Golf Driving Tip

Getting Focused for the First Tee Shot

For most golfers, the first tee shot sets the tone for the entire round. Any first tee jitters will dissipate soon after you hit the first tee shot. With this golf driving tip you can help you understand that a player can interpret first tee jitters in two ways: as helpful and friendly or as unhelpful and undesirable.

A practical golf driving tip is to first acknowledge that first tee nerves are part of golf. Interpret them as a way of getting you focused for the first tee shot and giving you the shot of adrenaline you need. This is how the pros look at first tee nerves. Focusing too much on the uncomfortable feelings only heightens the tension. Don’t bring more attention to the knot in your stomach or a rapid heart beat when you feel the unfriendly jitters. Shift your attention to your game plan and how you should play the first hole.

You have several options to prepare yourself for the first tee shot. Use what works best for you:

One golf driving tip is to visualize the shot you want to hit. Feel a smooth swing as you take a couple practice swings and visualize the ball flying to your target. This helps instill confidence and focuses you on execution instead of “what if I top my first tee ball?”

Another golf driving tip is to relax and talk with your playing partners. Take your mind off the first tee shot. Some players work themselves into a state of anxiety as they stand around and do nothing while waiting to hit their first shot. Keep your mind occupied with other thoughts. When it’s your turn to hit, don’t rush your routine. Take your time to go through the routine and visualize a good shot.

Reconfirm your goals for the day to help you focus on the process. An excellent golf driving tip is to write down your goals on your scorecard or on something you can see. I’ve created cue cards for tour players I’ve worked with as reminder to focus on their goals for the day. They keep the goals in their yardage book and every time they open it, the cue card “focus on the process” is directly in sight as a reminder.

If you are the person that gets too anxious to pull the trigger, one golf driving tip is to try some simple relaxation exercises before it’s your turn to hit. Take a few deep breaths through the abdominal region. As you inhale, shrug your shoulders to your ears. As you exhale, drop your shoulders and release the tension. Tighten and release your grip on the club to prevent the “death grip.” You want to release the tension in your hands, arms, and shoulders before you address the ball.

Lastly, focus on execution and hitting the fairway. You can’t make birdie (or bogey) on the first shot. The best pre-first tee shot golf driving tip of all is to ask yourself, “What do I need to do to hit a good shot?” The answer will provide you with the appropriate task-relevant cues. Pick your target, see the shot you want to hit, feel the shot with a practice swing, aim and align, and focus on your target.