The Art of Playing Great Tournament Golf

Porter Cup 2014

Playing tournament golf is an art. It's not easy or for the faint of heart. It truly must be approached as a creative endeavor. It requires a lot of right brain mastery.

When approaching the game at the tournament level we have to prepare for everything. You've heard the saying "prepare for the worst and expect the best." It's 100% accurate and how you accomplish that mindset is by being an artist. You commit to the process and then let the results unfold.

Performers are masters at that craft. They rehearse and prepare and know the songs backwards and forwards. Invariably mistakes will be made along the way. What do the best performers do? They keep going like nothing happened. That's how you play tournament golf. You keep going like nothing happened. You will make mistakes. How do you deal with the mistakes? Do you take your medicine and keep plugging away?

The art of great tournament golf is also summed up in how well you finish rounds. Lots of things will happen to you through out the week. How well are you able to focus, calm your emotions and get the ball in the hole. At the end of the day it's always about getting the ball in the hole. Do what you have to do to get the ball in the hole. Do what you have to do to hit it in the fairway and put it on the green. If you miss a green, be gritty and find a way to hole the chip or chip it close. We always remember how we finish rounds. It's the key to playing great tournament golf.

The more you embrace tournament golf, understand the nuances and the fact you will make mistakes only helps you deal with adversity head on, the hallmark of a champion. The greatest artists don't worry about messing up, they just keep going like nothing happened! Remember to play the game and enjoy the walk.