Just when I achieve Zen-like acceptance golf steps up and kicks me in the nuts

[ColchesterFC]

After over 30 years of playing golf I've recently reviewed my game and reached a realisation that due to work and family commitments I'm not going to get much better than my current 18 handicap. Much like the 5 stages of grief I'd gone through all the steps and finally arrived at Acceptance. From this point on I was not going to get frustrated by my bad shots and was going to enjoy golf, the company, the weather and the exercise. I would take my one shot per hole and simply enjoy being out there doing something I love.

And then........I dropped my son off at school and thought I'd nip out for a quick 9 holes before I had to pick him up again. I went to my nearest course and joined a couple of members for what was a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours of walking around a field swinging a club at a little white ball with no pressure and no expectations. I knew I'd played ok as I'd had the honour on almost every hole but it was only in the bar afterwards that one of my playing partners pointed out that I'd shot 3 over gross (including a double bogey on the 5th).

So I'd like to thank the golfing gods for stepping up and kicking my acceptance of my limited golfing ability squarely in the plums and returning me to my previous frustrated state of wondering why if I can do it once why can't I do it every time.

 

[TheClaw]

Sounds like you've reached the next step- Expectation.

Closely followed by Dissapoinment.

Then comes Acceptance...

 

[Siren]

Sounds willy but I have always played my best golf when I dont have a scorecard in my own hand and are just enjoying the company im with. Congrats mate thats one hell of a score, dont put any pressure on yourself to follow it up

 

[Andy808]

I started playing the best golf I have when I realised I play this game for fun and relaxation.
Yes I still play better without a card in my hand, yes I still get a little frustrated from time to time but I have fun with my mates, doing something I enjoy and that lifts so much pressure off you it's unreal.
Accept your not going to be a scratch player, go out, have fun and you'll be surprised how well you'll play.

 

[Idlenorth1]

There is so much to be said for just relaxing and playing as it comes, stableford board comp on Sunday and been playing pretty decent recently. Shot 13 over gross front nine for 15 points and stood on the 10th tee and just thought forget the card, swing nice and easy and try and make buffer (CSS is 2 under so needed to be 1 over max)
Shot 3 over gross with 5 pars, 1 double, 2 bogeys and a birdie back nine and missed 2 10 footers for birdie on 17 and 18
Should be a a small cut to 19.1 (need to update sig) and I was more pleased that I didn't let any of the slightly off shots, the double bogey or the missed birdies bother me at all and just enjoyed it
Need to take this approach in all rounds regardless of bounce or comp

 

[Tiger]

:rofl: brilliant post. I feel your pain mate

 

[Doon frae Troon]

The best golf I have ever played is either in full frontal confrontation with loads of pressure or having a wee walk whilst swishing away with a club.

I think that is why it is such a great game.......so many ways to play it.