Great "frustration" shots? Is it just me?

[bossfrog]

I noticed a strange phenomenon, at least for me.  At times, when things are not going well with my irons and I can't figure out why, I'll drop a junk ball on the fairway and launch a "frustration shot" out in an adjacent bean field.  Thing is, 75% of the time, they end up being one of my best shots of the day!  For instance, yesterday I launched a 7 iron 150+ yards straight as an arrow.  Today, I was having a devil of a time getting under the ball with my pitch wedge.  So what happens?  I drop a cheapo ball to vent some frustration and with not so much as a waggle, walk up to the ball and whack it into the bean field.  Result?  Ball goes laser straight, a mile high and lands 120+ yards out in the field.  My question is, A) is it just me? and B) what could I be doing differently that maybe I could transfer to my game?  Is this an indicator that I'm not trusting my swing and am thinking about things too much?

[Vinsk]

Mental. Period.

[PJCdude]

I've experienced this. I think it has to do with the fact that you KNOW the bean field shot "won't count" so you sub consciously relax and allow your body to hit a great shot. I think the key is having this relaxed yet still focused attitude out on the course. The funny thing is how much I know this to be true but still am so mentally undisciplined on the course, which I believe is the biggest reason why I am a 28.

[bossfrog]

@PJCdude That makes sense.  How long have you been trying to make the translation?

I suppose this is akin to the guy who can hit great shots all day on a range but slices and hooks all over the course.

[PJCdude]

@bossfrog I figured out how to relax my wrists and body while still maintaining torque at the beginning of the summer. I've been busy with a newborn son and haven't been able to embed this feeling as much as I'd like but I don't mind hanging with the little guy. As far as my mental game I usually start off rounds well but have trouble recovering after the first mistake (usually 4th hole) and take a few holes to begin trusting my swing again. Also, the fact that I know this and telling you right now makes it a self fulfilling prophecy.

[vangator]

I'd start playing in the bean field. :-) You're looser, make a better turn and since you're trying to kill it, I bet you're transition is better.

[bossfrog]

@vangator I think you're probably right.  Thinking about it now, I do think I swing a lot "looser" when I just wing it like that.  Particularly, my grip is likely looser and I'm definitely trying to kill it on those shots.  I guess that's why Arnold said, "Hit it hard, go find it and hit it hard again."

[mcanadiens]

I've hit plenty of frustration shots in my time. The difference is my frustration shots have generally counted. It's always spectacular. Sometimes good and usually awful.

One of the best/worst examples was a 3W from 240 that I blew to the back edge of a green. I was pissed about playing like crap and slow play. The culprit of the slow play had just pitched onto the green and I figured there was no way I was going to make that far. The ball had barely stopped rolling when he walked onto the green. Got real lucky to not hit him.

Far more often the frustration shot will be the worst fat/topped shot you've ever seen.

[lumpuckeroo]

Everyone knows, the second golfer is a much better golfer!

[Zeph]

Probably lots of the same reasons we can hit it well on the range, but not on the course. Pressure.

[Slice of Life]

You weren't thinking when you hit the bean shot. My best rounds happen when I stop thinking.

[scorpion12]

Bossfrog, just go ahead and take that frustration shot on the course. Don't drop a shag ball. It might work.