The red mist rises

[JohnnyDee]

Wer're all gentlemen and women us golfers. Calm under pressure, able to rule empires and spin the wheels of industry effectively day in and day out.

We're cool, calm and collected in everything we do and don't have one single bad word to say about anything to anyone.

Until..

Until we have to control a small ball with some sticks. Then the dormant monster lurking deep within our souls comes to the fore and we snap.

Playing alongside our family vicar and missing a short 2 foot putt we are apt to express our frustration in the warmest of tones. When a leaf falling gently to earth from a tree half a mile away distracts us on our backswing causing a dreadful snap-hook, the air may well turn blue as we erupt in fits of uncontrolled anger.

I'm fairly unflappable in life. I take most stuff on the chin...until it all goes a bit Pete Tong on the course. Then I fear that sometimes, were I to take a step back and observe myself in the cold light of day, then I may not care for what I see.

Nothing except golf causes the red mist to rise so rapidly for me. Ten seconds after the outburst I'm wracked with guilt. But of course by then it's all rather too late.

Am I unique or do you too find it hard to keep the demons under control?

EdIt:

For literalists - My reactions as depicted in this thread may have been exaggerated for comic effect to a certain degree.

 

[Pickapocket]

A bad day on the golf course always beats a good day at work.

 

[chrisd]

I saw someone say that golf is a game of mistakes, if players didn't make mistakes then we'd all score to our handicaps every time out

So, I make a mistake, I get irritated but I don't get the red mist descending. Nobody hits a bad shot on purpose but when they do its their own fault and nothing is gained by getting upset or annoyed and you're better off being cool and working out the plan to get back on track

 

[Tiger man]

I never get too flustered, roll on the next shot I say. Funny when the most placid ones lose it though like when I first played with my neighbour who I had never heard swear before and is real prim and proper. . . Until he reached nine off the tee and threatened to drop his trousers and use his shortest stick as it may be more successful:rofl:

 

[john0]

A snapped 2 iron on Sunday is proof that I have trouble controlling the red mist. Can never understand people who no matter how bad they are playing are never tempted to fling a club or two

 

[CMAC]

they do say (and I agree) that Golf shows someones true character :mmm:

 

[matt71]

I saw someone say that golf is a game of mistakes, if players didn't make mistakes then we'd all score to our handicaps every time

spot on Chris! I plan to make loads of mistakes this afternoon but will blame everyone but myself

 

[pokerjoke]

they do say (and I agree) that Golf shows someones true character :mmm:

I disagree one of the nicest blokes and forum stalwart and a friend of the stars is a club
thrower and throws tantrams.

But as I said theres not a nicer bloke I know.

As the op says its that little white ball that does it to some.
Me im just like a lamb with torettes.

 

[virtuocity]

No need for club throwing, swearing, stamping and shouting when you have 100 excuses to use.

Want to snap a club? Blame your lie
Helicopter time? No, you haven't played in ages
Profanity coming? Just hold your lower back a la Tiger and wince
Want to shout? Nah, there was a tonne of mud on your ball

 

[Hobbit]

I've probably been through all the phases of anguish down the years. Nowadays I just laugh at myself - it genuinely isn't that important...

 

[guest100718]

you cant beat a good swear

 

[Robobum]

you cant beat a good swear

So true

 

[Tongo]

I used to get properly cheesed off on the golf course but age and marriage has calmed me down. I also learnt very quickly after taking up golf that losing one's rag tends to have a detrimental effect on one's game. Not that it stopped me losing my rag! These days i'm pretty calm though.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Can't understand why anyone would throw clubs or have tantrums whilst playing golf - it's only a game , not worth getting upset over

 

[Tongo]

Can't understand why anyone would throw clubs or have tantrums whilst playing golf - it's only a game , not worth getting upset over

Some people, me included, aren't blessed with great temperaments. So its a constant battle.

 

[guest100718]

Can't understand why anyone would throw clubs or have tantrums whilst playing golf - it's only a game , not worth getting upset over

if it good enough for rory, Sergio and woods etc then I am fine with anyone who does it.

 

[Pin-seeker]

Some people, me included, aren't blessed with great temperaments. So its a constant battle.

I'm not too bad,apart from muttering explicits at the ball.
My mate really does struggle,shocking temper.
But he still keeps playing,bless him.

 

[Craigg]

Wouldn't play with anyone who has a tantrum on the course. It's embarrassing.

 

[JohnnyDee]

you cant beat a good swear

There are times when "Oh dear I made a blunder" simply doesn't quite cut it!

So true

So very true.

i used to beat myself up quite badly but now I can bite my tongue and just smoulder inwardly. Throwing a major wobbly is unfair on your PPs who might have a good card going. Nowadays I find a good pressure reliever is to encourage them in finishing off their round with a good score.

 

[Robobum]

A man who doesn't swear or slam a club back in the bag after a terrible shot is not to be trusted.

He is brooding inside and will undoubtedly be harming small animals later that day.