Unfortunately, those players who put themselves in a winning position, yet can’t finish it off or complete that great final round to get the job done, are labeled, and the most common label is ‘a choker’. It is a term I prefer not to use but is probably the term most people relate to when someone can’t quite get the job done under pressure.

What is it that happens to that player we have witnessed, so often in a major championship and in particular for those who have never won before, who falters coming down the home stretch? It is agonizing to watch a player who is obviously gifted enough to put themselves in the position to win, only to choke or lose control by playing one bad shot after another in the final holes of a tournament. What happens to their “mental game” and why can’t they apply their talent in those closing holes?

If you actually spoke to someone who has lost all form in the final holes of a tournament they so desperately want to win – and looked like winning – they may suggest that they are not sure what really went wrong and feel that it was all a blur. They would insist it happened so fast they had no control. So why, when the pressure becomes too much, are the physical processes all forgotten? Instead of being able to continue to play like they did to get into the position to win, they get ahead of themselves, and as a result, the mind and their thoughts take over and this is what causes them to self destruct.

In particular, the damaging thoughts are about what the result will mean, what other people will think of them and generally the golfer is not able to stay in the moment or reproduce the swings that got him into contention in the first place.

This can happen to any golfer, at every level. Professionals start to think of the endorsements they might receive, or the exempt status for next year if they win, young players might think how proud their parents will be and the local club member starts to think about how they can brag to their mates at the bar at the end of the round. These thoughts do nothing but compound the pressure on them and inevitably detracts them from focusing on getting the job done.

In professional golf, I believe no tournament is tougher than a qualifying school or tournament. Ultimately, q-school determines a players future and whether they have a job the following year. This is extreme pressure.

There are many talented players who are gifted enough to compete with the best, but when they attend qualifying school they can’t put it together, or as some may say “choke”. This is a result of the pressure they put on the outcome of their results and not being able to “just play golf”. The same can be said for the club golfer who for years has wanted to win the club championship or the new golfer who wants to win their first competition.

The pressure that is put on these golfers is put there by themselves and their desire to win. unfortunately many falter at the crucial time and often repeat the same mistakes mentally, time and time again.

Ways to Overcome Pressure and Anxiety

Stick to a Routine

On every shot, a player should have the same routine. Maybe a practice swing, lining up from behind the ball walking into the shot visualizing where you want the shot to go, a waggle, a forward press etc. The same applies to putting, where a routine is critical.

Focus on One Shot at a Time

Try to break down the whole round to be just one shot at a time. Do not to think of your total score.

Apply the Same Swing Thought To Every Shot

This will create more consistency and eliminate negative thoughts which can destruct the actual swing.

Separate Each Shot from the Result or Score

It’s just a drive, it’s just a five iron, just a chip shot or just a putt at a target. Finish each hole and start the process again, just a drive etc. Don’t think ‘what if I hit this drive into the water hazard” or “if I miss this putt it will be a bogie and I really need a par.”

Commit to each Shot

Don’t hit a shot until you are completely comfortable with what you intend to do. If you are thinking of hitting it out of bounds, back off the shot and start again, if you are thinking it might really be a 7-iron instead of the 8 you have in your hand, stop, go and change the club.

Do Not React to a Bad Shot

Just accept it and go and hit the next one. If you get worked up after a bad shot, especially under pressure it will more than likely result in more bad shots to follow. LEARN to EXPECT to be nervous or feel anxiety. You can’t stop these feelings, but you can learn how to deal with them… A good mental affirmation is to say to yourself: “I play my best when I am nervous” or say “this is good I play great when I am feeling sick in the stomach.”

LEARN to EXPECT to be Nervous or Feel Anxiety

You can’t stop these feelings, but you can learn how to deal with them. A good mental affirmation is to say to yourself: “I play my best when I am nervous” or say “this is good I play great when I am feeling sick in the stomach.” It will make you recognize and accept when you are feeling anxious, and instead of thinking, “Oh no I’m feeling so nervous” which will cause you to become stressed and uptight, you will have a weapon to combat those fears by understanding it is OK to have those anxious feelings.

Others Skills to Relax Your Mind and Body

• Try breathing, big deep breaths. We often forget to breathe and actually even hold our breath when we are tense. SO BREATHE.
• Try to smile and talk nicely to yourself. Don’t verbally abuse yourself if you don’t quite hit a shot the way you wanted to, this will only create more tension.
• Be aware of your body language. Walk confidently, don’t slump or dawdle because you hit a bad shot or have one bad hole.
• Tell yourself you love being under pressure, that you want to be in that position, whether it is to win that club championship, shoot your best round or break your handicap!
• So, next time you are about to embark on your dream achievement on the golf course, accept the pressure and know that you will not be one of those unfortunate chokers!

Practice the tools suggested here and you will be able to finish off that good round or championship. Remember these key fundamentals: “stick to the process” (playing one shot at a time and sticking to your routine), focus on the present (one shot at a time) and most importantly “choose” to play well.

You are the one in control so take control!

Jenny

Feature photo: Karrie Webb rehearses her swing at the 2019 VIC Open | Photo: Phil Taylor