When Greens Turn Grey: From Passion to Burnout?

[Nave]

Hi all,

After several years of golfing, I dedicated the last two years to honing my skills more intentionally. I took six months of lessons from two different coaches—one in the studio and another at the actual grass range. I even set up my Skytrak home simulator and engaged in daily practice. I consistently played at least two rounds per week on the actual course, and eventually, I achieved a handicap of 12. It felt amazing to see my hard work pay off.

However, something changed this January. I found myself not enjoying golf as much. Despite having played almost every course in town multiple times, I started feeling a bit 'passive' on the course. Then, in late January, I had my worst round in years, followed by an even worse round in early February. To make matters worse, last weekend I found myself unable to hit the ball (literally missing the ball). Frustrated, I packed my clubs and locked them up in the cabinet.

I invested so much time and resources into this sport—I loved it, and my progress reflected the effort I put into it. But suddenly, I was left with a bitter aftertaste, questioning why I was paying for rounds when I wasn't even enjoying them or playing well.

Has this happened to anyone else?

[dennyjones]

I can't say that I've had a "bitter aftertaste" but I've had rounds where I questioned why I was golfing that particular day.  There are some good days and some that aren't so good.  

I live in snow country so we don't usually golf from November thru February.   The downtime away from golf creates a new desire each year to swing a club and try to perform better.   

I can't offer advice, but I can say with certainty, Enjoy the game while you can, there will be a time when it may pass you by. 

[Nave]

  On 2/13/2025 at 6:01 PM, dennyjones said:

The downtime away from golf creates a new desire each year

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Thank you for your response. Perhaps that is my issue. Living in Nevada allows me to golf pretty much all year round. Maybe taking a 'playing break' and shifting my focus to related activities like physical fitness to support my game could be beneficial.

[gg194]

Had a bad round yesterday, can’t come up with reasons but really just played bad. Fortunately I’m old enough to just be happy to still be able to play. Never been good but some rounds are much better than others. 

[iacas]

Just some clarifying questions:

• Has anything changed in regards to… who you play with, when you play, your health, romantic life, your financial situation… anything?
• When's the last time you worked with your instructor(s)? Has it been awhile since you got to 12, or are you still continuing and doing the same types of things?
• Have you focused more on score lately given your time/$ "investments" and not as much on enjoying the playing, the company, the golf?
• Has golf become a task instead of an opportunity?

[WillieT]

Your struggle to maintain the passion hits home.  Erik asks some great questions - what has changed or not changed?  For me the game is and has been a series of great exilaration and complete exasperation events.  When the latter strikes, I know I need to mix it up maybe look at my notes from my rounds (yes, I take notes about every round) to see what may be the bad actor(s).  Then the focus becomes working on that area.  To keep things "fresh" I also mix up "how" I play a course - my fave is to play each hole from a different set of tees - like start on 1 from the tips, 2 from the next forward, 3 from the next after, etc till I get to the most forward and then move back to the tips and play progressively forward again.  Another is two ball worst ball - it makes course management a premium.  Lastly I've come to learn that each hole is a new beginning and even it I was on track to a low 80's and wind up near 90 so be it.  I am here to get exercise, have fun and hopefully make a few new friends.  I hope your journey finds the refreshment you seeking. 

[bkuehn1952]

I have periods during a golf season where I play poorly. I lose the desire to play, but the attitude typically lasts only a week or two. I hit the range, figure out the issue, and get back at it.

Also, as @dennyjones said, living in the northern tier tends to create an automatic reset each year.

 

[gbogey]

I must agree that I've had more ennui about playing golf in the last two years, some of which is driven by a long term slump and some of which is IMO the result of living in a place with pretty much year round golf. When it happens I will occasionally skip a round or two, and usually the following week I am itching to play.  Another thing is just going to the range, hitting a few balls, seeing how good it feels, and then again I'm itching to play.

[Nave]

  On 2/13/2025 at 7:18 PM, iacas said:

• Has anything changed in regards to… who you play with, when you play, your health, romantic life, your financial situation… anything?
• When's the last time you worked with your instructor(s)? Has it been awhile since you got to 12, or are you still continuing and doing the same types of things?
• Have you focused more on score lately given your time/$ "investments" and not as much on enjoying the playing, the company, the golf?
• Has golf become a task instead of an opportunity?

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Wow! Do you know me?

• All of the above changed (new group, started weightlifting, family drama, started my own business)
• I got to 12 about 10 months ago and stopped lessons 4 months ago
• I just realized it has only been about the score (and taking notes of every shot)
• Yeah, a task. I dragged myself to the course to complete the 'task'

I think I need a break followed by a round without scorecard, play alone and meet new people, and just enjoy the game.

  On 2/14/2025 at 1:26 AM, WillieT said:

I am here to get exercise, have fun and hopefully make a few new friends.  I hope your journey finds the refreshment you seeking.

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I have been on a relentless pursuit of an unrealistic score and handicap that I completely forgot the friends and fun part of the journey. Thanks for your comment.

[WillieT]

  On 2/15/2025 at 2:41 AM, Nave said:

  On 2/14/2025 at 1:26 AM, WillieT said:

 

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I have been on a relentless pursuit of an unrealistic score and handicap that I completely forgot the friends and fun part of the journey. Thanks for your comment.

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No problem - that’s one of the best parts of the golf community - being there. 

[NZ Golfer]

I found being part of a Great Golf Club renewed my love for the game and comps ..previously at my other club I was just a player with novice player mates or solo .and that was hard to progress and drive the passion when my job was very restrictive to playing in good weather and friends couldn't play as much...

 that become a grind at times and gave up the game for couple years..but now work for myself and have clear goals and new GC with serious players ongoing comps and great course I can pretty much always get on .. some great Golfing friends I made playing in the weekly comps ..I'm loving it.. 

Still get down on my game and can walk off gutted ..but thats the game we wouldn't love the good round if we never had bad rounds

So for me maybe dropping the pressure of the HC grind and more so enjoy playing comps with others serious on the game ...understand the game is hard ,enjoy the good times and your game will develop ... 

Edited March 16 by NZ Golfer