Competitive Golf – Tips for Senior Golfers Ready to Take on the Challenge

Golf is probably the most psychological sport in existence. Even if you have become comfortable with the pressure of a casual game between friends or co-workers, competing in golf takes the mental aspect of the sport to an entirely new level. Think you can rise to the challenge? Here is what to expect when you embark in competitive golf, either at your local level or a high amateur level.

The Pressure of Competition

Competing in golf adds distractions to an already nerve-racking sport. You now have something to win (or lose) both in terms of a prize/trophy as well as recognition. This puts you in a position to over-analyze mistakes and lose sight of playing the game because of a focus on winning.

As doubts creep in to your mind, your game can start falling apart. Straight-forward tee shots suddenly turn into challenges. You begin to see hazards as being bigger and they suddenly become magnets for your golf ball. The hole looks smaller and the simplest of putts become over-analyzed. Meanwhile, you begin to notice your calm competitors winning holes and distancing themselves from you. It can get really lonely, really fast.

Remember that golf, especially competitive golf, is generally one big mind game. If you put yourself in a negative place then your shots will reflect that. Likewise, if you put yourself in a positive mindset and step up to each shot with confidence and purpose you will bring out the best in your game.

Stepping up to the tee in a tournament can be daunting. If you can remain comfortable, confident and thrive off of the competitive atmosphere then success will follow. Just step up, trust your swing and watch proudly as the ball sails towards its target.

Competitive Learning Curve

When you face your first few holes in competition, it will feel like you must play absolutely perfect. Winning your first tournament will be the only thought in your head and one or two faulty swings or poor decisions can quickly put you out of your game.

Don’t expect any miracles. The pressures of competitive play will take some getting used to. Don’t despair – learn from your experience and enter the next tournament that much more confident in your abilities.

Just as a weightlifter grows stronger from repeatedly going to the gym and pushing his muscles to failure, so can a loss in competitive golf help you to grow stronger mentally and bring you that much closer to a win. The more you expose yourself to the pressures of competition, the less of a bother they will prove to be. Soon enough, a tournament game will seem like just another round with the guys.

Competitive golf can be a lot of fun and a wonderful challenge. Regardless of whether you win or lose, competition is a sure-fire way to dramatically improve your confidence and gain valuable insight on your game. You will certainly take those lessons back to your ‘regular’ game and bring your golf game to a higher level. In essence, you can’t “lose” by playing competitive golf. Enter a tournament and have some fun!