Mental Game

Question
I am an 8 handicapper and am 15 years old, i am currently shooting in practice rounds alot lower than my handicap while as soon as i go into competitions my scores average alot higher than what i do in practice, beofore the game on the  range i hit it great, my striking is good. i currenly play at county level and hope to go into golf when i get older as i enjoy playing it and just think it is a great game. i handle pressure well but as soon as i am in a competition my scores are simply not good enough.
thanks for your help  

Answer
Hi Paul:

Welcome to competition.  It's hard isn't it?  Basically what is happening to you happens to everyone...until you know how to handle it.  On the range or in a practice round, there is no pressure.  On the range, if you miss hit one, you simply shrug it off and pull up another ball.  There is no fear or no consequences for hitting a poor shot.  Same thing applies to a practice round, no consequences for hitting a bad shot.  BUT...when it counts, now there is pressure.  Scores go up, because there are consequences.  You get tighter, you get nervous, you try to concentrate harder and then try to make it happen.  What you'll discover Paul in this game, is you need to prepare the best way you can and practice the fundamentals relentlessly because they work.  But when you go play, you have to just go play.  Don't worry about what could or should happen.  If you miss hit a shot and get in trouble, figure out the best way to cut your losses, get out of trouble and save a bogey.  Learn to go play golf...not work on your swing or not try to make mistakes.  You'll do your best when you don't think.  Just focus on the target and focus on what you want to do with your club to make it go there.  I would suggest getting the book "Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect", by Dr. Bob Rotella.  It would really help you.  Good luck with your game.

Eddie Kilthau
PGA Member