Amateur tournaments: tips for your first competition

Facing your first amateur golf tournament is an exciting moment for any player. Doubts, nerves and expectations arise, but so does the opportunity to experience the sport in a more intense and rewarding way.

At Golf Alcanada, where the setting, the serenity of the Mediterranean and the technical design of the course accompany every shot, we want you to enjoy your first competition with confidence, preparation and a clear mindset. This post gathers the essential aspects to help you face your debut safely and enjoy every minute.

Proper clothing: comfort, etiquette and functionality

Clothing influences more than you think, not only your comfort but also your confidence.
What to consider:

• Breathable technical garments: polos and trousers that allow mobility without trapping heat.
• Light layers: especially for early rounds; vest, light sweater or windbreaker.
• Shoes with optimal grip: good footwear prevents slipping on tees and slopes.
• Cap or visor: essential on a coastal course like Alcanada, even on cloudy days.
• Respect etiquette: discreet colours, golf-appropriate clothing and a neat appearance.

Warm-up routine: your best ally to get into rhythm

Before any tournament, a proper warm-up makes the difference between improvising and starting with control from hole 1.

Recommended steps:

• Joint mobility (5 min): neck, shoulders, hips and wrists.
• Soft swings without ball (10 min): smooth rhythm, no force.
• Short-game area (10 min): chips, pitches and short shots, the most useful before starting.
• Putting (10–15 min): long distances first, short ones at the end for confidence.
• 3–5 driver shots: only to loosen the body, not to adjust technique.

Club selection and strategy: simplicity above all

You don’t need to reinvent your game for your first competition.
Selection tips:

• Trust your usual clubs: avoid trying new woods or wedges on tournament day.
• Prioritise control over distance: on Alcanada, a mid-iron is often safer than a wood on strategic holes.
• Use the driver only if you feel confident: otherwise, choose a hybrid or long iron to keep the ball in play.
• Plan according to the hole: study the card, identify hazards and avoid unnecessary risks.

Nerve management: calm in every shot

Debut nerves are normal, what matters is handling them.
How to manage them:

• Deep breathing before the shot: inhale 3 seconds, hold 3, exhale 4.
• Short, repeatable routines: alignment, light practice swing, shot.
• Focus shot by shot: don’t think about the final score prematurely.
• Accept mistakes: even professionals fail, your reaction matters more than the error.

Pace of play and etiquette: the foundation of amateur golf

A tournament is not only performance but also respect and coexistence.
Remember:

• Maintain a smooth pace: be ready when it’s your turn.
• Silence during other players’ shots: even with wind or distractions.
• Repair pitch marks and divots: caring for the course is part of competition.
• Be polite with your group: especially in your first event.

Nutrition and hydration: steady energy

On courses like Alcanada, with slopes and sea breezes, it’s essential to keep your body energised.
Recommendations:

• Drink water every 2–3 holes: don’t wait to feel thirsty.
• Light snacks: fruit, nuts or soft bars to maintain energy.
• Avoid heavy meals before playing: they slow you down and cause fatigue.

Tournament mindset: realistic goals and positive attitude

Your first tournament is about experience, not perfection.

Set achievable goals:

• Keep the ball in play.
• Maintain swing rhythm.
• Avoid double bogeys or worse.
• Enjoy the course and learn from the process.

At Golf Alcanada, we want your first amateur golf tournament to be a memorable experience: technique, enjoyment and learning. Our course offers a fair and stimulating challenge for those taking their first competitive steps. In addition, our PGA professional academy and Toptracer Range give you the confidence and preparation you need to compete.
Book your next experience at our company and enjoy your competitive debut in a unique setting by the Mediterranean Sea.