How to deal with stress in golf (and in life?)

First let me say that I do not play golf and really wish it were not on TV evry weekend, but none-the-less, this is very similar to virtually any sport (and probably life as well!)

Good Game Of Golf -- Mind Over Matter

"In general, effective coping involved gaining a sense of control, while
ineffective coping involved the golfers trying to force their play,' said
co-author Dr. Nick Holt, a professor of Physical Education and Recreation at the
University of Alberta, and a Certified Consultant with the Association for the
Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology. The study, published in the June
edition of The Sport Psychologist, was conducted jointly with Dr. Adam Nicholls
from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom."

The key point is summarized in the following two paragraphs. (again from Science Daily)

"During effective coping golfers maintained a positive mindset by using positive
self-talk, blocking negative thoughts, and focusing on the next shot (rather
than on past shots). They stayed physically relaxed by using deep breathing
exercises and stretching. Finally, they sought advice from their caddies, and
were sure to follow their playing routine.

Alternatively, the golfers had very different thoughts and behaviors during ineffective coping episodes. Ineffective coping strategies were identified as trying too hard, speeding up,
and making sudden changes to their learned playing routine. Changing the playing
routine is a common mistake, Dr. Holt said. "Rather than making changes during a
round, they should be sticking with what they know. Pre-shot routines can be
adapted during practice, but not under the stress of competition." "