anxiety scewups

[golfshooter]

I build my own clubs, have had lessons early on and play 3 times per week. The third game varies between playing on my own as usual or the Sunday comp. I play on my own for a couple of reasons. First and foremost because I play better. I can drop a couple of balls here and there, birdie and par a reasonable number of holes legally. Secondly it's hard to put myself out there(I am a bit of a loner ) and play terrible golf eventually finding few to play with. It all comes down to anxiety. I have an anxiety disorder and take medication for it but to take enough to squash the shaking screws up my hand eye coordination hence bad golf. By shaking I mean having trouble just teeing up the ball. Sundays of course one gets put in a team or given partners,either way I play with some one and same ole same ole. It is frustrating and embarrassing because I know how well I can play. I realize it is probably the same for some others, how do you beat it?

[srglassw]

Re: anxiety scewups

I think it helps to remember that other people are concerned with their own game more than with yours. Everyone struggles to some extent to play good golf and people can't be worrying about other peoples game when their own game needs all their attention.

How do you feel about the game of the other people you are playing with? You are probably not thinking that much about their game but you are probably not thinking critically about it either. If one of them hits a bad shot maybe you feel empathy rather than criticism and they likely feel the same way about your game. Your playing partners are out there to play their own golf game, not to watch or critique your game so relax and don't worry or be anxious about them.

[BrianW]

Re: anxiety scewups

That was a good reply from 'Srglassw'

I play around three days a week, twice in a weekly rollup competition and once with two mates. The two mates are a couple of members who I have got to know and we have become good mates on the course. Although we have differing handicaps I like playing with these two guys, we tend to encourage each other and have a laugh if one of us has a bad day. I can understand your issue Peter and it can be difficult to get into a friendly group if your confidence is a little low or you find it difficult to focus in the company of others. Maybe you need to play in more rollup type games if your club has these and be frank with others, explain that you can be nervous in a group and for them to be patient as you can play well. I think people will take you for the honest person you are and this will improve your confidence.

[KrudlerAce]

Anxiety

Yes I agree with the first response as well. I know myself I am so focused on my own game I wouldn't have a clue sometimes what the other guys are doing. I'm pretty sure this is the same for most other golfers.

[golfshooter]

Re: Anxiety

Well as you've said, recognise their eyes and thoughts are generally not on me. I know it's cliché but true,Need to face that fear by playing more comps. I just recalled that when I first started golf I was like this even playing among friends and that is no longer a problem. Thanks for the perspective all.