gloom and doom

[AliB]

Expected it to take some time to settle in at new place, but this is ridiculous!
Handicap controversy 'settled' (see next post!) by them deciding to play me off new cards, all of which were pretty bad so I am now off 27 after being on 20.3. Not questioning their decision, but played from 27 for first time today and this today and didn't even match it - like all those extra shots were there just to be chucked away. Is a higher handicap is self-fulfilling prophecy?
Feel my game (was hitting pretty well of late) is now disintegrating under pressure of always beng in some kind of competition (even if not a qualifier) whereas used to just hack around indivudually most of the time.
should I bow out of ladies' days for a bit and get in some friendly rounds to feel more settled or just battle on? Otherwise courses and company are fine, just feel I am bottling out.

AliB

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Its probably a mental thing. You think it'll be easier and that the odd bad shot won't matter and I'm guessing you aren't focussing quite as hard, especially on and around the green.

Its unfortunate you've had the issue with the handicap at the new place and its obviously been playing on your mind even when out on the course. Its done and your handicap is what it is. My advice is to battle away in the ladies events regardless. Get yourself known (always good in case they need anyone last minute) and enjoy the game and the company. You say you're not playing badly so once you relax and forget the handicap fiasco I'm sure the game will come back. If it does they'll cut you (officially) and your be hankering for an extra shot again here and there.

 

[Leftie]

Get some friendlies in and enjoy yourself without having the pressure of a competition. You should soon be playing more to your proper h/cap which might give you more confidence when going back into the comps.

 

[thecraw]

I'm guessing your "old" handicap had lapsed? If not your club have acted incorrectly!

 

[BushFinder]

Hi AliB,
The more you play in a competitive format, the more you become accustomed to it, and you will eventually win everything, if your getting 7 shots more than your used to!!

I know how you feel, I regularly play with my girlfriend, her official handicap is 22, when we play, I make her play of 18 from the white tees(the only way I can compete) and she regularly shoots between 32-38 stableford points, however during club comps, medals etc she does'nt get close to her handicap.
I'm sure it's because of the lack of experience in playing in such a pressurised format..

Hope this helps.
BushFinder

 

[AliB]

I'm guessing your "old" handicap had lapsed? If not your club have acted incorrectly!

Question is if it stan up as an'official' handicap. I thin k new lot are justified in querying it. club was mainly pay adn play with some members and self-elected 'committee' who do their best with no support from owners.
don't regret leaving - just have to get used to the real world!
AliB

 

[thecraw]

Ok, Just go out and win a couple of medals/competitions and you'll soon be cut!

Clubs dont like new members comming in and winning! Play well.

 

[Imurg]

It takes time to get used to a new course Ali. I moved back in July and I'm still getting the hang of it - must have played it 25 times! Don't panic - its all there somewhere. Keep playing and it'll sort itself out.

 

[Herbie]

Expected it to take some time to settle in at new place, but this is ridiculous!
Handicap controversy 'settled' (see next post!) by them deciding to play me off new cards, all of which were pretty bad so I am now off 27 after being on 20.3. Not questioning their decision, but played from 27 for first time today and this today and didn't even match it - like all those extra shots were there just to be chucked away. Is a higher handicap is self-fulfilling prophecy?
Feel my game (was hitting pretty well of late) is now disintegrating under pressure of always beng in some kind of competition (even if not a qualifier) whereas used to just hack around indivudually most of the time.
should I bow out of ladies' days for a bit and get in some friendly rounds to feel more settled or just battle on? Otherwise courses and company are fine, just feel I am bottling out.

AliB

Great post AliB. I dont see how you can go from 20 h/c to 27 like this when you already have a h/c, but my own thoughts on this are prompted by your experience. I think every golfers h/c should have at least 2 or 3 strokes removed after calculations concluded, not because I am a meanie, but because I believe it improves almost every players standard as they make efforts to play to that level. If everyone had the same calculation it would be fair, and I belive encourage better play. Sometimes when I play I lose focus and start using my shots being very concious of them, when that happens I always come in over, when I play as if I have no shots to play with, or dont think of it at all, I almost always play better than h/c.

Next time you play, imagine you are a scratch player with a big hill to climb, forget anyshots you have and try to play everything to par as if thats what you have to do to have a chance, stop thinking of how many freebies you have and imagine you have none, then see what you come in with at the end.

 

[barb]

Hi Ali
I fully agree with Imurg and Herbie.
I haven't really thought too much about my handicap lately, I'm just spending my time getting used to the course and when hubbie and I play we pretend we play off scratch and surprisingly we do play abit better (only a little bit though )

I can be hard changing clubs but don't let the handicap thing spoil it for you, before you know it you'll be showing them who's boss out on the course.

Take care and I hope everything picks up for you.

 

[AliB]

It takes time to get used to a new course Ali. I moved back in July and I'm still getting the hang of it - must have played it 25 times! Don't panic - its all there somewhere. Keep playing and it'll sort itself out.

cheers, Imurg - feeling a bit better after my moan!

AliB

 

[AliB]

Hi Ali
I fully agree with Imurg and Herbie.
I haven't really thought too much about my handicap lately, I'm just spending my time getting used to the course and when hubbie and I play we pretend we play off scratch and surprisingly we do play abit better (only a little bit though )

thanks for all the advice. Going to play a friendly on Sat but then get on with it next week - maybe a medal on Monday and ladies' non-qual on Wed.
I dare say handicaps - like everything else, are all in the mind.

AliB

 

[viscount17]

possibly you're still attuned to the old course. once you're used to them they all have 'pressure points' and others where you can, if not relax then ease off.

your new course is just demanding more concentration all the time at the moment.