Post-cut nerves

[Matty]

I'm in a 9 hole winter league at my home club. I played well first time out and bagged 19 points but knew I could have played better! Next time out I played better and got 22 points so fully expected the ensuing handicap cut (from 27 to 26).

Played again yesterday and took 20 points which I'm happy with but again I think I can do better than I played. BUT, I did feel quite a few nerves yesterday - probably due to the cut in my handicap.

Now, I'm pleased that my golf is improving and my handicap is coming down - to be honest I'm expecting another cut this week.

What I want to know is how to control or banish these post-cut nerves? What do you do to push these thoughts from your mind when you've got fewer strokes in the bag to spare?

 

[robbest3offthetee]

Dont think about it to be honest,just go out and try to play your best everytime!!..

 

[Swinger]

Two things could happen -

1. You get used to the idea, not really too much you can do I think, just accept the fact your are getting better so need less shots.

2. You worry about having less shots.

Number 2 will correct itself within a shortish period of time as you'll get the shot/s back.

 

[USER1999]

You forget about your handicap, and just count shots over par. The fewer the better. Golf isn't about 'getting a shot here', it's about par.

 

[robbest3offthetee]

Have to agree with Murph,the only time shots come into it is when playing stableford really,medal play is the only way to reduce your h/cap...

 

[jammydodger]

Forget about your handicap and just add your shots up at the end. As previously said dont worry about where you get shots and where you dont because golf is about 18 holes and the score you do on all of them that counts.

Personally if you've just been cut then you can obviously play to your new h/c so what does it matter ?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Don't worry about it and focus on taking as few shots as you can. Everything else takes care of itself. I played a pairs event the other week of 3/4 handicap and so was in the heady heights of single figures (9) for the day. I didn't worry too much as it was the same for everyone. There is enough to get worried about with this game without thinking about what may or may not happen to the handicap