Ok, NorEaster, let's break it down logically...if I read you right, you like logic, yes? This will take a moment so stay with me. Most, not all, but most folks play better when they are alone on an open track with no distractions, including slow players ahead of them. Okay, there are some that don't play as well unless they're playing against someone else but I think even they would concede that if their group was the only one on the course they'd play better because of the uninterrupted rhythm. But as a general rule I'd say that most people play and concentrate better on each shot when going out solo with open holes ahead, wouldn't you agree? It's just like saying that someone at the free throw line alone might be able to can dozens in a row but send him up there in a game when it counts, out of breath, noise all around...different story, right? Rhythm's important to a quarterback, too, but he doesn't always get it his way, right? In fact, in competitive team sports it's the defense's job to interrupt the offense's rhythm at every opportunity so that, right there, highlights its importance. Now, in golf, we don't have someone making a conscious effort to upset our rhythm of play (well, a gamer, maybe...more on that later) but, nonetheless, the fact is that, especially in competition play, you will never be allowed the luxury of enjoying the rhythmic pace of play that you'd enjoy playing alone. Go boast to any good player about how you broke you personal best score while out alone and he'll immediately discount it's legitimacy, if for no other reason than the fact that you played without the normal distractions...it wasn't a real round. Stop-and-go play is a fact of life. So, step number one is to accept it. That's no small task...you can try all kinds of little "tricks" to overcome it but they won't work without first fully accepting it as a fact of life. In other words you have to expect it and not get angry about it. That's the one thing that really separates the player from the weekend duffer. Only then can you move on to overcome it and minimize it as a factor in YOUR (as OnePutt would put it) game.

So, what do you do to overcome it is the question, yes? SoCal Bob's physical concern's are a different issue to be addressed in a separate post...you're asking about the mental aspect of not being allowed to play at a rhythm of your choosing. You may not like my answer but it is my sincere belief that the solution is as unique as your game is from that of the guy next to you. In every sport the player that excels above the others is the one that can compartmentalize his focus and energy. Basketball players save their physical and mental energy as much as possible during a game so they can ramp it up at just the right moment so as to be able to give 100% (there's no such thing as 101%) effort to the task, be it defending, driving, dunking, shooting a free throw, etc. Every player on the football field has to "save it" for the play itself because, like Bob38 says, if you try to leave the switch on all the way you'll give out, both mentally and physically. Same goes for the golfer...you must learn to "turn it on" and "turn it off". You need to be able to "turn it on" so intently that the guy behind you hollering "Noonan!" doesn't even register...that's what Noonan did, right? Somehow I think that you probably already instinctively understand that part. What you want to know is how to "turn it off" only to be able to come back and "turn it on" with the same intensity as before, correct? Well, like I say, that solution is unique to you...every player has his/her own way of finding their happy place between shots just as they have their own way of mustering up the calm focus and concentration required to execute the shot. First and foremost is unequivocally accepting the fact that you no longer get to choose the rhythm or pace of play...all you can do is your part to ensure that play moves along at an expedient pace. If it doesn't, at least no one can point at you as a contributing factor. Then you must find your own stress-free way of relaxing while staying in the present...Trevino joked with the gallery, Tiger doesn't do that. Btw, the "great PGA" doesn't care how you do it, that one's on you...all they're gonna do is penalize slow play when it's warranted. Besides, the PGA can't help or hurt you 'cause you're not a pro. Last, but certainly not least, I have found that little noises, rotten lies, poor conditions, and, yes, stop-and-go play bother me a lot more when my game isn't as honed as it should be...practice breeds confidence and calm and the willingness to address any situation. When I'm confident over my shots, because I've been practicing, you can "game" me all you want (I take it as a compliment) because, even if I mis-hit the shot, I know there's a good one comin', probably right behind it. And I'm not gonna fret about it until the next shot comes...that shot's over, didn't come off like I wanted but I'm gonna relax and save my energy until it's time to call up my brilliance (no matter how long that takes) and make D'Annunzio wish he'd never opened his yap.

There's no easy answer, amigo, you have to find your own happy place. Btw, I'm glad you didn't give up the game (never thought you would) and I'm glad you decided to stick around GR. You stimulate the discourse here, and for that I'm grateful.

Shade