One of my students, a man who is a very good player, called me from a tournament he was competing in out of town.

I heard more negative comments in the first few minutes than I could count. Because he was playing in a tournament, he was putting so much pressure on himself he could not relax.

He knew he had to finish in the top five or he would lose points and not be able to play in the next event.

After hearing all his negative thoughts, I told him to pack his bag and come home.

He said he could not do that, so I told him then he should relax and enjoy what he was doing.

I told him when he stepped to the first tee in the morning, he should go through his routine and then smile after each shot he hit.

Just smile, nothing more. He shot 67 and finished third. I got a call from a very happy man.

Sometimes all it takes to get more out of your game is one simple thought like remembering to smile.

So next time you play, try smiling and see if you don't play a lot better.