Learn to Combat Anxiety and Nerves on the Golf Course
Does performance pressure get to you during your time on the golf course? Anxiety and nerves are something people face everyday but how are you suppose to handle it when you’re just trying to enjoy a round with friends?
Last week the golf world took notice when Canadian pro Graham DeLaet announced on Twitter the reason he was withdrawing from the Memorial Tournament. With brutal honesty the 34-year-old admitted he was suffering from “incredible anxiety while chipping/pitching.” We’re used to pros dropping out of an event or taking a break from Tour because of physical injuries but this was different and as the responses DeLaet received on social media showed, it was also incredibly refreshing.
So how can you turn crippling jitters into birdies? The first step is recognising that nerves are a normal reaction when your body feels out of its comfort zone. This can happen whether you’re playing on your home course or away on holiday with friends for a few sunny rounds in Spain! The truth is these feelings don’t go away but the good news is you can learn to use them to your advantage.
Embrace the Negative and Let it Motivate You
As we saw with DeLaet last week, even professional golfers at the top of their game experience anxiety. So how do the likes of Rory McIlroy and Jason Day continue to dominate? The answer is they learn how to play with the nerves. If you’re nervous it signals that the game means a lot to you. You care about doing well and winning is at the top of your thoughts. Use that to fire up your competitive spirit and stay focused on the task at hand. Turn the negative nerves into positive affirmations that will help you to play your best golf.
Slow it Down
While we all know the havoc slow play can have on the game it’s important to stay in the moment, especially when your nerves start to get the best of you. There’s no point thinking three shots ahead when you’re freaking out about the one you’re about to take. Step back and focus on one stroke at a time. This will help keep your attention where it needs to be – the present! So slow down, take a deep breath and concentrate.
Establish a Golf Day Routine
Some people might accuse you of being superstitious but if it works – who cares! On the days you know you’ll be feeling the pressure it might help if you believe you’ve “done it all before.” From what you eat for breakfast, how you put your clubs in the car to what you do when you arrive at the course, all the little things can add up to you feeling more confident as you step up to that first tee box.
Try and Play with People you Actually Like
The pressure to perform in front of your playing partners can be a great source of anxiety for many golfers. While we know it’s not always possible, try to play with friends you feel comfortable with whenever you can. This will help you to feel more relaxed and hopefully keep your nerves at bay.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
So you landed in a water hazard on the 6th. If you don’t want to end up in the woods on 7, let it go!!!! If anger and frustration have already reared their ugly heads, anxiety over the next hole won’t be far behind. Leave a bad shot or worse, an awful round, behind you. You can’t channel your energy where it needs to be if you’re still hung up on how you played the last hole.
Done everything above and you still can’t get past the golf jitters? Then just head straight to the 19th hole for a good stiff drink!!!
