why oh why cant I

[bignev]

Why oh why cant I put a full round of golf together.
As a high handicapper (26) Ive started to play some good golf but for some reason when I start putting a good score together it falls apart or I start badly then play the last few holes like a pro.
Sunday scored 22 points on front 9 but 12 on back 9 that I normally play better.
Im mystified any answers or solutions out there PLEASE

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It boils down to getting too far ahead of yourself. Its a common problem and a reall affliction of mine on those rare occasions I'm playing OK. What I think is happening is that you know you are playing well and consciously start thinking about what you need to do on each hole rather than focussing on the shot in hand as you did on the front nine.

Alternatively you are getting protective of your good score and trying to steer the ball on each hole to try and play safe. This means you aren't swinging with the same freedom you were and your swing loses its tempo etc.

The good news is that you are playing well enough to get into this situation. Its something that come with practice and you need to try and just focus on each shot. If you have a bad hole its not the end of the round and just try and do what you were and not suddenly go looking for the flag etc. It sounds like your game is in decent shape so try not to put too much pressure on and enjoy it and the challenge it presents

 

[drawboy]

I don't want to sound condescending in any way but as you are a higher handicap player consistency will come slowly at first. Hopefully you will be able to put a round together more frequently as you get better at the game. Do not give up it really takes time and lots of practice to get better at this great game. I'm sure a good round is just around the corner just play one hole at a time and do not think to far ahead, play the hole you are on then think about the next and give that one 100%.

 

[Up_Point_1]

Bignev - Welcome to my world.

I play off 5 and (in reality) haven't played to it in months. Hence every comp I enter I go up 0.1. I'll be back to 6 in no time.

For what it's worth the best golf i've played is when I don't actually think about it, strange I know. The minute I start to let my mind wander and start thinking I have a good round going it all goes to rats.

It's no comfort I know but look on the bright side, at least you're not alone

 

[Robobum]

There are 2 reasons why someone is a high handicapper:-

1) They aren't very good and that is their level.

2) They can play the shots but are struggling to do it consistently enough.

You obviously fit in the latter so just keep at it. The more times you can put yourself in the position where you have a good score going then eventually you will carry it on and shoot the lights out.

 

[viscount17]

I find it's often down to concentration, though the psych assessment of my game also heavily featured inconsistencies in pre-shot routines, and not having post-shot or between shot routines. I still can't figure out what they are!

 

[DMC]

The best advice i was given was to 'stay in the now' basically play one shot at a time,dont think ahead of yourself. The more you play the greater the consistency.

 

[RGDave]

Why oh why cant I put a full round of golf together.
I'm mystified - any answers or solutions out there PLEASE

All I can say is golf is an 18 hole game with 40-80 full or short shots and then another 25-50 on the putting green. We all think we can string some consistency together but the order in which things work/go well/go bad/fail is a mystery to even the best players.

As much as I don't want to sounds patronising, the problem for higher handicap players is how quickly things can fall apart or when you lose the feel (which we all do) will it come back?

I've had a level par 9 followed by 4 or 5 over and the reverse. Some days I'm putting for birdie all over the place, other days, not at all....literally, not even one chance.

I think there are "mental issues" when things are going well, like getting ahead of yourself etc. In reverse, a lot of players around my standard start rather slow, spot why things are going poorly and fix it.

I like to look at the whole round. If I squeeze 20 points on the front 9 and only manage 16 on the back, I don't worry too much....luck plays it's part too....clearly when we/players are a few shots up on the h'cap it would be nice to think you can continue for a big total, but it doesn't often happen.

I honestly believe luck/bad luck and good play/bad play WILL balance out over the full course.....best not to get too frustrated.

 

[bignev]

Thanks for all your comments, I must admit after parring the par 5 9th I started thinking this is it a cut in h/cap at last and thats when it all went wrong.
Will take all your advice and not think to far ahead.