The Right Mindset on the Golf Course with Shaun Barnes

If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought. – Peace Pilgrim

It’s not unusual for golfers to step into a shot thinking about where they DON’T want the ball to go. Our minds are the most important thing we have while playing the game. So if we think, don’t hit it out of bounds,” the only thing your subconscious hears is “hit it out of bounds.” To avoid this problem, our focus should be on the outcome we WANT instead of the one we don’t. Confident, positive thoughts can and will (with practice and patience) lead to positive results. Have fun!

Shaun Barnes, PGA Professional

Shaun Barnes first started playing golf when he was 10 years old, playing with his father and brother. Shaun and his brother played at Haggin Oaks in the junior golf program in the early 1980’s but he never took the game too seriously until 10 years later while earning an A.S. degree in Physical Therapy at Loma Linda University.

Shaun worked at Sutter Memorial and Sutter General Hospitals as a Physical Therapist Assistant from 1995 until 2000 when he decided to switch careers. He attended the Professional Golfers Career College in Temecula, CA where he earned a specialized Associates Degree in golf management and graduated Valedictorian.

Before joining the team at Haggin Oaks, Shaun worked for The First Tee of Greater Sacramento at William Land Golf Course where he coached juniors and adults the game of golf.

Shaun’s passion is coaching golf. His philosophy is that no matter what level of golfer, “having fun” should be the #1 priority while learning and playing. “By getting the student to be more aware of what they are doing and why they are doing it, they can become their own golf coach.” A strong base of fundamentals (grip, posture, aim and alignment) is the process which can, and will, lead to desirable outcomes.

To book a lesson with Shaun Barnes, call the Northern California Institute of Golf at 916-808-2531. Shaun Barnes works at the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA and is available for lessons and club-fitting.