Zephyr Melton
October 15, 2021
Playing in a Pro-Am is sure to make you nervous.
Aramco team series
OLD WESTBURY, NY – Pro-Ams are some of the coolest experiences a recreational golfer can have. Would you like to tee off with the best in the world on a professional level tournament? You won’t find that in your weekly Skins game.
With this week’s Aramco Team Series, some lucky amateurs can take the experience to the next level. Not only do you play alongside the best women in the world all weekend, but your score counts for team results too.
6 Things I Learned Playing Golf With a Major Champion
Zephyr Melton
Playing in front of the best in the world is nerve-wracking, but with stakes at stake? It’s a whole different kind of pressure.
Fortunately for the amateurs in the field this week, the ladies on their teams have experience playing with recreational golfers in weekly pro-ams, so they are experts at how to help them calm down.
At Glen Oaks Club this week I asked a few players what advice they had for their amateur game partners. Here is what they said.
Jessica Korda
“I would honestly say, ‘We’re on the same team, so don’t give a shit.’ [laughs] It’s going to be a fun day anyway. I know you will be nervous, but we are also nervous. We play for something bigger than us, especially at these team events. I know they are going to get some syringes so we rely on them so ‘don’t suck’ would be my best advice.
Nelly Korda
“Just try to have fun. Try to enjoy the moment, it’s something completely different and we’ll all be nervous because we’re not just playing for ourselves but for our team too, so it will be fun if we all stay beautiful light out there. “
Angel yin
“When you play with amateurs in tournaments like this, they want to make a contribution and do well for the team because they want us to do well. With this mindset, they want to do so very well that sometimes it backfires and they are too tense and stressed. I just want you to be relaxed. Sometimes they are too sure because they think that if you play it safe, there will be fewer mistakes. But at the end of the day, you can pull a 4 iron as far as a driver. So just hit the driver and approach the green so you have a chip. Just hit the driver and be as aggressive as you want. “
Today I have the chance to serve the two-time Solheim Cup winner Catriona Matthew in a Pro-Am. @ Beany25 pic.twitter.com/IaIc3IUuWc
– Zephyr Melton (@zephyrmelton) October 14, 2021
Sophia Popov
“I try to talk to them about a lot of things that have nothing to do with golf. It is important to feel like you are outside to have fun. That’s what this week is about. Let’s just go out and have a good time. When we play well, we play well. If not, it’s not a big deal. I just want them to be in a good mood. That will help them play better. Don’t focus too much on the game, just have fun. “
Anne van Dam
“It’s important to feel comfortable and talk to them. I try to compliment them when they hit a good shot and tell them that it doesn’t matter if they hit a bad shot. Ask about their private life and help them relax a little. “
Zephyr Melton is Assistant Editor at GOLF.com, where he spends his days blogging, producing, and editing. Before joining the GOLF.com team, he attended the University of Texas, followed by stints with Team USA, the Green Bay Packers and the PGA Tour. He supports in all matters of teaching and covers amateur and ladies golf.