What do people do when things ain't going well

[Aztecs27]

Laugh. It's only a game.

When it happens, I'll treat the rest of the round as practice, forget scoring, and also treat each hole as a completely different game. Every time you step on the tee box it's a new opportunity to play some good shots and ignore the previous ones.

This. But I've only learnt this with age. When I was younger I used to get properly angry, but that just makes things worse. If I have a bad hole, it's not the end of the world, no one is going to die as a direct result and as Gary said, it's only a game. Just forget about it and move on. there's always next time.

 

[matts1984]

I am working on not getting the rage and think back to a few weeks ago when I played with my dad for a handicap card. Hit a 10 on the par 4 1st. Went on to card my best round of 93.

It's easy to type this now but very hard not to get angry on the course!!

 

[HawkeyeMS]

It is what it is. I'll just hit the next shot as I see it, as I would if playing well

 

[Achilles]

In the past, I'd panic and try and force it with the inevitable result of completing imploding. Now? Accept that no matter how good a golfer you are or how much you play/practice, you are ALWAYS going to have a bad hole / round / spell eventually. On Sunday I was ticking along nicely until the 7th. My lay up into the wind went further than it should've done and I was plugged under the lip in a bunker. It took me 4(!) swipes to get out and I walked off with a 9. Didn't feel at all flustered though and carried on, playing some good stuff afterwards.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If its really bad then you know nothing you do on the course will make a difference. Its a question then of grinding it put as best you can and enjoy any glimmer of hope you get (holed putt, decent drive etc). After that if the problems persist on the next round I'll go to the range and work on it. Failing that I'll get a lesson. Its only a game at the end of the day. Glass still half full even if I chop it this year

 

[joma1108]

For me its all about saving your score, go for the shots you think you can get otherwise dont get too aggressive, saying that don't take it easy because that can have a detrimental affect on your whole game and you can get tentative on all your shots.

 

[Kellfire]

On Saturday, when +6 through 11 I took a 13 on a par 4 through my own bravery/stupidity and it cost me the first medal of the year.

On Sunday I took an attack of the shanks and went round ten holes with 4 points.

I ignored golf on Monday.

Yesterday, I had a rabbit's 4BBB match for my club and I was terrified of what would happen. I went to the range to warm up before hand and at least 50% of the shots were topped or massive slices.

What did I do? I told my partner I was playing badly and he said something along the lines of, "It's just a game, we'll see what we can do."

We went four over as a team and won 7&6 and I played a massive part in that winning three of the eight holes we won in the game and halving others. No shanks all round. No more slices than I'd expect playing off 20.

I just focused on my game and let what was going to happen happen.

It's just a game, even when it really doesn't feel like it.

 

[GOLFBALL_WHACKER_GUY]

Was just wondering what peoples views are on when you are having a poor game do you still attack the pin or play safe

I just try a relaxed 3 1/4 swing and try and get the ball to go inline with my target, although when I do fall apart completely its usually on the last few holesand theres no time for recovery

 

[Kellfire]

I just try a relaxed 3 1/4 swing and try and get the ball to go inline with my target, although when I do fall apart completely its usually on the last few holesand theres no time for recovery

Would love to see your windmill action as you do a three and a quarter turn swing.

 

[Sir Slicealot]

Throw clubs, blame slow play, blame the course, cry, snap the odd shaft or two, vow to never play again, walk in, cry some more, think about getting new clubs.... buy some and come out smiling ready to play sh*t again next time

That sounds familiar

I joined my club with a mate who retired last year (he's 26 years older than me) and for some reason, i never seem to play well when we play together. I'm not sure why that is? odd comments like, that's an average shot etc proberbly don't help, and then i'll play with others and do much better !

Must be a concentration issue and for some reason, i don't concentrate enough when he's playing ??

 

[GOLFBALL_WHACKER_GUY]

Would love to see your windmill action as you do a three and a quarter turn swing.

Damn you, grammar whore!


Sir Slicealot, he's pulling the old mental game out on you, and its working. I used to play with a bloke who used to almost give constant in depth break downs of each swing during a round, i'd be hooding it? coming up, aiming left/right, too steep etc. In the end i turned the tables and started doing the same to him. he fell apart every time, even walking off after a few holes sometimes!