The pressure of a big match

[Sing Golfer]

Over the last few months I've played in tournaments that have been of a higher level and much more serious than I have played in the past. During these, my swing / game plan / mind simply hasn't held up and I have shot scores 5-10 shots higher than I would have been happy with.

Now I find myself in the semi finals of the club championships.

Anyone with advice on strategy or the mental side of the game?

I know my best will see me win, but I am struggling to get my best out under pressure.

[Arthur]

If you don't have a caddy you might invent an imaginary one to talk over the golf shot. Get it in your head where you want the ball to go and just concentrate on that one shot. Got the caddy thing from a GD magazine reader tip. Anyway good luck and may your putts roll true.

[Sing Golfer]

Thank you, that's a very good idea. We aren't allowed caddies for this event but going through the process sounds like it will help.

[mihi4]

You could try to work your pre-shot routine into your range-session.
I always try to approach every shot on the range, like I would on the course: Stand behind the ball, check wind conditions, pick out an intermediate target on the ground, take my stance, setup correctly and let go.

I've done this 2 range-sessions before my last round, and I shot my best 18-hole round ever. My girlfriend told me afterwards, it was a bit scary to her, how focused I was and that I didn't recognize anything around me.

greetings
michi

[Whiskey84]

You could try to work your pre-shot routine into your range-session.

My wife said the same thing last year when she took me golfing in Monterey for my birthday. She asked if I always take every shot so serious lol

[mihi4]

She asked if I always take every shot so serious lol

LOL...

That was yesterday ;) "I hope, today you're not going to take it so serious like last week"... women... *sigh* ;)

[jerry g]

don't get excited about playing good. don't get freaked out by a bad hole or two. just keep playing and stay focused on each shot. don't rush. i tend to take a little extra time around the greens reading break when it really matters. i tend to slow my walking down slightly as i as i get closer to my ball to lower my heart rate when the pressure is on.

[JML22]

Smoke a joint and relax the whole time