My Dip Into Tournament Golf: A Whole New World
By admin on Jul 30, 2010 in Golf News
Last week, for the first time in a decade, I dipped my toe into a round of golf where every swing mattered, every three-foot putt had to fall, and I needed to sign my scorecard (and attest someone else’s) at the clubhouse. A week later, my head is still spinning. Yet I can’t wait to dive into more stroke-play tournaments, to feed that thirst for golf that really matters.
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© philsRHman for The Sand Trap, 2010. |
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teeitup | Jul 30, 2010 | Reply
The answer to Eric’s question is rather simple. People are insecure about nearly everything, especially on the golf course. Those who practice and practice work to eliminate the insecurity that shows up over a three foot putt. The mistake people make is thinking that a good shot, or a great shot, will secure the insecurity feelings – it never does as there is another shot just around the corner which brings them right back up again. The recurrence of the insecurity is what frustrates folks, not the misses.
Self doubt is simply another word for insecurity. You’ll note that Tiger was never insecure about his shots – until lately. The idea behind practicing over and over is to eliminate what we call self doubt, which is really major insecurity. When one can simply get comfortable with the insecurity and NOT try to quell it via a great shot, one will enjoy the round.
Dave | Jul 30, 2010 | Reply
We’ve all been there, I’m pretty convinced there’s two types of golfers 1) the type that can’t play unless there’s something on the line 2) the type that can’t play if there’s something on the line.
If you think you’re a #2, just keep playing tournaments. It takes time and yeah, it gets embarrassing, but everyone is there at some point or another.
My problem is I play way too conservatively in tournaments because I’m always scared of making a big number but it completely takes me out of my normal game.
Another thing I’d add, treat your preparation, warm up, practice sessions the same as you would a normal golf round. If you over-prepare and things don’t start out going according to plan, you’ll find yourself pressing and get even further away from how you normally play golf.
Travis Pate | Jul 30, 2010 | Reply
Very good take on playing competitive golf. It comes easier for some than others for sure. I am currently a 2 hcp but have been as good as a plus 2. I was self taught until I became a single digit hcp and never really learned how to play tournament golf. I’ve played in everything from local events to a US Open qualifier and your words have never rung truer.
I laughed at your comments because I have been right there. I played lots of other sports but nothing seems to compare to the pressure of tournament golf…..and it’s a great feeling the first time you break through! My breakthrough was a final round 71 in which I 3 putted the last hole in my club championship. Not only did I win my flight but I broke par for the first time!
Keep at it and enjoy the ride!
Ralph Perez | Jul 30, 2010 | Reply
It took me years before I could make a reasonable showing in any MGA events.
Bobby Jones: “Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course, the space between your ears.”
Keep at it, it’ll get easier and more enjoyable.
Ralph
Erik J. Barzeski | Jul 30, 2010 | Reply
I can’t say I’ve ever experienced anything like jitters or nerves or just a complete collapse of my swing due to it being an “official” tournament or due to “pressure.”
If anything, I tend to play a little better under pressure. I know a few tricks, but you seem to know them too – slow down, deep breaths, good visualization, one clear swing thought (even if it’s just “target” or a picture of the ball flight). I can play decent golf when my swing is off.
I think it would be interesting to let a psychologist who specializes in sports or something question and observe us both under pressure and tell us what they discover. My hunch is that it won’t be anything too large.
I also think that it’s something you do end up learning. After all, if you have to tell yourself “take a deep breath” then you’re out of the moment. Heck, look at all the prep work you did, even reminding yourself where water coolers were? I don’t know too many successful competitive golfers who have to do those sorts of things. Maybe it’s like what I just said – you’re taking yourself out of the moment. The “tricks” I said I know later are things I sometimes observe myself doing, not things I consciously think about.
If I had to give one tip for playing tournament golf, it would be “simplify.” Simplify anything and everything. Simplify.
DFB | Jul 30, 2010 | Reply
I know what you mean. I’ve done several state am qualifiers (only qualified for 2, and 0-3 this year) But after everyone you do, it does get easier.
It took 5 chances for me to qualify for one, and when i got to the actual tournament it seemed all of the things you mentioned just started over again. I badly missed the cut in the 08 state am with scores of 84-86. It was really embarrassing.
After experience you do adjust and it just becomes about playing good golf, rather than being paralyzed by your own expectations and the judgements of others.