How do you prepare for a big match or tournament?

[Bucky CC]

My local course's club championship is coming up next weekend and I'm curious to hear what people do to prepare for big events like this.

 

For the preceding week do you go the extra practice route, keep things exactly the same, or just go by how you feel each day?

 

Any special thoughts or strategies for the actual round itself?

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[Bucky CC]

Unfortunately real life gets in the way of my ideal plan of practicing every day. I'm going to try to hit the range at least one day, play 9 holes, and do some backyard chipping with the kids.

 

I'm also changing my normal 4x a week workout plan to just two workouts to make sure I'm not sore (or injured) going into it.

 

For the actual rounds I've found it helps to play conservative the first few holes to see what type of game I have that day. If it's my C game I stay conservative. B or better go a little more agressive.

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[perseveringgolfer]

Mine is also next weekend.

 

Plan is either practice hitting balls daily, or at the very least swinging a club in the garden for 15 mins just for feel.

 

Chipping in garden and putts on carpet, also just for feel.

 

Golf is a game that's hard to leave for a week and expect great things. Consistency is key.

 

 

Also, clean clubs night before and have outfit looked out, GPS charged, new balls marked in bag, glove ready and snax and drinks in bag. Put clubs in car.

 

Then on Saturday you don't have anything to stress about as you are 'READY'.

 

 

After that it's up to the golf Gods what happens- Good luck and report back.

[Mr. 82]

Mine is next weekend as well.

 

Chipping and putting around the practice green after work on Monday for at least an hour, maybe longer.

Tuesday evening 9-hole scramble at another course.

Wednesday, maybe more chipping and putting at the practice green for an hour, maybe more.

Thursday evening practice round. I might just go 9 holes depending on how hot and humid it is.

Friday, total rest. Do nothing to save up as much energy for Saturday and Sunday. Hydrate twice as much this day to store up fluids to help with your energy levels on Saturday and Sunday.

 

I played in this tournament last year and shot 81 on Saturday when I was stressing every shot, and trying to really go low. Missed at least 3 putts inside 3 feet. Found myself middle of the pack in my flight and figured I was out of it. So I came out on Sunday and just didn't give a flip, and shot 78. I was the only guy who broke 80 in my flight on Sunday, and I finished T2 in my flight and got $210 in clubhouse credit.

 

Now I'm not saying that my Sunday attitude is transferable, but if you can relax and just play golf like it's another casual round, your chances of playing better increase I would think.

 

Course management is also key too. If you can never reach a par 5 in two, then why hit a 3 wood for a 2nd shot? Your chances of keeping that 3 wood in the fairway are much smaller than with a 7 or 8 iron as a layup and then giving yourself 100 yards or whatever into the green. And you don't need to take driver off of the tee on every par 4. If the course doesn't fit your driver shape, hit a 3 wood, or even a hybrid or 4 iron off of the tee and put yourself in the middle of the fairway. But you really have to make yourself a plan before you tee off and stick to it. But keeping the ball in the fairway will often make your round much more stress free.

 

Sent from my coral using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[GB13]

I find it is best to treat it like a regular round. Stay relaxed and don't stress out. I like to always remind myself to keep my grip pressure nice and loose.

 

For prep, just do what you would normally do. Clean clubs etc.

[revkev]

Since it's a club Championship I'm assuming you know the course. That being the case the only thing I'd do differently is short game work at the practice area at that course as well as pretend play of the holes there on the range - I wouldn't hit many more balls than you are used to or even play much more - your body may revolt.

 

The more normal you can make it the better you are likely to play.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Bucky CC]

Since it's a club Championship I'm assuming you know the course. That being the case the only thing I'd do differently is short game work at the practice area at that course as well as pretend play of the holes there on the range - I wouldn't hit many more balls than you are used to or even play much more - your body may revolt.

 

The more normal you can make it the better you are likely to play.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Definitely know the course but they do have the top flight play from the tips. There will be a lot more drivers hit off the tee, but otherwise it's pretty similar.

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[NiftyNiblick]

What the hell would I be doing in a big game or match?

 

Actually, in 1988, I finished in the prizes--18th of 144--in a Stableford tournament.

 

You were supposed to mingle in these events, but I ended up playing with three other union executive board members. 

 

We had priority starting, too.  2nd group off 14 in the shotgun start.

Why do I remember that?  I can't remember important things like when the property taxes are due.

[JAGolfore]

Our club championship isn't until Sept 22-23 but for events at a course you know preparing is all about doing what is normal. This is more than likely a course you play a lot and know. The week before maybe practice once or twice more but the key to the practice is to have a goal for each practice session. There is no point in hitting balls to just hit balls. I go and try to make sure I am hitting each club the distance I know I hit them. Work on only full swings. No need to get cute.

 

A tip a lot of people do not remember is most greens are 20+ yards deep. If you are in between clubs. Take the club you know you can swing normal with and you will hit the green. Most of us get in trouble when we try and get 5 more yards out of a club or we try and take 5 yards off. When in reality if you swing normal and hit the green you'll have 20'. Do not fire at tucked flags.

 

Golf is a mental game. Do not over think it and remain positive. You'll have fun and play good golf if you can have a positive outlook.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Bucky CC]

Our club championship isn't until Sept 22-23 but for events at a course you know preparing is all about doing what is normal. This is more than likely a course you play a lot and know. The week before maybe practice once or twice more but the key to the practice is to have a goal for each practice session. There is no point in hitting balls to just hit balls. I go and try to make sure I am hitting each club the distance I know I hit them. Work on only full swings. No need to get cute.

 

A tip a lot of people do not remember is most greens are 20+ yards deep. If you are in between clubs. Take the club you know you can swing normal with and you will hit the green. Most of us get in trouble when we try and get 5 more yards out of a club or we try and take 5 yards off. When in reality if you swing normal and hit the green you'll have 20'. Do not fire at tucked flags.

 

Golf is a mental game. Do not over think it and remain positive. You'll have fun and play good golf if you can have a positive outlook.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

That's the big thing right there. My best rounds by far are the ones where I stay positive and enjoy myself. Amazing how something as simple as a relaxed mindset can effect your score so much.

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[NiftyNiblick]

Golf is a mental game. Do not over think it and remain positive. You'll have fun and play good golf if you can have a positive outlook.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

 

I couldn't agree more, JA.

That's how I got my name engraved on all of the major trophies.

 

You too, right?

[PMookie]

Next weekend here as well. I took a lesson last week, and now I'm trying to get to the range or course each day to work on the swing. I'm planning on hitting some wedges, and then chipping and putting today. We'll see. I'm out of commission the next two days, so Tuesday-Thursday, I'll try to keep the swings to a minimum so I don't overdo it and have my back and hips all right for the first round.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[EthanSterlingPrice]

My prep isn't much different than most people, I'll make some notes on hole strategy in a small notebook, try to practice shots I know I'll need. I also like to divide the course into sets of 3 holes 123/456/789/etc, and focus on a score for each of those sets such as par or better for an easy set and so on to help keep in the moment instead of playing the whole course in my head. Doing that helps me to stay focused and not let a bad stretch of shots throw me off too badly. You'd be surprised how it helps.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Kanoito]

Mine is next week as well.

And it doesn't matter what I do to prepare or how well I play before... I'm sure I'll **** it up when time comes

[Bucky CC]

Mine is next week as well.

And it doesn't matter what I do to prepare or how well I play before... I'm sure I'll **** it up when time comes

That's what alchohol is for, right?

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[GolfSpy_APH]

Was just thinking about this as I'm entering my first non scramble tournament this upcoming weekend.

I have a fun staff tournament for Monday, practice round at the course Wednesday night. I'm likely going to try and play Thursday and Friday, although at a different course then where the tournament is being held, but there are a few things I've already started doing.

I downloaded the course on my Arccos caddie system and went through hole by hole with what strategy it recommend and what it is suggesting of the tee.

I noticed it is recommending a lot of driver and 4 irons and not my normal 3 wood so in the following rounds this week I'll be using those as much as possible.

Finally I'm not sold on one section of my bag so I'm going to try and lock that in before Wednesday.

Other then that try and have some fun and enjoy the pressure of the experience.

 

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

[RoverRick]

I make sure the DVR is set to record it and I have plenty of food and drink.

 

Oh, you mean to play in.

 

Actually, our club championship is Labor Day weekend. Several years ago, I won my division but haven't been able to even participate in four years. I will be able to play this year so I am preparing now.

 

Well, sorta. I can only play and practice on the weekends so I really can't do much different than I already am.

 

First thing is ensure that my bag is loaded with the proper weapons.

Second, spend some more time on the range than normal.

Third, remember I am here to enjoy the game, not win the US Open.

[Kanoito]

That's what alchohol is for, right?

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

I don't know how much alcohol I'll be needing for 27 holes per day on a 7200 yard course

[PlaidJacket]

I wouldn't do much of anything differently. I'm playing in our City Champ his weekend. (see my other sad post) You know your club course like the back of your hand so what's different about the CC as opposed to every other round you play? I'm sure when you're playing other times you're trying to play your best. So try and keep the same attitude. I think doing all the extra work/prep prior and fixating on a tournament you're setting yourself up for pressure and expectations that's unnecessary.

[Kor.A.Door]

I try to do the same thing, with one exception, I will hit a handful of balls to loosen up my back. THen I putt until it's time to tee off.

[Bucky CC]

Well my prep week was just decided for me. Caught a nasty cold over the weekend. Guess I'll have to trade range sessions and practice rounds for OJ and chicken soup.

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[DPattGolf]

Hopefully your feeling better quickly so you can get a little prep in! 

 

I always like to keep my prep simple. So a lot of putting, chipping and 7iron or less full shots. Other than that I will spend the other part of my range time focusing on what clubs will see a lot of time off tee so I can get those squared away and have a good idea of how my shot is wanting to move.

[DaveP043]

I normally enjoy a short practice session twice a week, and I don't change or intensify that at all.  The thing I like to do is to warm up a little differently. For a normal round I'll stretch a bit first, then hit balls on the range for maybe 10 to 15 minutes, and then spend 5 minutes or so putting.  On tournament days I like to be at the course earlier.  After stretching, I'll start with a just a few putts to start my body moving, then hit a few chips and pitches to increase the range of movement before I start longer swings on the range.  I don't hit any more full swing shots than normal.   After I'm good and warm I go back to putt some more, long and short, different breaks.  I'll spend a little extra time with longer putts to establish green speed in my mind, and I'll do a few more chips and pitches.  Last things before heading to the first tee, just a couple more drivers to practice that first swing.  If its a shotgun and I'm starting on a par-3, I might end with a a couple of iron shots.

[Charli]

I usually wake up early to get loose. Need my coffee and food ASAP. Depending on the weather and greens I'll throw some putts around. By my main focus is swing path with the driver. If that goes well so does my round

[harryhenderson]

I try not to really. For me the more “prep” work i do the worse i play. Almost like the swing, the less i think about the better i hit it. Only thing i make sure to do is eat really well and drink plenty of water for the couple days before. Wish i could say i make sure to sleep properly but with a 1 & 3 year old sleep is a luxury at this stage of life.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[Bucky CC]

Just a quick update on this. So being sick for the entire week pretty much killed my preparation plans.

 

I struggled quite a bit day 1 and was tied for 5th place out of 8 in the championship flight. Played much better on Sunday and finished in solo 3rd. Thanks for all the advice!

 

Sent from my SM-G930V using MyGolfSpy mobile app

[mbrodeur86]

I think the thing I've heard the most is to be relaxed as possible. For me, personally, I battle chronic anxiety and stress so it's been the hardest part of my game. I don't believe in doing anything different as routine for me is very important.

 

Sent from my VTR-L09 using MyGolfSpy mobile app