Should we take this game so seriously?

[shivas irons]

Back in the day I used to put so much pressure on myself to become a good player,going to the range 5 times a week on the course 2-3 times a week and I started playing to a good standard.Thing is I never achieved what I wanted and that was like most golfers to be a scratch player and got pretty fed up with the game,it actually affected my life away from golf and I had to leave it alone for some time.Since playing again my whole attitude to the game changed,I do want to play well but set my standards much lower and it has made me enjoy the game much more.After my caddying experiances on the European Seniors Tour I realised that I would never have the game these guys have,the effortless way they play the game comes to but a few of us golfers no matter how much you practise.Find your level and enjoy the game,cos chasing a game you will never have is the ultimate in fustration .

 

[bluewolf]

Its meant to be fun! Always remember that. If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. (a bit like sex really.)

 

[fundy]

Having been out of the game injured for a number of yrs I came back to the game with a much more care free attitude a few yrs ago and wasnt that fussed with taking it that seriously and really enjoyed being back. End of last yr/start of this year I started getting more serious and working much harder on some aspects of my game. With this came a diminishment of enjoyment to a degree, frustration that Im not able to replicate how I played the game when much younger etc. Now injured again (short term only thankfully) Ive had a bit of time to reflect and the first thing I intend when back playing is to make sure fun and enjoyment is my number one priority again, not going to obsess with improving, if it comes it comes!

 

[Matty]

Spot on guys! I play this game to get some fresh air, see some grass and trees and spend a few hours clearing my head of work and home - what some would call "me time". If golf wasn't enjoyable then I'd fine something else that I enjoyed but I'm never going to play to scratch!

 

[AmandaJR]

No we shouldn't but it is this that I am struggling with at the moment. Will keep working on enjoying the game even if I'm not meeting the standards I set for myself but it isn't easy...

 

[jammydodger]

Excellent thoughts and I wish i'd done this years ago. Unfortunately I too chased the handicap and fell into the trap of taking things far too seriously. I practiced very hard and entered all the comps going. All the enjoyment and love of the game left and I was left a hollow shell of a golfer. I was left with a low h/c (3) and absolutely no fight left in me to try and maintain it.

As many will know I just gave the game up as I couldnt even face looking at my clubs anymore.

I'm now comtemplating buying a little set of clubs and having a couple of rounds with some mates this year. I wont be joining a club but the odd round through the sunny weather actually sounds like fun again. Now to find some decent cheap 2nd hand clubs.

 

[fundy]

Good to hear youre still about Jammy, gl with the partial comeback

 

[Aztecs27]

I'm now comtemplating buying a little set of clubs and having a couple of rounds with some mates this year. I wont be joining a club but the odd round through the sunny weather actually sounds like fun again. Now to find some decent cheap 2nd hand clubs.

:clap:

 

[Stub]

Bruce Forsyth once said 'you don'y play golf to relax' but you do need to enjoy it and get away from other worldly cares. My father came to see me play rugby in a cup tie many years ago and said afterwards 'if it was called work you wouldn't do it'. The trick is to enjoy trying to do the best you can while enjoying it and not making hard work of it.

 

[Tiger]

I'm now comtemplating buying a little set of clubs and having a couple of rounds with some mates this year. I wont be joining a club but the odd round through the sunny weather actually sounds like fun again. Now to find some decent cheap 2nd hand clubs.

:thup:

 

[shivas irons]

The amount off times where I would become "scorecard obsessive" during a round and when I realised a bad score was coming just have the whole day ruined ,Just crazy now I think about it,I still enjoy Reading watching and playing golf but theres no way its going to affect me mood wise anymore,its only a bloody game!.
If you fancy knocking it around Jammydodger some time i`m near Diss,but dont expect me to play anywhere near your 3 .

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Given up worrying once I get out there. I like to work on my game and try to cultivate an effective swing and short game by practicing. Nowadays once I tee off the 1st I'll let it take its course. Play well and the score and cuts will take care of themselves. Chop it and its 0.1 back. Cest la vie

 

[USER1999]

Excellent thoughts and I wish i'd done this years ago. Unfortunately I too chased the handicap and fell into the trap of taking things far too seriously. I practiced very hard and entered all the comps going. All the enjoyment and love of the game left and I was left a hollow shell of a golfer. I was left with a low h/c (3) and absolutely no fight left in me to try and maintain it.

As many will know I just gave the game up as I couldnt even face looking at my clubs anymore.

I'm now comtemplating buying a little set of clubs and having a couple of rounds with some mates this year. I wont be joining a club but the odd round through the sunny weather actually sounds like fun again. Now to find some decent cheap 2nd hand clubs.

Always said selling your gear was a mistake. Welcome back.

Is the wind any any better through laying off playing?

 

[sev112]

Personally i found that once i stopped worrying about whose honour it was my handicap came hurtling down, my swing became uber-smooth, and people began queueing up to play with me

 

[Imurg]

Spot on guys! I play this game to get some fresh air, see some grass and trees and spend a few hours clearing my head of work and home - what some would call "me time". If golf wasn't enjoyable then I'd fine something else that I enjoyed but I'm never going to play to scratch!

Agreed
But can't there be an element of both aspects in there...?
I enjoy fighting to retain my handicap - it might frustrate the hell out of me when I'm not doing it but when I do there's an immense feeling of satisfaction.
And even when I'm hacking around, duffing chips and carving into the woods, I'm still enjoying it.

I'll probably never get to scratch but that won't stop me trying. However, I'm not one to practice for hours on end to improve at all costs.
I play, I don't practice (much) - and that's why I think I'll keep enjoying Golf.

There used to be an unofficial "Society" at my last club - The H.O.O.K.E.R.S

Hell-bent On Overall Kourse Enjoyment Regardless of Score

I like that.

 

[StrangelyBrown]

I get myself too worked up because I'm pretty inconsistant, but then I don't practice enough to maintain consistancy.

If I was able to let the bad shots go I'd probably end up being a better player, even with the lack of practice.

I guess the solution would be to practice a bit more

 

[Alex1975]

I love this game so much, it means more to me than just a game and I enjoy every moment of it. Last year I got far too intense with it and the golfing gods took my swing away so now I am a little more careful about how I go about my practice and my attitude to it. I do think it is important not to be too intense but I will never give up on the dream!

 

[Monty_Brown]

I play better when I'm happy. I will play better at the start of a week's holiday than on a Sunday afternoon with the prospect of a week at work ahead.

The effect of atttitude and mood is very significant.

 

[Alex1975]

I play better when I'm happy. I will play better at the start of a week's holiday than on a Sunday afternoon with the prospect of a week at work ahead.

The effect of atttitude and mood is very significant.

I am 100% the same!!! it makes a huge difference, sad really but 100% true for me. Think I need a little more mental control on that one...

 

[Monty_Brown]

I am 100% the same!!! it makes a huge difference, sad really but 100% true for me. Think I need a little more mental control on that one...

When we retire, we will both be off scratch. Except we'll probably be 85 years old