When things go wrong

Has anyone got any tips on the best thing to do when things go wrong in a comp? I have been using the 3 skills and have definately improved. However, on Sunday in a comp, although my first drive was straight down the middle, I mucked up the 2nd shot and ended up with a double bogey. On the next tee, there was some kids playing and that put me right off. No matter what I tried after that I was terrible. I tried getting back to basics etc but nothing worked. Any suggestions welcome.
Brian

As for others on the course around you, this can take you right our of your happy place when you focus on what they are doing, causing you to have to wait, worrying about how that makes you feel...etc.

The solution I like to use is to focus my thoughts on the ground around me. I will force my eyes down, making little swings, thinking about minute details about my lie and how it will affect my shot, going through all the possibilities of how to counteract them with different shots...basically immerse yourself in your game situation. You have the time now, so use it to your advantage. Sometimes, your partner has to tell you that it is your turn to go.

When things start going south in your game, sure...returning back to basics lets you try to find that critical element that might have caused it all, then you work the next couple of shots to try and fix it. You become mechanical and start to think about 4-5 things per shot. This is in my mind potentially worse then when you started to go bad in the first place.

Be realistic about what you are upset about in the first place. Is it the fact that you just made a double and you now have to make 2 birds to make it up? Is it that you hit 1 bad shot, that put you into a difficult situation in the bunker, you had to execute a perfect shot that you missed (chances were that you were going to miss it, but still...) you are mad you didn't make the 1-in-20 shot, and you so mad that you 3 putted from 10 feet?

All this caused by 1 bad shot.

The solution is to be aware that you can't be that frail of mind on the course. This is what has to change, your perception of what is acceptable. One bad shot is that, just one bad shot. Recovering from it is golf. Thinking that you had 5 bad shots for the hole is a bit too dramatic (you hit a good drive, hit a bad shot into a difficult position...ok that's 1, but the remaining 4 were a result from the last...that's all they were). Placing yourself in difficult situations and knowing the odds of making each recovery and knowing your limitations and what is worth the risks...this is what is, sometimes, interesting about the game. If every ball went into the fairway and green, you 2-putt and scored 72 every round, well, would make this game way too boring for me. I would rather play tennis.

So, fighting the urge to think all hell has broken loose because you make a double on the first hole and you have to "get back to basics" is going over board. Knowing you had 1 bad hole and keeping it in perspective, that's a better solution.

__________________
I'm a golfaholic, no question about that. Counseling wouldn't help me. They'd have to put me in prison, and then I'd talk the warden into building a hole or two and teach him how to play. ~Lee Trevino

That is sound advice. Hopefully I am playing again tomorrow. Hope I don't need to use it though.
Thanks
Brian

When my swing gets disjointed I start making some practice swings with my feet together, this restores a nice tempo and balanced feeling (You fall over if you are swinging too fast or getting out of sync) If needs must I will make shots with a very narrow stance and my right foot drawn back a bit until I have recovered my tempo.

Hit some practice shots like it before the match as it is also good to warm up with.

That sounds good too. Will try that tomorrow. I know you are a 3sk follower. On Friday, I played the 3sk better than ever before! Sunday, after the first drive I could not do anything right. I was gutted I can tell you. I was so convinced "it was easy"!
Brian

Thanks both of you. I did exactly the same yesterday as I did on Sunday. Drove straight down the middle messed my second and got a double bogey again. But I thought about what was said, especially the swings with feet together. I birdied the next hole! Although I had 2 8's, I ended up with 93 which is good for me since I have re-started.
Thanks again.
Brian

hi,
After studying your forum i came to a conclusion that you need to boost up and brush up your hidden talents.I feel that you were diverted and became tensed when the kids were watching your game.Many players face this kind of problems and you are one among them.My suggestion is that when you are on field keep your mind calm.if you are tensed just take a long breath and repeat it till you become comfortable this will lower your B.P and will be able to concentrate well on the game.When you are on the golf field for the next time see that presence of spectators will least effect your concentration.
I would like to add more to it.I have some article in mind which deals with golf swing technique in a clear manner.If you have any doubts left over i think you can clear them in the above website.

Thanks for that. I believe that you are correct. I am looking at the site now and following it through.
Brian

I'm not religious, but amen!

From Greg "The solution I like to use is to focus my thoughts on the ground around me. I will force my eyes down, making little swings, thinking about minute details about my lie and how it will affect my shot, going through all the possibilities of how to counteract them with different shots...basically immerse yourself in your game situation."

I realy like this idea. Thanks Greg.

Thanks, it works for me sometimes. But what is harder is when my playing partners critique the group in front, saying nasty little things like "ok, 4 putts time to pick up Gretsky...nice practice swing Arnie, now just HIT IT!"

It's hard not to hear that in the background. I whistle little tunes to drown it out.