Tip From the Archives
Tournament Blues
Problem
Even when your game is going well, once you notice how the other players are doing, your game goes downhill.
Cure
It might be impossible to block out the news of the failure or success of your opponents while playing. However, you can decide not to allow it to affect your game. Upon learning how the others are playing, you probably look over your score card and decide how you need to play in order to do your best in the tournament. Avoid creating additional stress, do not total your score or even look at it for any other reason to record the end result for each hole. Better yet, let someone else keep score.
Therapy
Try to block out any thoughts about messing up the round or even winning. Only think about your current ball position. Where is it on the course? What club do you need to reach your target? Do not look at your scorecard to decide if you can afford two or three more strokes. Do not allow stress to force you to try to make a shot that you can rarely achieve out of desperation. Base each club selection and chose the target area on your average playing ability. Remember to use your preshot routine as a crutch to help you to relax, focus your mind, and remember to take proper aim and setup.
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