Tip From the Archives
Tournament Mindset
Problem
You get nervous before playing in a big tournament and your game suffers because of it.
Cure
A lot of players allow the stress of an upcoming match change the way they prepare for the game and this can throw your swing and mental imaging off. Do not try to greatly alter your swing the night before an important match because these changes may only stress you out even more.
Therapy
Keep your normal routine the day before the important tournament. Go to bed the same time as you are used to and only imagine success if you think about the game as you try to fall asleep. Thinking of what could go wrong will only help it actually happen. Warm up the same way as you usually do; do not over do it by hitting extra balls or throwing your back out by exercising differently. If you tend to total your score before the round is over or dwell on your last hole then allow someone else to record it. Only focus on visualizing your next shot. It might also help you if you ignored your opponents score or avoid watching them play; chances are you do not normally keep track of those things when your out playing for fun.
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