Watch: How to Overcome First Tee Jitters

Good stuff. Thanks Mike for sharing. BUT, how do you overcome the chatter of playing with a bunch of seniors, most wearing hearing aids, who gather at the first tee, talking loudly, at the local muni. Not really rabbit ears, fact. Just step back, take practice swing and stare. ha...ha...ha... They take it as intended as I smile.....sometimes....have used the Orange whip to loosen up again to avoid overswinging.....again appreciate the tips....cz

I'd never thought about taking practice swings at more than 100% before. Going to give this a try on the weekend and see if I can eliminate the breakfast balls

Can’t wait to put this theory into play on my next round! Good stuff TT

It works. I started doing that a year ago after hearing something similar from Padraig. Couple of extra fast practice swings, and then go to normal swing.

Great stuff! For us novice golfers the first tee with a line behind you watching can be nerve racking!

Not a fan of this tip. Swinging hard taking practice swings can elevate your heart rate and increase tension. And then stepping up and swinging easy defeats the purpose of those swings... as proven by his weak fade.

Here's what i have learned over 30 years of playing competitive golf:

1. Come to the tee prepared. Make sure you have everything you need so you aren't searching for a tee, don't need to mark your golf ball with a sharpie, aren't digging in your bag for a glove, etc. Scrambling to find something or rushing to the tee will speed up your heart rate.

2. Talk. Talk to your playing partners, your caddie, or starter as you are waiting to tee off. It will help release nervous energy.

3. Breathe. A few deep breaths with your eyes closed can do wonders.

4. Don't over-swing, but stay aggressive. Don't shorten your swing or try to "steer" the ball. Give it a good, full swing just like you did on the range. Pick a specific target and hit it there.