Re: Nerves

If you made it to the final, you are obviously playing well -- better then the other guys, so you deserve to be there. Knowing this get's you past the first part: confidence in yourself.

Maintaining this confidence during the round is the next part: If you have played this course before, you know where to be and what it takes to be in your optimum position for each hole. Match play is an exersize in knowning when to be agressive and when to lay off. Stroke play is a game within yourself being patient and steady throughtout the day.

If this is match play, the game does not really begin until the back 9. Being 2 or 3 down on the 10th hole is sometimes not a bad thing. You know you have to make a move and needs focus which is just what you need to create the momentum to pass and finish off your opponent. Being 2 or 3 up can lure your mind into a defensive style that is not always a good thing, which allows for the other player to gain the momentum on you. So being aware of these situations, can help you gain or maintain your lead.

Stroke play is just a matter of you playing YOUR game to the best of your ability. That's it. Play hard and steady and whoever played better wins. Congratulate and learn where you made the big mistakes and practice those for next time.

Preparing for tournaments is knowing where you can be agressive and conservitive depending on conditions and pins. Get the pins before hand and have a plan where you need to play to the fat of the green and where you can attack. Not having a plan on where you are going to play your tee shots is an instant mistake. Pick 100 yards (or your full SW) distance for holes that you can drive to or beyond this point for the short par 4's). Play par 5's backwards in your head. Where is the absolute best position to be in for your approach. Then play 2 shots to this point. It may be something silly like a 3i and a 7i, it may be Dr and 3w...whatever it takes to be at your perfect SW will hold greens and allows you to make puts. Smashing in the 3w everywhere, dumping it in sand, heavy rough, or a 25 rd pitch where you won't get any spin, is death on the par5.

Hope this helps!

Re: Nerves

Breathing is the most important thing when playing championship golf. If you take the time to go through your routine, visualize the shot, and take long deep breaths to release the tension you have a good chance of hitting a good shot. Relax, Relax, Relax

Re: Nerves

Adam, enjoy the experience.

I agree with Greg - you've obviously a good player in making the final.

Also consider what the other participants are thinking and feeling. I have no doubt they are experiencing the same emotions as you.

Enjoy and relax.

Play the shot at hand.

Good luck.

Re: Nerves

Thanks for the advice I won 3 and 2 after being 4 down after 5. i didnt really have a problem with nerves until it came to a putt on the 16th to win (which i holed)