The mental side in short by John Schlee
 

The following is taken from Maximum Golf by John Schlee

A score is. It is posted, then it dies, no matter the number. Here are the rules of the score:

(1) Always have a procedure to a specific target.

(2) Play each shot, one shot at a time, to the best of your ability at that moment;

(3) When the shot does not please you, forgive and forget, then play the next shot to the best of your ability, at that moment;

(4) Continue this procedure until all 18 holes are played;

(5) Post the score;

(6) After the round, applaud your best efforts; then analyze your mistakes; correct them in your mind; and the round is finished;

(7) Compare yourself to no one else--only the golfer you know you can be.

(8 Repeat the procedure and post a new score, letting yourself get closer to the edge of your ability.

If only.

Sigh. :doh:

#7 is the hardest.....I know how well I can strike it, for buckets , I can go, without hitting 1 bad shot.... had my buddy(a scratch) just watching as I hit it flawless before the round. The course was a different story.

Walked off after approach shot at number 2 on Sunday. Contemplated quiting for awhile. I am not playing up to my expected level (1.8 ) lately.



Need to find the answer.....

I'd rather
 

1- Have Fun above all else
2- Fix ball marks on the green- fix about 18 of them and you had a great round of golf.
3- Don't pick up found balls- the owner is looking for it.
4- Sustain the Lag and smile- You know Homer.
5- Kiss the wife and say thank you when you get home.


6b

Before you contemplate quitting again:

(1) video your practice session, especially a great one, and compare it to a round, preferably that day. Don't just analyze the mechanics of the swing, also see how many frames your range swings take compared to your course swings, see Tour Tempo by John Novosel.

(2) read the book by Pia Nillson and Lynn Marriot, Every Shot Must Have a Purpose

(3) don't put too much pressure on yourself to shoot a score, set process-oriented goals such as focusing on the target and following your pre-shot routine. You cannot effort your way to a low score.

(4) check out Clearkeys. Incorporate one into your pre-shot routine.

(5) read Going Low by Patrick Cohn

(6) pick very specific targets on the range, make sure that you are truly hitting it that much better on the range than the course. Given that you are a solid player, that probably isn't the case, but you could be surprised. I try to be much harder on myself on the range than the course. One of the reasons is I can only make up for indifferent shots on the course.

Plus one bonus: take beta blockers!

If you go through this list and can't figure out anything, I'm sure I can add to the list.