It doesn’t really matter what level you are from 20 handicap to a low single digit handicap. What happens when you are playing beyond what you expect?
It’s super easy to Go from playing golf to trying not to mess it up. What happens when you start playing defensive golf? You mess it up.
I have recognized in my own game that when I get off to a good start maybe throw in a birdie or two and am cruising under par, all of a sudden I start to get defensive. A little tension creeps in trying to not hit the bad shot…and of course that’s when bad shots show up.
Yesterday, For practice, I went out and played senior tees. I have done this before but just to practice hitting irons, etc. Yesterday, my goal, “go low.” I was -4, with one bogey through 15 holes and I quit. But every hole, goal was to attack, try and make birdies.
Well, tonight in league the attitude carried over. I was -2 and the league best score for the year was -3. I could see it in reach. Hit a nice shot into 4 ft and missed the downhill slider…still -2. Only two holes left.
The fear of “oh my I am -2” didn’t creep in because I wanted another birdie. Going for pin tucked right on tricky par 3. Just missed bounced into bunker. Up and down. Still -2.
Get to my last hole. Normally a 200 yard layup to a creek and then 170-180 into par 4. Screw it, pulled driver and busted it. Caught tree about 40 yards out. Hazard. Bogey. Finished -1. I didn’t get my goal, but it’s the first time I remember not allowing the tension to creep in.
Here’s the thing. I think everyone, regardless of level, can learn from this. How? Doesn’t matter if you are a bogey golfer or someone trying to become scratch.
I am going to do this more frequently for practice. Go out and play much closer tees than normal. If you are already playing forward tees, move up and make your own tee box. Get used to, mentally, shooting better than you normally do. The mental benefit from being used to going low will only benefit you later on.
Btw GolfLivesMatter I actually went out yesterday with the intention of doing your game. I was going to start at 100 yards…but as I was driving out, I stopped at green tee and changed course…happens upon another good lesson. However, I am going to try your game. 100, 125, 150 in. Have to shoot Pat or better. That is going to be my new practice routine. I may add 175-180 to that mix too.
You're right, attack attack attack!!! Just keep in mind you have the firepower and skills to attack like a Ninja.
That noted, you probably also see many 18-20 hcp players hitting shots that are lower in percentage than making a hole in one. Then I hear "give me a 7" for what could have been a 5. But I do get your point, have confidence and throw care to the wind...have fun...quit worrying about every stinkin' detail and play the friggin game! LOL.
The 25,50,75,100,125,150 is Operation 36 which is catching on around the country. Out here at PGA West the class was packed. As I've posted before, a lot of teaching pro's wish the new players would start with the short game and putting, get good at that, then progress to the long game.
I can't count how many times an 18 cap hits a decent drive, then starts to fall apart on the approach shot, followed up with bladed / chunked pitches and whacky putts. Now the running question is "what score would you have had if McIlroy finished all shots after your drive and he played all the par 3's?". Most say around 71-73 which means they're leaving up to 19 strokes on the course from 150 and in.