Can't start a round

[Jabba]

Today was the weekly stableford today and I got there an hour before we were due to meet. I warmed up, going from SW to driver, hit a good few chips and then spent 10 minutes putting. This is my regular warm up and I STILL can't start a round.The 1st drive is usually one of the best of the day but then it all goes belly up. I had 1 lousy point after three holes ! I finished on 36 points. This is the story of my play at the moment.
It could be worse, if I had 35 points after 15 holes and finished on 36, I'd be apoplectic.

 

[Nikki]

Go for a lesson and discuss this with a pro... or ask bobmac...

Just as good

 

[dom111]

I used to do something like that. It's too much. I spend more time getting my head on it than whacking balls. Its all personal though- I like to hit about 15 balls at the range-
5 x 7 iron
3 x 5 iron
2 x 3 iron
2 x 3 wood
3 x driver
Then putting for the rest. But focussed putting. Then take a few swings on the tee. Your head will be right on your game. But that was what I used to do when I was regularly playing- worked for me, but its all personal, find something that works and stick to it, it gives you familiarity and confidence.

 

[andiritchie]

Just a suggestion why don't you just rock up and play and see how you get on?

A hour practise is more shots than you would hit on the course.I love practise myself but before any round i just go straight to the tee.As i know when i go straight to the range i hit it good so hopefully the good shots will come on the course.

Too much prep on the day can be bad

 

[JustOne]

If I warm up it's generally only with a 5-wood. I hit it 50yds, then 60, 70, 80, 90 etc until I'm hitting it full tilt - then I'm good to go.

I'm only trying to warm up and don't want to hit my way through all the different clubs... too much pressure and adds too much doubt.

Sometimes I even do a few stretches (yeh, right!)

 

[USER1999]

I'll hit about 30 8 irons, then some chipping and putting. That said, I am a slow starter too.

Mind you, there's alot to be said for starting slow. If I started birdie par par I think I would panick.

 

[Macster]

Iv'e tried the 'practice' before a round routine, and in all honesty, it didnt do me any good at all, in fact, I think it put too much expectation there.

All I do now before a Medal round is 5/10mins on the putting green, 5mins chipping perhaps, and a few swings with a mid iron to loosen up fully.
If I go into the nets, i'm screwed, hate the things. Cant see where the shots are going and consequently just fills my head with doubts doubts and more doubts.

I think you just perhaps have too much expectation and pressure to start well ?
You've got a sackful of shots, so just accept that you will be using them on the first few holes, and dont bust a gut for Par's, which lead to blowouts if you put yourself in a mess.

*Simples*

 

[medwayjon]

I wouldnt be too despondent

Perhaps a different warm-up routine, maybe none even.

Its all about finding what works for you.

Im not fussed about warm-ups other than a few chips/putts.

If there is a range I will hit a few if I feel a bit stiff, I dont like nets but if thats all there is I will do those.

 

[Fyldewhite]

I think you have to draw a line between practice and "warm up". To me the warm up is all about getting relaxed and getting in the right frame of mind and I'll do this having a casual chip/putt and a chat with the guys around the 1st tee. Perhaps a few swings to loosen up before a couple of swings on the first tee and away I go. I've tried all sorts of longer warm ups on the field and in nets etc but found little difference in form. In fact if I'm not hitting it well I get very negative and I think it's then counter productive so I just don't bother anymore.

 

[funkyfred]

I like to have a few chips and insist on 20/30 putts just to check speed and distance. However a few months ago turned up late (due to a detour after an accident) for an evening round. Didn't have time for a putt, so we went straight out. Two good irons and a putt from 25 feet and I walk off with only my second birdie at that hole.

I haven't singled putted that hole since, whether its for a par, a five or even a six.

Bloody stupid game!!

 

[TonyN]

I just chp and putt to warm up. Get a feel for the pace of the green and my stroke. Usually hit a few balls in the net (about 10 maybe) just concentrating on whatever im not doing so well (wide take away or swing path, always changes)

I make sure I stretch out fully making qlot of rotations, nothing worse than having a stiff back.

Relax, do less and just play! I would imagine your just concious of it all now and its getting in the way.

 

[bobmac]

Go for a lesson and discuss this with a pro... or ask bobmac...

Just as good

Cheeky tart

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I agree with the point about separating practice and warming up. I use to go out about an hour before hand and if I started hitting them badly would spend all my time up until my tee time looking for a fix. Now I still spend an hour warming up but spend the time hitting full shots looking for a decent swing tempo and not paying too much attention to the shot. That said I was in a blind panic before my match on Sunday when I had a dose of the shanks in my warm up and hit 7 or 8 consecutively. I had to change my plan and find a cure.

On a normal day I stretch and loosen up for a while and have cut down the time hitting full shots to about 15 minutes. I'll hit a few pitches and bunker shots for about 10 minutes. I'll make sure I've got everything (card, pencils etc), double check I've signed into PSI and then go out and chip and putt for the last 15 minutes.

I'm far more relaxed on the 1st these days and as long as I feel loose standing over the first shot then I'll take whatever is coming.

 

[Jabba]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I still have four lessons paid on with the pro and I'll see what he thinks about a playing lesson.

 

[Region3]

I've tried hitting on the range before a round and it makes no difference.

I don't chip because our 'chipping green' is cut to about fairway length and uneven

I don't putt because ours is cut out of the side of a hill and you can't even find a flat 3' putt.

Few practice swings at the side of the first tee and a cup of coffee.