Play Better Golf

It will be great to watch the President’s Cup this weekend to see how the pros handle pressure. The only greater pressure than playing for money is playing for your team and country. There will be situations over the next few days that really put nerves to the test. This to me, is fun to watch.

What separates pros from amateurs when the pressure is on? And how can we learn to play better golf when the butterflies start flapping?

Watch the players this weekend and take good notes. They are excellent at handling the big moments. And even at the highest level, some are still better than others. There is 1 gentleman in particular who is dialed. He carries the #1 world ranking for good reason. Pay attention to how Tiger and his caddie, Steve, go to work before the big shots.

Here are a few keys.
  – Analyze data without emotional interference. (Lie, stance, distance, wind, elevation change, etc…)
  – Stick to your routine. The pre-shot routine needs to be used on EVERY SHOT!
  – Maintain the same pace of play and rhythm. Try not to rush or hurry anything. Easier said than done.
  – Focus on process, not result. If you make a good swing, the result will take care of itself. Focus on process.
  – Trust. Once you commit to the shot, trust your body to pull it off. Second guessing always leads to poor shots.

There is no need for you or any other amateur golfer to completely fall apart under pressure on the course. All it takes is a little focus and then some practice. The more you can play under pressure, the better you’ll get. 

Remember, butterflies show up because you care about the outcome. This is a good thing. Welcome the nerves, just don’t let them overpower your rhythm and routine. One of the toughest mental challenges golf presents is the need to swing like we haven’t a care in the world while simultaneously wanting to hit a great shot. Nobody swings tense on the driving range because there aren’t any consequences. This is the ideal way to swing on the big shots. Analyze the data like a CSI, commit 100% to the shot and then swing like you’re standing in the middle of the widest driving range on earth! Most players never take time to work on their minds and it’s a huge mistake. If you are ready to play better golf, you must train the mind just as hard if not harder than you train the body.

Learn to love the pressure and always remember, it’s just golf. A healthy dose of perspective will always help the nerves. Nothing golf related is ever of much importance in the grand scheme of things.

Thanks for checking in. Please drop a comment before you leave.

Mike Snyder

Twitter: @Mike_Snyder