With my research background in choking under pressure, it is understandable that most clients seek out my service to help them manage their anxiety while on the golf course. They tend to focus on those first tee nerves, the short putts, and then specific shots that due to previous bad experiences, have become particularly challenging. So, that first meeting tends to be along the lines of:
I can’t play when I am anxious. I just duff the shot, miss the putt, and barely get it off the tee…I play much better when relaxed…I would like to lower my anxiety and become more relaxed on the course, so I can start to shoot lower scores. My anxiety is holding me back!
Most golfers – regardless of level - will appreciate this sentiment. As of course it’s a given that we do play well when we are just out for a social game of golf, when we have no expectations, when there is no pressure. But the reality is, that regardless of whether we are a club golfer playing mainly for fun, or a professional player on tour: there will always be games, shots, putts, and moments, when we feel pressure. And as a result, of that, there will also be games, shots, putts, and moments, when we feel anxious.
You can tell yourself that it doesn’t matter, and that you don’t care about the outcome, and you can try and block out any thoughts about the shot and your anxiety. But this kidology will only get you so far, as it’s not the reality - and in the end, is actually counter-productive to your performance and golfing experience.
Most critically, anxiety HELPS our performance, rather than damage it. Instead, it is our attempts to lower, block, and ignore our anxiety, and see it as unhelpful to our performance, that brings about the negative impact and poor shots – NOT the anxiety itself.
So, in my first series of blogs, I will chat through what happens to us when we play golf under pressure, and I will explain why we experience anxiety. I will then note why anxiety (when utilised appropriately) encourages our BEST, OPTIMAL, and CLUTCH performances. Finally, I will introduce techniques that can be used during your pressurised performances to ensure that those first tee nerves and that short-putt anxiety becomes your friend and not the foe – leading you to realize that you can perform well under pressure, and even start to enjoy those moments.
Happy golfing
Dr Denise Hill (PsychSkills) Dx
Dr Denise Hill (PsychSkills)