GOLF.AI • Feb 25, 2026

Nerves of Steel: Pro Golfer Mind Tricks

Beyond flawless swings and perfect scores lies the unseen battlefield of the professional golfer's mind. To perform under extreme pressure, the pros develop fascinating and often unconventional coping mechanisms that separate them from the rest. These aren't just superstitions; they're highly personalized strategies to manage anxiety and maximize performance when it matters most.

Take Joe Highsmith, the defending Cognizant Classic champion. His secret weapon on the greens is to putt with his eyes closed on important putts. He describes it as a 'nerve coping mechanism' that eliminates visual anxiety and allows him to focus purely on the feel of the stroke. This isn't just a practice drill; he famously sank a 15-foot eagle putt with his eyes shut to force a playoff on PGA Tour Canada, proving the method's effectiveness under fire.

Then there's Ben Griffin, who offers a masterclass in self-awareness. Griffin admits that when he's nervous, he has a strong tendency to miss his shots to the right. Instead of fighting it, he embraces it. When the pressure is on, he consciously sets up and aims further to the left, actively playing for his miss. This strategy allows him to swing freely, knowing he has built in a buffer for his stress-induced habits.

It's not all purely mental, either. Keith Mitchell provides a technical breakdown of how the mental and physical are connected through footwork. He explains that a wider stance is his foundation for creating power, but for 'extra gas' with the driver, he flares his left toe out. This small adjustment allows for a more complete hip turn, unlocking maximum velocity. These stories demystify the pros, showing they aren't machines but rather elite athletes who have mastered the game between their ears.