Finishing

[iPutt]

So I've come to realize that the main problem I've been having this year with my game is finishing out the round. I don't mean this in terms of physically playing out all 18 holes, I mean finishing the same way that I started the round. So many times so far this season, I've had a great round going after about 13 or 14 holes, and then I just lose it. I end up 3 putting the last few greens or can't do any better than double or triple, ruining the great round that I've been able to put together. What is causing this!?!? Is it because I'm putting too much pressure on myself to finish strong? Today I was actually getting mad at myself while I proceeded to finish the last 3 holes triple-double-triple, all 3 putted. I don't know if I'm rushing? I tried to slow things down today but I don't think it helped. My slice also always seems to come back towards the later holes despite my consistent draw with all my clubs early in the round. Maybe I just get tired; I've walked each round this summer so far but I would think I have the stamina by now.

So really what I'm looking for is an answer to why I can't mentally finish the round. I'm so frustrated that my swing as a whole is finally getting to where I want, yet I can't complete any work that I do early in the day. Things just feel better early, and I slowly leak confidence I think as the round progresses. So any words of wisdom would be great help and thanks so much for any advice.

[rossvanwyk]

Finishing strong is definitely a problem I think a lot of us face. Often if I'm having a decent round I'll calculate what I need coming down the last few to break 80 or whatever the case is, which is probably not the best idea but I can't help it.

I do think it's very much a mental thing. Just try and go back to the basics. Be meticulous over every shot at the end. Be sure of the shot you want to play, choose the right club and focus on clean contact. I just get my brain to go back to basics to make sure I finish strong otherwise it's so easy to just throw away 3 strokes or however many right at the end of the day.

[pond prowler]

I'm 24 now, but the last time I took the game as serious as you are now, I was ~13 years old and playing in very competitive tournaments.  One of the biggest things I learned was that physical conditioning and (for me) nutrition while out on the golf course were VERY important for the mental game.  As the round goes on, you need nourishment whether your brain lets you know it or not.  I was in very good shape playing soccer but I didn't realize how much mental thought is required for seemingly simple shots at the end of a round.  "Deep thoughts" for a 13 year old looking back at things...

For walking, I'd suggest scheduling pre-planned mandatory snack times thoughout your round with some good "snacks" and make sure you're staying well hydrated.  Walking 18 holes of golf takes more out of you than you think.  And can make thinking harder when you're tired and drained mentally.  Extra cardio/strength conditioning can also help you bring your "A" game to the course all 18 holes.  Even better, try to hit late-round-quality-shots once you're pretty tired at the range (maybe by even hitting the range after the gym or a run).

Also, try to make the game less mentally intensive by thinking "relaxing" thoughts between golf shots.  100% golf focus for ~4-5 hours is pretty difficult!  Try to relax and think about other things before getting into your pre-shot thought process.  This can eliminate a lot of unnecesary mental effot.

Thanks for asking the question as it's come up in my mind many times before.  My solution is to re-create the end of the round scenarios as much as possible in a practice environment.  Heck, even play 27+ holes when possible!

Finally, realize reasonable expectations for each shot you plan to hit.  As a ~23 handicap, don't put too much pressure on shots that don't come off exactly as expected.  Make plans for shots that aren't perfect and select shots where undesired results are still manageable.  And certainly don't beat yourself up on shots that don't come off perfectly (wasted mental effort).

Good luck!

Golf is a game that is meant to be ENJOYED!  Treat it that way and enjoy the process.

[saevel25]

To me its a good drive, alot of times if i want to finish a round i will pull out the 3 wood or 4 iron, depending on the hole. Or I will shoot for the center of the green to make sure i have a GIR. Its really easy to get in a groove about shooting for pins, or hitting good drives, then one bad one can cause the domino effect. I remember a story about Anika where she shot 59, she started off so hot, that she told her caddie that she wanted to just get a par on this whole. Its sort of a reality check to keep things going.