know about but just forget about them a lot of the time. 

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Is mentality the difference between the top golfers and the rest? 

Yes for sure. The top guy just don’t seem to fear anything or they don’t look to anyway. I know we all have nerves but the top guys just seem to deal with it better. 

Has diet changed since you became a golfer? Are more golfers worrying about nutrition now and what benefits does it have? 

Diet has changed a lot. A lot more of the golfers eat a lot better but when you're traveling it’s hard to always eat like that. A lot of my best tournaments have been eating fast food all week. So I don’t think it’s the biggest thing to worry about. 

Is there anything you would say is vital to have in your diet was a golfer and why? 

The only thing I would say is to always be hydrated. Flying around and traveling really does take it out of you so drink lots of water and stay very hydrated.