Can't beak 70!

[salblz]

Need (mental) help.

I've been working on my game so hard this year and I'm shooting so much better than the previous years. I had extensive lessons in the beginning of the year and have a pretty rigourous practice regiment. I know things come in time, but I'm struggling to break 70. I've came so close at my two home courses (par 70, and 72) and always blow up on the home stretch. i've been 3-4 under on the last 5 holes and start on a bogey/double streak. It's awful to see all my hard work being thrown away.

I know I'm capable in my physical ability to break 70, but mentally I seem to break down. Anybody have any good 'mental' tips to help them down the final stretch and keep a good round going?

[Coach]

Obviously, you are a good player. Move up a set of tees, break 70 2-3 times and then move back.

[salblz]

Sorry mods. Posted in wrong forum. Please move if necessary.

[freddiec]

The only way to do it, is to say focused in the moment. I've only broken 70 once myself and it was because on the last 4 holes i was able to stay focused on the hole i was playing and not on my end score. Stay in the present and stay "up" or "happy". You have to stay in the zone and not fall out, or you will make that double.

[RagingAardvark]

The first time I broke a milestone score, I knew I had a good score going, and told my playing partner (who was keeping score) to NOT tell me what I was shooting. I figured if he told me I was close, then I'd think about it and blow it. Focus on each shot, tally it up at the end. Seems every single time I think "ok, here comes a birdie" I muff the shot. Golf is such a mental game. :cheesy:

[idrive400yards]

just don't think about it and like ragingAardvark said have a buddy keep score and have him not tell you your score till all is said and done!

[gogo29732]

I have broken 70 a couple times this year, and it's hard not to think about your score coming down the stretch...one thing that has worked for me is to think about my score, but in 3 hole increments. this helps especially on the last three. Forget about the last 3 holes, and focus on the next 3 hole stretch. The other thing that helps me is to simply try and think about having a birdie roll on the last three holes. What is the easiest shot I can play off the tee that will leave me a reasonable chance to hit the green. If I do that, I'm not trying to protect, but I'm also not overly aggressive. I guess it's just another way of looking at the fairways and greens mentality.

[p_haun]

just don't think about it and like ragingAardvark said have a buddy keep score and have him not tell you your score till all is said and done!

 

Never broken 70, but all my best scores (low-mid 70's) were always accomplished this way. Though I knew I was playing well, I didn't keep up with the score. So, while walking, i didn't carry the score card...And while riding, I was passenger.

 

BTW, love the avatar...I have two choc labs myself.

[ScottWS33]

I would say I am in a similar situation to yourself. I am a good player and i have had a good season but I haven't broken par that often. I think it has a lot to do with being aware of your score. Try to forget about and just play! It needs practice to perfect your response to events but get out there and just have fun.trying your best to just take it shot at a time.

[salblz]

Thanks for the tips! Today i was only able to play nine but shot an even par 35. (one birdie, one bogey). I went out by myself and I figured not to keep score and tally it at the end of the round. This definatley helped me stay focused one shot at a time and stopped looking at the 'big picture'.

 

To bad I lipped out about 4 birdie puts.. :cheesy:

[dent0528]

My advice is to cheat. Turn in a bunch of 67's and 68's, maybe even a 65. Do that long enough and you'll start beleiving your own lies and think you're actually that good. Then the pressure will be off and you can relax and shoot one for real.

Just my advice.