A good little tip...

ShriekingSheet

I've mentioned this in a thread before I think but thought I'd chuck it in it's own topic as it's something I think can really help players of absolutely any level, especially those who have trouble closing out a score down the last few holes.

It's in a couple Bob Rotella of books and basically seeks to eliminate tension when standing over the ball - like when you see guys over the ball for ages, staring at the ball before they make their stroke - they're just tensing themselves up.

It's simple - you address the ball, look at the target, look at the ball, and swing. You need to think of it as a nice stealthy rhythm - Target - Ball - Swing... One - Two - Three...

The idea is that almost as soon as your eyes get back to the ball, you make your stroke.

I found it best to start with putting and chipping. Don't lift the club when you look at the target - leave it at address. This might feel uncomfortable at first but stick at it.

With a bit of practice you'll find your rhythm with it. Even when you practice you can say the words as you do it. This makes it obvious if you're breaking the rhythm - eg: "Target, Ball, ehhh... Swing!"

It's helped me most with my chipping and pitching but it's harder to do with say, a driver which I tend to waggle as I look at the target. But improvement is all about breaking old habbits.

Before you address the ball you can still do all the yardage checking, visualisation or whatever you like - but once you get over the ball, whether it's a shot in a mess-round with your mates or the last hole of the Captain's Prize, it's just Target - Ball - Swing.

Obni

Reminds me of the excellent Rotella putting mantra of "See the putt - Hit the putt".

stockdam

I think each person needs to find a routine that works for them and stick with it. Under pressure a set routine takes your mind off the situation and prepares you to repeat what you've learned.