Hi every1.
I am new to these forums my name is Anthony from Bribie Island in Queensland.
Home course`s Pac Harbour golf & country club & Bribie Island golf club.
Handicap index 9.3

My question relates to the mental side of golf.
Since the start of the year I have been stuggling taking the same mental attute i have from practice rounds into Wed, Sat & Sun member comps.

I practice twice to three times a week (range putting green or pratice 18`s) as well as 2 or 3 comps per week. Pratice 18`s playing by myself or with a small groups of friends my score avarage is between 73 – 79. Over the last 2 months of comps my score avarage is between 82 – 87.

Looking at my last 6 rounds stats via golflink charts between pratice & comp rounds my driving stats are roughly the same 61% and GIR 45%.

Played a 3 4ball matches over the last month my attude on those days (don`t let your P down) and have played really well posting 71,74,76 I have tried taking this attude into a normal stroke or stableford comp has not worked.

So my question: Does players have any tips i can take that same mental attute towards the game we all have when playing pratice rounds into comp day. Maybe things i can do on the day.

Would also like to here from players who have had the same issue as I have and what they have done.

Just want to start playing to my handicap again.

Thanks for your time

Welcome Antz30

http://www.iseekgolf.com/go...

Here is a link to some articles on the subject. The ‘Golf School’ tab at the top of your page has the link. Hope it helps. :)

Play your practice round so it means something.

Maybe give 1$ to charity or me every time you miss a target.

My best trick was to reload if I missed, limit of three per target. When I got down to 7 reloads I was ready to play in the Australian Open.

ants, if you get a chance have a game or two with Darryl Wilkins, one of your local members. I have much respect for the way Darryl plays the game. He is a vet but runs around there in the mid 70’s, most times. Lovely bloke with a rich history in Brisbane golf.

Thx for the link above and comments.
Played Wed comp with a different mind set and different way of thinking was more relaxed during the round played to (12) left a lot of shots out there. Was happy with the round (will take the same mind set into pratice rounds & also comp rounds.

Try reading some Bob Rotella books, he’s a leading sports psychologist.’ Golf is not a game of Perfect’ would be a good one to start with.

I’m having the same problem atm antz30.

Play off 8 and been hitting around 82-88.

Let me know how you go.

Don’t give up

antz30 and Gibbsy99,

Lots of great suggestions already.

Quite often practice is very casual and playing with your buddies can be very comfortable as well. Everything is just on autopilot. In competition we think more and do things more deliberately. We try harder and because we do things differently we get different results.

One of the best ways I’ve discovered to prepare for competition is to practice with the same habits you will be using in competition.

For example:
In practice, use a different club on each shot rather than hitting the same club a few times.
Use a different target on each shot.
Imagine a specific hole, distance, and playing conditions and then select your club and hit that specific shot
Use your pre-shot routine (what you do in competition) while in the practice area.

When you use your practice to simulate competition, you will be preparing for competition.

It is very difficult to use the reverse philosophy of taking your relaxed casual mindset (the one you have with a casual round) into competition. When you practice like you play in competition, it builds confidence for competition. When you are confident, you will be more relaxed and casual.

Good luck!

Next comps are this Sat & Sun.
Will be going to the range (fri afternoon)

Thx for the comments :o) Ill go into the practice with some of the comments above (pre shot routine) before each shot, pick targets. Focus more (change clubs often) Try and turn practice more into a comp round.

One thing what did help me relax during (wed) round may sound funny i was saying to myself when linning the ball up (golf is simple just hit the ball Anthony) and found it did relax me & hit the ball clean of the tee.

Will post Sat & Sun rounds here.

Keeping it simple is a great tip too!

Have fun and good luck!