In this post I talk about needing some help with the mental game. I still do.
I’ve been shooting some low scores, for 14 or 15 holes. Like last Sunday in a tournament I was -4 after 14. I blew a gasket and leaked oil the rest of the round. Went from 1st to a gimpy 75 and not in the money.
I’ve had probably 15-20 rounds this year where I’m any were from even par to -5 on the back 9, only to give it back by the time the round is over. I had a 31/41 round of 72 the other day. If there is such a thing as a disappointing even par round, that was it.
I chatted with a couple of the pros at my club about this. They say the key is to not go conservative. Don’t try to protect that -4 round, try to increase it to -5, -6. I see their point. But it’s not like I’m playing conservative all the sudden. I start to literally get butterflies in my stomach and have breathing problems. I’ll then have some kind of brain dead moment where I make a stupid course management choice or flub a very easy shot.
For instance: I’m in a tourney last week. I’m grinding big time. I started out with 9 pars in a row and then birdie #10. On #16, a 200 yard par 3, I decide a 5 iron is the right club. I then grab my 6 iron, clean it and knock it 15 yards short. So disappointed with that bogey, I sky my drive and bogey 17. Bogey 18. Domino effect.
I’m going to try the aggressive idea and see if I can build on that good round. Sounds like a good thing to try.
But what calms those butterflies of excitement when you’re playing great and you’re thinking “this could be the best round I’ve ever shot.” The second you say that you’re dead.
I’m thinking perhaps all the experience of getting that close will eventually pay off and I’ll break through with a personal world record low round. Maybe the floodgates would be open then.
Any ideas, thoughts or input on improving or strengthening the mental side?
I’ve golfed a TON this week. Wow, I just figured it out: In the last 7 days I’ve played 6 rounds. Ok, I’m an addict. I hope my wife doesn’t read this post.
Played today at the best CC in town. After making a 60 foot putt for a 7 on the first hole (par 5), I managed to card a 76. I’m a little burned out because the temps here have been well over 100. It was 105 yesterday. Don’t get me wrong, I love the heat. I know damn well that 4 or 5 months from now there will be snow on the ground and I’ll be gazing out the window wishing it was 105 degrees.
I’ve got a bit of “golf on TV overload” since the US Open and British…er, a “Open” Championship. So I haven’t felt the urge to watch any golf on TV. Call it “post major golf apathy.”
So this week on the PGA Tour is one of those weeks where the “B” players have a chance to win, since there aren’t many “A” players in the field. This week could literally mean someone keeps their card or gets their first PGA win. From that standpoint it is interesting. Perhaps as Sunday approaches my interest will perk up a little.
I’d normally be playing a round tomorrow (Sat), but I’m just going to hit the range. I’m also going to get some new grips put on tomorrow. I don’t wear a glove and my hands have been very sweaty. It’s been so hot here I’ve found out what grips become slippery when wet. They’ve got to go.
So Saturday I’ll spend some time at the golf store browsing around and getting some gear worked on. I’ll probably respike my old shoes (not my CDT’s). And I’ll hit the range and practice for an hour or two. I’ll probably get bored and sneak onto the course and play a few holes…
Please vote in the newest HOGB poll: (left column)
Who is the current best player to not have won a major?
Sergio Garcia
Padraig Harrington
Adam Scott
Darren Clarke
Chris DiMarco
Stuart Appleby
Colin Montgomerie
Feel free to comment if you think any of these players DON’T belong on the list, or any players who you think DO belong on this list.
Are you a hacker? We have poll data determine the answer:
The latest HOGB poll asked the question: What constitutes a hacker?
Here are the results:
5- Above a 24 handicap
51% (23 Votes) 51%
4- Above an 18 handicap
33% (15 Votes) 33%
3- Above a 10 handicap
13% (6 Votes) 13%
2- Above a 5 handicap
2% (1 Votes) 2%
1- Above a 0 handicap
0% (0 Votes) 0%
So 51% say you have to be a 24 or above while an additional 33% say 18 and above. I’d have to disagree. I think anyone who is above a 5 is a hacker.
A total of 84% agree that 18 or above is a hacker.
My kids were asking me what is inside a golf ball tonight. So I took an old Titleist Professional 90 and cut it open.
We found the world’s longest rubber band inside. The ball started crackling like rice crispies and expanding. It then kind of exploded as it unwound, exposing the core. My kids thought I was pretty cool for showing them this.
My kids now refer to a wound ball as “old fashioned.” Their education continues.
« Previous
1
…
1,129
1,130
1,131
1,132
1,133
…
1,162
Next »
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
