Advice needed!! My game has gone

[Daz2203]

Hi all 

I have been playing golf for 5 years in (club competitions) and have got myself as low as a 10 handicap I'm currently 12 but my problem is my game has gone. In the last 4 weeks I haven't been able to hit the ball properly at all my main fault is hitting it fat or a slice. I know I can play some decent stuff but this recently is terrible it's so bad I have walked off the course mid round the last few times it's as if it's in my mind now I'm standing over the ball really tense and afraid to hit it. It's really annoying as its making me not want to play anymore. Has anyone who has had this problem or something similar any advice or tips as it would be greatly appreciated as I want to get back to enjoying the game

thanks in advance

Daz

[Piz]

Once you learn to make a proper pass through the ball; your old outside-in slash is worse than ever.  I used to be all upper body, hands, and violent effort.  I've a much more composed swing now; but the bad ones are really bad as I no longer rely on my hands to square the club.  So, whenever the old habit surfaces, I try to relax, make a full turn back, and a full turn through.  Then I try it again.  Sometimes it takes a few.  

[TourSpoon]

Absent seeing a pro (which I would recommend), I would get to the range quick! Take out a club you feel comfortable with (I like a 7 iron) and hit half shots off a tee really trying to feel a golf swing. This will slow you down while you feel your body supporting your swing without worrying about results. Progess through some longer clubs and gradually start increasing your swing. If it breaks down, you may be able to tell where and then back down to get the correct sequencing. Rinse and repeat. . 

When you are trying to work it out on the course, it sounds like you are getting tense and not trusting.. This tension will lead to you swaying, throwing from the top with your shoulders and arms, and not swinging the club (if you are like most people I see out there) and I call that flailing. 

Whenever I warm up before playing, I always start with half swings with a narrow stance to feel centered and I gradually work up to full shots focusing on tempo. When I am playing and get tense, I tend to lose my sequencing and start moving. To get out of it (when I recognize it), I gear it down a little, take some relaxed practice swings and try to maintain my tempo. 

Without seeing what you are doing, its hard to give advice, so I hope this gives you something to think about. 

[70sSanO]

Lord knows my game doesn't support giving anyone advice, but I have found that working in a mirror helps me to see if I have developed some obviously bad habit.  I have also found the Faldo drill is beneficial in getting the club where it should be on the backswing.

For me, over thinking and trying to do too many things can be a bad thing.

John

[iceman777]

Forget about the course for a few days . Go to the practice range , alone . Pick a quiet spot and  take out a wedge . Set up and take a few easy swings . Adjust . Concentrate on the basics: grip , setup, turn the shoulders , eyes on the ball . I m sure you'll get it back . Then move on to higher irons and towards the end  , hybrids and driver . Its no fun if you think you re stinking it up on the course . Forget the course and your scores for awhile . You'll get it back in no time .

[chspeed]

Go back to the first two of the five keys. Head steady, and weight forward. I find that not hitting the ball well is almost always due to a lack of execution on those two keys.

[Elmer]

22 minutes ago, iceman777 said:

Forget about the course for a few days . Go to the practice range , alone . Pick a quiet spot and  take out a wedge . Set up and take a few easy swings . Adjust . Concentrate on the basics: grip , setup, turn the shoulders , eyes on the ball . I m sure you'll get it back . Then move on to higher irons and towards the end  , hybrids and driver . Its no fun if you think you re stinking it up on the course . Forget the course and your scores for awhile . You'll get it back in no time .

What @iceman777 said!
I am by no means one to give game or swing advice, but I can tell you that I am one who frequently looses my swing, over thinks, tenses up and then tries to find where I was.

Lately, since I cant seem to have time or $ to get to a range. I go into my back yard, with some of the Callaway soft (nerf balls) and just swing smoothly in the back yard!
Over and over and over again!

Best of luck!

Edited August 8, 2016 by Elmer

[Daz2203]

Guys thanks for taking the time to offer advice

reading these comments is giving me the motivation and confidence to pick myself up. I will be taking on board all comments and I'm sure it will get me back on track