Lesson 5 of 5
What To Do
The first tee shot is the most nervous swing of the day for most golfers. People are watching, your body is still waking up, and you have been thinking about this shot since you parked the car.
Owning the first tee is about having a plan so clear that nerves have nothing to grab on to. You already played this shot in your head at the end of your warm-up. Now you arrive at least 10 minutes early, pick the shot you are most comfortable hitting, and run the same script you run every time. The goal is not a perfect drive. The goal is a committed swing that puts the ball in play.
How To Do It
Step 1: Ask JJ's question
Ask yourself, "What shot am I most comfortable hitting?" Your instincts will tell you. If you naturally see a fade, play the fade, even if you think you are supposed to hit a draw. You will trust it more. If driver makes you nervous on hole one, hit a 3 wood or hybrid. That is smart golf, not weak golf.
Step 2: Pick a safe target
Pick the fat part of the fairway and a specific object behind it, like a tree or the edge of a bunker. A big safe area with a small aiming point lets you swing freely.
Step 3: Make feel swings, not mechanical ones
Take smooth practice swings in good tempo that feel like the shot you picked. Do not think about swing path and clubface. JJ's rule is to make your practice swings useful and not just use them to get loose. Start a long, slow belly breath before you walk into the ball.
Step 4: Run your first tee script
One breath, say your word for the round, see the shot start and finish, step in, say your one performance cue, two looks at the target, and go. Do the exact same thing every time so it becomes automatic.
Step 5: Call the nerves excitement
Nerves on the first tee are normal, even for tour players. Research on pressure shows that calling the feeling excitement helps more than trying to force yourself calm. Tell yourself, "I am ready, this is fun." Nerves mean you care.
Everything you save here is stored in My Playbook.
When To Use It
- On the first tee of every round
- On any tee shot with people watching
- On the first shot after a long break, like after the turn
Common Mistakes
- Hitting driver because everyone else is, even though it makes you nervous
- Trying to hit the shot you think you should hit instead of the one you trust
- Making mechanical practice swings instead of feel swings
- Rushing the shot to get it over with
- Taking a new swing thought from the range to the first tee
Practical Exercise
First Tee Box Breath
Box breathing is used by pilots and first responders to stay calm under stress. Breathe in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. Do two rounds while you wait to tee off, then run your script.
Pattern: 4-4-4-4 seconds, 2 cycles. The voice counts each second for you.
Ready
Takeaways
- Arrive 10 minutes early with your first shot already played in your head
- Hit the shot you are most comfortable hitting, not the one you think you should
- Feel swings, not mechanical swings
- The same script every time makes the first tee feel familiar
- Nerves mean you care. Call it excitement and play
Reflect
Use It Next Round
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