There’s nothing in the world like tournament golf. 

Golf is hard but tournament golf makes it 10 times harder. Any weakness in your game is usually exposed and it’s more nerve wracking than a causal round. Plus, the courses are harder, which makes it even more challenging.

But when you play well in a competitive event, there’s nothing like it. 

In the last five years, I’ve played over 150 tournament rounds as I love the adrenaline rush and testing my game in competition. From men’s club events to Arizona Golf tournaments, Korn Ferry Q-school, and tons of USGA qualifiers.

During these events, I’ve learned a ton and want to help you play better under pressure with these 10 tips. 

1. Play Practice Rounds

Practice rounds are usually a good idea, especially if it’s a brand-new golf course. During these rounds, focus on three things:

• Green speed
• Carry distances off the tee over bunkers and hazards 
• How the ball reacts on the green with approach and chip shots 

Additionally, try to plan your practice rounds so it’s a few days before the event if possible. This will make sure the course is in similar conditions. Check out our full guide on practice rounds here.

2. Make a Game Plan 

This tip might be the most important and happens before the event begins. The day before, make sure you map out a strategy for how you will play each hole. This will help you save time and mental energy during competition.

Invest in a yardage book in the pro shop or buy one online at Putt View in advance. Or if you are technically savvy, utilize Google Earth to plan out your ideal strategy.

Here are three things to consider while doing your planning:

• What club will you hit off each tee?
• What side of the box should I tee up on to eliminate trouble?
• Where’s the best place to aim at the green (and best place to avoid)?

While a plan is important, sometimes you’ll need to adapt due to wind, weather, etc. It’s okay to be flexible but stick with the plan for the most part (even if you have a bad hole). 

3. Avoid Technical Swing Changes 

Before the event, it’s natural to want to practice more and get your game dialed in. But this isn’t the time to grind jumbo buckets and try to make major swing changes. 

Trying to cram for a golf tournament is not like cramming for school. Leave the training aids at home so you don’t get overly technical. 

While it’s okay to take one swing thought with you to the event, less is better. During your range sessions leading up to the event, work on:

• Putting
• Wedges
• Driver accuracy
• Pre-shot routine

4. Work on Your Short Game 

Tournament golf means tournament pins which are often 4-6 paces from the edge of the green. If you end up short-sided, you might need some creativity to get up and down. 

In practice, work on all types of short shots, flops, and bunker shots so you’re prepared for tough pins. If possible, practice at the course of the event to understand the sand and types of grass around the greens too. 

5. Get There Early 

The last thing you want to do is arrive late and start the day flustered. Get there at least 75 minutes early to register and go through your full pre-round routine. 

6. Play Your Game

One of the great things about tournament golf is getting paired up with new golfers. While it’s fun to meet new people, one thing I can’t stress enough is how important it is to play your game. 

Don't concern yourself with their swing, putting, or attitude on the course. Stick to your game plan and focus on playing your game! 

7. Plan Ahead 

Playing golf in tournaments requires a ton of mental and physical energy (especially if you’re walking the round). Plan ahead so you bring water, food and snacks so you don’t lose focus during the round. 

Also, if you’re playing in the heat, I suggest salt or electrolyte packets. They provide the sodium you need without the sugar of drinks like Gatorade. 

8. Play For Adrenaline 

Tournament golf is so great because you’ll have tons of adrenaline running through your veins. But this can impact what happens on each shot so plan ahead.

With full swing shots, take less club if you feel a ton of adrenaline as the ball tends to go further. On the green, the opposite happens and it’s easy to leave putt short so make sure to get it there. 

9. Recap Your Round

The final tip is to make sure and recap your round. Tournament golf is the ultimate place to learn about your game so make sure you take plenty of notes and log statistics. 

This will make it easy to learn where you need to improve before your next event. 

10. Sign Up For Another Event 

When you finish your tournament, find another event in the near future. This will give you something to circle on your calendar so you have an event to practice for and stay motivated. 

Hopefully these tips will help you play better in tournaments so you can shine on the big stage.