Tournament Golf vs. Casual Golf

[OCdude12]

So I played in the CA state am qualifying for the first time on Monday and although I did not qualify, I had a pretty damn good time and can't wait till next year to try again. I make this thread after reading the first few pages of Hogan's Modern Fundamentals book when he says something about the difference between tournament golf and casual golf is like the difference between ice hockey and baseball (or something along those lines).

I've played in a couple other NCGA qualifiers for smaller tournaments and never really gotten super nervous since I didn't have high expectations, but this time I had the mindset that I would make it as long as I play my usual game. I felt pretty comfortable as I had played the course many times before and tried to just think of it as another regular round, but found myself at times thinking of the most random crap right when standing over the ball to putt. Tried to refocus but still found my mind racing. I guess it didn't matter a whole lot as I still hit the putts ok, but it was then I realized I probably need a better routine or something to get me focused on the shot at hand and that's it. Might use the rubber band on the wrist technique next time.

What things do you guys notice you do during a tournament that you wouldn't normally do on the course and how do you get yourself to stop, think about it, and correct the problem if you notice one?

One of the things I wish I had done was slow down and just breath for a few minutes towards the end. After shooting 41 on the front (par 36) I knew I had to shoot even on the back to have a shot and was doing just that until the last couple holes that I couldn't keep it together. Made birdie on 14, and after a huge par saving putt on 16 I was +4 for the round going to the 17th. I was so jacked up after making a big putt and full of confidence that I overswung on my tee shot to a long par 3 and sprayed it out right then couldn't get up and down. Then on 18 after a good drive had 140 in, downhill from a good lie in the rough. Granted I was trying to stick it close to make birdie, I put another poor swing on the ball and left it short right in a bunker instead of even having a chance to make a birdie putt.

Save to say it was very frustrating to finish bogie-bogie for a 77 when the number I needed was 75, but hopefully next time I can manage the course a little better as well as saying to myself I've done this a million times before and just because its a tournament its no different. What things do you do before or during a tournament that help you level out and just play your game? What helps you get over a bad shot and focus on making birdies again?

[jamo]

For me I could not agree more with Hogan. I am so much better at casual rounds it isn't funny. When I hit a bad shot I just try to not think about it, and I just wait for that next good one to come. Sometimes though it can be bad to be in too good a mood too, I tend to get a little lazy when that happens.

[enis750]

great thread
I have my 1st tourney next weekend - even though its match play, im still kinda nervous
havent played in any type of competitive environment in about 4 years
then the following weekend, I have a stroke play tourney

should be interesting

[deronsizemore]

I played in the Lexington City Championship last year (hoping to play again this year). It's a four day tournament at four different city courses with a cut after day two.

It was my first tournament since high school and I really didn't have expectations going into it. I just wanted to make the cut so I could play on the weekend. I just told myself to slow down and don't try to kill the ball. I played pretty well and exceeded my expectations (finished tied for 17th). If I get to play again this year, my goal is to not put pressure on myself to feel like I need to beat my scores or finishing position from last year. Just go out and have fun.

[Quinn07]

I usually only play in my CC every year, so when it's time to tee up I am very nervous for the first couple of holes. I have a tendency to tighten up and act like someone else. I think the best thing you can do is try to remind yourself that it's like a normal round of golf and that you need to go about your business as you usually would. For me that's joking around between shots and talking. I find when I play tourney golf I become quiet and not very talkative. Last years tourney I shot a 92 opening day because I wasn't myself. Second day, my caddy (my buddy and I caddy for each other for our CC's) and I loosened up and I shot 72 and 80 the last to finish in the top ten of the B flight.

I personally just need to loosen up and try to play my game.