How to Calm Nerves on the Golf Course?

Breaking the golf demons

Ever gotten nervous on the first tee with a bunch of fellow golfers watching you? Sure you have, we all have! Maybe you don’t anymore in that particular situation, but there always comes a point when we might get the jitters for one reason or another. Even the pros go through it and that’s one of the reasons why they have a sports psychologist as part of their team.


One thing that many people forget is to maintain mental focus. If you're mentally focused, you are less likely to have those unnecessary jitters that accompany a tense situation.


Remember that you are playing a game of golf, not watching a movie. Make sure that you spend a good portion of your round thinking only about what you need to do as opposed to what you want to do.


Now I know you probably have heard this before but you have to remember that your body reacts to what you do differently than your mind. If you are tense, your body probably feels tense. The easiest way to get your body to calm down is to focus on releasing that tension.

Instead of focusing on too many things, try practicing something relaxing. You'll find that when you relax and release your tension, your body will naturally calm down as well.


Here’s a few additional methods you might want to try in order to achieve your goal:


1.    Visualise Success


Although it may sound strange, taking a moment to visualize yourself succeeding can help you relax. This works by helping you focus on the positive outcome that you're expecting rather than worrying about the negatives.

The more detailed you can visualize your success, the better this method works. You should see yourself perfectly swinging the club, hitting the ball exactly where you need to, and the ball arching beautifully through the air to land right where you want it to.


2.    Live in the moment

 

When you are playing on a golf course, there is plenty going on and you aren't necessarily going to be paying attention to everything. That's okay. In fact, sometimes you should stop and think about other things that are going on around you. What you want to do is learn how to live in the moment and stop trying to think about or do anything. Before you get too caught up in visualizing every stroke of the game, you need to balance it out with living in the moment. Getting too far ahead of yourself can also be risky and may make you anxious about holes you're not even on yet.


3.    Get into a relaxed state


Sometimes, all you need to do to get your body in the right state of relaxation is to go outside and enjoy the world around you. If you go out in the yard and sit under a tree or in a large stone garden, you will find that your body will feel much better. You can practice this when you are on the golf course. In that case, you can practice relaxing by counting ahead one to three in your head and then swinging your club as if you were trying to hit a small ball.


4.    Get excited!


What happens to your body when you get nervous?

·      Heart rate increases

·      Blood pressure rises

·      Breathing speeds up

·      Sweating


Now, let's consider what happens when you get excited about something:

·      Heart rate increases

·      Blood pressure rises

·      Breathing speeds up

·      Sweating


Once you get your body in the proper state, you will find that you are starting to play better. You will be able to focus on the things you need to do rather than worrying about other issues.


Want one final tip? You can even learn a few special foot movements to help you get over your nervousness or simply, shake em off!


Just take a little time to practice these tips and you will find that you have a much better golf game.


For more tips please visit our golf blog page. You can find articles ranging from how to lower your score to how to weird features on golf courses.  

by Neil Adams 17 April 2025
Golf enthusiasts often find themselves on a quest for the perfect course. With its rolling hills, lush landscapes, and challenging greens, Wisconsin is home to some of the most captivating golf courses in the USA. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, Wisconsin offers a golfing experience that's hard to match. In this article, we'll explore some of the top golf courses in Wisconsin, diving into what makes each one unique and worth a visit. Why Wisconsin for Golf? Wisconsin might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of premier golf destinations. However, this state is a hidden gem for golfers. With its diverse landscapes, from dense forests to tranquil lakes, Wisconsin's golf courses offer breathtaking views and challenging play. The state's commitment to maintaining and developing world-class courses has put it on the golfing map, attracting players from all over the world. A Rich Golfing History Wisconsin's golfing history dates back over a century. The state has produced and hosted some of the most prestigious tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup. With such a rich history, it's no wonder that Wisconsin is home to some of the best courses you'll find anywhere. Top Wisconsin Golf Courses Whistling Straits Located along the shores of Lake Michigan, Whistling Straits is arguably the crown jewel of Wisconsin golf. Designed by the legendary Pete Dye, this course offers a links-style golfing experience reminiscent of the classic courses in Ireland. It has hosted major events like the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup, solidifying its status as a top-tier course. The course is known for its rugged terrain, with numerous bunkers and challenging winds off the lake. Each hole presents a unique challenge, requiring precise shot-making and strategic thinking. Whether you're playing the Straits Course or the Irish Course, you're in for an unforgettable round. Erin Hills Nestled in the rolling hills of Erin, Wisconsin, Erin Hills is another must-visit for any golf enthusiast. This course gained international acclaim when it hosted the U.S. Open in 2017. Erin Hills is a public course that offers a true test of golf, with its wide fairways, undulating greens, and natural fescue roughs. The course design embraces the natural landscape, making it a beautiful and challenging experience. Erin Hills prides itself on providing an authentic links-style golfing experience with a focus on walking the course. Blackwolf Run Part of the Kohler Company’s golf offerings, Blackwolf Run is another masterpiece by Pete Dye. Located in Kohler, Wisconsin, this course is split into two 18-hole layouts: the River Course and the Meadow Valleys Course. Both courses offer a unique challenge and showcase the natural beauty of the area. Blackwolf Run has been ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the United States and has hosted several high-profile tournaments, including the U.S. Women's Open. Sand Valley Located in central Wisconsin, Sand Valley is a relatively new addition to the state's golf scene but has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Sand Valley features sand dunes and prairie grasses that offer a unique links-style experience. It’s also home to Mammoth Dunes, which provides a different but equally thrilling round of golf. With stunning scenery and top-tier design, Sand Valley is a must-play. SentryWorld SentryWorld, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, is known for its beautifully manicured fairways and iconic "Flower Hole." This public course offers a parkland-style layout with tree-lined fairways and strategic water hazards. Following a major renovation in 2013, SentryWorld has become more playable while maintaining its charm, making it ideal for golfers of all skill levels. Golfing Tips for Wisconsin Courses Weather Preparedness: Wisconsin's weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. Dress in layers and bring rain gear if needed. Book in Advance: Tee times at top courses can fill quickly. Reserve early, especially in peak season. Walk the Course: Many courses encourage walking to enjoy the full experience and appreciate the scenery. Explore Local Attractions: Take time to enjoy the food, culture, and hospitality that make Wisconsin a great all-around destination. A Stunning Golf Experience Wisconsin may not be the first destination you think of for world-class golf, but it should be. With its stunning courses, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, Wisconsin offers a golfing experience that’s hard to beat. From the rugged beauty of Whistling Straits to the serene landscapes of Sand Valley, each course provides a unique challenge and unforgettable experience. Learn more about golf in Wisconsin at Quality Golf Destinations.
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