On the day of a big tournament, I often go to the practice green and watch skilled, dedicated golfers practice missing putts. With a small crowd milling about, they quickly hit putt after putt, destroying their rhythm, timing and confidence. In golf, and in life, practice smart. Tour players always play practice rounds. Ben Hogan used to walk the course at twilight before a tournament to learn all it's hidden tricks and traps.
Top players rehearse every shot in their imagination before going to the course.
They prepare in advance so they are ready when the moment of truth arrives. It pays off. The biggest challenge for many Nike Tour and other young players is to play their best golf without a nickel in their pocket, often lonely and far from home. They have reasons to be distracted. Every great athlete, the ones in the best physical and mental shape, respect their bodies enough to loosen up, stretch and rehearse before competition.