Just Call Me Mr. Inconsistant

**TarDawg** · March 7, 2008

Ok. I have the swing to be a player that shoots in the mid 80's to low 90's. But I've only broken 100 once. However apparently I don't have the mental game to go along with it.

Yesterday I was playing Grand National in Alabama. One of the RTJ courses. I started off the first 3 holes pretty decent. going bogey bogey bogey (Mixing in a sand save in there sweet!). 4th hole I put two balls in the water and I was done. Never does the course beat me. It's all mental for me. Inconsistent swings/shots kill me. I'll have a beautiful 280 yard drive but then pull/slice my second into woods/water/a fairway 3 holes over.

Problem is I can't get out of my own way and I need some of idea's of what you guys do that gets your mind back on track when your round takes a turn for the worse? I'm willing to try just about anything.

**CusePhil** · March 7, 2008

Everyone says it, but try to stay in the present. Think one shot at a time. Once you have a bad hole or shot, forget about it.

Redwood_75 · March 7, 2008

Mr Inconsistant

One thing that I noticed is that you are playing MP32's. Now I'm no expert, but for someone that has not broken 100 yet I'm surprised your playing these irons. Maybe you need to look at your equipment!!

**TarDawg** · March 7, 2008

Mr Inconsistant

It's a swing issue for me not a equipment issue. I switched from Nike OSS and these clubs I hit much better. Again it's not my ball striking ABILITY it's my mental conundrums that get me.

**Shindig** · March 7, 2008

Problem is I can't get out of my own way and I need some of idea's of what you guys do that gets your mind back on track when your round takes a turn for the worse? I'm willing to try just about anything.

Like any other part of golf, there's drills to help

Try this drill: Set up a few putts on the practice green of 3 feet each. See how many in a row you can do; don't do two in a row from the same line, though. Don't leave until you've sunk 10 in a row. Try to increase this to 15 or 20. Or do some from 5 feet. Someone might respond with:

Wait, Michael, that's a putting drill!

No, actually, you're going to have to focus your mind on the present to do this drill. Otherwise, you're going to get caught up in "wow, 10th in a row coming in, then I get to leave the putting green" and miss it. And then you need to do ten in a row again. (Lesson of golf: you have to pay for your mistakes)

A nice side-effect of this drill is an increased ability with the putter. So, it's really a putting drill and a mental game drill. Also, an idea I got from Paper Tiger is to keep a rubber band on your wrist, like a bracelet. When you catch yourself drifting out of the present, back off and snap the band. It won't hurt (much), but it's a physical cue to get back to the present. Finally, play two games on each hole. You've got your gameplan on the tee, right? Follow it. Golf is game one. BUT, once you're within 8-iron distance from the green (whatever that distance is for you), your goal is to get down in three (or fewer), regardless of how many it took to get there . Think of it as a par-3 from a possibly odd lie. Even if you've already taken 4 strokes and that +3 would be a triple bogey, it helps to focus and, if the round is already shot, you might as well get some practice in. See how many holes you are able to make your "second-part par-3" in. As a side effect, doing this will make you get better with your scoring clubs, which can only help as you progress. I did this when I couldn't break 100. Now I'm shooting in the 90s, and I'd have broken 90 already if I weren't honest. Par-5s have become much easier for me because I'm used to focusing at the end of a hole (were the most strokes come for me anyway) and have gotten reasonably good with 8-W and putter. My last round, I played the par-5s in a cumulative two over - not bad for a guy with a handicap north of 20.

Redwood_75 · March 7, 2008

It's a swing issue for me not a equipment issue. I switched from Nike OSS and these clubs I hit much better. Again it's not my ball striking ABILITY it's my mental conundrums that get me.

Ah, I see. Still, if your swing is inconsistent then these certainly won't be helping, whether your swing inconsistencies come from a mental block, or a high handicap.

Sorry, I don't have any insights into the mental side of the game. I've never really been that kind of person as I just go out and enjoy playing, no matter how I play. I do have a friend who has been known to wrap his seven iron around a tree!!

**bcp** · March 12, 2008

It's a swing issue for me not a equipment issue. I switched from Nike OSS and these clubs I hit much better. Again it's not my ball striking ABILITY it's my mental conundrums that get me.

I have to wonder whether you are over-estimating your ball striking ability. You can only strike so well and still carry a 32 handicap. Since you appear to be serious about the game, you should get fitted for a more forgiving set of irons better suited for your handicap, IMO...

Pedo · March 12, 2008

I wish I could help you Tardawg but you pretty much summed up my own game. Although I can consistently hit in the mid 90's I can't seem to beak into the 80's. I will add one scenario that just kills me. Green in regulation followed by a three putt or worse. Aaaarrrgg!

**Daddy Golfer** · March 13, 2008

When I went back home, Big Island, Hawaii, my sister wanted to go golfing with me. She just took up golf and never played 18 holes because by the 9th hole she was to tired to play from swinging so many times. I gave her an easy tip, "Play Your Weakness, and play the club your most comfortable with." She sliced everything, so I had her aim to the left side of her target. She made 10 FIR's and par'd 1 hole. She scored 99 for the first time and played 18 holes for the first time.
Here is something you might want to think about to break 100: instead of trying to par the hole, try setting your sights for bogey or dbl bogey. You have 2, 3, or 4 shots to get on the green and two putt. Even if you 3 putt it isn't bad, just try not to do it more than 9 times. If you bogey every hole you'll probably shoot 90, which gives you 9 dbl bogeys to still break 100.

**mhays26** · March 13, 2008

Also, an idea I got from

Hey, these are both great ideas. As a certified choker, I am going to use both of these in the future. +1 rep power.

**SteelDriver** · March 14, 2008

you arent Mr. Inconsistant, you're Mr. Every Golfer Ever.

When my game turns for the worst I remind myself that I paid my greens fee to have fun and dangit! I want my moneys worth....I'll never be a tour pro, so dont get flustered when you mess up. Ive gone from a double bogey on one hole to an eagle on the next. you win some, you lose some.

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Just Call Me Mr. Inconsistant

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