9 Tips for playing well under pressure

September 13th, 2009 by articles

Get Every Putt to the Hole

Because the player decelerates on the through-stroke, it makes most putts come up short . Minimize Your Swing Thoughts

Preshot: Visualize what you want the ball to do.

Address: Align the clubface where you want the ball to go.

Swing thought: Freely swing the clubhead.

Survive The First-tee Jitters

Nervousness makes you speed up your tempo, which affects consistency and accuracy. Like you want to hit it only 100 yards, swing your driver smoothly .

Make More Tough Short Putts

Square your feet and shoulders to that line and then set your putterface square to the desired line. Make a smooth stroke while looking at the target, not at the ball.

Take More Club on Par 3s

Few amateurs hit the ball over or through the green on par 3s; most come up short. If you hit it flush, you’re on; if you hit it less than solidly, you still might make it to the putting surface.

Score Lower on Par 5s

Make the last shot your favorite yardage into the green. Subtract that yardage, then divide the difference by two. With this strategy, you’re hitting lofted clubs that are easier to hit and more accurate.

Good greenside bunker players accelerate the clubhead through the shot, letting the sand “splash” the ball out. Set up with the face of your sand wedge slightly open, the ball slightly forward in your stance. Finish your swing like you’re hitting a full 5-iron by hit the sand behind the ball .

Chip with Your Putting Stroke

Take a lofted club like a 7-, 8- or 9-iron and grip it like your putter to avoid chunking or skulling your chip shots. For a slightly descending blow, lean the shaft and your body toward the target . Allowing the loft of the club to carry the ball over the unpredictable turf onto the green, make your putting stroke .

Get Your Irons Airborne

Most topped shots occur when you try to help the ball into the air with a scooping motion.