How Can Golfers Can Stay Composed Under Pressure?
Summary: Closing out a golf tournament requires more than skill—it demands focus,
confidence, and mental toughness. Many golfers struggle in the final holes due to pressure,
anxiety, or distraction, which can affect both their swing and decision-making. By learning to
close out a golf tournament, players can stay present, trust their abilities, and execute one shot
at a time. Key strategies include embracing pressure, sticking to a pre-shot routine, staying
focused on each shot, and refusing to give up after setbacks. Implementing these mental
techniques allows golfers to perform under pressure and finish strong, turning opportunities into
victories.
Have you ever failed to close out a golf tournament when a top finish was within reach?
Closing out a golf tournament is one of the most mentally demanding challenges a golfer can face. The pressure of holding a lead or chasing victory on the final holes can test even the most skilled players.
With victory a few holes away, some golfers lose focus. They worry about the golfers who are a stroke or two behind them. Some “see” themselves imploding within their minds. The fear of failure causes anxiety to build with each shot, making focusing more difficult.
Not only does anxiety mess with your mental game, it throws off your mechanics. Anxiety takes a physical toll on your body. Tense forearms affect your grip. Tightness in your back limits your rotation. Tension in your shoulders can make your putting more mechanical or jerky rather than smooth.
If you are unable to reel in intrusive thoughts and focus on the shot right in front of you, most likely, your fears will become reality.
Success in golf requires more than strength, flexibility, and good swing mechanics. Successfully closing out a round also involves confidence, composure, and execution under pressure.
Rookie Miranda Wang claimed her first LPGA victory at the 2025 FM Championship, edging out world No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul by a single stroke.
Wang experienced several late-round challenges. After missing a short birdie putt on the 12th and dropping a shot with a bogey on the 15th, Wang regrouped and delivered clutch shots over the final three holes to successfully close out the tournament.
To help maintain her confidence, Wang reminded herself of how well she played in her previous round when she recorded eight birdies on her opening nine holes.
Recalling her successful play helped Wang keep her composure and close out a golf tournament for the title.
WANG: “On the back nine of the first round, I started hitting really good shots. I felt like this could be my week. I worked really hard and didn’t give up.”
Closing out a golf tournament isn’t about playing perfect golf or avoiding mistakes. Both of these approaches increase competitive pressure.
Instead of worrying about the possibility of losing, it’s important to keep your head in the game by staying immersed in the present and focused on what you need to do shot by shot.
The ability to stay present, trust your abilities, and execute one shot at a time is what separates those who finish near the top from those who win the tournament.
4 Mental Strategies to Successfully Close Out a Golf Tournament
1. Expect and Embrace Pressure – Pressure is a natural part of competing in tournaments and can actually be a helpful signal that you’re in a position to succeed. Instead of letting nerves overwhelm you, view them as an opportunity to rise to the moment. When managed well, pressure can sharpen your focus and enhance performance. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or positive self-talk help turn anxiety into energy. Embracing pressure allows you to stay calm and confident, even in high-stakes situations. Remember, the best players thrive under pressure—they don’t shy away from it.
2. Stick to Your Pre-Shot Routine – Nerves often tempt players to rush or overthink, which can hurt consistency. A reliable pre-shot routine—breathing, visualizing the shot, or rehearsing the swing—anchors your mind and body. Following it helps maintain composure, block out distractions, and reinforce confidence. The more automatic your routine becomes, the easier it is to trust your swing under pressure. Relying on these habits gives you a sense of control, even when the tournament stakes are high. Trust your routine and let it guide each shot.
3. Stay Present, Shot by Shot – Thinking about scores, leaderboards, or trophies can pull your mind away from the task at hand. The best players focus only on the shot in front of them. Ask yourself, “What do I need to do right now to play my best shot?” Then breathe, commit, and follow your pre-shot routine. This single-minded focus improves decision-making and reduces anxiety. Staying present allows you to play each shot with clarity, regardless of the pressure around you. One shot at a time is the key to finishing strong.
4. Don’t Give Up – Golf is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable—double-bogeys, missed putts, or unlucky breaks can happen to anyone. What matters most is staying mentally engaged and refusing to let mistakes dictate your round. Focus on controllable factors and reset between holes if needed. Positive self-talk and resilience help you recover quickly. Every hole is a new opportunity to improve your position. Commitment to the fight until the very end is what separates great closers from the rest.
FAQ – How to Close Out a Golf Tournament
Q1: What does it mean to “close out a golf tournament”?
A: Closing out a golf tournament means maintaining focus, composure, and execution during the final holes when a win or top finish is within reach. It’s about managing pressure, staying present, and performing one shot at a time to finish strong.
Q2: Why do golfers struggle to close out tournaments?
A: Many golfers struggle because of anxiety and fear of failure. Worries about competitors, leaderboards, or making mistakes can distract the mind, tighten the body, and interfere with mechanics. Without proper mental strategies, these pressures can turn into missed opportunities.
Q3: How can pressure be beneficial in closing out a tournament?
A: Pressure signals that you are in a position to succeed. When embraced rather than feared, it can sharpen focus and improve performance. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can turn nervous energy into competitive advantage.
Q4: What is a pre-shot routine and why is it important?
A: A pre-shot routine is a consistent set of actions you perform before every shot, such as visualizing, breathing, or rehearsing your swing. It helps anchor your mind, block distractions, and maintain confidence, allowing you to trust your swing even under pressure.
Q5: How can I stay focused “shot by shot” during a tournament?
A: Avoid thinking about scores, trophies, or the leaderboard. Concentrate solely on executing the next shot. Ask yourself, “What’s the best thing I can do right now?” and follow your pre-shot routine. This keeps anxiety low and decision-making sharp.
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