Blog

Golf, art, and the moments in between.

Ralf List's thoughts on the psychology of golf, his work in the studio, and exhibitions.

Ralf List, standing in front of a blank canvas in his new studio, with a large white golf ball next to him

Exhibitions ·

ArtExpo 2027 in New York, at Pier 36

The 50th Artexpo in 2027 in New York, a newly rented studio, and a first public showing in front of an unfamiliar audience at the famous Pier 36.

"THE FINAL PUT" by Ralf List at ARTMUC 2026, with two sculptures by Daniela Hellerforth in front of it

Exhibitions ·

Two meters, one stroke: My first weekend at ARTMUC

Three days at ARTMUC, a 40-centimeter golf ball, and the question of what “MIND OF GOLF” actually means.

Mind of Golf at ArtMUC from October 23 to 25

Exhibitions ·

Mind of Golf at ArtMUC from October 23 to 25

The HELLIGKEIT Gallery is showcasing "Mind of Golf" at this year's ArtMUC from October 23–25. Come join us to experience Ralf List's large-scale golf art up close and meet the artist in person. Times for personal…

Ralf List at the tee, his gaze briefly drawn to the water hazard in the background

Golf Psychology ·

Don't Think About the Water: Why Avoiding It Has the Opposite Effect

A psychologist asked participants not to think about a white bear for five minutes. The results also explain why the ball so often lands exactly where you least want it to.

Ralf List digs his feet into the sand of a bunker before taking his swing

Golf Psychology ·

Pre-Shot Routines: How Pros Use Rituals to Cope with Pressure

From a purely physical standpoint, three waggles don't change the swing at all. Nevertheless, data from the European Tour shows why the step taken before the swing matters more than you might think.

Ralf List at the first tee; two golfers are watching him in the background

Golf Psychology ·

The First Swing: Why Other People's Stares Are More Stressful Than the Swing Itself

Technically speaking, the first swing is often the easiest. Still, that's when your hand shakes the most—because of the people waiting nearby, not because of the swing itself.

THE FINAL PUT — Paintings from *MIND OF GOLF* by Ralf List

Golf Psychology ·

The Yips: Why Your Mind Suddenly Loses Control of the Putt

Ralf List on his own experiences with the yips, research on focal dystonia, and the connection to his painting THE FINAL PUT.

Ralf List demonstrates the AimPoint method on the green, with his arm bent and two fingers aligned with the flag

Golf Psychology ·

AimPoint and the Art of Distrusting Your Own Instincts

For years, I read with my eyes. Then I came across a method that told me I should trust my feet instead—and in doing so, taught me something much more fundamental.