That's really a powerful effect when you get on the first green. Everything we do in sports is set up with a thought or a feeling of some sort. By visualizing, by seeing the ball go in the cup, or in the hoop, or for a field goal kicker seeing it go through, it's really a way of mentally programming the physical end that's very, very important for all performance. Pitchers do it. Batters do it.
Quarterbacks do it.
Really, if you think about it, your performance is set up by some kind of image or feeling, what I call your style of mind. Choking is basically an inappropriate focus that's brought on by tension and thinking about the end result. It first starts in the mind, 'don't embarrass yourself, 'don't mess up,' 'don't blow a lead,' that leads to that fear and anxiety response. Now, you're thinking about the end result. You're also feeling very uncomfortable on the inside so your mind shifts to your rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms.