So after a long break for updating the blog I feel I can start again.
Golf during the winter is rubbish, the ball flies nowhere, there are mats on the fairway (to protect the grass that is not growing, so once damaged it doesn't repair)
then sometimes mats out of the rough as well, which is terrible, it just favours the high handicappers because they can use long clubs and be on or close to the
green in fewer shots than normal and still have their high handicaps!.
So winter for me has about practicing certain shots and learning how to deal with the mental game
How have I done? Well I think, I've really improved my chipping after 2 changes.. Watching one of my friends who chips well (he follows through the chip really far, committing to the shot) and after watching a youtube video with an interview with Tommy Fleetwood who said "Chipping is putting with loft" and so I adopt my putting style to chipping and make sure I follow through. This helps me because I can then focus on making good contact with the ball and take all the body and arm swing out of the shot. It's working very well
What else? Well I've bought a new driver, a Taylormade QI35, which I took 45 mins with the Pro to get a proper fitting, changing the shaft, weights, head type before finally getting one that works, this is the standard QI35 but 9 degrees loft and a stiff shaft. The advantage of this driver is that it reduces the spin I put on the ball, so I now get 20-30 yards of run out of the ball, rather than it stopping where it lands. And it's more forgiving as well, so lots more down the middle!
And finally, I'm taking a very relaxed approach to golf, even when having a bad shot or 2 I know why, because I rush the shot and take my eye of the ball before
I hit it, but I also don't get long term frustrated by it, yes a bit annoyed for a few steps and then on to the next shot. He's an example to remember:
The first medal of the year, miss hit on the 3rd hole, ball down the hill, into the trees and then the river. Played another and nearly as bad but stayed in. Relaxed and
played another onto the green and walked off with a 7. Didn't get mad or upset, just focused on the next shot on the 4th tee, managed to get the shots back and
finish 1 over my handicap, which netted out to level!, great play
Onward we go!
After a bad start really got going. At the end of the round had a score +3 after going to +6 at one point.
Mentally kept strong and didn't let misfortune and lack of concentration get on top of my and make things worse.
Getting a good start to the round!
Mental and round preparation
That thing I read about "if you are eating your brain doesn't think you are in danger so doesn't trigger the fight-or-flight response" is working so I now chew gum during the game. Annoying as biting the inside of my lip is I'll put up with that!
For this format it's a 3 person team and have to nominate the order of play who has the 'Yellow' ball. The person nominated as the yellow ball scores double for that hole. the nomination continues in the same order for the round. Off 85% handicap.
Another good day playing, relaxed, enjoying the company, scored well.
Maintaining the mental approach and pre-shot routine. A few times didn't pick the right club and didn't get the result wanted, managed to rescue the hole.
Just keep doing what are doing, it's working.. Remember this and maintain the confidence that this approach works.
Everything, mental approach was good, even after a couple of poor shots, didn't let it get into my head just reset and tried again.
Picked the right club, the right line and took time to hit the shot.
Maintaining the mental approach and pre-shot routine. Had a couple of instances where lost the focus.
Just keep doing what are doing, it's working.. Remember this and maintain the confidence that this approach works.
Just about everything went well, my own scoring I ended up level (36 points) with 2 non-scoring holes.. so without the mistakes could have been 4 under!!!
The mental approach I've adopted is really working, picking the small target on the horizon and focusing on that before the shot. Chewing gum while playing is also working, I read that if the brain thinks you are eating, then it remains calmer, this does seem to work, except I keep biting inside of my lip!
Choosing the right shot and club, I failed on this a couple of times and scored tripples!
Keep progressing with the mental game and don't be afraid of a bit of risk with the shot being chosen.
It was so good, I've included the card below
| Hole | Par | SI | Score | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 11 | 5 | 2 |
| 2 | 4 | 15 | 5 | 1 |
| 3 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
| 4 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| 5 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 2 |
| 6 | 5 | 17 | 5 | 2 |
| 7 | 3 | 13 | 4 | 1 |
| 8 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| 9 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 2 |
| 10 | 4 | 8 | 5 | 5 |
| 11 | 3 | 14 | 3 | 2 |
| 12 | 4 | 18 | 7 | 0 |
| 13 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 3 |
| 14 | 4 | 6 | 4 | 3 |
| 15 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| 16 | 5 | 12 | 5 | 2 |
| 17 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
| 18 | 4 | 16 | 3 | 3 |