I choked my guts out yesterday!!

[dcg1952]

I enter a match play tournament every year at the course where I play, and yesterday choked like a dog to a guy who is EASILY 8 shots worse than I am on any given day. I developed the yips on several holes and then started trying to guide the ball with my full swings. A true recipe for disaster. Hit 2 tee shots OB and 2 more into hazards. Beautiful.
I play almost no competitive golf and have always found this and our club champioship to be pretty fun. However, I have realized several things about my game.
1.If I play an opponent better than I am, I play relaxed. If it's someone I know I should beat ,I play as above.
2. After 15 years of playing and a current index of 8.8, I STILL have no preshot routine! (Yes, you may call me an idiot at this point.)
3.Under stress my swing deteriorates to a form I can only describe as Nick Price on amphetamines--it's mighty quick. Over-acceleration is my best friend. I also quit at impact in my attempt to steer the ball--lots of pull hooks.(A beautiful OTT move as well)
4. I spend too much time looking at the ball when I putt, instead of focusing on the target.

Anyone wishing to give me therapy via cyberspace will be much appreciated. Thank you . I feel better already Dr Dave
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Luck can't last a lifetime unless you die young.

[hue]

www.clearkeygolf.com

[SwingNorthtoSouth]

Hey Dr Dave, plenty of Ben Doyle videos to form a set up routine. I like to take a couple of practice swings, then set up to the ball and fire away.
Do what Ben does and set up a string of balls.Pigeon right toe on the line,aim your club face to the target, left foot moves and inch to the left of the balls and slightly below your right foot. Right foot move side ways for balance.

[dcg1952]

Thanks Hue -- checked out that website and anticipate spending some time there

Also, thank you swingeasttowest---I have Ben's video but for some reason never adopted that set-up. I've been watching the clips on this site as Ben instructs a student and see it again. When I worked with Lynn in March we used a similar set-up. However, as time progressed I got away from it. I'm sure if I get "under the gun" it would serve me well to have an established routine. I don't use a practice swing, or even a practice putting swing---just set-up and go. Perhaps adding a practice swing would help relax me prior to the swing/putt---I'll try it and see how it works.

I spoke to a friend last night and relayed my misery to him and he uses the technique (after set up) of look at the target, look at the ball, swing. That might keep me from becoming "ball bound."

Thanks guys! Stay healthy Dr Dave

[hue]

Dr Dave the Clearkey concept works. Build in some structure in your pre shot routine that suits you. Play to your innate style ( Cearkey's style survey will show you this) and golf will become less stressful.