Amateur golfers might find the mention of golf tournaments in Texas both exciting and unnerving. However, withdrawing from the game or a ‘better luck next time’ attitude isn’t an option.  If you are feeling nervous and thinking of stepping back, wait and give it a second thought. Didn’t the same happen during your high school and grad exams? Then why are you afraid now? Gear up to play your best shot!

While playing golf, apart from your physical stamina, mental preparation is also of utmost importance. What you think and do while playing a game highly influences your performance. Here are a few tips on how to mentally prepare yourself for a game of golf:

1. Play to Play Great: To become successful, you must have a conservative strategy for some particular holes that will help you to make a confident swing. You have to wait for the right moment when, with a scoring club in your hands, you can take a dead aim at the hole. To become a great golfer, you have to free yourself from the concerns of being bad. You have to love a great drive without fearing the rough.

2. Love the Challenge that the Big Day Brings: If you are a true golf player, you will know that there is nothing called a perfect game. There will be sudden gusts of wind, unfortunate bounces, imperfections in the turf, and you will miss a putt, green, or fairway. So, rather than fighting this fact, accept it and react well to the ‘misfortunes’ and inevitable mistakes. Strive to improve your game, and the day will be yours.

3. Follow the Process, Forget the Result: If you are patient, persistent, and are consistently doing the right things, success won’t be far from you. Make a to-do list and follow it to play a successful game. This is the ‘process’ that you must diligently follow. But be honest to yourself, don’t set targets that are too high for you to achieve. Identify your strength and work on the weak points to improve your game.

4. Don’t Let Your Emotions Overpower Your Game: Nothing should upset or bother you on the golf course. Shut out all negativity that might come between you and your game. Try to ensure that your mind is in a great state before every shot. Rather than getting irritated or showing anger for a shot that you have played wrong, you should concentrate on the present shot. Remember, missing a shot does not mean missing the game.

5. Play Without Thinking About the Outcome: One of the biggest mistakes most golfers make is to let their game dictate their attitude. If the game is going well, they are in a good mood. But even when you are not doing well in the game, you must have the discipline to reserve your thoughts and think of how you can improve your shots. Don’t evaluate the way you are playing, just keep playing till you run out of holes.

6. Believe in Yourself and Play Freely: Be confident, because that will play a major role in deciding the way things unfold on the golf course. The confidence that you nurture in your mind will affect your body in a positive way and will help you swing better.

7. Set Your Aim Before Each Shot: Connect your target to your mind, and nothing can stop the ball from going there. Do not fall for the distractions or obstructions. The more you focus, the more your subconscious mind will help you to hit the target.

8. Trust Yourself: When you are hitting a golf ball in a competition, you must govern your body as well as your subconscious mind. This is because in any sport, your body will work most effectively when your conscious mind is shut off. And to let your subconscious rule while playing, you must believe in your swing.

9. Let the Butterflies Fly Right: Whether you are an amateur or a pro golf player, it is natural to be nervous before the game. But do not let the fear control your game. Taking deep and slow breaths and keeping your mind calm and clear will help you stay focused.

The best way to improve performance in golf is to enjoy the game and live in the present. If you want to participate in one of the golf tournaments in Texas, start your preparation from today. Consider the weather (read heat and wind), refine your shots, and practice staying focused. Above all, stay positive and participate in as many golf tournaments as you can.