what to do?

Hi all,

I am just back from a charity classic and am really scratching my head for answers. I have been suffering this past two months with a "no game" on the course, apart from my driver which is red hot. But when the second shot arrives its total breakdown. I follow the same routine for every shot, setup ball position, grip etc, but I end up with a shank or a top or something horrible. The most anoying thing is that my practice routine on the range is a game anyone would be happy with, solid irons and driving. I am not apprehensive over the ball or not really nervous, but the end result is shocking. I am at my wits end as I know I can perform. Is this a syndrome anyone else has sufferd? Dont mention lessons as i have been down that road recently and been told that there is really nothing wrong. It is not psychological, I know that.
Regards,
Robert
P.S. I have recently gone through a rough few months with a work related problem. would this be affecting me without even knowing it.?

Hi Robert.
Hi know that both me and my friend tpg9165 have posted many suggestions to help your loss of form, and ive come to the conclusion that all you can do is ride out the storm. Sometimes there are no answers, only the search....good luck mate..

Robert,

I was just about to post you and ask how you were travelling.

I too get this way, especially in Winter. I know it sounds funny but being cold and restricted in activity during the Winter months plays on my mind. I get on a downer.

My coach has suggested I take a break from golf for a month during Winter. He does. I haven't taken his advice as I love the game too much. But I can see where he is coming from. After a month's break one comes back refreshed, low in expectation and so on.

If you don't take a break may I suggest rather than practicing heaps on the range transfer your practice onto the course.

With the hassles at work - is there a really good mate you can have a few beers with and debrief so to speak?

Things can only get better Robert. There is always someone worse off than yourself. Keep your chin up boy.

Nicole.

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VP

Nice reply Nicole.

Nicole,
Really appreciate your post. I know where you are coming from, but this is very hard to accept, especially when I know I have the talent within me. I am definitely thinking that the whole thing is a subconcious issue with a work problem which is haunting me. To be frank with you it is a bullying problem which I do not know how to adress. Sorry for opening up like this but this is an easy way to get it off my chest. I know this is not a golf related issue and I should not bring it up on this site. Sorry.
Regards,
Robert

Regardless of wether this is a purley GOLF forum. BULLYING is wrong in any walk of life, it demoralises people and takes away their self confidence.
Robert , you must confront this person/ persons, you can report it to your union rep or even take them to a tribunial...Remember , the law is on your side AND SO IS EVERYBODY AT GTO........GOOD LUCK MATE

hi robert
Im 100% with aftford
you have plenty of allies at GTO
i for one have never entertained bullies trying to undermine me or my staff. if you need any help mate pm me i have a number of associates well versed in employment law.
dont let the b******S get you down

Robert,

dont let anyone push you around at work, confront that one asap,you will feel better for it even if the outcome is not what you wanted. it wll be like playing that second shot that is giving you some trouble. Think of it this way, you are taking on the shot even though the outcome hasnt been the best, at least you are not backing down you should give yourself a pat on the back for completing the task at hand.

When I have some tough days, i just watch some golf on the box, right now i am watching the pros go through hell at Wingfoot in US Open. Look at em missing shots they know they have made a zilliontimes. A shankyou very much was made, i am talking pros here. This helps me realize its the game and it can happen to anyone. Then i will usually read Bob Rotella, Golf is not a Game of perfect, for a mental fix.

Note, that the Yips (Bad shots on your hard drive) can happen on any shot not just putting. You are allowing the memory of those bad shots to be replayed in your minds eye. you need to replace those thoughts with the best iron shots you have ever made, or just close your eyes and try to imagine the best iron shot you would like to make and try and day dream it happenening on your home course at every hole, dont open your eyes until you have seen it happen on every hole. When you play, only remember the good shots dont dwell on the bad. If you have a bad shot close your eyes and visualze the shot you would have liked to have made and continue on. This will implant good memories on your hard drive and wont leave any room for the bad. Remember you can have the worst round ever , but have memories of the best golf of your life. (Free Will and visualization is used by all top swingers), so if you want to copy anything they do,copy that,instead of just the norm, clubs, swing mecahnics etc etc.

Try this also, at least once. When you play your round and hit that ugly shot, close your eyes visualize and then go play from the spot you saw you ball land in your visualization , no matter what shot it was, even a putt. This will help to suport the vizualization even more. For example if you slice your iron into the woods and then go after it and spend 5 mins looking for your ball, this will ingrain that bad second shot memory, if you play from your visualization shot you will ingrain a good memory. remember this is only a practice round and you will only do this until you can rely on the visualization only. Might take a few rounds to get over the guilt factor etc.

Robert,

Try this one swing thought, maintain spine angle. See if that helps you any.

I think if your topping and sh@#king, then your raising up sometimes and other times your compensating and leaning in to much causing sh@#k.

Robert, I have been going through this for past 4 months (no game!!). Buddies still have theirs, I don't. I have been working dilligent for 4 months. I was 16-18 hcp; now I'm lucky to break 100. Good on the practice range; terrible out on the course. Good off the tee; no second shot. Robert, I really think it is one of three things: Grip, posture or ball position. I have played for 8 years. I have a grip and good posture. I believe it is ball position!!!!!! I started a new thread just a few minutes ago; maybe someone will help me, and I in turn may can help you. I think when the ball looks like it's in the center of my stance, it is in effect toward front. Maybe someone with similar problem can help.

Keep working, MB

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Lefty-9