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How many times have you reviewed your round of golf and said to yourself, “If I could have just played the last few holes better, I could have shot a good score.”

When you’re playing for a Coke and a hotdog, it may not mean as much. But if you’re playing tournament golf or in cash games, your end-of-round performance can make the difference between putting some coin in your pocket and paying some out.

If you’ve seen the 1961 movie classic “The Hustler,” there’s a scene in the beginning where Fast Eddie (Paul Newman) was beating the pants off Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason) playing straight pool. The two had played for 15 hours or more. In the meantime, Bert Gordon (George C. Scott), the cutthroat bookie, was studying Fast Eddie as he drank in his glory.

Bert, who was backing the losing Minnesota Fats, said to Minnesota, “Keep playing him; he’s a loser,” referring to Fast Eddie. So Minnesota Fats went to the bathroom and refocused himself by washing his face and revitalizing himself. Minnesota Fats came back and told Fast Eddie, “Let’s play some pool.” And Eddie was beaten.

Was Fast Eddie beaten because Minnesota Fats was the better player? No, it was because Fats had refocused his character for the final stand.

This scene relates to playing the last three holes strong on the golf course. The last several holes of your round often are the toughest. After all, in any sports endeavor, the pressure is on to finish the competition – and to finish it well. You may be tired, you may feel mentally drained, but this is the time when you should be more focused than ever.

Like Minnesota Fats in “The Hustler,” take a minute or two to refresh yourself, regain perspective and “reboot” your state of mind. For me, I try to do things that will prepare me for a fresh start. I evaluate what I need to do – whether it’s make a birdie to defeat my opponent or to shoot a certain score. I often check my alignment, make sure my glove is secure, ensure there are no nicks on my golf ball, and drink some fluids.

When you learn how to revitalize yourself and your game for the final three holes, you’ll find yourself more cool and confident wrapping up your round.