How to keep it going

[BerntR]

BerntR,

We sound like we struggle with the same issues on this one. I too, wish I had more opportunities to keep that good round going!

Trig

Hopefully we will beat the master of gamesmanship this year - this "Par" guy.
________________________________
Favourite movie not yet made - Tincup meets 007 in the movie: "Deamons are forever".

[Trig]

If I take the attitude that "I'm going to make it" when chipping - I often do make it or come really close.

When I have 6 foot putts I make a stroke like I "expect" it to go in. This keeps out all negative thoughts of what might happen.

If I hit a bad shot, the best way to rebound with a good shot is for me to stand up there and fully "expect" to hit the next shot well. The alternative is to worry about another bad shot.

I know I will hit bad shots. But my plan is always to hit a good shot, make the chip, make the putt - unless I'm purposely trying to lag it up there.

I also try to eliminate all mental errors. These things are 100% under my control. I know I will make execution errors, but I really try to avoid compounding things by making mental mistakes.

This process seems to work for me. My problem is I don't always remember to use it!

[EdZ]

I find that if I can visualize the shot fully, it can really help. No 'thoughts' just images, and reacting to those images. Sort of like a 'visual' clearkey.

[BerntR]

I find that if I can visualize the shot fully, it can really help. No 'thoughts' just images, and reacting to those images. Sort of like a 'visual' clearkey.

That reminds me of an important aspect in my own game.

I started to play at age 27. I have a few good stroke patterns in me and plenty of poor patterns.

On full shots I always have a pretty clear idea about the current operating stroke pattern. I "know" if I have my best swing at hand, whether a snap hook is lurking, wheather I am likely to come too steep into the ball and hit it short and so on. A good pattern for full strokes may klick in while I am chipping out from the woods, playing out of a bunker or simply preparing for a T-shot.

Anyway, the computer seems to know what kind of shot I'm about to produce. And it sends the message back to the concious. Most of the time I will have to go for the shot that I see. Even if I am not happy with it.

I seem to be incapable of programming the computer with a good stroke at will. This year - instead of "seeing which stroke the computer has downloaded" I will try to reverse the relation. See the ball flight, see/feel the neccessary stroke pattern and force the computer to download a proper stroke pattern.

Wouldn't that be something?

[Yoda]

I think saying "be confident" is pretty much useless. You have to truly believe that you are the best and you are capable. You have to ACTUALLY believe it. Not just say it to yourself. And that's not an easy thing to do. Try telling a non-confident person to be confident. Nuh-uh.

"You gain confidence in putting by getting hump-backed picking the ball out of the can."

-- Jimmy Demaret

[birdie_man]

Yes Yoda...good quote.

I think Confidence is built over time through good, consistent performance. Consistent, reliable confidence, that is. Not "having a good day" confidence.

[birdie_man]

A long time ago, with a HCP of 20, I managed to post a round 8 over par. By halfway I was so far ahead of my handicap that I felt I could do some serious errors and still post a very good score. That thought kept me in play for the whole round. Played the last 9 holes 3 over par and managed to stay focused for 18 holes. I've never done anything like it since.

Have you ever thought that maybe you were playing good that day because you were you were just having a good day? You had confidence that day, yes...but that is mostly standout, 'you're having a good day" confidence. That's the way I see it anyway. You said you haven't done that since, so maybe your method isn't as reliable as you think. What happens when you "try" on any other day? I think you can only push like that when things are really going your way.

Man this is a hard topic to talk about...so many things to consider...
I think I can see what you're trying to say though...if you are going to try, I'd think it would be for one shot at a time. Then you just try for the next shot. If you happen to fail, then you just move on without thinking about. It happens, right? You can't get those "wheels spinning." Is this kind of what you mean?

This whole thing really is kind or like deciding if the chicken or egg came first...i.e. you talked yourself into that mindset that day VS. you were in that mindset that day. It really is a hard thing to put your finger on isn't it?

That's why I try not to think about it too much when I'm actually playing.
That IS part of my style though (I'm a Craftsman by Carey's definition- I try to picture Freddie's demeanor).

I think long-term, sustained confidence can't be found with any "WOOD" method. You have to practice, be healthy, in a good mood...etc. etc.

I disagree with you regarding confidence. Confidence is not something that comes and disappears by itself. It is something most players can play and talk themselves in to or out of. If we play with high expectations that we constantly fail to reach, and we critisize ourself we are likely to break our confidence.

You are right here...and that is what I mean...people seem to want ot shoot for that "in the zone" confidence, which isn't realistic- like a hacker wanting to play like a tour player and getting all pissed cause he can't.

[birdie_man]

I'd love to hear what Carey has to say about this...I'm gonna try to get him to post...

[EdZ]

Had a tough reminder of how difficult it is to keep the mind in check today. My first round in some time, had a really solid start - easy pars and some missed birdie chances, bogey on 5....and 6...until #7, where I yanked one left into a lateral, proceded to shank one off a very severe ball above side hill lie, and just make a mess of the hole - a double. Came back with a great shot on 8 to 3 feet and missed the bird, and then lost it again on 9, another double after a terrible drive. So my solid start ended with 2 doubles (and two 'good' bogeys) for a 42 on the front.

I had let my good start get into my head, started projecting forward, and let some shots get away and there goes the scorecard.......

So on 10 I let go...... gave up the expectations of a good score for the day. And what do you know, came in with a 33 on the back.

Consistent eh?

One of these days I'll learn to 'let go' for the full 18.....

All in all, a pretty solid day considering the wind, and how little I have played in the last year and a great reminder that even if the wheels come off for a few holes, getting them back is often "all in your head"

[pluthb]

I totally agree with Lynn. My college coach used to tell us that good putters make a lot of putts. Sounds redundant but the more you see the ball going in the hole, the more you expect it to go in the hole when you play. They say Micheal Jordan practiced every shot at least 3000 times before he ever attempted a similar shot in a game. How many 20, 30, 40 foot putts have you seen go in?
Get out there and start buildilng that referrence library.