Hello, Daily Duffer readers! As your golf instruction editor, I’m thrilled to talk about a topic that deeply impacts every golfer, from tour professionals to weekend warriors: the mental game under pressure. This week, we’re all buzzing about the return of the Skins Game, an event that, as Brendon Elliott astutely points out, “was a masterclass in pressure golf.”
For those of us who grew up watching it, the Skins Game wasn’t just entertainment; it was a front-row seat to some of golf’s most intense, high-stakes moments. And now, after seventeen years, it’s back! So, grab your coffee this Friday, November 28th, at 9:00 a.m. ET on Prime Video and watch Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Xander Schauffele, and Keegan Bradley revive a truly special tradition.
But beyond the excitement, there are invaluable lessons embedded in the history of the Skins Game—lessons that I constantly reinforce with my students, whether they’re aiming for a tour card or simply trying to break 90. Let’s dive into how these legendary moments can sharpen your own mental game.
Building on Success: The Confidence Multiplier
One of the most powerful insights comes from Greg Norman’s incredible performance in 2001. Imagine winning every single skin, all eighteen holes, and the entire million-dollar purse! What made this feat even more remarkable was a new “validation” rule, requiring a tie or win on the subsequent hole to collect a skin. Norman not only won the 17th hole for $800,000 but then tied on 18 to collect it. He then won a playoff for the final $200,000.
“Norman showed us that the best golf happens when you build on success rather than defend it.”
This is a crucial lesson. How many times have you made a fantastic birdie putt, only to immediately start worrying about the next hole or protecting your score? Norman’s performance is a reminder that confidence isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about actively using positive momentum. When you hit a great shot, don’t just briefly acknowledge it and move on. Relish it. Imprint that feeling of control, that flush contact, that perfect roll. This isn’t complacency; it’s smart mental conditioning.
Try this drill: The “Momentum Builder”
After hitting what you consider a truly excellent shot on the range (a perfectly struck iron, a well-controlled drive), pause for 5-10 seconds. Close your eyes and vividly recall the feeling: the balance, the tempo, the sound, the flight. Then, step up to your next shot specifically trying to recreate that exact feeling. The goal isn’t to hit every shot perfectly, but to train your brain to carry positive sensations forward.
Embracing Golf’s Gifts: The Trevino Ace
Sometimes, golf just gives you a break. Lee Trevino’s hole-in-one on the 17th at the 1987 Skins Game, securing $310,000, is a perfect example. While it was famously spoiled by a broadcast announcement, Trevino didn’t let that diminish his joy or his winnings.
“Instead of feeling lucky, own it. Golf is hard enough. When the game gives you something, accept it with gratitude and move forward.”
As Brendon highlights, golf can be incredibly difficult, so when good fortune strikes, accept it! I often see students apologize for a lucky bounce or shrug off a holed chip shot. Yet, these moments are part of the game. Acknowledge the good fortune, learn from the good shot (even if the result was better than intended), and use that positive energy. It also reminds us, especially on par-3s, that committed aggression can create magic. Trevino wasn’t trying to make an ace, but he was committed to his target, and that commitment paid off spectacularly.
Try this drill: The “Gratitude Shot”
During your next round, consciously identify at least two moments where you experienced good fortune (a terrible shot that got a good kick, a putt that somehow lipped in). Instead of downplaying it, take a mental note, say “Thank you, golf course,” and move on with a positive attitude. This trains you to accept positives rather than dwell on what “shouldn’t” have happened.
The Power of Consistency: Fred Couples’ Effortless Rhythm
Fred Couples, affectionately known as “Mr. Skins” with five wins and 77 individual skins, offers us a masterclass in maintaining tempo under extreme pressure. He collected $4.4 million over eleven appearances, and what observers noted most was his unchanging, smooth, and repeatable swing.
“When pressure hits, your routine is all you have. Make it bulletproof.”
This is a foundational principle I emphasize with all my students. When the stakes are high, our natural instinct is to rush and force things. Our pre-shot routine and tempo are our anchors. They are the constants that bring stability when everything else feels chaotic. Couples’ dominance wasn’t about flashy shots; it was about unwavering consistency, powered by a rhythmic swing that never wavered, whether he was playing for $25,000 or $200,000.
Try this drill: The “Pace Regulator”
On the practice range, use a metronome app or simply count “one-and-two” (one for the backswing, two for the downswing and follow-through) as you hit balls. Focus on making your practice swings match the tempo of your actual swings. Once you feel comfortable, try this on the course for putts or short chips under a little pressure. Consistency in your routine and tempo is your mental lifeline.
Embracing the Challenge: Curtis Strange’s Pressure Perfection
Curtis Strange, with his back-to-back Skins Game wins in 1989 and 1990, showed us the ultimate mental strength: thriving under pressure. He wasn’t just a great ball-striker; he was a master of clutch putting, particularly when the money had accumulated and the situation demanded his absolute best.
In my teaching experience, the way a golfer perceives pressure is a huge determinant of success. Many amateurs dread it, seeing it as a threat. But Strange, like many top professionals, understood that pressure is a sign you’re in contention, a privilege.
“That three-footer to win the match? That’s not something to fear. That’s your opportunity to prove what you’re made of. Welcome it.”
Reframing your perspective on pressure is a game-changer. That tight lie over water, that tricky chip to save par – these are not obstacles to dread, but opportunities to execute and show your skill. Embrace these moments; they are where growth happens and where you prove your mettle.
Watching and Learning
As you watch the Skins Game this Friday, don’t just enjoy the spectacle. Look for these mental game principles in action. Observe how Fleetwood, Lowry, Schauffele, and Bradley handle the highs and lows. Watch their routines, their tempo, and how they react to both success and failure. This is not just golf; it’s a masterclass in performance psychology.
Remember, anyone can improve their mental game with the right approach and practice. Start implementing these lessons into your own game, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Happy golfing!
