It’s the start of spring and time to hit the greens again. But, after a winter of not playing, you are a little nervous at the thought of going up to that first tee. Maybe you don’t want to look stupid among friends or family. Perhaps you don’t want to start off a game poorly, or you are afraid you’ll lose. It’s even possible you fear that you won’t be able to fulfill your own expectations for yourself on the course. Such are “first-tee jitters,” or fears you may have before hitting the first shot of a golf game. The first shot sets the tone for your outing, not to mention your score. Here are some tips to beat those butterflies.

• Hit a few practice balls at the club’s driving range or putting green to help you loosen up. Don’t worry if you aren’t making perfect contact. Use the time to concentrate on your aim and try to relax.
• Visualize how you will contact the ball and how the ball will soar to the target. That way, you will give yourself more confidence.
• Don’t think negatively in your mind. Saying “I haven’t played in ages” will only make you more nervous. Instead, tell yourself that you will enjoy hitting the first shot of the day.
• Take a deep breath. Basic relaxation tricks like inhaling and exhaling can help release tension.
• Don’t rush. Take your time on your first shot. Try not to go too fast just to get it over with.
• While you aim, keep your head down and your eyes on the ball that’s on the tee.
• Check your ego at the door. No one else is watching you by yourself. Remember – everybody else is only concerned with his own golf game.
• Don’t get angry at yourself if you make a poor shot. Think of each shot separately. It’s okay to have some bad shots; you’ll remember the good ones when the round is over. And, as they say, “A bad day of golf is better than a good day at work.”