Second guessing yourself

[Kloeshuman]

So today we played our course we have been playing a lot this year and a bit last year. We feel comfortable on the course but for some reason the front 9 always kicks my ass, the back I do sooooo much better. But today on a few tee shots I got ready,  approach the ball and something didn't feel right, instead of backing away and regrouping I took the shot. Needless to say those were my worst shots all day. I didn't just do it once though! That's what worries me!  I should have used my head and took the time to regroup before the shot. It seems as if you doubt it, it won't happen. Has anyone else ever done this? 

[WUTiger]

Seems like you had a case of beehive brain. If it's a hole or stretch of holes that bothers you, indecision can creep in. As you said, a shot flies a lot better if you can commit to it.

BB takes two forms:

• You're uncertain about a club... am I gambling with this shot? If you've got a shot into a headwind on a long par 3 with bunkers + + +, maybe you want to take a 5i, lay up short and chip on.
• General worries about your shot. This is anxiety... worry, worry... things just don't feel right, how can I hit a perfect shot? In this case regroup, line up your shot, and hit it. Don't worry about a blown shot last hole. Focus on doing things correctly like you practiced. As the military special ops guys would say, "Trust your training."

Note: It's not BB if you break off from a shot because a wasp flies in your ear, or the drink cart girl parks 30 yards in front of your tee box. That's just reasonable response to, er... "stuff happens." 

[Kloeshuman]

I kinda get what you're saying, at the first moment it didn't feel right I should have backed off. But something told me to swing anyway, I think it may have been a bad shot before that had me doubting. I need to use my head more while playing 

[dennyjones]

You are not alone.   Today I had the same situation.   On my home course, I was getting off of the tee well working on eliminating my duck hook.   I was successful until I got on the 18th tee.   Something in my setup just didn't feel right.   Instead of backing away and starting over, I proceeded to swing away...not good.  It's not like I was rushed, just had a brain fart.  

[Kloeshuman]

Yes! Same deal, why do we do this?

[Piz]

I don't second guess myself...not normally anyway...I may re-evaluate...which could be thought of as a second guess...assuming there was a first guess...which isn't entirely clear.  Know what I'm saying?