Rowe Mental Game Tips
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First Three Holes
How can I reduce first-tee jitters? What's the best way to warm up for a round?
To fully address these two questions requires long answers. See Chapter 13 - Strategy and Course Management and Chapter 17 - Emotion Control in EFT and Golf: The New Mental Game Manual. But let's look at one thing you can do that will get you off to a good start in a round.
"Tiger Woods finishes every pre-round warm-up on the range by hitting the shots he'll have on the first hole." Butch Harmon
Take a tip from Tiger. Get to the course in time to warm up. (See Chapter 13 - Strategy and Course Management for more information on warming up.) After you have warmed up (note, that's warmed up, not practiced), rehearse the shots you expect to hit on the first three holes. For example, if the first hole is a par 4 and you plan to hit 5-metal, then 9-iron to the green, rehearse those shots in sequence. Hit 5-metal, then hit 9-iron. Repeat that sequence several times - 5-metal, then 9-iron. Remember to hit to a specific target with each shot and perform your pre-shot routine.
If the second hole is a par 4 and you plan to hit driver, then pitching wedge, hit that sequence several times. Do the same for the third hole.
Why do this? I often hear golfers say it takes them several holes before they settle down and start playing well. Simulate playing the first 3 holes on the range and arrive at the first hole settled down and ready to go. That also helps with first-tee jitters. (First-tee jitters are usually much more complicated than this. See Chapter 17 for more information.)
Questions and Comments
I'm reluctant to work with a "psychologist." I'm not mentally ill.
This golfer was honest enough to express what many athletes are thinking when they hear about sport(s) psychologists and mental game consultants. I distinguish between clinical psychology and sport psychology. If an athlete is having an emotional problem, he/she could use clinical help, not sport psychology help. Up to one out of three people will experience an emotional problem at some point in their life that could benefit from clinical help. Athletes are no different.
Sport psychology, on the other hand, focuses on how an athlete can get maximum production from his/her given skills and conditioning. Some sport psychologists (in my opinion) confuse these two roles. Many "team" psychologists function in the clinical role but call it sport psychology. I've been trained in both. I do my best not to mix the two. I no longer perform clinical work. But, with my background in clinical work, I'm in a good position to recognize when an athlete would benefit from clinical work and I make a referral. See What To Expect From Coaching with Me. If you have read my books, you already know the difference. Thanks for the honest comment.
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Jack