Often times, someone will come to a golf lesson complaining that their practice swing is better than their regular swing.  The reason: when we take a practice swing, we do so without tension.  Holding a club too tight or simply trying to swing the club hard to get more clubhead speed can result in tension. This is a destroyer of your golf swing because it doesn't allow the club to swing on its axis, thus throwing off the balance.

A few ways to relax:

1. Practice deep breathing when facing a potentially stressful situation on the golf course. Take two or three deep breaths while letting the body become more relaxed with each exhalation.

2. Tighten your muscles as much as possible, then relax and feel the tension run out of your fingertips and toes.

3. While holding the clubs, try to feel the weight of each club.  If you do not feel the weight, the club is being squeezed too tightly.