Big Tourneys + Pressure

[outrider2288]

This was kinda inspired by CG031's thread about how he is entering into tournaments throughout the summer, well i will be entering one on August 3rd. This is not a normal tournament tho, it will be the challenge biggest of my golf career thus far.
It is called a PAT test. Heres a quick summery of how the PAT test works:
The 36-hole PAT remains valid during the Acceptable Progress period. An individual who enters the PGA Professional Golf Management Program after achieving only option (b) above, must pass the 36-hole PAT prior registering for the Level 3 Checkpoint. In order pass the 36-hole PAT, you must achieve a 36-hole score within 15 shots of the course rating. For example, if the course rating is 72, the target score for the 36-holes would be 159 (72 x 2 = 144 + 15 = 159). This competition is normally conducted in one day.
So, the course im playing at is called Fox Den Golf Course in Stow, Ohio which has a rating of 71, so my goal score per 18 is 79.
This does not sounds difficult at all, but as everyone knows playing in tournaments or things such as this add a whole new aspect to the game.
I was wondering how some of you guys deal w/ the added pressure during big tournaments? Any help would be great!

[lamebums]

Just don't bother counting up your score until you get back in the club house. If you find out, for example, that you need to get par to get 79, or something, invariably you will bogey it after lipping out your par putt. That's the biggest killer I've seen - knowing where you are, and what you need. Just don't worry about it and play golf.

[Puttin4Bird]

The best piece of advice I can give you is to just relax and play your game. By your sig I can see your best round is a 79, great so that means you certainly have the ability. Don't push it and just go out and play your game. I would also recommend playing the course at least once beforehand, IMO this helps tremendously. I hate playing a course for the first time and having to shoot a good score. It helps to have seen the place and know a little about what to expect.

Regardless, pass or fail the results are not going to impact you negatively the rest of your life, if you were to fail, work on your game a bit and you'll get it next time.

Good luck!