GGolf instruction is always evolving, but the best advice stands the test of time. In GOLF.com’s new series, Lifetime Tips, we’re highlighting some of the greatest advice that teachers and players have shared in the pages of GOLF Magazine. Today we look back to our November 2016 issue for some tips from Justin Rose on playing under pressure.
once again, Justin Rose it goes to show that in golf age is just a number. Fresh off a season that included a Winning the FedEx Cup Playoff event and a runner-up at the Masters, the Englishman hit the ground running in 2026 with a dominant victory at Farmers Insurance Opening. The win was Rose’s 13th on the PGA Tour and moves him to No. 3 on the OWGR.
Not bad for a 45 year old.
While most players this age are preparing their schedules and preparing for life on the Champions Tour, Rose refuses to slow down. In fact, some could argue that he is playing the best golf of his career. For someone with a resume as strong as his (US Open title, gold medal, former World No. 1), that’s saying something.
In honor of Rose’s career resurgence, we’re taking a look back at the November 2016 issue of GOLF magazine. In it, Rose shared four keys to playing your best golf under pressure.
Rose’s 4 keys to playing under pressure
“The block has bottles!”
In England, that’s how we describe someone with guts – the guy who plays well under pressure. I’ve been trying to “bottle” since the first time I tied my stitches. Some players are natural herds. I had to work at it. With 20 wins around the world, including a US Open and an Olympic gold medal, I think I’ve got it figured out.
That’s right – you can learn to relax, have fun and make great shots when the heat is on. And anyone can follow my four-step plan. So get ready – you will start playing like an Olympic champion.
1. Build a process
My best moment of the bunch? Putting a 4-iron on the 18th green on Sunday to close out the 2013 US Open. Phil Mickelson was breathing down my neck. And hey – a 4-iron isn’t what I’d call my go-to club. | I would have smothered that shot earlier in my career. I let things get to me – a large crowd, for fear of striking a bad blow. Older and wiser, I now pay attention only to the process.
That word has been thrown around a lot on Tour – and for good reason. Focusing fully on your process, or pre-shot routine, protects your confidence from fear and negative thoughts.
If you don’t have a set pre-shot routine—from taking the shot to choosing the right club and settling into your stance—get one. Statistics. Your routine is not a precursor to a stroke. Think of it as part of the stroke – the part over which you have complete control. And run your process at the same speed every time.
The pressure forces you to speed up, and that’s not good. How do I know I’m in a spiritual state? When it takes me the same time to settle for a critical drive late on Sunday – with the world watching – as for an easy field on Thursday where no one is watching. Remember: your routine is a “nail” that you can nail every time.
2. Be a planner
I tend to shoot higher numbers in the afternoon than in the morning rounds. The reason? Bad routine. Sometimes, I wake up very early, then do nothing but watch the clock all day, creating a wasp’s nest of nervous energy in the process. By my time, I am emotionally spent.
It can happen to you too. For gold! When you’ve scheduled that four-ball after lunch, make sure you go about your normal business, whether it’s dropping the kids off at school, attending to work matters, or hitting the gym. The trick: Act normal while doing everything at a slightly slower pace and plan your routine so you have time for a solid warm-up. Rushing through a busy day only speeds up the mind and swings, which is hardly helpful in high-pressure moments.
When you get to the course, avoid using pre-round practice as a means of fine-tuning your swing or suddenly perfecting that flop shot. You will get too “in your head”. Think simple thoughts, such as, “Swing my driver as well as I swing my 7-iron.”
Emphasize rhythm over mechanics – better rhythm makes your process easier to execute. If this thought doesn’t do the trick, there’s no need to panic. Check your basics. Erratic beam swings are often the result of poor alignment or a problem with your grip. Nail your basics, and you’ll nail your shots.
3. Find a car to go
I’ve been getting a good chunk of yards off the tee the last few seasons. Not bad for a guy in his mid thirties.
GOLF Top 100 Teachers Sean Foley, my coach since 2009, has taught me how to use ground reaction forces to improve my weight shift and maximize energy transfer to the ball. Eventually, you’ll have to work at these things like I did. In the meantime, try this: Rock harder! Trust me, it makes a difference.
A faster swing helps the club climb at impact, which is critical for launching high, deep and straight swings. My one warning? Don’t add speed until later in your move, or you’ll risk falling out of the plane. Start slowly. On the last hole in Rio, I knew I had to put the ball in play, what with Henrik Stenson lurking. I did it by slowing my movement to a snail’s pace for the first two feet, then letting it rip! A free and fast swing prevents you from “driving” it.
You need faith to be a herd.
4. Lean on your wedges
A few years ago, I was ranked 171st in approach distance from 75 to 100 yards. Two seasons ago I was the first. I have turned a weakness into a herd strength. Even though my medal-winning putt on the 72nd hole in Rio was only 40 yards away, it was a direct result of the work I put into other areas of my short game.
Try this: See your wedge swing path as a clock – your hands at address and impact are 6:00; hands guiding the target is 3:00; hands halfway back is 9:00. Practice stopping backswing at 9, 10, 11 and 12 o’clock, always accelerating the club through impact. Note the distance you fly with these four shots using all of your wedges. If you carry four wedges like me, you can now call up 16 different yards on command! (To correct your clearances, sink the handle one to three inches—but nail the length of the backswing first.)
Don’t change your pace or technique – let the backswing length and club loft do the work for you. The beauty of this system? This allows you to produce the same pitch in different ways – lower, higher, more spin, less spin – depending on the club/swing combination you choose. It’s that simple. I don’t know why more weekend players – or my Tour competitors – do this!
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