How to Practice Tee Shots Under Pressure

Make practice less comfortable

Pressure on the tee comes from consequences: water right, partners watching, a score you care about, or the memory of the last miss. Recreate a little of that. Do not rake ball after ball. Step away, reset, and make each drive count.

The 18-tee game

Play an imaginary course on the range:

1. Write down 18 fairway shapes or use your home course.
2. Choose a club for each hole.
3. Hit one ball only.
4. Mark it as fairway, playable rough, recovery, or penalty.
5. Keep the score and try to beat it next session.

Pressure cues that travel

• Breathe out before the waggle.
• Aim at a start line, not at the hazard.
• Swing at the speed that lets you see the finish.
• Accept the stock curve.

Under pressure, a familiar plan beats a heroic adjustment made at the last second.