[Matt]

I've found - and perhaps it's obvious - that I need to warmup as I usually do in order to play my best. For me, that means not doing much in terms of warming up! My best golf is played when I go from the trunk to the first tee. Maybe a few practice putts if I have time, but otherwise just a few practice swings and I'm off. This is rooted in my years of high school golf where you'd show up to after-school practice and be teeing off within 2 minutes - I hardly had to time to make sure my shoes were tied.

The problem with this arises when I played competitions. At the State Amateur, for example, they've got the range stocked with Pro V1s and since the tournament is a "big deal" I always warmed up. Looking back I think it took me out of my routine (I had both good and bad rounds during my State Ams) because I'd be there hitting drivers and trying to get them flying just how I like. That leads to anxiety and nervousness, at least for me.

I like being a bit rushed on the course too. I enjoy playing fast, to the tune of 45 mins per 9 holes with a cart. I was able to do this regularly at the country club I worked at. Otherwise when walking we'd have 3-4 players, hit when ready, start walking after you hit, talking at all times, etc. That style of game lets me play my best because it fits my personality. When big tournaments rolled around and people are marking one-foot putts like it's the U.S. Open and suddenly forgetting how to take a drop from a water hazard, I used to (and still kind of do) get irritated quickly. Playing within your style is a huge factor.