Mental Game · Tip
Pressure Comes From You
Part of our mental game programs for nerves and pressure, no routine, losing it after bad shots. Build a program with it
Most pressure in golf is pressure you put on yourself. That's good news. It means you can control it. The way to do that is to play one shot at a time. Really. After a bad shot, gather yourself. Leave it behind. Don't carry it to the next shot. Go through your routine again. Watch good players on TV. See how they handle a bad moment and move on.
Step by step
- Remember pressure comes from within.
- Focus on this shot only.
- After a bad shot, gather yourself.
- Leave it behind.
- Reset with your routine.
Why it works
The ball does not know the score, the crowd, or your last shot. Pressure comes from your thoughts about those things, so it changes when your attention changes. A set routine gives your attention a task that belongs to this shot only, which leaves less room for worry about results.
Common mistakes
- You keep thinking about the last bad shot while you walk to the ball.Pick a spot, such as the moment you reach your bag, and decide the last shot ends there.
- You think about the final score or what a good hole will do for your round.Think only about the target and the shot you want for this one swing.
- You rush or skip your routine after a bad shot to get it over with.Take one slow breath and go through every step of your routine as you normally would.
How you'll know it's working
- Your routine takes about the same time after a bad shot as after a good one.
- You can name the target and the shot you wanted before you swing.
- Bad shots are followed by a normal swing, not a rushed or tense one.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: Practice on a quiet range or a empty course where no score is kept, and run your full routine on every ball.
Harder: Play a hole or two with a small stake, such as a scored game against a friend, and still hold your routine after a bad shot.
Common questions
How do I stop thinking about a bad shot in golf?
Choose a clear point, such as reaching your ball or bag, and decide the shot ends there. Then start your routine for the next shot and give your attention to the target.
Why do I play worse when I feel pressure on the course?
Pressure usually makes you tense and hurry, and it pulls your focus to results instead of the shot. A steady routine keeps your pace and attention on what you can control.
