The fewest thoughts

[golfonenemesis]

I really enjoy this site and all the posts. I played about 10 strokes higher than my hdcp. yesterday and couldn't keep my mind on what I was doing.
I came home, took a hot shower, and jotted down things I should have done; guess what? It all comes down to the fundamentals. I started out with a bogey on par 5 1st and allowed it to creep into my game. While it took a few holes to get the bogey out of my system, I had bogeyed those holes and carried the tension forward. I didn't really want to play that day anyway but felt I should keep my partner company.
Anyway, Today I went out, hit about 20 balls, chipped a dozen, hit a few putts then went to the first tee and shot my hdcp.
what was the difference? no swing thoughts other than "smooth" and "loose" bombed drives down the middle, hit crisp approaches and sank putts-"smooth and loose"

[GregJWillis]

Re: The fewest thoughts

I think you "wanted" to play

[BrianW]

Re: The fewest thoughts

Hi,

Yes I guess we all allow that little gremlin to sit on our shoulders some days and natter away to us "that was a cr*p shot", "I have lost it", "I just cant do anything right today". We also know that the answer is to put that last hole behind us and think positive, it's not always easy though, is it?

Another factor is that some days everything seems so easy and effortless, others it seems you have a pair of arms and legs that belong to someone else. I used to play a lot of Squash before my knees and back stopped me, I can remember some matches where I felt like I was dancing around the court with no effort, I seemed to have masses of time to move to the ball and take my stroke, other times I would be running like a chicken with its head cut off.

What's the answer? I am not sure if there is one, we can play a few mind games to improve the situation but sometimes it's probably best to admit that "Today it's not happening so make the best of it"

Regards
Brian