Speedy,
It takes everyone time to realize that golf is supposed to be fun, all the time. Yes it's a hard game and we all think we should play really well every time out, but that isn't reality for the vast majority of us. We all have peaks & valleys and we need to embrace that fact. I'm glad you are adopting the "go out and enjoy the day" mantra. Life is way to short to stress out over a game.

I think anyone who is passionate about this game sometimes get down on themselves. You can beat yourself up pretty bad.. Last night I was watching the local news and there was an interview with Jordan Spieth. He talked about how he had not been playing well lately but he emphasized strongly that he was making progress, doing a lot of the correct things, focusing on the positive. If you listen to the pros during interviews they tend to focus on the good shots during the round, focusing on the good things. They try to keep negative thoughts out of their mind. For me, I just try to remember the good shots I hit during the round, even if it was just one or two and be happy with that. I just try to get better. After all, I have a day job and I'm not able to practice 4-6 hours a day.

Amen Speedy, couldn't agree more!
Play Well,
Steve S.

Same here Speedy, I can relate. I have to remind myself of the same thing all the time. Seems like i get one part of the game working and two others go south. I just can't keep all the parts of the game going at the same time. I really get frustrated when its happening at a really nice course or "bucket list" trip. Funny how we realize how tough it is for us but we wonder why Tiger, Rory, Jordan, and others can't keep it going great forever? Thanks for the reminder to relax and enjoy the challenge instead of fighting it so much through frustration.

Speedy even though golf takes us on those rollercoaster rides, we always come back for more because of the love hate relationship we have for this game. And it is afterall a game for you and I, not a living. It should be fun as you say first and foremost. We may run a string of pars then Mr Triple Bogey bites us in the bud and the mind game takes over and a well thought out game plan, well you know. Golf is a game where the pennacle is, I would guess, 58, but there is no perfect score as in bowling where you can bowl 300. Is making a birdie on every hole obtainable? We are dreamers and that is what makes golf fun, we are reaching for the magic golden ring as we ride that merry-go-round. So much for the trip to the fair. Let's relax, have some fun and take what the ole course gives us and come back for more the next day and remember, what will be, will be......cheers

Speedy you will be back to striping it with the new carefree attitude and wanting to have fun.

TH

Speedy, like you I have been struggling as of late. The competitive side of me wants to play better, but the realist in me understands why GOLF is a four-letter word. I have gone from a 6-7 handicap to an 11. Probably due to lack of play and practice as I currently live overseas, and I have definitely learned to enjoy each round for what it is and for the most part keep my outbursts to a bare-bones minimum. For me as much as I want to make birdies and pars, the golf course is my sanctuary to get away from everything and just enjoy the 4-5 hours of friendship and therapy. Thanks for sharing my friend. Hit em straight. Schultzy.

Keep on grinding it out Speedy and enjoy. Sometimes changing things up and taking a different approach to the game will make it come back around again.

Speedy,

I too get a bit frumpy when I'm not playing well. I grind while on the course and when I get home I don't say much, even to the dog. Once the round starts to wear off then the brain kicks in. I think about a new putter or changing irons to my old set. It's never me, it's the clubs!. Then while watching TV I see a commercial about the kids at the Shriners hospitals or St. Judes and I'm ashamed of myself. These kids seem so cheerful despite their situations and I'm acting like a baby over a GAME!! I kick myself in the butt and all things seem clear. Continue to have fun. Life's too short! Fairways and greens to all.

Mark F

I went from a 13hdcp last year to a 18hdcp so far this year and I didn't break 100 on 3 rounds as well this year. It has been 8 years since I didn't break 100. I only shot 5 rounds over 90 last year???? So I know your thoughts oh so well. I haven't played in two weeks because of work and I am hoping the layoff will kick start my game again.

I always try to have fun when I play but I'm sure I have been pressing so hard because of the success I had last year it has messed up my game. Relax and reflect and I think it will all come back into place and you'll be playing better. That's what I am hoping for myself as well.

Good Luck Speedy

We play this great game of golf for recreation. I don’t know about the rest of you, but golf is my only hobby. I enjoy everything about it. I like to play in tournaments. However, as I have gotten older, I do prefer team events; both net and gross. I do not work as hard or practice as much as I should, but I have been playing this game for almost 50 years and am able to maintain a single digit handicap. My score is important and how I strike the ball is important but they are not a top priority in my life. Once I lowered my expectations and decided that my approach would focus on enjoyment and camaraderie, my level of overall satisfaction and my scores actually improved. Of course I get frustrated sometimes, but I never get mad or let it ruin my day or affect my relationship with my family or my buddies. So, my advice is to kick back and enjoy the experience.

We play this great game of golf for recreation. I don’t know about the rest of you, but golf is my only hobby. I enjoy everything about it. I like to play in tournaments. However, as I have gotten older, I do prefer team events; both net and gross. I do not work as hard or practice as much as I should, but I have been playing this game for almost 50 years and am able to maintain a single digit handicap. My score is important and how I strike the ball is important but they are not a top priority in my life. Once I lowered my expectations and decided that my approach would focus on enjoyment and camaraderie, my level of overall satisfaction and my scores actually improved. Of course I get frustrated sometimes, but I never get mad or let it ruin my day or affect my relationship with my family or my buddies. So, my advice is to kick back and enjoy the experience.

I was in kind of a funk myself. I don't get mad or grumpy, I just tell myself to have fun, and try to hit one shot at a time. Every shot counts, so I try to make the most of them. If I get a triple bogey, I just shrug it off and go on to the next hole.

Keep it fun!

Don’t get down on yourself speedy, been there and done that. If your up for a round would like to play. Have you ever played The Links at Outlook in South Berwick,Maine. That’s were I’m a member.

Sometimes it is hard not to get too "outcomes oriented". -- especially if you put in the time to practice and work to get better and don't get the results you want. As with most things in life, patience and persistence will pay off and not letting those rough rounds (or even rough holes in the middle of good rounds) impact your attitude will only pay dividends later on! It happens to every golfer at every level in one way or another.

Scott

That's the attitude to have Speedy.
Unless your golf game is playing your mortgage there's no use being upset about it. Sure it's frustrating not to play up to your potential, but there's no reason to let it affect your life outside the course.

I've had a pretty rough year on the course too, and been getting a bit down about it. Just reading this post reminds me of why I started this crazy game to begin with...to have fun with friends or even just a relaxing round on my own. This is why I love TT. Sometimes a simple "enjoy your round" is all the advice you need.