Jedi Mind Control

[S2H]

First off, let me say I debated whether or not to put this in the hackers forums since that's certainly how I've been playing lately, but I think I'd rather have input from the palyers in the high 70's to mid 80's, so I put it here.

Anyone have one of those days when it all goes to crap but in the previous weeks you were consistently shooting low to mid 80's, but on this particular day, you not only stink it up, but you stunk it up so bad that it mind screws you for several days? Next thing you know you're analyzing your swing, grip, posture, tempo, and all the other million things you, or at least I did, when you first started playing? It's similar to a bad drive, that leads to a bad approach, then a 3-4 putt, but for an entire round, and it goes on for days! My question to you all is this; how do you convince yourself to keeping it simple, and just playing loose, and most importantly, having fun. I tend to try harder, and it seems to hinder my focus, for obvious reasons, which leads to frustration, embarrasment, and all the other things that make you not even want to play.

Golf is a blast when you're relaxed and playing well, but it's hideous when you're shanking, chunking, slicing, and breaking clubs(just kidding, but trust me, I've thought about it!).

I haven't had a 90's round all year long, until I shot a 97 a couple weeks ago. I haven't shot in the 80's since then, and I'm back to horrid ball striking. There's only one aspect of my game that is still there, and that's my up/downs. I still have my feel around the greens, but anything outside 100 yards, I've completely lost, including my driver that I won't EVEN get into, but lets just say, it's bad. My last round was a 91, and I must admit, had my driver been at least 200 yards(I told you it was bad), I may have broke 80, but...

When I focus on mechanics, instead of feel, my game goes to hell in a hand basket, are there any Jedi Mind Tricks to avoid this? I did shoot a 91 yesterday, and actually even had a few decent approach shots that felt good off the face, and swings felt real good and smooth, but I'm so anxious to get my swing back, it's killing me. HELP!

[JEFF4i]

Chill man. Who cares about score? One shot at a time.

Oh, and Welcome To Shottalk!

[ManchesterGolfer]

As Jeff says Just take it one shot at a time. Then see how many good shots you can string together and most importantly try to stay relaxed. I've just gotten through a rough patch and the main problem wasn't my swing it was my anger and temper. You can't hit good shot's when your blood is boiling and you want to snap clubs. When you hit a bad shot and get annoyed take a moment and think about the boys and girls fighting in Iraq or People who are struggling to pay the bills keep a roof over there heads in these tough times and you'll soon put it into context...it's only a game. I was letting it really get to me but as soon as I managed to curb my temper on the course the good shots and scores started to return.

[Clugnut]

You need to get yourself out of the routine. Play without keeping score, pound a beer or three, play without shoes. Go out for a round and use only irons. Take one more club for every shot. Putt with your wedge.

If you shoot bad, you'll have something to blame it on. If you play well, then great!

I fall into the trap of trying to score well, and I stop having fun. Then I can't score. That double whammy sucks.

[mddubya]

You've gotten some good advice already. Just relax, unless you're making your living playing golf don't worry about it. Everyone has these rough spots. This is without a doubt the most aggravating game known to man and the greatest all at the same time. Go rent Tin Cup and Happy Gilmore, remember it's just a game.

[JEFF4i]

**** croquet! I'll put the hole hundreds of yards away!

[mddubya]

**********1 time, feck no, 18 fecking times