How You Can Finish the Round Strong
What makes closing out a winning round one of the toughest mental hurdles in golf, even for seasoned players?
Several mental challenges tend to knock golfers off their game when in contention late in a round. Many golfers change their strategy towards the latter holes during a round, hoping to minimize mistakes.
Instead of playing with the mindset to win, they choose to play it safe. They overthink and often second-guess their shots. Rarely does the play-it-safe mindset lead to positive results.
Why would you choose to play it safe and deviate from the style of play that put you in contention in the first place?
Each tournament, round, and course has its unique challenges. Every shot is different. When you play to win, you are focused on finding the best strategy for the challenge in front of you and executing that strategy to the best of your ability.
J.J. Spaun’s Winning Mindset at US Open
At the 2025 US Open, PGA golfer J.J. Spaun entered the final round one stroke behind the leader. However, Spaun faced one challenge after another, from multiple bogeys on the front-nine, a lengthy rain delay, a soaked course, and other golfers contending to win. Spaun could have opted to play it safe during any of these challenges.
For example, Spaun could have decided to take fewer risks on his approach shots after double-bogeying a hole. Instead, Spaun stayed aggressive throughout the day.
SPAUN: “I felt like I had a chance, a really good chance to win the U.S. Open at the start of the day. It just unravelled very fast… I tried to just continue to dig deep. I’ve been doing it my whole life.”
Spaun could have chosen to play it safe due to the poor course conditions. When faced with a 64-foot putt on the soaked 18th hole, needing only par to win his first major, Spaun lined up the long putt, played to win, and sank the putt for birdie and the US Open title.
SPAUN: “I think it’s just perseverance. I’ve always kind of battled through whatever it may be to kind of get to where I needed to be and get to what I wanted… I didn’t want to play defensive.”
Successful golfers choose to go for it when the title is on the line, rather than playing it safe and hoping the other golfers mess up. Closing out a winning round of golf demands that you trust your ability to make shots, stay mentally tough despite challenging conditions, and commit to your game plan despite competitive pressure.
The final holes of a round test your mental strength. The golfers who take control of their circumstances and play to win are usually the ones who rise to the occasion and perform best under pressure.
Closing out a round isn’t just about skill; it’s about mindset… The mindset to go for it when it matters most.
5 Strategies for Closing Out a Winning Round of Golf
You’ve played steady all day. You’re in contention—maybe even leading. Now comes the final stretch, where nerves get tight, pressure builds, and decisions matter more than ever. Closing out a golf round strong is what separates good players from great ones. It’s not just about your swing—it’s about your mindset. Here are five key strategies to help you finish your round with confidence and control.
1. Keep Grinding to the Final Putt
When you reach the last few holes, it can be tempting to ease up. But the best players know that closing out a golf round takes grit. No matter where you stand on the leaderboard, keep battling for every shot. Don’t assume you’re safe if you’re ahead. And don’t give up if you’ve fallen behind. Momentum in golf can shift quickly. Stay mentally tough and committed to each swing. The round isn’t over until the final putt drops—so keep grinding all the way to 18.
2. Play to Win, Not to Protect
When you’re in the lead, it’s natural to play cautiously. But protecting the lead often leads to passive play and missed opportunities. Closing out a round requires the same competitive fire that got you into contention in the first place. Winners stay aggressive—not reckless, but assertive. Stick to your game plan. Trust your process. And keep playing to win. If you start playing defensively, you open the door for mistakes. Keep the momentum by staying on the attack.
3. Trust Your Ability to Finish Strong
You’ve already done the hard work. You’ve hit great shots, made smart decisions, and put yourself in position. That’s proof you can close. Now, remind yourself of it. Confidence is key when closing out a golf round, and it starts with believing in your ability. Tell yourself, “I’ve done it all round—I can do it now.” Let your past performance fuel your present focus.
4. Focus on One Shot at a Time
One of the biggest traps when closing out a golf round is getting ahead of yourself. Thinking about your final score or what this round could mean leads to tension and mistakes. The solution? Focus on the shot in front of you—nothing more. Not the next hole, not the trophy, not your total score. Just the shot at hand. This mindset keeps you grounded, present, and in control. The best closers are laser-focused on the moment, not the outcome.
5. Reframe Pressure as Opportunity
Pressure is part of the game—especially when you’re closing strong. But pressure isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace. Instead of thinking, “Don’t mess up,” shift your mindset to, “This is my chance to shine.” Pressure means you’re in the hunt. That’s where every golfer wants to be. When you reframe pressure moments as opportunities, you play with more freedom and confidence.
Closing out a golf round isn’t about playing perfect—it’s about staying mentally strong when it matters most. Use these five strategies to stay sharp under pressure, make confident swings, and finish like a true competitor. Want to build more confidence in your closing game? A mental performance coach can help you train your mind like you train your swing.
Related Golf Psychology Articles
- How to Play Winning Golf Under Pressure
- Consistency in Golf and Your Mental Game
- How Rory McIlroy Used His Mind to Win the Masters
- Subscribe to The Golf Psychology Podcast on iTunes
- Subscribe to The Golf Psychology Podcast on Spotify
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