How do you do it?

[Spinn77]

Play every round like its a medal, this reduces any pressure you may have when doing this for real.

I always know what my score is.
I know if i can get through the first 4 or 5 holes no worse than +1 then i might get round in a great score, near par perhaps. If im +3 or worse then i kind of just focus on breaking 80, not let the round get away from me and play for pars without any major risk taking.

 

[CrapHacker]

I eventually went on to play to 12 but the treble just completly blew the card.
Its frustrating!

If being 7 under handicap is frustrating, I'll take that kind of knee trembling.

 

[CrapHacker]

So, my question is can anyone help those who have trouble playing to their full potential with a card in their pocket?

Yes

But I charge.

Playing a medal round is all about mental attitude and planning. And it's also a numbers game.

Now you have to accept that it's not always going to work, so you'll hit more bad / less good rounds than you'd like.

But the secret is to plan what you are going to do.

Simples.

The game plan goes something like :

Step 1) Know the course. You've played it many times. Think through the good rounds. Get the good images of previous good shots in your head.

Step 2) Avoid the problems. If you always drive into the fairway bunker on the 5th, then don't use your driver in the medal. Think of another way to play it, and practise that several times before the medal to make sure you know what you are trying to do.

Step 3) Play to your limitations. If you've got a 18 handicap, but often play to 12 in bounce games, remember that you don't have to try to par every hole. Don't try to reach the par 5s in two shots

Step 4) Work out which shots you're going to play most of, and make sure you've practised them the most. If you need to play one par 3 with a 4w off the tee, but that's it, then don't spend 3 hours on the range hitting 4ws. If you are going to need to pitch onto the green from 70 yards 5 times in your planned round, then practise pitching from 70 yards.

Step 5) Practise putting.

Step 6) Even if you've given up, still play to your game plan. It's amazing how many rounds that are 'ruined' after 3 holes can be turned around when you are least expecting it, and often when you are least trying.

Depending on how good you are at fooling yourself, try to find ways of distracting your brain from thinking. It you are trying to identify a bird from it's singing, then your brain has less chance to take over your golfing subconcious.

Think loads before the game, But once the round has started, you want to keep your brain away from the golf as much as possible.

That'll be £20 please. £40 if you want oncourse training

I might not be able to play particularly well. But I can definitely talk a good game

 

[AliB]

That'll be £20 please. £40 if you want oncourse training

Best reply so far. Will memorise before my wekend medal. worth every penny.
AliB