At Flotte Golf Academy, we see it all the time—players who strike the ball beautifully on the range but tighten up the moment something matters. Maybe it’s a must-make putt to win a weekend match, a narrow tee shot with your personal best on the line, or the nerves that hit after a career-best front nine.
If you’ve ever felt that pressure… you’re in good company. Every golfer, from complete beginner to seasoned competitor, faces the same challenge. The difference isn’t who feels pressure—it’s who knows how to handle it.
And that’s exactly what we want to help you with.
Why We Feel Pressure (And Why It’s Usually Self-Created)
Pressure doesn’t come from the ball, the hole, or the course. It comes from us—our goals, expectations, and thoughts about what others might think. Once you recognise that, you gain the power to manage it.
When you understand your pressure triggers, you can start turning tense moments into opportunities to perform at your best.
1. Breathe With Purpose
Before every shot, take a slow, structured breath:
• Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale gently through your mouth for 4 seconds
This Navy SEAL–style breathing is incredibly effective. It steadies your heart rate and clears your mind so your body can do what you’ve trained it to do.
2. Commit to Your Pre-Shot Routine
A consistent routine is one of the strongest antidotes to nerves. It gives your mind something familiar to fall back on when the moment feels big.
Your routine might include:
• Visualising the target
• Seeing your intended ball flight
• Aligning yourself fully
• Making a purposeful practice swing
The key is consistency—same actions, same pace.
When you practise, simulate this. Step back behind the ball, add little challenges, and use “range games” to recreate pressure. The better your routine, the calmer you’ll feel when it counts.
3. Reframe Pressure as Opportunity
Instead of thinking, “Don’t mess this up,” shift to: “Here’s my chance to play well.”
Pressure is your brain’s way of telling you something matters. That’s a good thing.
Think back to times you did perform well under pressure—remind yourself that you’re capable, because you are.
4. Speak to Yourself Like a Coach, Not a Critic
Swap unhelpful thoughts like “Don’t miss” for clear, positive cues such as:
“Smooth swing.”
“Solid strike.”
“Commit to the target.”
Your self-talk shapes your performance more than you might realise.
5. Stay Present—One Shot at a Time
The shot in front of you is the only one you can hit right now. Not the last hole, not the double you’re trying to avoid, not the dream score you’re chasing.
Use grounding cues:
• Feel the weight of the club
• Notice the grass under your feet
• Take in the breeze
Being present keeps your mind quiet and your body relaxed.
6. See the Shot Before You Hit It
Take a moment to visualise the exact swing or stroke you want to make. This isn’t daydreaming—it’s performance science. When your brain sees success first, your body is far more likely to follow.
7. Embrace the Challenge
Pressure moments are part of what makes golf magical. Even the world’s best have cracked under pressure before learning how to win. Every challenging situation you face becomes a stepping stone for future success.
As the saying goes: “Pressure is a privilege.” It means you’ve earned your way into a meaningful moment.
We’re Here to Help You Master This
Learning to stay calm under pressure isn’t something you need to figure out alone. At Flotte Golf Academy, we teach techniques like these every day—on the range, on the course, and in real-life playing scenarios.
If you’re ready to feel more confident, more composed, and more in control of your game, we’d love to support you. You’re already part of our community simply by being here.
Your next step?
Just keep engaging with us—whether that’s joining a session, asking a question, or coming out for a lesson. We’re here to help you thrive in those big moments.
– Coach Tim