[Big Ed]

Rick,

Just had a 3 day event this w/e. Was 1 under for the 54 holes and had to go sudden death playoff for 1st. Had been cool as a cucumber all w/e, then got nervous in the damn playoff (lost on 3rd hole to a PAR). So I know of what you speak....

Having said that, I'm usually OK at battling the nerves. Non-pharmaceutically, that is. During the round, ignore score and focus only on the shot at hand, don't get ahead of yourself. Fairways and greens...if you give yourself a lot of birdie putts good things happen.

As far as the swing goes...at address, I make sure that my forearms are relaxed before I begin the swing (for me, that's where the tension collects). During the swing, I think only about maintaining tempo, to avoid the tendency to get short & quick.

Give 'em hell!