This week’s blog topic is about, “Playing Better Under Pressure!”
As we head into the second major of the year and many of you are also heading into your own big events this season it’s the perfect time to explore handling pressure. Getting it done under the gun is what we play it for right? There’s something about finishing that round off when we are really feeling the heat and the sense of accomplishment it brings.
We all have experienced the late round crumble where our best-ever round slips through the fingers….as we envision the handicap reduction, the Instagram post with trophy in hand and the long drive home is difficult as we know how much effort we put in to just get in to that position. Building and executing a round of golf over 4 hours is difficult!! So here is a few pointers next time you can feel the pressure building.
Staying In The Present
This is for sure much easier said than done and it is in our nature just to let the mind wander into the future. Having the ability to take the thoughts in and let them pass and accept them for what they are. The ability to stick to your routine with each shot and keep doing what you were doing for the previous 15 holes. Once we start to rush the routine or start second-guessing our instincts we are starting to drown. Be aware of sticking to your usual processes, number of waggles, looks at the hole and breathing out before taking the club back.
Acceptance
Something just as simple as acknowledging that you feel nervous and accepting it’s there can be very helpful. Pressure is a privilege…Learning to play with those feelings is something the best players in the world experience week in and week out. Signs of being under pressure are we will start to walk faster, so maybe set your powercaddy at a set speed or be aware of your pace of walking and talking. Some under pressure will go quiet, some people will talk excessively. Its normal to start to get butterflies and palms can get sweaty and it can be hard to get comfortable over the ball. Accept those things are present and accept the challenge they bring.
Trust What You
Have You have got into this position in the round because of your ability and you have hit this tee shot with freedom and split the fairway many times. The ability to trust what you have and give 100% commitment to the shot is you playing with the pressure. If you have prepared well, the pressure is there because its means something to you and you have been building up for this moment.
Try and work with your coach to create pressure moments in your practice sessions, the only way to get better under pressure is to experience it more often and find your best coping mechanisms. If you are a player who historically finds that they perform better when something is on the line and when the pressure is ramped up then you have to find ways to motivate yourself and get interested. This could be side bets and positive self-talk, but always beware the player who says they don’t get nervous…they are usually not telling the truth.
Finally, remember that we create pressure ourselves, it’s not a physical thing. So, switch off the external factors as much as you can, smile a lot, establish some coping strategies and embrace the opportunity when you start to get those feelings, you’ve earned it and pressure is a privilege!!
Have a GREAT week!
-Coach Tim