Guys, I really need HELP!!!

[normdamarine]

I know that this may sound stupid, arrogant, pompous, silly or just plain correct! I am a +0.6 that just does not truly care about the hunt anymore... I shot 68 (-4 from the tips) in a tourney last weekend that could have easily been 66 if I cared but I really did not. I am 36 and I really have no more drive in the game of golf. I read where Hogan quit for no apparent reason other than being a good father and husband which is where I am. I guess the question I have is, that maybe you'll can help me with is, what do I do and how can I get there? I am a career military man working on his Masters getting ready to retire in a few years. My wife does not believe me when I tell her I am serious about straight quitting. I took the winter off thinking it would help but i have just gotten bored with the game, SERIOUSLY, no matter what the stakes are because I can shoot even (or around there) without even using brain muscles! How can I get that fire back? Do I just need to quit? Thanks...

[MiddleWest]

Interesting post, I read where David Duval had a similar response after he won his majors. He had a "is that it?" type of reaction. My question would be: is it a matter of setting bigger goals? You're obviously a great player, would you get an enhanced fire from a goal like Monday qualifying or State / National competition?

[uttexas]

I'm guessing there can't be more than four golf courses on Okinawa. How often do you get off the island? I'm guessing that you know all the courses on Okinawa really well and aren't challenged that much by them anymore. Maybe try playing some rounds with just your 3wood, 4iron, 7iron, PW, 55 degree and putter.

[clam fist]

Quit. Games are played to have fun. If it ain't fun why play. Find a sport you like. You can always come back to golf.

[Taggsy]

Interesting post!
I'm guessing in the past you've got the most enjoyment from improving your game rather than just playing it. Now you're better than scratch, there isn't too much scope for improvement. You've reached a plateau, the challenge has gone and you feel as though you have nothing to play for.

I suppose the question is; what's your next challenge?
Have you considered going down the teaching route, even if it's informal for friends and family?
How about preparing to enter a few professional tournaments- you're a great player but this could be taking it to the next level.

My previous instructor was a touring professional in the European Tour back in the 90s.
When he quit the tour to take up teaching, he set himself a challenge- to teach himself to play left handed. He's a scratch golfer right and left handed now.
How about you pick up a cheap set of left handed clubs and start all over again?

[cody west]

i think you should just have fun with the game. just seriously make bets with people like make little games inside the game. if you dont care about your handicap take more risks. i had the same problem and i still dont care but try playing a round with 1 club or something fun like that. just make little games out of it

[Slammin' Sam]

I can empathize with your situation. Several years ago I got to the point where golf just held no interest for me or gave me any joy. I dropped out, bought a Harley, and joined the Patriot Guard. Then I had to have hip surgery so I wasn't able to do anything for a year. I recently took up golf again just to see if I was as good as I used to me. For some reason I'm actually playing better and enjoying the game more.

I think there's a lot to be said for quitting the game for a few years if you're not as happy as you used to be. But I think you'll probably come back to it again, so don't sell your clubs.

[tws1098]

Interesting post!

That would be impressive to see and quite the challenge, even for a good golfer.

You could always look into being a pro at your local shop as well.

[rasilva]

Have you considered teaching? I think it's a pretty rewarding thing....
What about joining professional tournaments?
What about trying to pass the PAT?
Being a pro at a local shop?

[normdamarine]

Guys, I just wanted to really say thanks for all you words and advice... I just am not sure if it is interesting for me just because I get bored on the course. I start playing and just lack focus. I am going back to the states soon and will be able to play on some of the mini tours in the Carolinas. Maybe that will be a good reinvigorator for me, I just am not sure... I just put a lot of time into this game that I am bored with, I think that is my problem...

Thanks again or the help guys...

[jamo]

Quit. Games are played to have fun. If it ain't fun why play. Find a sport you like. You can always come back to golf.

+1 on this. I mean, if you play the mini tours maybe the money will be a motivator, but if you aren't having fun find a new hobby. Who knows, you could quit for a few years and then start up again and make getting back to a plus handicap your goal.

[saevel25]

If i had that ability i wouldn't be at my current job, i would be doing anything i can to be out there on the tour. I can understand your want to devote time to your family and your career. I am single, i am sure that golf will take a back seat if i ever start up a family. I just hope you keep the love for golf, even if your are not competing, it is a sport that you can just go out and enjoy the game for what it is.

[Chief Broom]

I don't see where playing competitively will make the game more enjoyable for the OP. The joy of the game is in the playing of it. Playing your game, hitting the shots you want to hit, working your way around the course in the manner you choose. If doing this most fundamental aspect of the game doesn't stir you, then I'd recommend you go the route of finding something new to be your passion. As has been said you can always come back to golf, but grinding away at something you aren't enjoying sounds like a waste of time.

[MSDOGS1976]

Either you enjoy it or you don't. I retired early because I didn't enjoy my job anymore.(fortunately I could do it) I don't know of anything you can do to make yourself enjoy it again.

Best of luck.

[Teamanglerx]

I had the same experience when I fished local bass tournaments. I got frustrated due to my limited ability to get in practice and it showed on tournament days. I dreaded going fishing. I decided 2 years ago to quit bass fishing and take up fly fishing again. It has made a huge difference. I now really enjoy fishing alot more I have a more "zen" like peace while fishing. Maybe a break from the game will help you refocus and find new goals in the sport.

[adamgoodman]

How about we use African Voodoo and you can transfer your golf talent to me?
Then everyone will be happy.
:D
I agree with the others, find a different hobby that you do enjoy for a time, and see if you get lead back to golf. If not, oh well.
Good luck!