How to build confidence?

On the range, all is good. Every club shows improvement and I’m happy.  But lordy, lord there is nothing positive on the golf course.  Oh, a few good strikes but generally ugly.

So I ask myself ‘can I improve my self-confidence without time on the course’?  Can’t play much because every outing costs US$120, without exception.  Sure, on the range helps develop technique and skill but not much confidence when under pressure.  I practice chipping on one green only and know that one like my hand.  On the course all the technique and skill just evaporates when faced with some new situation.

I try to visualize the various holes and situations I know I will be finding but the time frame between play may be weeks.  I can play 2x per month and get rusty fast. Can anyone improve their confidence level without the real thing?

There are several books out there on mental attitude and golf, I believe there are reviews on this site.  One of those might help.  I think you have taken the first step by identifying that your problem seems to be one of confidence.  You have to believe that you can make the shot.  I know that is real easy to say, and I'm still working out how to do it all the time; here's what I do.

When, for example, faced with a 30 yard pitch, take a good look at the green, flag position, where the trouble is, where you want to land the ball and how far you want to roll it after it lands.  Then, in your 'mind's eye' visualize the same basic shot on the green you always practice to as you take a couple of practice strokes to get the feel for how you want to hit the ball, picture it landing where you want and rolling to the hole, and say to yourself "I can make this shot."  I'd suggest doing basically the same thing while practicing, including the self assuring "I can make this shot."

You can use this same technique for any shot.  If you have signs or flags on your regular driving range that you use as targets, picture one of those range markers out in the middle of the fairway where you want to aim your drive and, again, assure yourself that you can make the shot.

I know everyone has different limiting factors depending on where they live, but if there is a cheaper golf course around perhaps playing some practice rounds there would be good.  $120 for a round of golf would certainly limit my participation.