How to simulate pressure

[Yukari]

+1.  Just think about the pros.  They are the same.  They can hit well on the range when learning a swing change, but until they get use to the swing in competition, they will not handle to pressure as well--just like everyone else.

For example, when learning a new swing change, Tiger talks about how he is like a ranger Rick--Great on the range but not so good in competitions.  That is because he is not use to the new swing under pressure.  He's always saying he needs the reps (repetitions) of competitive rounds even though he can hit all the shots on the range.

Whether you are nervous competing in a tournament or hitting that first drive in front of strangers, in order to perform well under that kind of pressure, you need to keep putting yourself in that situation to get use to it.  You'll still be nervous, but you'll learn how to control it.

Personally, I am an adrenaline junkie.  I like pressure and without it, the game is not as interesting.  I always have something on the line when I play--either for a drink afterwards or $10 or $50 per stroke.  When I first started playing for $50 per stroke, man was I nervous.  But that's another story.

Originally Posted by BuckeyeNut

To learn how to play under pressure, you need to compete.  It doesn't matter with who or for how much.....you need to play for something.  Being nervous about onlookers on the first tee??  .......that's something else entirely.  I guess that is a good place to start!!

[Tomboys]

Originally Posted by Golfingdad

I don't think you can accurately simulate pressure at the range or in casual rounds because you won't be able to trick your mind like that.  But you can do what everybody has suggested above to better prepare yourself to handle the pressure.  In a nutshell, practice well and have a good pre-shot routine.  Other than that, I think the only way you are going to learn to deal with pressure, unfortuately, is to deal with pressure.  The more you experience it, the more you will learn from it.

Agreed.  At the end of the day, pressure comes from within.  If you don't feel it, then it's pretty hard to "manufacture" it.  However, you can do certain things to prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed when you do feel pressure.  As other's have suggested, focusing on the process and not the outcome as well as experience.  If that doesn't work, just blame your caddie for the bad shots.

[lumpuckeroo]

Wear a skirt!