Stress of the game

[mrpibb7781]

I have been playing this game for just over two years now. I play regularly with friends and family and have made numerous trips to enjoy other states' golf courses and communities. My lack of progress has been extremely deprerssing however and my youngest brother, who has picked up the game only several months ago, is very improved. Im ashamed to say i am more than a little jealous. Despite taking lessons, and practicing at the driving range only minutes away, I still struggle to not embarrass myself on the course. I am in fear of losing my love of this wonderful game and giving it up completely. What do people do when the game gets stessfull? Id like to know how other people react when their game just is not going well on a particular day. Thank You.

[deepballer]

We all play the game to enjoy it but it isn't all fun sometimes.

It is a hard game and only a handful of people get really good.

Are your expectations to high?

Just because you take lessons doesn't mean you should get better.

I took lessons and watched my ballstriking get progressively worse.

Your scorecard really means nothing! Go play agressive and feel good about those few shots you pulled out of your A.

[italianstallion]

I just take a break from it. Right now, I'm feeling a tad bit burnt out, so I haven't picked up a club in 2 days, and I won't today, and I won't have the time to tomorrow. Taking a break gives me a fresh start, lets me forget about trying too hard, and I actually look forward to when I can play again, rather than making it feel like an inconvience.

 

Its a game, thats all

[TheHomez]

I just take a break from it. Right now, I'm feeling a tad bit burnt out, so I haven't picked up a club in 2 days, and I won't today, and I won't have the time to tomorrow. Taking a break gives me a fresh start, lets me forget about trying too hard, and I actually look forward to when I can play again, rather than making it feel like an inconvience.

 

Its a game, thats all

 

What he said.

 

Just take a few days off, then start going to the range again a few times then hit up the course. A few days off will give you some time to relax, forget about how bad you were playing before, and give you a new start. Most importantly it'll make you excited to play again.

 

Also, you might want to find another instructor, even if the one you have now is one of the best around, their style might not work with yours and that might be throwing you off. Also what type of equipment do you play? If your playing cavity back players irons those definitely aren't helping out your game. Just a few things to think about...

[maxxym]

+1 for taking few days off...

 

Relax, do something else, then go play again in few days with clear mind. It will help you. I noticed that's what happens to me. This is my 1st year playing seriously. I played little last year. I have streaks where I would play 5-6 days in a row, and with my last day, nothing is going right.. I take few days back and play again beating my personal best scores...

 

Take your time....watch some golf channel... relax..

[SDB1]

More often than not taking time off will ruin your game. Golf improvement is as much about mental mindset as it is proper technique. If you are getting frustrated during a round immediately throw out the score card and just hit shots. Try out different techniques that maybe you were working on at the range but were afraid to attempt during the round. Be agressive and not tentative in your swing. Not concentrating on the potential negative score will free you up. The best accuracy is usually achieved by giving up the sense of control and swinging freely and fluidly. Realize that even the best players make errant shots during their rounds. Their ablility to move on and hit a good shot for their next is what sets them apart. When you hit a poor shot on the course just accept it. Don't try and pull off a miracle on your next. Just hit a solid recovery and accept your bogey. It will help you avoid doubles or higher. Expect progress in golf but don't expect it quickly! It is a game of peaks and valleys. Work on one area at a time and make small improvements over long periods. When you are striking it pure rest assured that the feeling will not last more than a few weeks and more than likely will not repeat in the very next round. Also realize that when you are in a slump and you just shot your worst score in months this too will also pass and you'll have a spectacular round again soon enough. When practicing always decide on the shot you want to accomplish beforehand and try to achieve it. Mindlessly hitting balls is not how the game is played and will do nothing to improve your on course performance. DO NOT practice primarily on mats. Try and and practice in playing conditions whenever possible. Late Twilight rounds are perfect for this.

[TRAV1]

I have been playing this game for just over two years now. I play regularly with friends and family and have made numerous trips to enjoy other states' golf courses and communities. My lack of progress has been extremely deprerssing however and my youngest brother, who has picked up the game only several months ago, is very improved. Im ashamed to say i am more than a little jealous. Despite taking lessons, and practicing at the driving range only minutes away, I still struggle to not embarrass myself on the course. I am in fear of losing my love of this wonderful game and giving it up completely. What do people do when the game gets stessfull? Id like to know how other people react when their game just is not going well on a particular day. Thank You.

 

What are your goals? Beat your brother? Enter a tournament? What? "Make progress" is too general and ill-defined.

 

Without direction, your just going to get ticked off about every aspect of the game to the point it's overwhelming. Relax... do YOUR thing...

 

Once you know your direction, you can ignore other's business and know with confidence that other's opinions don't matter.