How to Play Well Under Pressure

Sink Every Putt

You can't stop concentrating, even on the short putts. A mistake here can be just as bad as a bad drive. Keep your mind on the task at hand to ensure you make your putts. Also, make sure that on your long putts that you at least get the ball close to the hole. You don't necessarily need to make the long putts to win, as long as you can get the ball close to the hole.

Don't Think About Your Swing

While you don't want to lose focus, you also shouldn't overthink things. When teeing off, try to clear your mind and focus on hitting the ball well. Don't think about your swing mechanics or try to aim the ball. Do everything you normally would. Remind yourself that if you do what you've been taught, you'll do fine.

Visualize Where the Ball Will Go

After lining up and getting ready to swing, visualize where the ball will go. If you picture the ball going where you want it, it likely will. Visualize yourself hitting a perfect shot onto the green, just a few yards from the hole.

Get Past the First Hole

You will probably be the most nervous on the first hole. However, once you get past this you will find yourself to be much more relaxed. Just take deep breaths on the first hole and remind yourself that you'll do fine. Try to get a good score on the first hole, as this will give you confidence for the rest of the game.

Make Your Hard, Short Putts

As I mentioned before, putting is crucial when you are playing under pressure. If you can concentrate and make your hard, short putts, you will find that the rest of the game will come much more easily to you. Usually my problem on these putts is just my concentration. If I'm not thinking it seems like I never make these putts. Just focus on what you're doing and you'll see success.

Pick the Right Club on Par 3's

Very few golfers hit the ball over or on the green on a Par 3, most come up short. Pick a club that will get you on or past the green; don''t worry too much about hitting the ball too hard. If you hit it square, you're on; if you don't quite hit it solidly, you'll still have a pretty good chance of making it to the putting green.

Get Lower Scores On Par 5's

Here's a trick that requires a bit of math. The average par 5 is at least 500 yards, sometimes more. Make the last shot your favorite yardage into the green. Subtract that yardage, then divide that difference by two.By using this method, you're hitting lofted clubs that are easier for you to hit and  also more accurate.

Get Out of Bunkers in One Shot

The best greenside bunker players speed up the head f the club through the shot, which lets the sand push the ball out. When setting up, the face of your wedge should be slightly open, the ball slightly forward in your stance. When you swing, hit the sand behind the ball, and finish your swing as if you were swinging a 5- iron.

Use Your Putting Stroke to Chip

If you want to avoid chunking or skulling your chip shots, take a lofted club like a 7-, 8- or 9-iron and hold it like you would hold a putter. Lean your body and the shaft of the club toward your target for in order to make a descending blow.  Now make your usual putting stroke, and allow the loft of the club to get the ball over top of the turf and onto the green.