Playing golf with your Sunday group is a completely different "animal" then playing and preparing for golf tournaments.
First there is no pressure when playing with your group of regulars. You all generally shoot the same scores, have the same handicap and get out to enjoy the surroundings. If you miss a putt it may cost you some "skin" money or a beverage of choice but you will see these guys again next week.
Tournament play on the other hand is unique. Instead of three players trying to beat you, like your regular group, there are 125 players all trying to do the same thing...WIN the tournament!
Winning a golf tournament is a combination of skill and luck. You could hit a great shot, have it hit a sprinkler head and then kick out of bounds! Or you could hit your tee shot into the trees and have it kick back in the fairway!
But preparing for a tournament takes time, if done properly, but gives you an edge when the "bell" rings.
Practice rounds for example are just that - practice. In preparation for your tournament you need to know exact yardages to the front, center and back of the greens. How far is the trouble is off the tee? What club would you hit to leave the ball short of the trouble?
Have you considered charting the greens? Divide the green into 4 quadrants then chart the breaks, grain, and any slopes. The pin will be in one of these quadrants during the tournament so wouldn't it be great to know before hand where to hit your approach shot and then HOW the putts breaks!
Players need to develop a strategy and then STICK to their game plan! You develop that game plan during your practice rounds. For instance, if you decide to hit an iron off the tee on a par 4 or par 5 then KEEP to that strategy, don't fall victim to what other players are doing!
In fact, during the practice round hit a couple of different clubs off the tee to see which one gives you the best opportunities and plays to YOUR strengths!
I have seen many Major Championships lost because of the ball OVER curving. Yes, the player hits a draw normally and then under pressure hits duck hook resulting in either a shot that now cannot reach the green or even worse...a penalty shot of some kind!
Take your time and chart the course, find yardages from every possible location - you may NOT hit the fairway on every hole so what it the yardage to the green from these locations AND what shot options are you going to have.
Take these tips and apply them and you will see a difference the next time the "bell" rings!
For more information on how you can become the player you've always wanted to be please visit us at Medicus Golf Institute.
Chuck Evans is one of only 31 Teachers in the world to hold the designation of "Doctorate in Golf Stroke Engineering", he is one of the most highly sought after instructors in the world not only by players but other teachers as well and is known as the Teacher of Teachers!
Chuck has appeared on numerous golf talk shows, written and published instructional articles in local, regional, and national golf publications. His DVD, "60 Days To Game Improvement" has sold in excess of 10,000 copies and his new eBook, "How To Build YOUR Golf Swing" is in the library of amateurs and Teaching Professional alike. He has also appeared as the featured instructor for education classes regarding the golf swing at various PGA Sections and Chapters around the country and has been nominated numerous times for Golf Digest's Top 50 Teachers and is recognized by Golf Magazine as one of America's Top Teachers.
You can reach Chuck through his Golf Academy in Mesa Arizona by calling 480.862.6544 or by email at Medicus Golf Institute or through the website.
http://www.chuckevansgolf.com