Going for it.

[Basher]

I've been a member at my club for a couple of years now.
Some of you may know that my game hasn't seen much in the way of improvement in that time. I put this down to lack of practice and playing time.

After several lessons from good pro, who put me right on quite a few things. I think the light is finally becoming visible at the end of the tunnel.

I've played when I could over this terrible winter (not as much as hoped owing to closed course) and have seen quite an improvement, ie driving, fairway iron play and chipping......putting still suspect!

Played in the clubs first Stableford comp last week which went well.
I've generally bottled entering many of the comps at my club, generally just going in for Stablefords. (Not as much pressure, pick up on bad holes) Obviously, this is not the way to improve my game as I'm missing out on most of the competitive golf offered by my club.

Medals struck the fear of God in me.........but no more!

I'm down for next weeks and the week after competitions, both medals. I'm quietly confident. OK, I can't see myself threatening the leaderboard. But, I now feel I aren't going to disgrace or make a fool of myself on the course.

I don't know, something tells me I'm going to enjoy my golf much more this year......hopefully. Being optimistic, I'd love to see my handicap drop by at least a few strokes this season.

Big question to you more knowledgeable golfers. Does my mindset seem right for the season? I'm sure I'll have a few bad rounds (don't we all?)

I'm a high handicapper but I just feel my game has improved sufficiently to enter more competitions without fear.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It doesn't matter as you've already taken the biggest step by entering. We have a large contingent at my club (usually the older contigent but not solely) who refuse to enter medals as "its too hard". Thats why you have a handicap. Whatever you say they can't see that amedal round is the only real test of your game.

Basher, it doesn't matter if you shoot nett 100 or play to your handicap. Its about testing yourself. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to perform and if you have a bad hole or a bad round learn what you can and move onto the next one

 

[In_The_Rough]

I was exactly the same as you a while back. Partly due to the fact I was in the middle of swing changes and all sorts of things were happening mostly bad!!.So I thought what's the point of entering I've no chance of being competitive. But I finally thought what the heck I will give it a go the worst that can happen if you put the card in is they will put your Handicap up. But as Homer says entering is the first step to overcome. You will be more than likely be playing with people of similar Handicap to you so there is nothing to fear whatsoever.

 

[kid2]

Evening Basher.....
From one high handicapper to another this whole game revolves around the word confidence.......
And if im taking you up right your well on your way mate.
Yes you'll have bad days and you'll have good days but the better and more confident you get you should see a rapid decline in your bad days and an incline in the good ones...

I went out in a stableford sat and had 34 points and went out for a bounce round today and struggled for 26....The weather really put manners on me today.....

You might also find that in the comps you will tend to concentrate that little bit extra and things will inevitabily start to go right.

I would love to play match rounds against other players but i know my game isnt yet strong enough so ill be patient but i know it'll come.

This is my first real proper season after retiring from the football and im aiming to get my handicap down to 12 in 12 months....If it doesnt happen then so be it but it wont be from the want of trying.

best of luck with thge season you'll have a good one im sure

 

[JustOne]

Medals struck the fear of God in me.........but no more!

Nothing beats that feeling of standing on the first with a card in your hand. It's why we all play the game... isn't it?

I know I'll never win the Masters if I can't tee it up with a few local club members every now and then

 

[Basher]

Don't get me wrong J1UK.

1st tee nerves will certainly still be there. As kid2 said, I'll be approaching the game with a renewed confidence and belief that I can play a half decent game with other guys out on the course or in my playing group.

Todays knock up spoke volumes to me. My mate plays off 13. I've normally watched his game in awe at times, saying to myself "I'll never be able to play like him"
Today was a good day for me. A few duffers on the first few holes, but I was soon swinging it nicely, matching his drives and iron shots on occasions.
As I said before, Putting is work in progress!!!

 

[pokerjoke]

Great move this will be the best way to improve,its a big step but the right one,good luck.

 

[JustOne]

Don't get me wrong J1UK.

1st tee nerves will certainly still be there.

Too right and so they should be, my point being that you need to look upon those feelings as an excellent feeling. realise that the nerves are what the game is all about. Having a putt for your best ever score, standing over a birdie or eagle putt, having to get down in 2 to win a match... they are all the same. Being on the tee lining up for a monthly medal is awesome, I'd recommend it to anyone.
Knowing that your destiny is in your own hands and it's you versus the course is what the game is all about.

Don't feel nervous with worry... be nervous with happiness!

Haven't you attended some forum meet ups already? They are great for topping one off the first


... don't tell anyone but I intend to top my tee shot on Wednesday Ssssshhhh

 

[Region3]

In most sports, one of the best ways to improve is to play with/against better players.
In all pressure/nervy situations, the best way to improve your handling of it is to jump in time and again.

It's only a game of golf, enter as many as you can
What's the worst that can happen?

If you end up with a disaster on a hole, you might be out of the running for the prizes (but maybe not) but you can still get a handicap cut as it'll be treated as a nett double for handicapping.

Good luck & enjoy it

 

[Basher]

Just thought I'd give you an update.

Rolled up to the course this morning in good time for my comp. Oh boy! The nerves were certainly there on the 1st tee!

A decent drive soon banished my fears and away we went. Mixed fortunes really. Some good holes, some bad. My 26 handicap obviously gave me extra shot allowances (which I needed!)
However, the game progressed with joy and disappointment on various holes.
At the turn the scores were added up. I told my playing partners not to tell me mine (didn't need the added pressure!)

Coming off the 18th I felt I'd played ok. But had I broken 100?

My playing partner totted up my card and informed me I'd scored bang on 100 gross with a net of 74!!!

Chuffed to bits to say the least. Drove home with a grin on my face and finally felt I was getting somewhere with my game.
I'll be trying to call up a few times during next week for practice and playing sessions in the hope that I can improve my score at next weeks medal comp.

Happy days!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Good man. That is pretty solid shooting and you know there is plenty to build on next time out.

 

[Losttheplot]

Great stuff Basher, really pleased you enjoyed the comp and played well. Hope you continue to play all the comps and good luck with your golf this season!!

 

[Region3]

Congrats

Hopefully each time you play you learn from it as well, and it makes the next one slightly less nervy.

 

[Region3]

Actually that's probably not true.

For me at least, the first tee nerves are always there, but it gets easier after that.