My biggest problem would be my anger. I never take it out on my equipment, I did once, but never again. But I do get rather angry over a real minor thing and I let it snowball into a major thing. I might get angry that I left a wedge short of the cup or something like that.
My anger has really ruined my game a few times. Is there anything that you guys do to calm yourself down on the course?
I used to take the game very seriously and have some of those same problems. For a few years now I just go into each round with the mindset that no matter what happens, no matter what I shoot, I got to play golf today, so today was a pretty good day. Also it seems like every time I play I have a song stuck in my head, it kind of distracts me and keeps my memory short... Three Little Birds is a good one if you have a temper
You might try reading a book on the mental game... Zen Golf is a good one, but it's the only one I've read, I know there are more.
I had some problems with nerves too, but I played in a tournament with a guy in the military and he was having a bad round and he said "hey, it's a lot better than getting shot at." I think of that sometimes when I'm nervous before or upset after a shot, after all it's just golf.
I think that it is virtually impossible not to get upset after a bone-headed shot, like a really poor wedge into a greenside bunker after a fantastic drive--my specialty.
You simply have to learn to "let it go"--at least by the next hole, if not the next shot. Take a couple of deep breaths, and think about all the miserable things that you could be doing instead of playing golf, and remember that golf is a game best played relaxed, not angry. I also find it helpful to remind myself that I play golf for pleasure, not pay--Thank goodness!
Can you remember who won the US open 5 years ago, or the Super bowl 3 years ago, without looking it up on the web? Even on the professional level sports in general are of little importance in the grand scheme of things.
Keeping things in perspective is the key. Of course this doesn't always work as I have been known to have a bit of a temper on the course myself. I am thinking of carrying a copie of last years tax return with me in my bag and take a look at it when I get POd about a golf shot. Now thats something to truly be angry about. In comparison my worst golf shot of my life was a barrel of laughs.
Exactly. Now, I don't put the wedge into the greenside bunker, but I might put it short and leave myself a long putt. I just turned a birdie into a par or worse. That makes me mad!
can't remember what pro said it while playing in a pro am, while his partner was steaming from a poor shot ,,,,,, ( son your not good enough to get mad ) enjoy the game after all tis just a game..........
Yep anger is my main problem (that and an overly negative attitude combined with a lack of confidence). I have mellowed as I have got older but I still have the occasional tantrum. The main thing is that you recognise it happens. The main motivator to getting over it is basically the urge never to look quite that stupid on a golf course again. Racket abuse is my main problem I have broke or damaged a couple of clubs in anger. Whenever I take it out on the gear I almost immediately use the following phrase....
'Well that'll teach it (the club) not to do that again'
In a really sarcastic tone of voice.....
The best way is to snap out of it immediately. Think of a joke or (for those of us with family) playing with your kids, the sound of their laughter, or strike up some banter with your partners. I guarantee you wont stay angry very long. Eventually you will be able to stop the eruption before it happens and be able to get down to the serious business of cleaning up the mess you just made.
I know it's not my equipment, I never take my anger out on my equipment. I know it's always me. That's why I get so mad. I'm always very hard on myself.
A lot of people say relax, it is just a game but that does not work for me or many people that I have seen play. A guy told me just last week that he just enjoys playing golf and does not see why people get so upset. Well once things went a little out of control with his game he did not seem so relaxed, and ended up quitting after his tee shot on 18.
One tip I can give you that does work for me is to find a book on breathing exercises, it may help your game and also be beneficial to the rest of your life too. There is a reason Tiger and VJ do breathing exercises during their play.
June 3rd, 2005, 06:06 AM
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