Consistent ball strike/tensing up on course?

Question

on the range i hit the ball from wedge through to woods pretty solid and consistent,why does this change when i get onto the course,9 times out of 10 i play awful then i can go back onto the range and start hitting them great again,it makes me want to jack it in also i have trouble keeping my head down through the swing,anyone help please?

Answer 1

There is increased anxiety on the course and anxiety leads to tension and "guiding" the ball.  Make your practice sessions more like the playing experience.  Hit less balls. Go through your routine on each shot.  Have a specific target. Hit the shots you'll need on the actual course.

Answer 2

I have had this problem. What your probably doing is overthinking on the course. When your on the range your just going through the motions. Find a routine that you are comfortable with on the golf course and do that exact same routine every shot and you'll notice that your shots will get more consistent.

Answer 3

It is probably your TEMPO.  You are more relaxed on the range and thus swing with better tempo, I assume.  Then on the course you try a bit harder and start over swinging the club.

Try this.  Before your shot, take three practice swings. First one at 25% power, then one at 50% power, then one at 75% power....Now execute your shot.  Besure to have a very good picture in your head of the shot you are trying to pull off.  You need to tell your brain "this is what I want to do".  If you visualize the ball going into the water, it will.  If you visualize the shot landing on the green, it will...or atleast will be your best shot at it.

Answer 4

I've noticed the same thing in my game as well,  when the pressure is on i am much more likely to make a mistake such as lifting my head.  To keep my head down i will take at least two or three practice swings and try to look at a single spot on the grass and never take my eye off it even after i swing this is the only thing i can do to keep my head down, but as far as actual ball striking there's nothing i could really tell you other than just relax and hit the ball as if you were at the range