Tip From the Archives

Anxiety

Problem

You are anxious about your next shot.

Cure

Trying to control a shot under pressure can be very difficult. Follow your instincts and normal behavior pattern. If you find that with your temperament it is easier to pound the ball, and then do it if it means you get it out of you system by doing it. If taking a minute to collect your wits by breathing deeply works for you, and then take a nice, relaxed swing.

Therapy

For many players, a relaxing can be difficult while under pressure due to excessive amounts of adrenaline pumping through their bodies. Adrenaline will cause you to change your grip pressure, tension in your arms and body, then you hit inconsistently. Honestly ask yourself, would you feel better after punching a wall when you are angry? If so, nail the shot and you might play better in the long run. So select a shorter club than you normally would use from this distance and take a strong, full swing. Taking an aggressive swing might help calm your nerves before your next shot. Sure, trying to add a little extra power on your shot might cause the ball to fly a little further away from your target line but it might have happened if you tried a controlled shot. In the future, work on mental and breathing techniques to help you calm for the next time you are placed in this situation.

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7 votes

 
nosegrindR | last year, at the start of July

That's great advice. After a horrible hole, the worst thing you can do is bring out the driver and hope it's going to go straight for you.

francio | last year, at the start of July

sometimes you need to colect yourself after a good hole. nothing worse than hitting it ob after a birdie

Paul | last year, at the start of July

If only I could remember this excellent, sound advice, when I'm in a club competition!



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