From: Golf Magazine, March 2002

ASK JACK: First-Tee Secret

Golf's greatest player answers your questions.

I have a tough time getting off the first tee. What can I do to calm my nerves?

First-tee jitters usually lead to short, fast swings, where you start the club down before you've swung it all the way back. To prevent this, try using a swing thought that has worked for me in tense situations: "Complete the backswing." Reciting this cue helps me concentrate on swinging my left shoulder under my chin and my hands well above my head before I start the downswing. Give it a try the next time you feel pressure.

Should I putt with my eyes directly over the ball?

Not necessarily. I think it's critical to have your eyes posstioned over the target line, but they don't have to be over the ball. I set up with my eyes over a spot behind the ball but still on the extended target line. This behind-the-ball position allows me to see a path rfunning through the fbvall and out to my line. In fact, on short putts, I can see the hole out of my peripheral vision, which helps confirm my aim. Experiment to see what's comfortable for you, but never set your eyes either inside or outside the target line.

Do you have any superstitions in golf?

Well, if you can call it a superstition, I always carry three pennies in my pocket during competitive rounds. Why three? Years ago, an incident made me think that if I carried just one penny and lost it, I'd be without a ball-marker. If I carried two, lost one, and a fellow competitor needed to borrow one, I'd again be without a marker. So, it's three pennies for me. One more thing: I always mark with the tail side up.