We hear stories all the time about professional golfers having first tee jitters, but it's rare to hear golfers share feelings of extreme anxiety.
David Barrett provides a few excerpts from reigning US Amateur champion Danny Lee's press conference, and below are a few of the more noteworthy quotes:
Q: Do you think it’s possible, could a guy like you at your age and lack of experience, could you win this week?
DANNY LEE: No. I’m having really bad nerves at the moment, seriously. All of the crowds yesterday, I was nervous, really shaking my clubs, and wasn’t swinging properly. I’ve never seen that many crowds out there and, you know, that many greatest players playing in this tournament. I’m still nervous and I’m trying to relax every time and trying to practice hard and see how it goes.
DANNY LEE: No. I’m having really bad nerves at the moment, seriously. All of the crowds yesterday, I was nervous, really shaking my clubs, and wasn’t swinging properly. I’ve never seen that many crowds out there and, you know, that many greatest players playing in this tournament. I’m still nervous and I’m trying to relax every time and trying to practice hard and see how it goes.
(Later) Q: I’m worried about you being nervous. This is a long way
for a boy from Rotarau High School; will you get your nerves under
control by the time you smack it the first time?
I’m working on it. Still having nerves from the media stuff again.
Q: All friends, Danny.
I’m trying to think this is friends, and when I get nervous, I can’t really talk properly, because my nerves are breaking down and I’m having a stomach ache, too. I’m serious. I’m trying to calm myself every time, but I know as soon as I go outside the clubhouse and watch all of those crowds out there, I cannot get relaxed or nice and calm like that. But I’m still working on it.
I’m working on it. Still having nerves from the media stuff again.
Q: All friends, Danny.
I’m trying to think this is friends, and when I get nervous, I can’t really talk properly, because my nerves are breaking down and I’m having a stomach ache, too. I’m serious. I’m trying to calm myself every time, but I know as soon as I go outside the clubhouse and watch all of those crowds out there, I cannot get relaxed or nice and calm like that. But I’m still working on it.
