Quitting - What do you do to pick yourself up?

[JustOne]

Can't decide whether to quit the game because I'm not enjoying it, stick with having a knock with mates and not worry about how I play/scores, or go out to the range and work it out. Sat at home doing nothing all day when I could have gone to the range - just don't feel like standing there hitting balls, definitely not by myself.

Trying to summon up a bit of the 'Jammy Dodger' magic where playing for fun is the name of the game, it just doesn't seem to be much fun. When I go out and play it's the company of the others that makes me enjoy it, I know that i'm hardly going to stripe every shot if I've not even played/practiced recently, that said maybe it's the grind of playing with someone who hardly speaks and having a h/cap card in my hand that I need to focus myself.

What do you do when you think about whether or not it's worth it?

 

[PhilTheFragger]

You said the magic word in the first line...Its A Game.

Its not life & death, its meant to be enjoyed with mates
We all have good runs and bad ones. maybe you need to take a few weeks away from the game, freshen up, relight that fire.

But dont give up, you are too good a player to throw it all away.

Chin up my friend, dig deep, come out the other side and spank em.

Fragger

 

[User 105]

Definitely sounds like you need a break to reset things.

I get like this sometimes. I'm really competitive, which is good because it does drive me to improve, but when you hit those plateaus where you just are stuck I get on a real downer.

Take a break, maybe watch some golf, watch some instructional DVD's, read some golf books and try to get inspired again.

It doesn't take much to light the flame again.

 

[Smiffy]

Play lots of courses without trees down the right hand side and you'll be fine Geezer.


I'm giving up now until April. I reckon the Woodhall Spa week-end could well be my next game.
I'm cheesed off with it but for different reasons than you.

 

[forefortheday]

Can't decide whether to quit the game because I'm not enjoying it, stick with having a knock with mates and not worry about how I play/scores, or go out to the range and work it out. Sat at home doing nothing all day when I could have gone to the range - just don't feel like standing there hitting balls, definitely not by myself.

What do you do when you think about whether or not it's worth it?

Are you me?

My membership comes up in January and at the moment I'm not renewing because I can't be bothered playing golf.

Played the other week and the good shots felt like nothing and the bad ones a dagger through the heart.

Still we've got the winter to enjoy some nice social golf.

Strangely my missus told me not to as I'd only regret it come Spring.

 

[Deleted member 1418]

Don't be such a drama queen!! You're too good a player to quit! I fully expect you to be at the next meet I play in otherwise I'm going to track you down and give you a good slap! Besides, Bratty's putting will comlpetely disintegrate without you lining him up!!

Seriously, just hit a few balls down the range, take a few putts on the putting green, play a bit of social golf over the next few weeks and just enjoy yourself - don't worry about scores or taking it seriously until next year. Give me a shout if you ever just fancy a bit of stupid hitting and a bit of banter.

 

[stevek1969]

I was in the same situation as you earlier in the season mate,it was that bad i could have gave up very easy,if i hadn't a weeks trip with lads booked i wouldn' be playing now. What i did do was go and get pished every night for the week turn up at the golf and enjoy it ,i played some of my best golf that week,now i look forward instead of dreading it.

As said before its only a daft game thats meant to be fun

 

[pokerjoke]

God you sound like someone else on here,stop feeling sorry for yourself pull yourself together and get on with it.You are far too good to quit,try and go out with the attitude of what will be will be and im sure your mojo will return.If it doesnt then dont worry you can sit at home and feel sorry for yourself while most people on here will be out enjoying the crack and banter of the golf course.And the answer is i say to myself "tommorows another day".

 

[chrisd]

I think that you need to relook at your reasons for playing. It is still just a game. You must go out and just smell the flowers, enjoy the walk and the company and do not always major on how well you are playing. You are a better player than most on here but you really must free up your mind and not judge every game entirely by the result. When you have a poor day you have to remember that none of your playing partners give it a second thought on how you played during their drive home and if you want a more communacative partner, find one.

Enjoyment of golf isn't just about a score !

Eck, I am bossy arn't I

Chris

 

[Losttheplot]

JustOne I've been in your situation before. I'm super competitive with myself so I have to be playing at least half decent to enjoy it. I always enjoy the company of playing partners and have a good laugh and that always helps to get you out on the course even if you aren't playing well.

Get to the range and putting greens and practise hard for a day and try some extravagant shots too to keep it more interesting if needed. Guaranteed to have you wanting to get onto the course in no time.

Keep going James and don't give up!!!

 

[robbest3offthetee]

As ive seen on the forum ,you have to learn to laugh at your bad shots and appreciate the good ones,dont give up mate we have all been there .....

 

[DMC]

I took a break from the game for a while earlier this season,did the power of good. When i came back i was enjoying more than i had for some time. Worth a try

 

[lobthewedge]

Get to the range and smash the ball to hell!

Or take up bowls? Heard Sergio is looking for a partner?

 

[Snelly]

Pack in for a year and if you miss it then start up again.

Simple really.

Also, only you know how you feel really and opinions on here, whilst they might offer some comfort, are not really that relevant.

I have had plenty of times in my life (5 year+ periods) where I haven't played and I didn't particularly miss it as I filled my time with other things.

When I missed golf, I started playing it again.

 

[HRC99]

I'm giving up now until April. I reckon the Woodhall Spa week-end could well be my next game.
I'm cheesed off with it but for different reasons than you.

For pity's sake, don't make that your next game. You'll pack the game in for good after a round on the Hotchkin.

It is one brutal test of golf.

 

[AuburnWarrior]

Nathaniel, you're too good a golfer and too nice a bloke to stop playing. Also, your knowledge on the game is second to none - it'd be a shame to see all that go to waste.

I guess the question is - what do you play golf for? Once you've answered that (and only you can) then you'll know the way forward.

I'm not going to patronise you by telling you to keep playing or keep practising, etc as it's your choice at the end of the day but, from my own point of view, I'd be sad to see you leave the game.

The trees wouldn't though.......

 

[BROOKIE]

theres more to golf than life,play with a new guy whos good,
but doesnt say much.start imitating his shots,get into that
feelgood mode,your a good player,so wise up to it .like
you know you can,every round cant be a good round,can it?
its just the doldrums

 

[Farneyman]

If your not enjoying quit until you miss it.....sounds easy.

 

[haplesshacker]

Well I can't say don't quit, cause I've done it with sailboat racing, after 30 years of it. I had folks telling me not to, to good to lose from the scene etc. It was getting very pressurised to constantly win after years of success. In the end it just wasn't enjoyable. I've made a couple of 'guest' appearances in the last two years and taken the family and friends out for some jollies, which I've really enjoyed away from the pressure of competitive racing.

Maybe just don't enter any comps and just play for a bit of a laugh, or find some other reason to be involved, perhaps in the junior section of the club. But I can't imagine that going down the range and bashing a load of balls will help much. It might have the opposite effect and put you off even more.

Whatever your choice is James, don't be a stranger on here.

 

[kid2]

Can't decide whether to quit the game because I'm not enjoying it, stick with having a knock with mates and not worry about how I play/scores, or go out to the range and work it out. Sat at home doing nothing all day when I could have gone to the range - just don't feel like standing there hitting balls, definitely not by myself.

Trying to summon up a bit of the 'Jammy Dodger' magic where playing for fun is the name of the game, it just doesn't seem to be much fun. When I go out and play it's the company of the others that makes me enjoy it, I know that i'm hardly going to stripe every shot if I've not even played/practiced recently, that said maybe it's the grind of playing with someone who hardly speaks and having a h/cap card in my hand that I need to focus myself.

What do you do when you think about whether or not it's worth it?

James,
Just a question to start with Pal!
Do you still have the desire to play the game?......
If you do then just go out and knock it about for a few weeks with no card in your pocket....Forget about the comps for a while......

I may be wrong here and im open to criticism but my take on people wanting to pack it in is this...

From what iv read about posts on here most seemed to be seasoned players that are either playing for the last 10 years or so OR are low handicap players that are struggling to enjoy the game because they are so competitive....

Nothing wrong with competitiveness......I fall into that category after only giving up playing football last season through a bad injury.....Truth be known i was loosing the desire to play for various reasons......Injuries were taking longer to heal, I wasnt getting as excited to be going training.....Match's werent as enjoyable and i wasnt looking forward to them like i used to.....Frustration with other players on the pitch was sneaking in with me........

If i had not had the injury im not sure what i would have done....On the one hand it was a welcome excuse.....There's always a But!
On the other hand i now miss it terrible....If i was given half the chance to go back playing tomorrow morning i would....but im teeing off at 10 o clock and i cant wait .......

I know that we havent met and you dont know me from Adam but do yourself a favour......Never quit.....Keep the foot in and battle through your issues.....
If your a very competitive player take a break from comps....Play a few bounce rounds.....I have one in mind that im gonna play during the summer if things go pear shaped.....Play against a mate for a club a hole......If you win you get to take a club from him....and vice versa....Trust me you'll enjoy it..its good craic.

Dunno your handicap but think of how much dedication it has taken already to get to where you are.....Give in now and its all been for nothing.....Think of how many people would love to just be able to walk a golf course at the weekends let alone play on one.......One thing i always turn to when stuff gets me down is i tell myself this.......There's always someone less fortunate than me!

Chin up Pal....Battle on