So close....

[ItsAllRelative]

This is my first season of being serious about the game of golf, practicing a couple times a week and playing at least once. My goal for the summer is to break 90 at least once, just to know that I am improving. I shot 90 today. I was very excited to shoot a new low score, but somewhat frustrated that I only missed my goal by a stroke.

The game is definitely harder when taken seriously, but also much more rewarding. I'll try again for my 89 on Saturday. Any motivational thoughts or tips?

[ham_man]

Don't cheat yourself to get to your goal. Count everything.

[ItsAllRelative]

Don't cheat yourself to get to your goal. Count everything.

That's definitely one of the hardest parts, playing by every rule. It makes low scores much more rewarding though, knowing I made that birdie by the same rules as everybody else.

The mental game is my only problem now. When I get relaxed and stay calm, I can play great golf. The problem is once I start thinking too hard...

[CG031]

That's definitely one of the hardest parts, playing by every rule. It makes low scores much more rewarding though, knowing I made that birdie by the same rules as everybody else.

Why think too hard out there? Relax and take it each shot at a time. If you think about shooting an 89, and HAVE TO SHOOT an 89 before each shot...you won't shoot it, believe me.

Take each shot one by one, and don't put a lot of pressure on what you shoot. It's not a matter of IF you'll break 90, it's a matter of WHEN you'll break 90. Just relax, you'll play better (as you already said you do) and get better quicker if you don't worry about it so much.

[MPforthewin]

This is my first season of being serious about the game of golf, practicing a couple times a week and playing at least once. My goal for the summer is to break 90 at least once, just to know that I am improving. I shot 90 today. I was very excited to shoot a new low score, but somewhat frustrated that I only missed my goal by a stroke.

Yes, stop thinking about breaking 90. Go out and hit every shot to the best of your ability and thats it. You will break 90.

[Kingfisher]

Technically, if you're shooting 90, you shouldn't be a 25 handicap - more like 18!

Your handicap should be a reflection of your potential, not your actual performance and if you're already shooting 90, then your potential is not 25 hcap territory. Anyway, that's a discussion for another thread on another day.

For high handicappers, my advice is to play within themselves. Where players have stroke allowance, they should use it to their advantage. All too often, I see a 24 handicapper get all pissy because he didn't make a 4 on a par 4. For a 25 handicapper, any par 4 is at least a par 5 (sometimes par 6) with strokes, so use it to your advantage.

Play within yourself, don't try to be a hero and keep your expectations in check.