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HomerJSimpson

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Hi everyone - nebie here

I've been very lucky recently to hit a vein of rich form (by my standards) and have won a monthly medal and stableford at my club (Royal Ascot).

However even though I won, I found my conectration in the last few holes was terrible, doing all the things we are told not to (thinking about what I need to do on the next, what happens if I do this or that).

I've read all the advice given in all the magazines etc and know all about taking one shot at a time, keeping in the present, etc but can't seem to put theory into practice.

As an example in the medal I was playing with a guy of +1 and was concentrating on my rythmn and not trying to hit it too hard to keep up with him, concentrating on just hitting solid apporaches and not making too many 3 putts.

Without trying (or realising) I played the forn nine in 39 which is 4 over gross (off 18). Of course once I realised what was happening and after a bogey, bogey, par, par start to the back nine I realised I had a good chance and that was when my concentration went. I made some poor club choices, my swing got quick and I finished double bogey, bogey, bogey for a gross 81 (+11). Although I won and was happy to do so I felt it should have been a much better score.

Can anyone give me some advice on techniques that I can try and that really do work in the heat of battle.

Look forward with interst to your replies

Homer :)
 
Homer,
I think the best way to learn to cope with pressure is to get experienced, hit 75 a couple of times and it doesn't seem like a big deal any more.
Hit clubs you are comfortable with ie hit a smooth 7 to middle of green rather than over hitting an 8.
Distract yourself by chatting to your partner.
ps you will probably find you play better when paired with scratch players.
Although it doesn't feel like it a bit of anxiety will help you focus. Watch the grip pressure, keep it light and you'll be fine.
 
Welcome to golf, Homer! This is what it's all about. Ask Sergio Garcia! Birdieman's advice is probably right, once you've posted a couple of 75s it'll become much easier. Don't agree with chatting to your partners, though. If you've got a good score going, try to avoid anything that will take your mind off the job in hand.
BTW, your score was 81-18=62? That won't have made you many friends. Nice area you play in. Is that the course that is surrounded by the racecourse?
 
Shanker

Thanks for the advice. The old Royal Ascot was in the middle of the race course but when they built the grandstand and relaid the straight mile our course was firstly reduced to 9 holes and then closed.

As a deal with the race course they funded the building of a new 6294 (whites) 5836 (yellows) yard course on Crown Estate land opposite the rac course with the proviso we funded the building of the clubhouse.

The clubhouse was opened officially in May 2000 by Duke of York and Barry Lane opened the course in the August 2005. Although only 2 years old it looks much more mature than that and has hosted a number of county events and pro ams. We take it for granted it is still so new it looks so good.

And finally - yes it was suggested I wore a sombrero on the course next time out but I was cut from 18 to 16 accordingly. I also won the August stableford last Sunday with 38 points. Cue further discontented mutterings in the clubhouse and another 1 point cut to the handicap.

Cheers for your reply

Homer
 
ah the eternal question,how to keep"the heed" find that holy grail and you shall be a man my son,my advice,dont take it to serious,swing free and smile
 
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