While majority of golfers will never have an opportunity to play in a major championship like this week’s U.S. Women’s Open, many golfers will compete in a “major” tournament for them — such as a club championship or another important and meaningful event. After playing in seven LPGA tour majors myself over the past nine years as a teaching professional, I’ve picked up a few tips that I think will help golfers of all levels and competitiveness to play their best in a “major” competition.
1. Set realistic expectations
Just because it’s a special tournament doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly become a different player overnight, so don’t overestimate your abilities. If you normally shoot 80-85, avoid putting undue pressure on yourself to break 80 in this one specific tournament. Play your strengths, avoid your weaknesses (like shot from a particular distance, bunkers, etc.) and stick to your normal game plan.
2. Prepare in advance
Taking a lesson the day before a major tournament is always ill-advised. You want to head into a tournament with your swing — not a bunch of new swing thoughts — so do your swing prep in advance. I like looking at preparation in a four-week window. Three to four weeks before the event, I tidy up my mechanics, whether that is full swing, short game or putting. This is my opportunity to get any coaching I may need, and work out any kinks. Lots of block practice occurs in this week to gain high reps.
How learning how to incorporate positive self-talk can transform your mental game
Two weeks before the event, I split my time between block practicing and random practice. I add in my golf course-like training, hitting variable shots, switching targets more, or playing the course from the range. I try to get on the golf course to hit different shots and test out my skills. Of course, short game must always be practiced. Then, the week before the event is all about playing! I get on the course as much as possible, solidify my swing, fine-tune short game, and do a lot of confidence-building to elicit positive feelings before game day.
3. Reduce distractions while competing
There can be a lot of demands on a player the week of a major, from media appearances and requests for interviews to family and friends supporting you. I’ve found it can be fun, and very overwhelming, so I make sure to have a good schedule in place for practice rounds, range practice, interviews and sponsor obligations. I try to keep the social media and texts at a distance. Will Zalatoris cited this as being one technique he used during this year’s Masters helping him stay focused. Establish whatever is a good balance for you with “non-golf” responsibilities so you can keep your eye on the prize.
4. Enjoy the process
I’ve found the more I focused on enjoying the moment, the venue, and the process of hitting golf shots, the better I performed. Putting minimal focus on the outcome of the cut line, score, or what place I’m currently in helps me stay in the moment and enjoy my performance more. Remember, we are playing this game because it brings us joy, so have some fun while you are competing. Respectfully get to know your competitors, enjoy the surroundings of the course, and cherish each shot you are privileged to hit. You’ll see your scores improve when you take this approach.
