If there’s one pressure in golf that I really feel, it’s arriving to play a round and being added to a group to complete a four-ball. Normally, this happens because I’ve arrived on my own, and I end up joining a group of two or three people who already seem to know each other. Suddenly, I’m the lone ranger who’s been added to their dynamic. Or, as my wife lovingly calls me, “Billy No Mates.”
Not knowing anyone in the group or their golfing abilities, I start to feel what I call “First Tee Anxiety.” Club in hand, I’m anxiously waiting for my turn and desperately hoping I don’t embarrass myself. I’ve been added to their four-ball, and suddenly, I become extremely religious before taking my shot! My brain goes into overdrive:
“I hope I don’t embarrass myself.” “I hope I don’t hold these people up.” “I wonder what handicap they are.” “I hope I don’t spoil their round of golf!”
I’m so nervous that I barely appreciate their shots off the first tee—I’m too focused on not making an ass of myself. And then finally, it’s my turn. For some reason, I always seem to go last when I join a new group. So, I grab my trusted 4-hybrid. No time for a driver on this long par 4. Go with what works. Don’t be a hero.
I can tell you now, that 4-hybrid has never let me down off the first tee. So, it’s become my anxiety killer. My only goal is to keep the ball in play—anything else is a bonus. It’s all about calming those nerves when joining a new group. Nothing silly to start.
Once that first shot is out of the way, I’m able to breathe and actually start enjoying the round. Do you ever feel any of these anxieties when joining a new group, or is it just me? How do you handle that pressure on the first tee? Share your tips—I’d love to hear how others tackle this! But it’s that initial pressure that always gets me. The fear of judgment, the hope not to mess up, and the desire to fit into the group dynamic—it’s a lot! But every time I manage to settle in, it reminds me why I love golf. It’s not just the game; it’s the challenge of overcoming those little moments of self-doubt and pressure.
