1st competition nerves!!

[thomasnathan]

I'm playing in my first competition next weekend and was a bit nervous as I was advised to enter a mens comp although I'm still a junior (quite an old junior though) worried I might be paired with a low handicapper (don't have a handicap myself yet sure it must be near the 28 mark!!!) any advice for competition nerves or any general competition tips ,thanks!!

 

[thomasnathan]

it's a strokeplay tournament for anyone wondering!!!

 

[DaveyG]

Just get involved mate. I started playing comps about 3 weeks ago and felt just like you do but there is actually nothing better than competing.

Just be mindful you wont play your best golf and try to take the pressure off.

Best of luck

Oh and about low handicappers don't worry at all, everyone is out there for fun and being low wont mean they aren't friendly - its worth mentioning its your first time and can he be gentle ;-)

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Relax and enjoy. I presume this is to get a card in towards your handicap?

You will need to be aware of etiquette as it's a competition. Usual stuff.....don't play out of turn, keep out of the way when others are playing their shots, watch where you walk on the greens etc etc.

If you are playing with lower guys, make sure you watch how they go about their business. You can learn a lot from shot preparation, clubs they hit for position, how they plan their way round the course. It's not all about smashing driver on every par 4 or par 5.

 

[macca64]

Enjoy it, I love playing medals even if I'm not very good, if it's like our place you should be paired with like wise h/c s, if not, easier said than done I know,just have a good time,

 

[garyinderry]

Try not to be nervous. If its your first comp chances are you won't be in contention. just enjoy the round, bag some experience and leave the nerves until you are trying to bring home a good score.

Human nature to be a little nervous on the first tee of any round. Few deep breaths, swing and take the round from there.

 

[G_Mulligan]

Nerves and pressure is called Somatic anxiety and is part of the flight or fight response. If it gets out of control you will have too much adrenaline which creates tension. This will rob you of rhythm and feel, one good way to keep it under control is progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and ratio breathing. If you feel tight and tense clench your fists as tight as possible then release, then your fists and forearms and release, then add upper arms (bicep/tricep) and release, then add shoulders, and finally neck. You can do this once in a while to remove the tension in your muscles or just do the fingers and hands while holding the club; squeeze it tight then release and breath.

Ratio breathing is a great way to reduce the increased heart rate and blood pressure produced by the extra adrenaline. Breath in through the nose for a count of 3 then out through the mouth for a count of 5 and repeat 2-3 times. This is a good one to calm yourself after a poor shot and stop you getting angry at yourself or get back to neutral if you do. PMR and ratio breathing can also be combined quite well by breathing in during the tension and exhaling on the release.

Most of all go out have fun and just play golf with a smile focus on one shot at a time and accept what happens.

 

[Break90]

Just remember, everyone has to start with their first competition. Next time you'll know a bit more about what to expect.

my top tips would be to remember your etiquette, make sure you've got enough balls/markers/tees/spare pencil etc, get there early so you're not rushing about, and if you're not sure about something rules-wise, ask your playing partners before doing anything.

most of all, enjoy yourself

 

[ScienceBoy]

You should feel nervous before ANY competition, if you don't feel the same way as you do for your first every time then you are doing something wrong!

The difference is that over time you learn how to take those feelings and that adrenaline and use it to your advantage.

 

[rosecott]

I really don't see how you can be an active participant in a competition without having a handicap. In that situation, just treat it like a casual round, relax and enjoy the experience.

 

[williamalex1]

I really don't see how you can be an active participant in a competition without having a handicap. In that situation, just treat it like a casual round, relax and enjoy the experience.

At my club new members are allowed play on competition days but for handicap purposes only.

 

[ScienceBoy]

I really don't see how you can be an active participant in a competition without having a handicap. In that situation, just treat it like a casual round, relax and enjoy the experience.

But the other players, an playing partners ARE in a competition, I guess this round is for handicap too so really there is very little difference apart from a fee and a potential prize (both of which don't matter anyway).

 

[delc]

I been playing golf for 54 years and I still get nervous on the 1st tee when playing in a comp. I think everybody does. Just regard it as part of the challenge!

 

[williamalex1]

Explain to your playing partners before you all get on the tee, that its your first medal and if they could please keep you right.

Any decent golfer will understand and help you .

We've all been in the same position matey, best of luck relax and enjoy its only a game:thup:
PS welcome to the forum.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Explain to your playing partners before you all get on the tee, that its your first medal and if they could please keep you right.

Any decent golfer will understand and help you .

We've all been in the same position matey, best of luck relax and enjoy its only a game:thup:
PS welcome to the forum.

Very good post. It's normal to be nervous and to be honest, even after all these years I still do before a competitive round and if I don't it's never a good sign. The key is to deal with them and not let them affect you. Even if you have a bad opening tee shot or hole, it's not the end of the world and you can recover.

The same applies to a good round and getting nervous towards the end. The best way is to get into a position to be contending regularly and learn how it feels and affects you.

 

[fundy]

You should feel nervous before ANY competition, if you don't feel the same way as you do for your first every time then you are doing something wrong!

The difference is that over time you learn how to take those feelings and that adrenaline and use it to your advantage.

sorry but imho this is utter rubbish, unless you seriously overvalue what a monthly medal at a local golf club is! its a hobby and at the end of the day its still a friendly game of golf with a couple of like minded individuals where on a good day you might win a few quid or a prize or two (usually yet more cut glass!) struggle to see why you should get nervous for this. Or as you say im clearly doing something wrong

 

[Region3]

If you were paired up with me, I would care more about what you're like to spend 4 hours with than the standard of your golf.

 

[Break90]

You should feel nervous before ANY competition, if you don't feel the same way as you do for your first every time then you are doing something wrong!

The difference is that over time you learn how to take those feelings and that adrenaline and use it to your advantage.

im clearly doing something wrong then. Why should you feel nervous before any competition?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

sorry but imho this is utter rubbish, unless you seriously overvalue what a monthly medal at a local golf club is! its a hobby and at the end of the day its still a friendly game of golf with a couple of like minded individuals where on a good day you might win a few quid or a prize or two (usually yet more cut glass!) struggle to see why you should get nervous for this. Or as you say im clearly doing something wrong

Personally I don't worry about the monthly medal being akin to a golfing major but I do want to play well whenever I play in a competition. Maybe I should call it anticipation rather than nerves. I like that butterfly feeling in my stomach on the first hoping and wanting to do well

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

You should feel nervous before ANY competition, if you don't feel the same way as you do for your first every time then you are doing something wrong!

The difference is that over time you learn how to take those feelings and that adrenaline and use it to your advantage.

I been playing golf for 54 years and I still get nervous on the 1st tee when playing in a comp. I think everybody does. Just regard it as part of the challenge!

Hmmmmm OK......it's only a game of golf, not really something to get nervous about. I do it for fun, maybe if it was my living I might get nervous.