How To Play Good Golf In Competitions... And How Not To...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ก.ย. 2018
- So you’ve prepared, you’ve got the latest Titleist driver, the latest Ping Irons, the best Vokey Wedges an Odysse and a box of brand new Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls.
The starter hands you your score card.. what do you do? How do you react? How do you play good golf with a card in your hand?
In this video I talk you through my first competitive round of golf in nearly 3 years (a PGA Pro-Am). What I did well, what I didn’t do well. And how you at home can learn from the m - กีฬา
Interesting topic. I'm 71. I started golfing 40 years ago, took 10 years off then resumed 5 years ago. Two years into my "comeback", I had the pleasure of being paired with an (about 30 year old) low handicap golfer in our annual club "Open Championship". This 5 Hcp golfer had a pleasant demeanor, never complained about a bad shot and simply said "Thank you" when complimented a good shot (that was obviously not close to his best). Early in the round he made a triple bogie followed by a double bogie and remained unfazed. He finished the round 3 over par.
I decided after playing that round that I wanted to be just like that. I wanted that attitude and made it my goal. I thought it would be easy. It was the hardest change in my game that I've ever made. It required me to be persistent and always aware of my attitude. I had to dedicate many, many rounds in the next two years to simply maintaining a good attitude. OMG that was a monumental struggle! But I got there. It took me about two years. Now, I can say I've arrived at my goal. I've turned many, many potentially disastrous rounds into acceptable scores. My handicap index this year (7.1) is the best I've achieved in my comeback.
No, I don't participate in any significant tournaments. Local club "Open" championships and of course my courses "Club Championship". I still get nervous but the nerves quickly fade and now I'm confident that I can recover from the usual disasters that all of us suffer. Unlike many others though, I feel I can handle those disasters without losing my confidence. Such is my experience. Cheers.
I think recovery is a little taught skill in golf. I'm a 6.7 handicap, and sometimes I'll start around three over through 4 holes. I'll end the round 7 or 8 over, because I recovered those strokes, either by parring out the rest of the 9, or by making a couple birdies. Short game usually bails me out.
Absolutely where I am at the moment.Lovely to read 🏌🏼♂️🏌🏼♂️
You just need to watch more "James Robinson" golf videos mate! Worked for me. 28 Handicap. Shot an 85 on Sunday!
😂😂😂😂 I’ll try and catch them mate! Congrats on the 85!!!!
Really enjoyed this.. my last comp was a medal. I started 7 and 7.... wanted the world to swallow me up.... always great to hear quality players like you are in the same boat
I keep score every round, unless I'm just messing around with my friends. So I'm used to having the scorecard in my face all the time. I'm not a good strategist, so, it's driver off the tee, wedge to the MIDDLE of the green (not the flag), and 2 putt for par. Putting is my strong suit, so it's easier to putt for a birdie, and be happy with a par, than it is for me to attack the flag and miss the green completely.
I'm biggest failing is trying to compete with other people. "Oh, this guy hits it 300 off the tee. Maybe if I step on it a little...nope, lost it to the left."
I've also learned to accept that, on some days, it's just not going to happen and I need to have a good time instead of trying to compete. I can't tell you how many rounds start off competitive and end up as practice.
Getting off to a poor start used to destroy my day then I blow a 46 (10 over) front and 34 (1 under) back and now I always know I can make it through. Sometime a few beers helps too!!🍻🍻
i just went out for my local division 3 college here in the states as a walk on at 27 years old.. never been so nervous with a card in my hand, i was a poor score keeper and just battling my own swing thoughts. i went out the next day after tryouts after near dead last and shot a respectable score w my teammates to attest. i clubbed up a lot and need to course manage myself around much better and get routines drilled down. great vid mate keep the content rolling
Favourite video yet. I feel like my handicap is far to high but every time I have a card seem to melt so it won’t come down !!
Thanks Sarah!!! Good luck!!!
Great video James. I have to keep telling myself that a bad day on the course, is still better than the best day in the office. Just doing that takes a lot of pressure off, and all of a sudden my swing feels natural and fluid again, rather than cramped and overly complicated.
I love the questions you are asking. I feel like a lot of the advice parroted out is not really helpful and even though it may be true sometimes its not true for everyone. Sometimes I also think the advice doesn't help you get from where you are to where you want to be which is really what we watch these videos for
Hi James, I had a round like that last Saturday, I was playing my last card to get my official handicap and put so much pressure on myself my front 9 was embarrassing and I wasn't playing my normal game come to the 10th and I just smashed my tee shot confidence back feeling good and finished well. I have just returned to golf after 16 years and am loving being back on the fairways and I am really enjoying your videos your honest straight to the point views are really helping my confidence and my golf.Cheers and Happy GolfingDave Melbourne Australia
Great video! I have shot some really terrible competitive rounds. Get off to a bad start and try to bear down and get something going. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Congrats on getting it back to 75. The one thing that made me better in competitions....was more competitions. So, you need to get busy playing more competitions. The best excuse ever to play more competitions!!
Great video James. Being a high handicapper. It's the handful of great shots you make on a round that makes you want to get better. You just have to accept the bad shots as part of your learning curve to improve. I also think that your playing partner can sometimes put pressure on you through their expectations of your game or how they expect you will play.
I’m going to guess a 76 you shot. Funny thing with this video and you posting it when you did. I’ve been religiously keeping scores tracking my handicap this season and currently sit at a 10. I’ve dropped about 5 strokes from the beginning of my season. Monday I played with some friends at their club and it’s a beautiful course but for some reason it eats me up time and time again. Well Monday I said to myself I just want to go out and have a fun time with my friends and didn’t plan on keeping score. I started out par, birdie, par and my friend I was riding with said your playing good and wondered why I wasn’t keeping a card. I told him I just wanted to relax and enjoy the day. Well he ended up keeping score with out me knowing and I shot a 75. 3 birdies, 9pars and 6 bogeys. By far my best round of the year and not knowing my score or caring just released all that tension and just let me focus on the next shot only.
Reading through the comments here actually help. When you realise its not just you going through all those 1st tee nerves, filled with all those swing thoughts and self doubt, all those eyes watching you or teeing it up after someone has striped it 290, middle of the fairway, its almost comforting to know that everyone else feels the same.
I used to play regularly with a +2Hcp player, smallish bloke, calmest temperament ive ever met, he would birdie for fun, apart from the technical stuff he taught me, the biggest thing i learnt from him was mindset.....my approach is very different now to what it was. It has helped beyond belief. Once you achieve something you never thought you could, everything seems to become easier because of how you think about it. It seems to me its no coincidence that all the top golfers or any sportsmen have the strongest mindsets, winners keep winning because once you get past that mental hurdle, you know you can do it again . Great video. All the best
Enjoy you videos so much more than than the other pros.
You relate much better.
Describing my golf to a tee there James at the minute! Not playing great! And feel like I’m always chasing birdies! Then when they aren’t coming getting too aggressive and completely ruining the round! I’ve started to feel anger/frustration creeping back in which doesn’t help! More patience less expectations required! Oh and a lesson! 👍🏻 great vid pal
Hi James great content, now a subscriber, based on previous material also a lot of good sense. For me also on comp day, i tend to over swing vs when in practice or out with friends. Q for you, what driver were u using ?
Yet another very good point. One thing I have noticed since starting playing again. First few comps I played out of my skin won two and second in another now I'm lucky to break 90. Play off 10 BTW. I think it's all down to me thinking to much. I swing in to out and tend to pull shots. So to start with I aimed right and hit greens. Now I'm trying to start the ball more on line and I can go fine for so long then the dreaded shanks start and my confidence goes. I'd be better just accepting my swing and aiming right but there is that part of me that wants that out to in swing and a draw shape.
James, I have just played a round in a society game but a counter. Played the course on Sunday as a practice and shot 1 over handicap. Today shot 14 over handicap, where everything went wrong and could not feel my swing. Relate to your comment about guiding ball down fairway. Got second competitive day tomorrow and already feeling nervous
I tried a new strategy on the course during my last round at a mid sloped course with one regular playing partner and two not so regular playing partners. So it seemed like a competition to me and was I nervous. I started out with a 9 on a par 4 and my breathong was way up. I'm a 27.7 handicap and I usually shot in the low hundreds. I'm happy to say that the new thought strategy worked well and I broke 100, shooting a 96.
I did my usual the other day... playing off 10 I went out 11 over, came in 2 over... I do this all the time! In practice though I have par'd the front and normally shoot around 5 over (it is the tougher 9) and I'll happily par the back 9... I feel I should be off 6 or 7 (and have been told this many a time!) but I just can't nail the front 9 in a comp! ...one day!
Honestly, I’m not bad at golf. It’s my mental stare that brings me down. I overthink shots and end up shooting 2 or even 3 over par. I have a competition tomorrow so please wish me luck!
good luck! im sure you'll do great, just remember to have a positive attitude. thats what brings me down too..... but every shot you hit think of it as if you are hitting the best shot of your life. if you have a bad shot try not to overthink it, and think of the positives in this situation. make every shot count and if you have a bad hole, take a couple of deep breaths and say to yourself,"that was just a practice hole for this next one." these are tips that help me alot, hopefully they will help you too! play idgaf golf, and you'll be perfectly fine! good luck, and i also have a tournament this monday...
Navisha 2 thank you so much! I will definitely use your tips tomorrow. I hope you do well in your competition, you will win 🤍🤞
I will go to the port-a-let to get away from everyone and remind myself to slow down, quit pressing, and have fun. This is a game that we can either enjoy or loath depending on the day we are having. Slowing down and finding the fun in it usually seems to straighten me back out.
Just seen this video and relate 100% I play off 11 with a card in hand (official handicap). If I'm playing with friends I play regularly to around 5. I've tried everything and still struggling to get the handicap down.
One needs to learn the art of Not giving a F$$K and the scores will drop
U sounded like u hit 100
Never doubted u for a minute😉
I tee off with the only thing on my mind being what I want my shot shape to look like for that shot. I NEVER think about scores, never add up at the turn, only ever take notice once I've finished my 18th hole. I find keeping the same easy mindset that you have during a practice round really frees up your swing. If things start going awry for me, generally it's because I have shortened my follow through, so I make a point at the tee to make sure I make a full follow through. The only thing different between a comp day and a practice session is the pressure you put on yourself...
I’m sure you cover this. Having been competitive and non competitive, once that card ends up in your hand, it works it’s way into your head. Suddenly, the score is the main focus, and not relaxing and just letting the game take care of it’s self. This creates tension in the arms, back and legs. This tension becomes compounded because you hit a bad shot here or there, or don’t score as you would normally.
My best recommendation isn’t alcohol, it’s warm up with about 20 shots before the game focusing on tension in your arms and back, breathe and realize the score isn’t going to be your best before hand. Add five strokes to your average game and just expect that, anything better is a bonus.
I have a cheat chit which I have written down what I am hitting off the tee which I do a couple of days before. Thus is usually a mixture of optimum tee shot but incorporating what worked the weekend before. It can change a little on the day mainly due to weather. That's my plan and I stick to it throughout the round unless I am hitting that club badly then see how I feel at the time to hit something else.
Great video. For me its the desired outcome that determines my play (aggressive or defensive). This year I have really struggled with my swing and I am part way through a swing-change with my coach. My season goal was to simply maintain my 8 handicap (8.3 at the start of the season). I have played far more defensively on the 'trouble' holes - the OOB or heavily tree lined - and its worked in that my handicap is now 8.4 and I am now done with competitions this year. That said, I haven't enjoyed any competitions as they were fear-driven, however, I have now bought myself 6 months to consolidate my swing changes to become more consistent. It must be easier to go out thinking positive thoughts of achieving something rather than negative thoughts of failing at something?
Like everyone else, (I imagine), I'm a little more tense-especially on the first tee- when I'm in a competition than when playing with mates in my usual Sunday fourball. I used to have a head full of 'what if' and 'I have to'. Now I literally ask myself 'What's the worst that can happen', once I've asked and answered that I kind of mentally shrug my shoulders and think to myself, "Yeah, I can survive that'. It's all about having a sense of perspective. I realise that's one of those, easier said than done, things, but, at least for me, it helps me to play in a competition with almost the same attitude as a friendly knockabout with mates. Also it really helps me to relax if the three I have been drawn to play with enjoy a bit of banter and piss-taking.
playing with friends you want to post a good score but it doesn't matter as much as when your in competition and have to post or shoot a good score to win often it comes down to the mental game and how you deal with a poor start or a few bad holes do you let get you down or do you play your way back into contention ......great video by the way James
Last week I played the first round of a two round qualifier to advance to the match play rounds of our club championship. I played well the front nine, 2 under my handicap and was still 2 under getting to the 17th. The wheels fell off when I tried to play a safe tee shot and a safe second into a long par 4. Wound up taking a 10 after hitting 4 different trees and a 3 putt. I lost my composure when my 3rd clipped a tree, followed by 3 more hitting trees as I tried to get back to my own fairway. Usually if my round starts bad, I just get in a mindset of fairways and greens, make no worse than bogey on a whole. It seems to work for me. I’m just going to try and play my second round with that mindset, forgetting about the first round.
Well take it as a good 75 after the start pal . Every fancy a knock give us a shout 😁😁
I use a card each time to measure myself. I dont play in competiition so I play against myself and the course. I have a high handicap so trying to improve card helps me see what parts of game I need to work on.
I'm joining a club for the 1st time at 37, even though I've been playing since I was 12 (mum and dad never had the money to buy a membership) and I can't wait to play in the comps. I have myself playing off 7 or 8 and I'm more excited to finally get a proper handicap. I've got 4 kids so apart from golf I have nothing 😂
I have been there too often. I wish I knew the answer! When it goes well, the game seems very easy, but that is rare
76 ?
I play the same every round, but a card in the hand makes it double important. If I'm playing well, I go for it. If I'm going through a bad spell, I try to guide it and play poor. Yesterday I was at Goswick, middle of the fairway, hit the 7 iron into the deep rough on the bank on the 7th. I tried to guide it. Blobbed the hole. On the 8th, I made up my mind to hit the ball and damn the consequences. Those 11 holes got me 25 points. It's the fear of failing I think the makes the card in your hand difficult. If I can just be more positive each shot, I know I'll play well. Drives me nuts lol.
Cheers James
Love ya honesty
I'd guessed 75. BTW the reason we do so well on the range and the practice rounds is because of the everlasting mulligan. On the range, every shot is a mulligan. And sometimes, even in practice, we'll drop a 2nd and try again because "it doesn't really count". But on game day, you've got to get every shot right, because you only get one shot. And you've got to take every shot as if it's the only one, regardless of the results of the previous shot. My biggest challenge are the par 3s. I can be 150 out from the pin on a par 4 or 5, and I can hit the green. But put me on a par 3 at 150 and I'll pull/push the shot most of the time. I just love this game!! LOL. Anyway, that was yesterday, and today is a whole new adventure. JM2C
Couldn’t agree more mate! And good guess!!!!
I think you mentioned it.... all down to expectations really. We all like to play well and to our handicap. Reality is sometimes we score better and others worse. We are amateur golfers after all.
I can remember a few years ago playing in the club championship were you had to qualify for the afternoon round by finishing in the to 30 i think it was. I was playing great golf at the time and I was playing off 3 at the time and shot my worst round for years, I think I shot 85 on a par 72 absolute nightmare round and as you can guess didn't make the afternoon round. After everyone who qualified had gone out I went out with a friend who also didn't qualify and low and behold went out and shot a gross 71 which was more like my normal self. Funny old game eh.
When I get off to a bad start(which I occasionally do) I try to slow my swing down and not overthink things.
When I was playing my best golf I never knew exactly my score was. I trained myself to take it one shot and one hole at a time. I didn’t think about the total score until the round was over.
I didn’t want to change my strategy mid round and I didn’t want to know if I was out of my comfort zone I’ve seen too many players needing to par in to break 80 suddenly go triple-double. Or one incident where a buddy of mine was told, “hey, you realize you’re 2 under thru 5?” Then he jacked the next two balls OB! Just write down your score and add it up later.
Expection is a scorecard killer! Ive played in a 4 ball and ive had the lowest handicap so standing on that first tee the pressure and expectations increase...looking at the cards following the round you would think id never picked up a club! Have to admit ive been guilty of getting off to a poor start in the first 4-5 holes and feeling dejected for the rest of the round...you are just looking for 2 shots that make you feel its worthwhile coming back next time. Prefer a Shotgun start rather than playing off the first here in Doha which is a par 5 but after Driver you get a rush of blood and try to spank a 3 wood instead of a 6 iron then an 8 iron to leave a birdie putt. The 3rd is a long par 3 which often adds to the misery with trouble on the right. If golf was easy we would all be on Tour!
I have a few shots per round so only ever look at how many shots I have on a hole and look at best option to get the ball in the hole in that many shots. If you find the trees or rough of the tee don't try the impossible just take your medicine and get back in play. Just thinking about and playing each individual hole not all 18 collectively will more often than not see you shooting a competitive score.
For me I tend to dwell on the negative more with a card. Marking 2-3 puts, greens missed. Basically missed opportunities. Without I just want a clean solid strike. It’s what I’m working on when I don’t have a card.
love a good comp
I try to score every round to make it the same as a comp. I do have the odd disaster so that’s upsetting. Try to plot and have a plan for the course I’m going to play as we play different courses for comps.
I'd say you came in at +4
Since I retired I now play Golf purely for fun and enjoyment. At 66 I have no delusions about my game, so even if I'm playing in a comp I have no expectation about winning, so don't put any extra pressure on myself. It's amazing how much more enjoyable golf is without the extra pressure of having to play well and win.
I really only play in medals and dont often play bounce games. So it doesn't feel like a big deal when you do it all the time. (doesn't mean I play any better but it doesn't make me play worse either).
Great point!
I love competitive golf, I'd say 95% of my rounds during a year are comp....I find I don't get up and go for social rounds and by proxy end up playing a bit worse on average....although that could be the beers as well ;-)
I get out of my own head. Have to commit on the shot and believe in my ability.
What’s the new titleist driver like? I’m waiting for mine
I'm a 10. I play in 10-15 tournaments a year. Usually one day net competitions, at different courses. Love the stress of trying to score, or trying to survive. You find out alot about your swing. Just one rule during the round: don't do anything stupid😀
It's mainly because an average player, by that I mean anything from 5-20 handicap, generally cannot avoid a disaster over 18 holes. Best I've been was 4 and I was mid twenties no commitments and it took practicing 3/4 days per week to get there. It's only practicing for that amount of time that you develop muscle memory. Play 1/2 times per week now and that doesn't cut it if you want to play well.
For me, the biggest problem with comp golf is I feel rushed, not thinking my routine or my shots through. So when the scorecard is in my hand i always feel like I have to play speed golf.
I guess 81. I can get quick under stress so I do best if I get compact when I am tense. I will do a 3/4 back swing and do a somewhat abbreviated follow through.
I think I just learned something about myself from watching this. I have a habit of trying to "protect" a score when I'm playing well. It occurs to me now that protecting doesn't really work for me because I'm a pretty aggressive player. I can't tell you how many times I've made the turn at -1 to +1 and then totally changed up my game to "protect" and end up shooting a 40-44 on the back. Sigh! Why did I not ever see that before?
biggest changes I make are not taking chances. if I'm with my mates playing I'll try a shot or five I maybe have a 50/50 chance of pulling it off. like a tiger line on a par 5 to leave you 150 out....whereas in a comp that's a slight draw 3i or 5w to the top of the dog leg and a 7i down to ~90 for a soft aw 2 putt par. same on shorter par 4s. in a comp that's a 4i wedge all day but with my mates that could be a driver 40yarder or less. I'd also be more confident to try shot shaping with friends attempting a soft fade ending towards the water whereas comp that's middle of the green.
Well the way i deal with it is that it doesnt matter if im playing 1 hole or 9 or 18. I always track and keep scores with a scorecard. The pressure is on me every time to shoot a good score. That way when Im playing competitive golf I just have the same mentality that my game will be my game and my score will be my score. I dont pay attention to others scores just my own and do what i need to do to shoot my score and not try and beat somebodies score.
I some times play for the points and not the birdie and am On for birdie but thinking about the points if I miss but if am playing safe 4 iron all day for me
WOW, your swing has really changed to what it is now.😹
James i love the channel, i dont know what type of 'grind' Titleist wedge would be suited to my swing, how about a helpful video? Many regards, Chris
Thanks Chris! Really appreciate the kind words! It’s something I’ve thought a lot about. Leave it with me!
Plus 4 finish I think James👍
I tighten up, try too hard to score. The best golfers are present....just hit that shot, nothing passed nothing future, just there in the present. I loved watching spieth on the last hole at the masters, most of us would tighten up and try and eliminate dropping shots ; but Jordan just stayed present and hit the shot before him. All this while playing last hole in contention for the mastered! So why do I tighten up missing a fairway by few feet in a medal???? If you can fix for me James , well a kiss may not be enough! 😂
My problem in competitions is that I worry about my score to much what should I do James
great vid
It's the same problem I have when people let me play through on a tee box. It's being aware of people being aware of you. For me, at least.
Don’t know where to start with this. Great question though. Pressure is key. It’s easy to try out a driver or take a few irons and see what’s better. Play against your bud and it all changes. Be the golfer you are don’t get on the course and be someone your not!.. cheers mate 🍻 NYC. Let’s play a round when you come to New York!!! 75 😂😂😂 No way with that swing 👵🏻
I find i set own goals score wise before i start and then get too focused on the outcome late in my round. I take a peek or two at my card and tighten up on the last 3 or 4 holes. 🙄🤨
If I can go for the green I’ll go for it. I’m not good enough with my short game to lay up and guarantee a good score
Nice!
Used to play with card in hand once a month. Became routine, then I signed up for a "grand prix" competition (limited to lower hcp amateur comps in france). Duffed a drive 50 yards duffed the next 30 again walked off hole 1 +5 as a 7 handicap back then. My game came back after 4 holes cause it just didn't matter anymore. Nerves are a bitch. Go up 1 lvl and they're here waiting for you. Get used to them , go up a lvl ... they're back like Jack Nicholson through a wooden door.
Club Championship last Sunday.. because I was chasing after a slow start ended up with my first 10 of the year stuck in a bunker with a ridiculous overhanging lip. Ruined my day and season....
Try to consolidate the next few holes then start to make it enjoyable again
To be honest I’m more the other way I think. I prefer golf with a competition card in my hand. I think it’s because at the moment my only goal in golf is to get my handicap down and I don’t feel I can enjoy a round unless it means something 🤷🏻♂️
Honestly I've never played without some sort of scorecard because the people that got me playing golf always had one in their hands. The reason most golfers play worse in competition is psychological, they don't follow their own routine and in then subconscious tells you that it's a different day you are used to playing so you automatically get nervous and things like that.
Pre…..and let’s do it now 😁
Have a strategy for the day and stick to it!
at 3 mins in, I think you shot +6... so, not a bad guess. I rarely play in comps but when I have done, I find I often get frustrated with the pace of play.. comps seem to take a good bit longer than usual, because you might be playing as a 4 ball, in texas scramble or whatever, but things like waiting for other players to take shots, order of play on putts, tee shots, etc, all slows the game down. I guess that´s cos I´m used to playing alone or with friends who play pretty fast, so we play a round in about 3.5 hours- 4 hours at most, but taking over 4.5- 5 hours or more on a comp (as has happened) really gets to me and screws my game up, and then I stop caring where the ball goes, I just want to get it over with.
In other comps I´ve played in, first tee nerves has been a big issue. I played in a comp at a course my company sponsors, and I just happened to be there for the weekend, so I entered. But, no warm up, walked onto the first tee with around 60 ppl watching, and topped it into the heather beside the ladies tee. I recovered my game a bit around hole 5 or 6, but the damage was already done. Whereas usually when I play alone or with friends, I dont bother with much of a warm up, as we´re usually pressed for time, just arrive and go. And that usually works fine, but the pressure of being in a comp with ppl watching just gets in your grill. So yeah, Golf, so much of it is all in your head!! :(
Thanks for watching Alan! Maybe address that warm up situation! Enjoy your golf mate!
Enjoying the content James, keep up the good work!
I havey very first comp tomorrow 😫
Good luck Ritchie! Enjoy it!
@@JamesRobinsonGolf thanks mate I'm looking forward to it but very nervous haha
Forgot only time I have a card in my hands are in comps . Don’t really think it’s there . Just have the attitude it just a knock . Cos if I start thinking yes THINKING that’s when things go wrong . But this does not mean I don’t think course management . But just forget the card
No difference for me. That said I have always been an aggressive player trying to hit it long and dealing with what ever situation the golf “God” give me. Not alway the best idea but that’s how I learned to play 60years ago. Played with golfers with handicaps 10 and under. Now I play with golfers of my own age and most are high handicappers (so am I). Enjoy your videos!!
where are the mizuno's?
I think most amateurs play too much Stapleford. speeds up the game but makes for poor discipline. Its when I play the monthly medal that the concentration (and frustration) sets in add the need to win ....the pressure mounts!! Same aggression but more conservative on club selection. Normall love competition. Unless I get the wooden spoon
What to do..............GRIND!!!!!!!!!!
The nerves kick in with a card in hand,amateur players tent to hit for distance and not think their way round a course
Was it a 74 james.
In case your new driver didn‘t work for you I am still happy to take care of it 😉
Me play aggressive you only have the moment win or loses
You don’t really think we “compress the ball into the turf”, do you?
Go on...
Miguel Ruiz, I sometimes do, I call it a top ;) I think what James is talking about is striking ball before turf, ie, hitting slightly down on the ball (with irons) therefor effectively "squeezing the ball" between the club and the turf.. I´ve heard other pros talk about it on you tube, perhaps something is lost in the terminology.
I just then stick to what i practised for the course i would shoot lile 7 over and come in 3 over...
James have you ever taught anyone that uses right handed clubs with a left handed grip?? I have trawled TH-cam and there seems to be nothing on it whatsoever! #yorkshirebloke
I always attack , I can shape both ways reasonably accurately , this is my way playing golf , stick to your game James , when you try to play for example conservatively it will inevitably go pear shaped , because your half swinging and playing too safe.
How’s that driver? 😉
6 over par
My golf game is such that I don't need a golf coach. I need a fricking psychiatrist!
I think most of it is coping with pressure and using it as fuel, rather than letting it affect your shots. You should thrive under pressure, and use it as fuel, rather than having it place you in fear mode. You should always swing freer under pressure, not more tentative. Not saying it's easy, but you have to to win.
Fear is part of golf. Once you can accept this, and play through the fear, and cut through it by swinging freer, you'll find yourself shooting lower scores in comp.
In fact I just came back from my first genuine comp. in at least 5 years. I won it. It was for special Olympics, it was the Florida State Championship, and I defeated four time national (that's national, not just state) champion by two shots. Really, I've only ever played in two tournaments in my life. That one, and my first ever five years ago, which I also won.
Thing is, there's always pressure. When you learn to accept it, and focus not on score, but execution of shots, then the pressure becomes fuel, rather than a nuisance. Focus on execution of shots, not score or what this shot means in terms of result. The execution will take care of score. Score is a result of the execution of shots.
I think the reason I won both those events is because almost every time I play golf, even casually, I feel pressure because I take it so seriously. I'm always grinding on every shot, even in casual play. I never play just for fun, I'm looking to make a living from this game, so I need to treat it like it's my job. I don't enjoy the game casually, I need to play well to enjoy it. This is why I do well in competition, because every round is treated like one. Not to say I don't enjoy it, but I only really do when it matters most and I pull it off. Those moments to me give me a surge of exhilaration that flows through my veins and makes me love golf so much more.
Play well in your next event. I'd be happy to hear you did well.
I’m going to say 2 over.
4 over?