First Tee Nerves: Why Golfers Play Scared (And How to Play Freely) | Dr Raymond Prior (Part 2)

Most golfers aren’t trying to hit the shot they want — they’re trying to avoid the one they fear. 

In Part 2 of our conversation with performance psychologist Dr Raymond Prior, we go deeper into the mental side of golf — and why so many golfers struggle when it matters most.

Why does the first tee feel so terrifying?
Why do golfers start protecting a good score instead of chasing a great one?
And what’s the crucial difference between being nervous… and being anxious?

Raymond explains why many golfers unknowingly play with an avoidance mindset — trying not to hit the bad shot — instead of pursuing the shot they actually want to hit. That shift alone can completely change how you perform under pressure.

In this episode we explore:

Why first-tee nerves feel so intense
The difference between nerves and anxiety in performance
Why golfers often protect a good score instead of going low
How to step away and reset when your mind starts racing
Why “choking” in sport is often misunderstood
How identity and ego can interfere with your golf

This episode is packed with practical insights for any golfer who wants to play more freely, handle pressure better, and finally understand the psychology behind their best — and worst — rounds.

Dr Raymond Prior is a leading performance psychologist and author of Golf Beneath the Surface, working with elite players and performers across multiple sports.

If you’ve ever stood on the first tee hoping you don’t embarrass yourself… this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now.

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🏨 Big shout out to The Leddie Hotel on Scotland’s Golf Coast.

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