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What helps you play well?

Sleep (I work shifts, so sometimes a few hours down).

The sneaking suspicion that I have played a bit more often than is reasonable vs domestic responsibilities normally doesn't help.
 
First and foremost I try not to overthink the shot any more, when I started playing I had all sorts of crap going round in my head and before I new I'd duffed the shot and either found myself 10ft further along or I'd end up over on the far side of the opposing fairway with the oncoming "goofers" looking none too chuffed with me but I've got my iron work off to a T as of late so these days it's all about club selection judge the distance, pick the appropriate club, take the shot and deal with the next shot as and when I get to it although I have to admit that of late I seem to be placing every approach shot left of the green for some reason !...:rolleyes:
 
I have no idea, sometimes it happens sometimes it doesnt. I approach every comp the same way, relaxed and try and enjoy it, if i get a swing going early then it tends to stay there if not i tend to fight it.
 
A ball that listens when you tell it to get down or catch a bounce.

Most of mine have selective hearing at best, and some are just plain deaf!


a clear head certainly helps, it's just when I have a few good holes on the bounce I try and think back to what was the process, therefore starting the cycle of thinking too much again.
 
Same for me. My game falls apart if i start worrying about being somewhere else. I sometimes finish work early and sneak off for a round without my wife knowing. The first 9 are usually ok but crumbles on the back 9 when the guilt hits 

I just can't understand this. I've just broken up with my Mrs, but I'd always be totally transparent if I was doing something. I'd phone her and say I've finished early, I'm going to play golf. Like it or lump it!

Probably why we're not together anymore :D
 
Getting a really good tune stuck in my head and, humming it, whistling it and singing it to myself (not out loud) all the way round.
Keeps me relaxed!

A bad tune on the otherhand....:(
 
Good thread.
I'm new to the game, played Inverness golf course on Sunday, played the first 9 ok, hit a couple of bad shots and I crumbled.
My motto is try not to overthink after a mistake and try and relax.
 
A good stretch before hand and trying hard not to put pressure on myself to play well usually does the trick for me... The second part is always tougher than it sounds though
 
Be happy in my real life....

This for me too. A happy, unrushed, clear mind and I always play better. If you've ever played after a row with the better half, or some work based pressure lurking around your mind then you'll know what I mean.
 
Getting a really good tune stuck in my head and, humming it, whistling it and singing it to myself (not out loud) all the way round.
Keeps me relaxed!

A bad tune on the otherhand....:(


Great idea :thup:


Next time my p .p is ahead i'll start with some pyscho death metal :D
 
Playing with Cat 1 players always seems to make me play reasonably well.

Although having said that, my best round was played with a guy off 19 and a guy off 23. I was in the zone that day, though. Just in a really good place mentally and wasn't thinking about it too much. Don't know how to conjure that at will, sadly.
 
A nice....even....relaxed...tempo

instead of lashingattheballlikeawhirlingdervishwithahornetdownhispants.

(Weird, that space doesn't appear in the editor nor can I get rid of it, Hmm)

This! Vast majority of my problems come on holes designed to make you think you need to whack it. As a result I tend to lash at it, and either thin it or toe it. Once I find a nice smooth swing and tempo I'm set for the round usually! Very easy to lose concentration and just smash it though.
 
A clear head. All of my good rounds have been when i haven't been checking grip pressure, alignment, etc,etc. I've just seen it and hit it . It's not easy to do it though and just seems to happen occasionally.
 
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