Mind Games

[CarlisleMark]

Do you have any advice on the mental side of the game.
I do not think I am mental (yet), but find it rather frustrating that my game can swing from an 81 to 95 within one week at the best local course (okay, the 81 was a best show).
I have played for 3 or 4 years, am aged 45, and am trying to devote much more time to the game.
I know I suffer from a lack of confidence on the course and play a lot on my own because of this (also because I do not get massive amounts of time, so go when I get the opportunity). I am making conscious efforts to address this, by starting to plaay with friends, but would feel a whole lot better doing this with more confidence in my game.
Any pointers?

 

[Fore]

It gets hard to find focus when you are playing on your own.
Playing with friends should give you some focus but maybe it is time to join a club or a society and try to get involved in some form of competition or work towards getting a handicap and improving on it if you do not have one yet.
There is nothing like a bit of competition to sharpen the senses.

 

[JustOne]

Don't panic - any professional golfer on the TV can shoot between a 65 and 80 on any given round. Golf is a tough game and your score will only come down slowly. Playing golf with other people is always the best way to a)improve b)enjoy it. Practice makes perfect and be happy that some people will never shoot an 81

 

[freddielong]

Try working on a pre shot routine it will help you switch off between shots and focus when its tour turn to play - I think it will help you with your consistancy

 

[HomerJSimpson]

A good pre-shot routine that you STICK TO will help as it is something you can use to calm yourself before taking your shot. It needs to evolve naturally or will feel forced and only add to the problems. Have a read of the Bob Rotella books too as they have some sound advice.

 

[roccokj]

Get the Bob Rotella books as they really help

You need to get a good routine going, pick the smallest target you can possibly see.

You can't control the ball all the time yet you can control your attitude all the time.

Stay in the present. Once its done its done


You're human...Humans make mistakes...including Tiger Woods

 

[CarlisleMark]

Thanks for this.
I am a member at Carlisle, but need to sort out a handicap and playing with more people (chiecken and egg?)

 

[CarlisleMark]

Freddie,

Thanks for the tip, which seems a good point

 

[CarlisleMark]

Homer (?),
Thanks for the tip, which a couple of people have suggested.
I'll try and get hold of the book as well.

 

[CarlisleMark]

Good point!
The fact I managed to shoot an 81 and other below 90 scores is what makes it so frustrating.

 

[CarlisleMark]

Rocco,
Thanks for the good points.