All beginners face these shots. You will know them. First tee. Big crowd. Driving off in front off lots of people. Feeling extreme anxiety. We have all been there. Fortunately there are a couple easy tips, and two important points that if you follow, you will be just fine, assuming you approach with the correct attitude.

This is where your Game Mentality comes in. For more information on this go to our Game Mentality section.

There are a couple other things you can do to hit better shots in these situations. As with every procedure listed on this site, the first step is always visualizing the shot. You know you can hit good shots, so why should this time be any different.

Perhaps imagine a successful drive you have hit there before. Remember what it was like, and where it ended up.

Now this is the important point number one. BEFORE you step up to your ball, you have got to blank out any people standing nearby, any fears you might have, any feelings of embarrassment. You need to remember, these thoughts will cause you to mess up your shot, and they will cause you fear, embarrassment.

At this stage they are only thoughts, so you can still deal with them. I must emphasis how important it is to clear your mind before you stand over your ball. I know, I have been stood there staring at my ball, thinking negative thoughts. You need to focus. If you can do this, you will hit a brilliant shot.

Next take your normal stance, normal grip and everything. This is the important point number two. If you do not fell good about your shot, stance, anything, PULL AWAY. Take a step back and start from the beginning. This is your body’s natural way of telling you, something is out of place. Even take a few deep breathes in you want.

When you are ready just whip the ball away with your normal swing. When you do hit a good shot, take the opportunity to pose by holding your swing for a couple of seconds and watching your ball fly away into the distance.

There is no better confidence boost than nailing your first drive in front of the clubhouse. So to recap on the important points, clear your head before you enter your routine, and if it don’t feel right, it ain’t, so pull away.

Follow these steps, and with a bit of positive thinking, you will impress yourself and others.

For more information on game mentality, visit our Game Mentality section.