| Golf is a game of ups and downs – one | | | | the course is quiet. Go from green to green |
| minute you are playing the game of your life and | | | | hitting multiple pitch and chip shots from all around |
| the next you can't do a thing right. So in order to | | | | the green. In addition, choose a couple of "nasty" |
| win the game you should make thorough | | | | lies just in case you hit a good shot that ends up |
| preparations, especially for amateurs. | | | | in a bad place. Although the ultimate goal is to hole |
| Granted with your tournament nerves, you are | | | | the ball, sometime you may need to play away |
| probably not going to be swinging as smooth as | | | | from the hole to be able to make the next shot |
| Ernie Els when the big day arrives. Now is NOT | | | | easier. |
| the time to start messing with your golf swing. I | | | | Spend most of your time on the practice green |
| repeat. It is NOT the time to make any major | | | | working on short putts, very short putts. Hit as |
| golf swing changes. First of all this is supposed to | | | | many two to three foot putts as you can. This |
| be fun. You know, better than anyone, your own | | | | does a couple of things for you. First it gives you |
| tendencies. Depending on how much time you | | | | confidence to see the ball go in the hole over and |
| have before your golf tournament, chances are | | | | over again. Second, you will be able to see if you |
| you are going to have to find a way to play with | | | | are starting the golf ball on the correct line. |
| what you got. This is fine. Most of these types of | | | | Do not forget to take a look at your equipment. |
| tournaments are flighted. This means players with | | | | Are all the wholesale golf clubs you will need in |
| similar handicaps are pitted against each other. | | | | your bag? Are your grips in good shape? Do they |
| What you can do is check your basics. Review | | | | need replaced? If your grips do not need to be |
| your posture, grip, alignment, and ball position and | | | | replaced, scrub them vigorously with a stiff brush. |
| insure they are in the best shape they can be for | | | | Use a solution of warm water and dishwashing |
| your game. Hitting balls is fine but do not go | | | | soap with a degreaser to clean your grips. The |
| overboard on making changes. The most | | | | degreaser will help remove the oil and dirt buildup |
| effective thing you can work on is your swing | | | | that accumulates from your hands over a period |
| tempo and insuring that your golf swing is in | | | | of time. Rinse your grips well and pat dry with a |
| balance. You can do this by simply counting to | | | | towel. |
| three once you finish your golf swing. | | | | Tournament day is here! Go through your normal |
| Since the average of greens hit in regulation on | | | | warm up. Hit a few pitches, and make sure |
| the PGA Tour is only twelve, you will miss some | | | | before you leave the practice green you make |
| greens during your round. Set up a practice | | | | about five or ten two footers in a row. Seeing |
| schedule for your short game up until the golf | | | | and hearing the ball go in the hole will give you |
| tournament. You can go out in the evenings when | | | | great confidence as you head to the golf course. |