On the Tee with Hank Johnson

Overcoming First Tee Nerves

Nowhere is pressure greater and good focus more required than on the first tee. As early as during the drive to the golf course, a players mind might even jump ahead and start to worry about what will happen on that first shot of the day while other golfers waiting their turn are watching. If this happens, once you arrive at the course you can do certain things to reduce your fears. One is to warm up physically. When tour players or skilled amateurs play, they warm up for 45 to 90 minutes. When they go to the first tee, they have practiced each part of their game and hit that “first tee shot” several times.

If you always get a little scared on the first tee, welcome the great Jack Nicklaus to your club. “The big killer on the first tee is tension, both physical and mental” he said. “ For me, the ultimate answer to first tee stress is deliberation. There’s an involuntary urge to hurry, to shorten the agony. I never hit any shot until I’m ready but on the first one, I always make a conscious effort to be extra deliberate, first in planning the shot, then in setup and finally in swing tempo.

LPGA Hall of Famer Betsy King is the most scared on the first tee of her own Betsy King Classic because her pride becomes an issue. “I’m more nervous on the first tee of my tournament than I am on the first tee of the US Open.

When you are fearful and anxious, or think about swing mechanics your subconscious mind does not know what to do – your muscles will tense and your shots will suffer. Visualize a good drive you’ve hit off the first tee in the past on any golf course. Really concentrate so that you can clearly picture a well hit, accurate drive and do it over and over. You will alleviate anxiety and the muscles in your body will begin to relax readying you to make a nice accelerating golf swing.

Remember to breathe! Relax while waiting to tee off by inhaling slowly, gently and deeply to the count of three, then exhaling slowly until the count of five. As you breathe slowly your muscles must relax and as you focus on your count anxious thoughts will leave your head. A relaxed mind and a clear head will produce your best shots. Anytime you feel nervous is a good time for this breathing exercise.

Remember, the first shot of the day is only one shot – if you allow it to be only one shot. No more or less important than any other shot during your round. After all, they ALL count the same – one stroke. Unless you decide otherwise, the first shot of the day is no more, or less important than any of the other shots you’ll play.

“My life has been filled with calamities and disasters……most of which never actually happened to me”

- Mark Twain

By Hank Johnson, PGA Founder
Master Instructor, Hank Johnson School of Golf

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