Month off

[Adrena1in]

Nothing at all seems to be going right for me with golf at the moment, so have decided to have at least a month off completely, and see what happens afterwards.

Has anyone else taken a big break like this, when their game's been bad or whatever, and has it helped?

 

[Macster]

I have always used the term 'I should play less more often', particularly in the winter, as it seems to do me no harm at all.

Somethimes, the more you try, the worse it gets, so take a step back and come back refreshed with a clear mind.

 

[birdieman]

Taking a month off in July is a surprise. It's peak season and no matter if you're playing poorly or not surely it's great to be getting the fresh air, the sunshine, the exercise and the company.

We get forced layoffs in the winter months anyway.

Go and play and forget about scoring, everyone goes through poor spells but it's still miles better than work or watching tv.

Just try slowing everything right down, particularly backswing and transition to downswing. That might help you get better timing and get the club on the correct path more often.

 

[USER1999]

I can see not playing comps etc, but I can't see why having an evening knock with some mates has to go. That is what it is all about, fun. I think sometimes we lose touch with the fun aspect of the game and get too hung up on the score.

 

[jeffc]

took a week off a while ago to get refreshed,
came back with the attitude to play within my ability and it worked. playing much better now.

Don't think I could manage a month cold turkey !!

 

[USER1999]

I did take three years off once, first game back shot about 6 over par. I kind of figured if I took ten years off, I could turn pro.

 

[mansell]

I can see not playing comps etc, but I can't see why having an evening knock with some mates has to go. That is what it is all about, fun. I think sometimes we lose touch with the fun aspect of the game and get too hung up on the score.

absolutely spot-on

 

[Midnight]

Hi mate,

if you remember a few months ago , I posted about how it was all going wrong , then thanks to some advice from people on here , I went and had a lesson on iron play, I am now enjoying the game again and I am hitting more good shots than bad .

So my advice would be don't give up yet, if you think it could help , get a lesson and see where you could be going wrong. Or have a game with me , then you will see how good you actually are mate.

Cheers

Midnight...

 

[Smiffy]

Prior to the end of last year, I had been a "casual" golfer, only playing about 5 or 6 times a year. Although I had got down to a reasonable handicap I was feeling a little bored with it all, bought myself a motorbike, and spent most of my spare time riding that. As I say, I still played the odd game of golf and found that when I hadn't played for 3 or 4 months I really looked forward to getting out and giving it a tonk.
OK my short game suffered a little bit, but I didn't lose the ability to knock it off the tee, or hit my irons.
It did me the power of good.

 

[Dodger]

I had a 5 month enforced lay off back in 2000 (busted hand) and before it I was playing dreadful and was fairley cheesed off in general....came back playing like a Pro and loving the game and thankfully since then I haven't had a time when I have been sick of the game.

 

[jammydodger]

Instead of playing for 4 hours or so why not just go and have some practice where you can just have some fun. Try different shots like flops or draws and fades , maybe get a couple of lessons to guide you in the right direction.

Dont give it all up just take a step back from the course and all the pressures of trying to play to a number

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Not sure I could last two weeks let alone a month without picking up a club (my lay off in August post-op will be interesting). I couldn't do it especially mid season. I've been hacking recently so spent less time bashing balls looking a for amgic fix and fed my fix by putting, chipping and bunker play. Its nice and relaxed and has helped my game anyay.

If you're really struggling I'd get a lesson to at least give your swing an MOT. I'm sure a good pro will fix you in no time and get you hitting well and enjoying it. Like others have said go out with mates or just on your own for 9 and forget about the score. Enjoy the scenery, the escape from lifes hassles and just hit the thing, find it and hit it again.

 

[mono217]

Stay and play it can only get better.

 

[Imurg]

In a way I'm in the "Get out and play" brigade but I know that a lay-off helped me. I was really struggling and then through a combination of commitments I wasn't able to play for almost a month. When I got back I'd forgotton all the bad thoughts tht had crpt in over the months and started afresh.

 

[feary]

About a year ago i told myself this as i was going through a really bad patch. But i couldn't stay away for more than a week. lol.

 

[vig]

I feel like having a month off every time I play at the moment.
Played Sunday and shanked no end of shots. I t is doing my head in.
Played today with KeefG and my son and I thought that I had turned the corner. I stuffed one into the woods but I was wound up after some tosser tee'd off and nearly hit the lad.

Got to the 14th, stood over the ball thinking don't shank this and duly did!
It is all in the head, I know but it still p***es me off

 

[KeefG]

But on the flip side, when you remember to do everything you've been told, and to write your little essay on your ball....you hit some belters!

 

[vig]

I need to be in a postion where I am not thinking of anything though. So practice, practice, practice until it is ingrained.

BTW.. ANOUNCEMENT!!!!! KeefG played in lightning today. I don't know if he wanted to but he held out like a true Yorkshire tight arse.

 

[KeefG]

Played in lightning AGAIN, that should read.....after my near death experience at Tinsley 6-8 weeks ago, I didnt enjoy it but vig made me.

He threatened me with mindless violence if I didnt carry on

 

[USER1999]

Is Vig more violent than a lightning bolt?