Dealing with the First Tee Jitters

Jeff Cicchini

Posted 2003-03-02

Of all the questions amateur golfers ask, one of the most popular must be: How do I deal with the first tee jitters? I accept the fact the “Jitters” exist and since bringing my game into the 70’s my approach has been to harness that negative energy into positive energy. It’s not easy to do, but making a determined, persistent effort will pay you back tenfold. It’s also important to note that the same tools and mental approach that will allow you to conquer the first tee jitters will also have an immediate impact on other areas of your game, effectively shaving double digit strokes off your scores.

It’s easy to write about beating the first tee jitters, but you’re probably wondering how do I (or better yet, how do you) accomplish such a monumental task? It’s actually quite simple, but let’s first look at what won’t get you there.

I believe everyone who plays the game of golf plays it because it’s such a frustrating challenge to hit a little white ball straight and with pinpoint accuracy. The game really draws you in. So what do most folks do to try and accomplish this task? They buy all the high tech gizmos and the latest equipment out on the market in hopes that their game will improve to professional levels. Believe me, the golf manufacturers know this. Why do you think that each year they introduce just a little more technology into their equipment? They know that you will come back every couple years (or every year for some real gear heads) to upgrade your equipment to the latest and greatest technology in an effort to vastly improve your game. This is all well and good, but to take considerable strokes off your game takes a lot more than a lot of fancy equipment. You must not only have a strong physically fit and limber body but also a strong mental attitude, which I believe is the key to a successful golf game and a key component in your approach to overcoming first tee jitters.

There are lots of ways to improve your mental approach to golf. The most important skill to develop for overcoming the “jitters” phenomenon, however, is to stay relaxed. How you stay relaxed is going to be up to you, myself I like to joke around with my fellow foursome and also the other people teeing off after me. I may tell everyone when it’s my time to tee off, “you may want to move your car I’m not insured” or “I’ll bet you I can hit it pass the ladies tee”. Whatever the comment may be, stupid or downright funny - do something to relieve the tension on the first tee. I believe by doing so your next experience on the first tee will be more relaxing and enjoyable.

I would also like to give a helpful tip when it comes to your swing on the first tee. Instead of standing up there and swinging for a home run, like we all do to try and show off how far we can hit it, slow your swing down to ¾ to ½ full power. This will allow you to have better control over your ball flight, which is a big fear most amateur golfers face on the first tee. Another time tested approach is to tee off with your favorite club every time you approach the first tee (or any tee for that matter) no matter what the layout of the hole. What this will do is build your confidence on striking the ball and keeping it play. Confidence breeds relaxation and once you have that you will be well on your way to beating the first tee jitters.

I hope my comments and tips on overcoming the “jitters” will help you become the next Jack Nicholas or Lee Trevino. Regardless, always remember this quote by the late NCAA Basketball coach Jimmy V. “…never give up…never give up.”

Jeff Cicchini is a frequent visitor to Golf Gear Review and an amateur golfer who frequently shoots in the 70’s. Jeff has been playing golf nearly all of his life and has been very successful in golf leagues and tournaments in the western Pennsylvania area.

From time to time, Golf Gear Review publishes content submitted from our readers providing it is useful, entertaining and well written. After all, Golf Gear Review is certainly a site by golfers and for golfers. In addition to the new product releases, articles from professional writers and other content, we at Golf Gear Review would sincerely like to include great content from our amateur readers out there more often. If you feel that you’re a decent writer, have something interesting to say about the game of golf and can put your thoughts and ideas into an article of at least 750 words, please drop me a line at: chris@gearreviewnetwork.com