The first tee can be nervous for anyone, especially if you’re playing in a competition! It’s the start of your round and can determine your momentum for the rest of the round. Making sure you get away comfortably and down the middle sets you up and gets your nerves settled for the rest of the hole and inevitably and hopefully a great round.
Take it step by step:
- Take deep breaths and control your breathing so you don’t allow the nerves to take over, they lead to a bad shot!
- Focus on your target and visualise your shot.
- Don’t allow anyone else to distract you from your pre-shot routine.
- Act relaxed and casual around everyone else so that the atmosphere does not build up.
- Don’t procrastinate about the rest of the round, you haven’t tee’d off yet.
- Remember what you’ve learnt, practiced and go for it!
Do these steps every single time and I can guarantee your first tee nerves will be much smaller than what they currently are. I was once an extremely nervous person but over the years have concentrated on practicing with distractions and managing my nerves to keep the same swing over and over.