Golf Game Ups and Downs - What makes a difference for you?

[JonnyGolf]

After having a poor stretch where I really wasn't hitting the ball that well, my ball striking has really been on the upswing. I'm attributing it to a commitment to hit almost every ball left to right, rather than shaping it for the hole, and renewed emphasis on fitness as I've been working out since after the new year.

What makes your golf game improve or decline?

[Dub]

These are my focal points this year that have helped the most:

1. balance...full and balanced follow through
2. swing tempo smooth
3. light grip pressure
4. shortened backswing

[lumpuckeroo]

My age, I was a better golfer in my 30's then my 20's, better in my 40's then my 30's, we will have to see about my 50's but the ache's and pain's are in more places and stay longer.

[PiKapp23]

I play a draw with woods and a fade with hybrids and irons. Since I found these were the best ball flights for me my game has improved greatly. If I try to do the opposite with either set the ball has a tendency to get away from me.

On a week to week basis it all comes down to how I drive the ball and how I putt. I hit a lot of fairways, but if that falls off then I'm in trouble. I'm consistently inconsistent with irons so I don't expect too much - just to get it close to green. Short game is pretty good, so it comes down to putting, which has been either really good or really bad the last 18 months or so.

[ks8829]

My age, I was a better golfer in my 30's then my 20's, better in my 40's then my 30's, we will have to see about my 50's but the ache's and pain's are in more places and stay longer.

I agree, I am playing my best golf, but as you say, unfortunately my body feels like a 51 year old every morning, so I need to do my Pilates and stretching every day.

[Dub]

After having a poor stretch where I really wasn't hitting the ball that well, my ball striking has really been on the upswing. I'm attributing it to a commitment to hit almost every ball left to right, rather than shaping it for the hole, and

Knee injuries and pain have been a huge factor. Had to quit playing this past month....driving me nuts. Working out has become a big focus. Reached 40th birthday this year and see the benefits of doing so is much greater now than ever. Putting has been the biggest game issue. Feel with the flatstick comes and goes. I made some major set up changes that have helped...

[Pat007]

For me, it's all about mental focus. If I miss a green from 150 in, I'm off the rails, pissed off, etc. I have a hard time getting that focus back. I also have to constantly work at shortening my swing,as I'm really flexible and tend to get way past parrallel ( à la John Daly). If I can keep these 2 items in check, I'm usually in for an alright round.

[RocktimusPryme]

Im my own worse enemy. I have more mental issues than I do physical ones. I cant shake off bad shots or bad holes. If I come out and put up a double on the first hole, its a solid bet I wont break 90, and maybe not even 100. Im way too competitive for this game, or at least competitive in the wrong way.

On the other hand when I stay calm, Im likley to shoot low 80s, high 70s.