How to play golf under pressure

[ScottyCameron]

Hey guys, I am going to play alot of tournaments this year, just wanted to know if you had any advise.

Thanks.

[RC]

You get used to the pressure... but it can still jump up at unexpected times. Try to remember no shot, or no mistake, is the end of the world. It is just a game no matter how important it is you at the moment. In time, the anxiety can be changed to be heighten focus -- it can help you zone in more intently. I know this sounds wrong, but part of the process of getting to that stage is being able to shut out all the other thoughts you may have. The mom or dad watching, the coach, the personal expectations, etc., are just in your mind. Remove all that clutter and focus on the shot -- you know you can do it, you have done it countless times before. Don't let the other stuff into your mind.

[ks8829]

pre-shot routine will help you under pressure situations like a golf tournment.

[LongballGer]

It's weird. The more pressure is on me the better I perform. Feeling the pressure is one of the key reasons why I play this game. It helps me to focus more and the adrenaline gets me pumped up on my drives.

Learn to love the pressure and use it to your advantage...

[wedge player]

Hey guys, I am going to play alot of tournaments this year, just wanted to know if you had any advise.

trust your swing.

[GaijinGolfer]

Just relax and have fun. If you think about all the people watching you and the other pressures; it will make you tense and you wont swing freely, which will cause you to play poorly.

[PEZGolf]

Hey guys, I am going to play alot of tournaments this year, just wanted to know if you had any advise.

Here are my tips, which have worked for me (I have won 18 amateur golf Championships, including 4 Men's Club Championships, 1 Senior Men's Club Championship, a tournament where 4 Men's Club Champions played 4 rounds on 4 different courses, stroke play, to determine the best golfer in the Mohawk Valley, etc):

1. Prepare well. If the tournament site is on a narrow course that is true "target golf", play one or more practice rounds there and take note of your club selections, especially off the tee. At the practice area or driving range, visualize that you are playing that course. 2. Stay focused. Walk, and do not ride in a cart. This will keep your mind on the next shot and the next hole, and you will not have to engage in meaningless conversations with your "cart partner". 3. Practice, practice, practice your short game, including putting. 4. Have a game plan: Figure your score range---mine is usually between 68 and 74. If you are having an "off day", then start thinking about what went wrong and how you can correct it. If the reason is physical (eg. you are tired), then just forget the bad round. 5. Related to #4---keep track of fairways hit, greens in regulation, # of putts, up and ins, sand saves, etc. At the end of the round, you have a detailed "report card" to tell where your strengths and weaknesses were. 6. Have confidence. If you are there, competing in a tournament, then you must "have game". Do not let a bad shot or 3 putt rattle you or make you angry. You know that "golf is not a game of perfect", so just shrug them off, and get ready to get that next birdie. 7. Enjoy yourself!! You are playing the game you love in a competitive event, and you are psyched just to be there. If you enjoy the experience, you will be happy, and look forward to the next event.

[MiniMoe]

Hit two out of bounds on the first tee. There is no pressure in the back of the pack.

[gogolfing]

Watch my breathing, that I keep loose with a waggle, and pick a specific target.

I got a Bushnell for XMAS, and the few times I have used it, it helps me to get focused. I pull it for the start of the preshot routine, get the yardage, and it seems to help me focus much better on the shot at hand.

[pshizz]

Under pressure, i dont reccoend that you go with any touch shots or knockdowns. What is comfortable for most people including myself is taking full swings and hitting it 80% or however many % you usually do on full shots. Also try to use the pressure as an advantage...look at it as you being excited with playing golf, and wanting to do well.

[Kcas77]

Pressure is a good thing if you don't feel pressure it means it doesnt matter to you. Dr. Bob said it best once the shot if over move on to the next shot for its the most important shot.

[David in FL]

The more pressure I expose myself to, the better I'm prepared for it.

Lee Trevino once said, having to make a putt for $50,000 isn't pressure. Having the same putt for a $10 Nassau when you only have $5 in your pocket is. Put yourself out there where it matters to you and get used to the feeling.

[bogeyhitter25]

Just focus, and commit to every single shot. Take away the crowd. Good luck in your tournaments, though. I want to try to play in a couple, too.

[wackfudge]

think noting but golf. block everything else out