Being your own Caddy, tips for being successful in tournament play.

Tournaments are tough, the mental load of  tournament play can shake even the strongest of players. Having a Caddy is a huge advantage, having someone who knows your game and can bring you back to center when you start to wander can be a huge competitive edge.Bringing your own caddy, isn't always practical or possble so its important that we learn to be our own caddy from time to time. A few simple steps can help set you up for success. 

Be prepared

Before you step onto the course, make sure you're well-prepared. Plan ahead and create a checklist to ensure you have all your necessary equipment, including a your go-to discs/backups, water, snacks, scorecards, and any other essentials. Being your own caddy means you're responsible for everything you might need during the round.

Know the course

Study the course layout and hole specifics. Understand the distance, par, and any potential hazards. Knowing the course inside and out is crucial for making informed decisions during your rounds. Get some practice rounds in, if you can, get them in with some one who knows the course better than you. Know the safe line on everyhole.

Be Positive

Your mental game is a critical aspect of being your own caddy. Stay focused, maintain a positive mindset, and manage your emotions. Visualization and a pre-shot routine can help keep your mental state in check and improve your performance. Manage your self talk, keep it constructive and not critical. Think " What did do wrong there?" not " I'm such an idiot for missing that".

These steps can get you off on the right foot and make sure you are ready.  Look at every lie, take your time to find the line that makes the most sense for how you are playing that day. I try to note early on if I seem to be turning stuff over or early releasing, and account for that in future shot selection. Don't keep reaching for understable discs if you keep turning them over. 

Tournament play pretty much comes down to these two things, Preparation, and Adaptability. Be prepared for your round and be ready to make changes on the fly. Tournaments are a ton of fun and end up being a great place to hone your skill. The better you are at being your own Caddy, the more success you will find. Get out there and be the best Caddy you can.