SilverUberXeno
El Tigre Blanco
- Jul 26, 2005
- 4,620
- 26
**** the short game.
Sounds crazy. Hear me out.
For some players, particularly new or struggling players, the short game is only going to give them a chance to save triple bogey if they can't hit their longer clubs. I've been thinking about this since the "break the barrier" thread, and reflected on it with my round yesterday.
I putted magnificently. I hit the stick with a mid range pitch and was an inch away from holing out on another one. My score was still awful because I lost balls off the tee too many times. Yes, it was a tough 7000 yard course. Yes, my favorite driver is broken. No, I haven't had much practice with the backup.
But I look at my score, and even the FUN of the game, and I see losses in the long game. If I three putt a couple times, I don't really care. If I flub a wedge I'm a dink, but it doesn't ruin my day. Hitting 3 off the tee, or having to spend 5 minutes every hole looking for the ball... That is damaging.
I think it's important to EARN confidence in practice. You can go out on the course and be confident, but if you and your body don't know what to do with the club, you'll confidently blow it all over the place. So practice until you KNOW that you can hit your clubs. Confidence should not be forced. Believe in yourself when you have reason to. Practice to find that reason.
Sounds crazy. Hear me out.
For some players, particularly new or struggling players, the short game is only going to give them a chance to save triple bogey if they can't hit their longer clubs. I've been thinking about this since the "break the barrier" thread, and reflected on it with my round yesterday.
I putted magnificently. I hit the stick with a mid range pitch and was an inch away from holing out on another one. My score was still awful because I lost balls off the tee too many times. Yes, it was a tough 7000 yard course. Yes, my favorite driver is broken. No, I haven't had much practice with the backup.
But I look at my score, and even the FUN of the game, and I see losses in the long game. If I three putt a couple times, I don't really care. If I flub a wedge I'm a dink, but it doesn't ruin my day. Hitting 3 off the tee, or having to spend 5 minutes every hole looking for the ball... That is damaging.
I think it's important to EARN confidence in practice. You can go out on the course and be confident, but if you and your body don't know what to do with the club, you'll confidently blow it all over the place. So practice until you KNOW that you can hit your clubs. Confidence should not be forced. Believe in yourself when you have reason to. Practice to find that reason.