Develop a "go-to" shot to deal with pressure
By Chris Wallace
Throughout a round of golf, inevitably shots will be required that leave you feeling somewhat uncomfortable.
It could be that the shot you’re facing doesn’t fit your eye or your natural ball flight, or it could be that the shot you’re facing is coming with some added pressure for various reasons.
When it comes to added pressure -- be it in a tournament setting, or on a Saturday morning with your friends when a couple of presses are riding, or in trying to break 80 for the first time -- nothing can prove more reassuring than having a “go-to” shot.
While your swing might not be Adam Scott’s from a technical standpoint and while you might not be capable of Phil Mickelson’s shot-making ability, what every great player has in their bag is a go-to shot that they know they can execute when needed.
And there’s no reason, no matter what level at which you play, that you shouldn’t have the same in your bag.
The shot shape itself really isn’t important and it doesn’t have to be anything that you’d choose or want to play on a regular basis. All that matters is that you can break it out on demand, be it a low fade, a high draw or even a pronounced slice.
The next time you’re on the range, experiment with different shot shapes and identify the one you can execute most easily. Then pick various times on the golf course to utilize that shot.
If you practice your “go-to” shot and routinely execute it on the course, it will become a staple in your arsenal. And when you face pressure situations on the golf course, you’ll be more than prepared to split the fairway with a crucial tee shot or to find the middle of the green when par’s going to be a winner.
To be clear, incorporating a go-to shot probably won’t lower your handicap dramatically, but it will make the game more enjoyable, as you’ll be able to better deal with pressure when the time comes.
And when it comes to this difficult and trying game, more enjoyment is always a good thing!