Game Goes Wrong After A While

Ok, lets say im on the course and after 8 holes or something, my game goes out of whack. My shots are pretty good for the first 8, then something goes wrong, and everything is either a hook or a slice. Sometimes it gets so bad, I miss the ball with my 6 iron... Im not really worried about my score for each hole, and I try to keep positive. Does this happen to you? What should i do?

Do you have a pre-shot routine. If not develop one. This will take any thoughts that are going through your head out of your setup. Gives you stability of what you can control.

Even though your not worried about your score, you might be worrying when things are going to go badly. If you have a negative thought. Step away from the ball and start all over.

hi vlo824,
dannyra is correct it is essential to playing good shots that you get a pre-shot routine sorted and stick with it for every shot.
ive posted elsewhere on this site about set up. i played the same course twice in 3 days one time i scored 121 and another time i scored 90.
guess which round i really focused on my set up!
only play one hole at a time if you have a bad hole let it go and clear your mind

Hi vlo,
I can understand where you are coming from, as I have been having this problem for the last few weeks. After much deliberation, I concluded that the following were the reasons for this: no set up routine for each shot, no concentration on rming and tempo, and it automatcally follows a drop in confidence. I have spent the last few evenings at the range working on these issues and trying to make them a natural habit. Believe me, discipline on these issues makes a hell of a difference. No matter what handicap a person is, if these points are adressed it will improve your overall game. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Robert

Thanks guys, when you guys mentioned the pre-shot routine, i realized taht I didnt have one. Ill try to develop one. Thanks

some people also hold their breath too much. I have helped out people at the range and when I told them to breath they look at me confused and I said you are holding your breath, you should see the look on their face when they realize it, a puzzled shock

Pre shot routine sounds like my problem too.

I am thinking too much about why the last shot went badly that I forget to think about this shot.


Thanks for your advice.

Focus on the shot at hand. It takes alot of concentration to do this.

I know that this will sound corny but between shots I'm looking at the grass, birds, trees and so on. I'm working hard on this between shots trying to get my mind off golf.

It's not until I approach the ball that I'm noting wind, lie, flag position and so on.

I have a pretty good pre shot routine. This puts me at ease and when at address I'm being focused on the ball, trusting my swing and set up.

It's very hard to do - but I'm trying.

I need not worry about the shot I just had as I can't change it nor do I try and forsee a score for the hole I'm playing.

I'd like to correct Slats' comment about playing the hole - it should be playing the shot at hand.

I also agree with the breathing aspect - I actually (when I remind myself) play the shot with my mouth open. This actually helps me breath during the shot and relieves tension.

__________________
VP

When my game starts to fall apart, I just quit keeping score..haha

Chessbum...

I'd like to correct Slats' comment about playing the hole - it should be playing the shot at hand.

i actually meant to say play one shot at a time my typing speed faster than my brain function!

Hello:

Try to remember...in what other game can you experience an adrenaline rush, euphoria, exitement, pain, humiliation and perhaps salvation....
all on the first hole .....

Develop a pre-shot routine that includes an effecient (i.e. fast), repeatable and accurate alignment procedure (the Golden Bear's works pretty good) and also incorporate muscle relaxation, particularly of the shoulders, arms and grip into the routine. Make sure to work on this routine at the practice range on every shot if you are able to. Repeat this enough times and good things will happen. You can learn to relax and aim correctly...and then use it on the golf course.....

To be honest don't worry about the preshot routine overly to much, develope one if you want.

I find having a routine and trying to think about my shots is my problem. I just think to myslef yup, we'll use this club. Walk up the the ball get in position, do the waggle, keep my eye on the ball and hit it..

Hello Eastley:

I don't really view the pre-shot routine as something to worry about....in my case the whole procedure takes about 20 seconds and just prepares me to hit the best shot I can. I know I'm aimed correctly and I feel relaxed. Every good player I've talked to uses some type of routine. Some fast, some deliberate (unfortunatley) but it is a good way to get set.

Whatever works though