Focus and Relaxation

[hendog]

Lately I've had some wild inconsistencies. 76 one weekend. 87 the next (and took 2 birdies in last 3 to get there)

Upon reflection I notice that there are two things that seem to fluctuate: Focus and Relaxation.

Here is what I have found:

Relaxed & Focused = 70s

Relaxed but NOT Focused = 80-83

NOT Relaxed but Focused = 84-87

NOT Relaxed and NOT Focused = 87+

These are rough estimates based on about a months worth of golf (5-6 rounds) and obviously match my game right now but from this I deduce that being relaxed is the most important thing. Add some focus in and I can go low, but simply being focused is not enough.

I believe at times I get too focused which leads to tension and stress and things go bad and then other days I seem to be able to stay focused but relax and have a good time and then I do something great. It seems to be very much related to the group I am playing with.

Playing with guys I know but are not great friends with seems to be the best formula. I am relaxed because we all know each other but at the same time I want to play well and impress so I focus.

Playing with guys that I am really good friends with seems to cause me to lose focus because we are goofing around and talking about everything but golf so while I am relaxed, I make some dumb mistakes like forgetting about a trap or not taking the wind into consideration.

Playing with guys I don't know at all causes me to stress a little and while I might be focused I struggle.

I'm sure everyone experiences this like starting out horribly because you are trying too hard and then after being 8 over in 4 holes you say "F* it" and start relaxing and low and behold you go +2 over the next 8.

So in the end my brilliant conclusion is that I need to relax but stay focused. The trick is figuring out how to do this.

Anybody have any equally brilliant advice?

[ghalfaire]

I think it was Arnie that said "golf is a game where you need to stay relaxed but not go to sleep", or words to that effect.  Pretty good advice.