Keep it as normal as possible. If you do extra, your body and mind could put too much added pressure on the event. You hear every pro talk about playing “one shot at a time”. They try to stay in the moment as much as possible. If you have a good pre-shot routine, be sure to stick to it, especially on the first tee. Best wishes at the event.

First tee jitters happen to everyone just try and relax as much as you can. Take it one shot at a time try and stay locked into your routines. Play within the parameters of your own game and you’ll be fine. Each time you do it you’ll get more comfy with the process.

Only other advice I’d give is if your a data driven person or a planner you can use GPS course maps and at least plan out some of the holes clubs areas to not miss, sides of green to be on etc. if that’s too much to think about just tee it high and let it fly and have fun

I love Dales comment about”staying in the moment “. That’s great advice. Naturally you’ll be amped up and anxious. Try and “quiet the mind” and focus on the shot at hand. Another thing;don’t worry about what your playing partners are doing. That’s out of your control.

Once the peg is in the ground the only thing you can control is you.


Best of luck

Golf is fun buddy, remember that.

First tee jitters are normal. The easiest way to eliminate them is to put yourself in that situation as often as possible. The more tournaments you play, the more comfortable you get.

As someone who plays a lot of tournament golf, here's my advice: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the first tee, so you aren't rushing. Be prepared when you get there (have your ball marked, have tees in your pocket).

Here's my best tip though: TALK. Introduce yourself to other players and the official on the tee. Talking will help keep you loose. When it's your turn to tee off, go through your routine, take a few deep breaths and just try to have fun.

Years ago I had a playing lesson with my coach. We met on the 10th tee earlier enough that we had the back nine to ourselves. We’re standing there and she says OK, this is your first hole in a tournament. How do you feel? I said I’m nervous. She said I have the solution for that. I said what (thinking she had ‘the’ magical answer). She said don’t play golf! I said I want to play golf and she said then you’re going to be nervous.

I’ve thought about that many times over the years and perhaps it will help you too. Good-luck at this tournament, Clif, and all the ones you are going to play in the future.

The guys before me have laid out some solid advice. I want to add is get a good night sleep. This will help your energy level and keep your mind sharp.

Have fun and play well.

Clif,
My best advice to you is routine, routine, routine. When you're on the range, warm up the same way every time. When you practice on the course, focus on keeping your routine the same every time. That, of course, may vary from full shots, mid-flight, chips, and putts. Overall, you ideally want your pre-shot routine to start with something you can repeat. The goal of a solid routine is to be ready for high-pressure situations, as you described. A routine allows you to think less when you're nervous; it tells your brain, "ok, I'm going to hit this shot." It also helps you keep your rhythm. Many times on the first tee of a tournament, people are so nervous or anxious that they rush the shot, and the results are not what they hoped for. Keeping a deliberate, repetitive routine can help you swing more freely without rushing the shot.
It's always good to remind yourself that it's just another tee shot. You've hit countless teeshots throughout your career, and your only goal is to place it in the fairway. Keep it simple and believe in yourself! If it helps, this is coming from someone who plays D1 Collegiate golf.

Enjoy junior golf as much as you can. You'll create lifelong friendships along the way!