In at this time’s version of Play Good, we hear from a number of Solheim Cup opponents on how they sort out first-tee jitters.
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GAINESVILLE, Va. — Robert Trent Jones Golf Membership is quiet at this time — nevertheless it received’t be for lengthy. Come Friday morning, the place will probably be rockin’.
As soon as golfers from Group USA and their counterparts from Group Europe step to the primary tee, the decibel stage will learn extra like a soccer recreation than a golf event. In relation to staff occasions at this stage, noise just isn’t solely anticipated however inspired.
Andrea Lee, who’s gearing up for her second Solheim Cup look, realized that lesson in her rookie look final summer season in Spain.
“It was probably the most adrenaline I felt on the primary tee in my total life,” she mentioned. “I’m so excited to really feel these feelings once more.”
Most of us leisure gamers have by no means felt the feelings of taking the tee to your nation with 1000’s of followers watching. Nonetheless, all of us have felt the first-tee nerves at one level or one other. Whether or not or not it’s teeing off in entrance of a bunch of strangers or taking the tee throughout our membership championship, first-tee jitters are one thing we are able to all relate to.
Forward of this 12 months’s Solheim Cup, gamers on each groups are making ready themselves to overcome their first-tee jitters come Friday morning. Listed here are a few of their methods.
1. Embrace the nerves
Linn Grant has at all times been a big-time participant — and she or he proved as a lot in her rookie debut final summer season as she posted a 3-2-0 document. One of many keys to being so profitable beneath strain? Embracing the nerves.
“I at all times attempt to inform myself that I like these moments and that’s why I play skilled golf, to seek out these emotions and discover ways to behave in these conditions or deal with myself,” she mentioned.
It’s unlikely that you just’ll be capable of eliminate your jitters, so it’s greatest if you happen to simply embrace them.
2. Focus in your course of
Course of is a phrase you’ll hear loads from professional golfers — and for good cause. When your feelings are excessive, it may be simple to behave in methods you usually wouldn’t. That’s why professional golfers are at all times harping on their processes. Aggressive golf is inherently traumatic, so it’s essential to stay to a strict course of.
Lauren Coughlin is making her first-ever begin within the Solheim Cup this week, and she or he’s doing so in her residence state amongst family and friends. She is aware of there’s going to be strain when she steps to that first tee, however she plans to lean on what she is aware of to get her via it.
“It’s one thing that I’ve been fascinated by and making ready for,” she mentioned. “All I can do is management myself and my course of, and that’s all I’m going to give attention to.”
