Why can't I take the shots

[johninspain]

Why can't I take the shots/swing from the range to the course !!! Today played the first round with the new clubs after a week or so on the range with the new r11 driver and woods but over 2 weeks with the ap2s. I've been at the range every day and swinging great and straight with shapeing when I wanted it. So to the course today in good time to hit some range balls, great no probs and I'm feeling good. First tea shot with a 3 wood down the middle, 9 iron, sliced into the hedge! From bad to worse then on in. Dont get it.

[Gerald]

I had the same with my AP2's ...... I actually got them on wednesday and had a Matchplay Tournament on saturday, As I really have a solid swing and the set was made to my specs, I thought it wouldn't be a big problem, so I went to the range for 3 days, hit about 2000 balls and was able to hit a 150 yds. shot within a few yds ...... anyway good enough to use the new sticks in the tournament.

At the first round I thinned so many balls ........ still managed to win the match and in the second match it improved only a little, just enough to win the second match aswell, but I had a lot of luck.........

Now at two weeks of hard work, I am improving ....... so it just takes some time to get used to a new set.

[EverythingGolf]

Originally Posted by johninspain

Why can't I take the shots/swing from the range to the course !!!

Today played the first round with the new clubs after a week or so on the range with the new r11 driver and woods but over 2 weeks with the ap2s. I've been at the range every day and swinging great and straight with shapeing when I wanted it.

So to the course today in good time to hit some range balls, great no probs and I'm feeling good. First tea shot with a 3 wood down the middle, 9 iron, sliced into the hedge! From bad to worse then on in. Dont get it.

Everyone goes through this, the range allows you to get into a groove and you are not worried about shooting a good score or hitting a shoot over water etc. When you are playing you start thinking to much and trying to hard to hit good shots instead of just letting it happen. Just be relaxed and trust your swing and it will produce good shots.

[Pope33]

I have the same problem. Best range player ever! Can work the ball however I want, always hit square on the clubface. But the moment I hit the course, especially with others, all that goes out the window.

It's definately a mental problem and not a club problem. I'm trying to stick with a routine that makes me feel comfortable and maybe a song in my head to calm me. Nerves are a big part of the game and if you can't control them, well you look like Rory at the Masters!

[bkoguy07]

I have a similar problem but its only because I barely ever play.  I practice probably 4-6 times a week short game and ball striking but only get the chance to play once a month.  I can immediately  tell I am nervous on the tee. I noticed what settles me down is a solid preshot routine just like I do at the range.  Usually settles me in and I'm good by hole 3 - 4 (already wrecked my score but who cares) ... hopefully when I have a chance to play more this summer I won't be as nervous in the beginning of my round as I usually am.

[lumpuckeroo]

Originally Posted by EverythingGolf

Everyone goes through this, the range allows you to get into a groove and you are not worried about shooting a good score or hitting a shoot over water etc. When you are playing you start thinking to much and trying to hard to hit good shots instead of just letting it happen. Just be relaxed and trust your swing and it will produce good shots.

This is very true, so what you need to do is practice playing a round.  Don't hit 10 wedges is a row.  Warm up some and then on the range play the first hole, hit 3 wood, hit 9 iron, go to the second hole.  Hit driver, 5 iron and so on, take a little time between your shots, much like you would be doing on the course.  And when you get to the course relax, enjoy the game, the outdoors, not being at work, and let the fun you have on the range creep into your round, you will be surprised at how good you will play.

[Stretch]

Originally Posted by lumpuckeroo

This is very true, so what you need to do is practice playing a round.  Don't hit 10 wedges is a row.  Warm up some and then on the range play the first hole, hit 3 wood, hit 9 iron, go to the second hole.  Hit driver, 5 iron and so on, take a little time between your shots, much like you would be doing on the course.

Good advice! You can also turn it around and try and make the course more like the range. When you're at the range, you just pick a target and fire at it. You don't generally have 15 other thoughts bouncing around in your head -- watch the front left bunker, don't be right there's water there, Christ how did I miss that putt on the last hole etc etc -- you simply drop ball after ball on the red/yellow/blue flag or crank them way out there with the woods in the direction of your choice. So try emptying your mind on the course of everything but where you want to hit the ball. Then just swing away.

[El Mucho]

My best round last year, the first time I broke 90 I just told myself each time I stepped up to the ball "This is just the range". Then I would swing, not every shot was good by any means but it was the most fun I have had playing golf. There was no rage, and I was hitting the shots I knew I could make. I think I even got two chip ins in one round. It's crazy how much of a mental game this really is.

[The Recreational Golfer]

Spend part of your bucket taking your course game to the range. That is, pick a target, step away from the ball and get into playing mode. Go through your pre-swing routine, play this shot like you only have one ball.

After you hit it, pull over another ball and pick a different target, one the makes you use a different club and hit a different shot.

etc.

Believe this. Don't just go through the motions.

This is coaching your mind to play this shot , a skill that needs to be developed in the same way any swing technique does.