My dentist and I were chatting (before she went to work cleaning my teeth) about how my oldest boy had gone from panicky worry about going to the dentist at age 4 to calm and assured at age 9. Knowing that I love golf, she asked if I had seen the NY Times article on golfers and anxiety. I have posted a link to the article prompted by Charlie Belijan's victory last week after enduring a panic attack during the tournament.
Has anyone out there gone through an event like this? I don't know if I'd call it anything other than nerves for me, but I did choke big time once during an outing where the winners would be flown to Valderama in Spain for a corporate golf tournament. The winning "clients" within the top foursomes. Teed it up in a two hole playoff - I think there were 8 of us, top two represent the USA contingent in Valderama. I stepped up to the first tee, having hit my tee ball well all day. First hole is a par 5 where a well hit drive can reach a water hazard on the right side. I chose 3 wood for my drive -I set up, heart racing, and focus on....the damn photographer shooting pics for the company newsletter! I duck hooked the drive, double bogied the hole and did NOT go to Valderama...!!
I think that was just me out of my element since I don't play golf competitively. I think panic attacks are related bur far more serious. Regardless, here's the link to a good article...
www.nytimes.com/.../charlie-beljans-panic-leads-to-hospital-and-then-pga-title.html