First tee fright?

Question

Hi, I am a freshman in high school and on the golf team. I am a really good golfer but always get nervous on the first tee and it can make or break my round. Any tips from psychologists, experienced golfers, or anyone about how to over come this fear?

Answer 1

I have coached high school golf and had lots of players with first tee jitters. I think that the key is to develop a steady routine. Do the same thing every time, whether its in practice or in competition. Then, on the tee -- or under the eye of a gallery -- you are thinking about the routine and not about anything else. The routine will help you to block out everything else.

Answer 2

One of the best tips I heard for the first tee was to use your 3-wood to tee off.  Its easier to hit straight and still gives you distance.  I do that all the time on the first tee.   Its completely normal to feel nervous - if you werent, then you dont have what it takes to be a golfer.....

Answer 3

You will never learn to not be nervous.  But you have to learn how to handle your nerves.  I've played in many hundreds of tourneys and I get extremely nervous on the 1st tee every time.  Develop a good preshot routine.  It doesnt matter what it is so long as you do the same thing each and every time.  Try to focus on the specific steps of your routine while executing it.  This will not allow your conscious mind an opportunity to think of all the ways to s***w the shot up.  Always engage your mind in the process, not the result. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Telling you that this is a normal fear will probably do little to help you, but it is true. Remember that the other 3 guys that are with you are just a nervous.

One tip that I have is to take an easy swing on the first tee. Lot's of guys get up there and take a big swing and end up in the deep rough or worse. A shorter drive on the fairway is a much better way to start your round and will give you the confidence that you need.

Have fun!

Answer 5

It's a head thing.  Concentrate on releasing tension in your arms, hands, and jaw and make a smooth swing.

Answer 6

Experience will help  you overcome the first tee jitters, but for now just try to have confidence in your ability.  Visualize yourself hitting the perfect drive off number one.  Maybe try a few deep breaths to get plenty of oxygen to the brain and clear your head of negative thoughts.  Also when you go to practice at the range pull your driver out and hit the first ball with it as if you were at the first tee - then go to your usual routine which probably starts at the other end with wedges and works up.  Practice hitting that first tee shot and with only one crack at it so you get used to that pressure.

Answer 7

First tee jitters are the worst. Best bet is to pick a club you are ver confident with and dont try to kill it. As always, forward and in play is all that matters. What helps me is when I'm on the range, the last club I hit with before I go to the tee is the club I will use on the first tee. You have the motions for that club down and are in it's comfort zone. Good Luck.

Answer 8

Make sure that you warm up before you get to the first tee.  While I am waiting I get really geared up and nervous as well, I read somewhere that if you take your golf ball and toss it in the air a few inches and catch it, it helps. It sure does the trick for me.

Answer 9

I was in your position not too long ago. I live in canada and we had our provincial golf tourney in october (-1 degrees celcius out) and i was crazy nervous, all i was thinking about was what would give me the most comforting feeling and i knew i just had to hit a good drive on the first hole. i concentrated on just hitting a solid drive and i pumped it down the middle. ended up shooting 72 and winning overall. i hope this helps you out bro

goodluck

Answer 10

I have Had this problem several times my-self.  I can over come this be visualizing the 9th tee box.  By the time I've teed of on the 9 th I am calm.  The 9th tee visualize is difficult with a water hazard about 100 yards out just before the green.  This will usually bring my game into focus.  I think it has something to do with the fact that on the tee i speak of I, Its a hard shot with a dog leg left and water hazard.  Try and visualize the hardest shot you can think of and work thru it in your mind before you tee off on the 1st.  It works for me every time.  Hope this help, nothing worse that teeing off poorly on the 1st.  It used to allways ruin my round.

Answer 11

We've all had this fear. That's how intimidating golf can be. But it's easily overcome.

My suggestion would be to buy a weighted club cover that fits over your driver or even a weighted ring that slides down the shaft a rests on the club head. Fifteen minutes before your tee time start making some slow, methodical swings with the weighted cover. Just continue to swing slowly and easily, stretching your shoulder and back muscles. Don't stand in the sun and do this. Find a shaded spot where you won't be clunking somebody but can still see the first tee. Keep doing this until it's your tee time and then plug it in and make the same slow easy, methodical swing you've been doing for the last fifteen minutes. Nothing else will be on your mind because you've been preoccupied for the last few minutes setting your mind and muscles at ease. Innovagolf.com has a weighted, club cover called the Swingprep that zips over your driver. It's only $10 but the payback will cure your first tee jitters. It worked for me.

Answer 12

I totally know how you feel! I get the same way sometimes and I have been golfing for 5 years on the high school team!  

Golf, I believe is the hardest game mentally. When I go up to the first tee, I give myself a pep talk, take a deep breath and concentrate on relaxing all my muscles. Take a couple practice swings and do your normal routine. Forget about the people watching and focus on the shot.

Also, eating a banana before you play can help calm your nerves as well as give you energy for your round!

I know this is easier said then done, but if you work at it I think you can achieve better control of your nerves.

Good luck!! I hope this helped.