Competitive Burnout

[Bluenoser67]

I picked up in the first round of a tournament for the first time yesterday. My game is in shambles and I stand over the ball wondering what is going to happen. I ramped up the competitive tournaments I played in this year from 2 to 5 in the three months that we have to play tournaments in Canada and I think I have burnt myself out. I dont even enjoy the game anymore. At least not when I'm playing in a tournament.

Any advice?

[pin seeker]

try taking a few days away from the game. this always helps me when golf starts to feel like work.

[out_in_30]

when i was 18 i also burnt out and quit for 4 yrs or so.. picked up right where i left off with a fresh mental perspective. Taking a break is probably thebest thing i ever did. First day back I shot a 72 at Riviera and then placed 3rd in my first tournament back. So take a little breather. If you arent having fun out there then its time for a little break.

[CG031]

Same happened to me. Played the entire H.S. golf season, played mediocre at best with a 42 stroke average (we only play nine holes) for the year.

Then, I played in a few tournaments this summer. Once the last one was over, I was so relieved. I just wanted to work on my game, have fun on the golf course again...not have to stress over what scores I shoot.

Taking a break in general is never a bad idea.

[Ram]

When I was 15, I had a serious burnout. Even though I'd won two tournaments that summer and was down to a 3 handicap, by the end, my game was in complete disarray. My back hurt all the time, I had the chipping yips (don't even get me started on those), and golf was just not fun anymore. I up and quit. No high school golf, no tournament golf, no casual golf. After a 5 year break, I just started playing again this summer. Golf is fun again...I have more fun practicing and playing, I hit the ball farther than I ever used to (I guess that's to be expected) and I feel like my short game is starting to come around. Hell, I just shot my low round at my home course today (69 on par 72). Most importantly, I have a renewed passion for working on my game, where before I just played a lot. It has definitely helped to get a fresh perspective and realize how privileged I am to be able to play golf.

However, while I do recommend a break, I do not recommend one as long as I took or out_in_30 took, at least not if you want to be a truly good player. Take 5 weeks instead of 5 years. Take up weightlifting or tennis or anything active for a little while and then come back with low expectations and play and practice casually for a little while, and then reassess where you want to go with golf. And good luck.