Golf Forums - Playing a friendly match

Hi We all know how hard this game is and how well we all seem to have "plus 5" handicaps at the driving range. There are obviously a number of reasons - all them are in the mind and just focusing on the shot in hand - we have all heard the phrase "in the present"! Having played golf for many years at a number of different clubs I have always found playing some sort of match ( just for a beer ) with your playing partners helps to focus on your match and not on your score. Hence living in the present of your match - we all know how much the mental side of the game influences our success or failure! Would love to hear comments from other TSGers!

Hi Sam, spot on! "The golfing mind" influences success or failure..... I, personally like playing Matchplay, it keep me focused till the hole is won or shared, and it is great that it can be played between high/low handicappers without any embarrassment. As a lady high handicapper I feel quite intimidated amongst the majority of male dominated TSGers and a little competition helps to relax & enjoy the game more. Matchplay with you sometimes ???? (beer for you, Sauvignon blanc for me). Think of how many shots you'll have to give me.... That will be the next Forum "knowing/understanding mixed golf rules). Regards. Brigitte

 Hi Brigitte

Hi Sam, I got into many bad habits playing too much friendly golf.  Give me's, friendly drops, pick n place.
When I got involved in serious match play, I struggled to focus and was nervous of 'doing the wrong thing'.
I think a balance of friendly, practise and match play needs to be considered.
i have also read three books on course management, which are starting to help.
my handicap has yo yo'd from 17 to 23 in the last year, i need that to stop.
I practise off the whites (if allowed) and never give myself a putt. 

Three great books for the mental side of things
Raymond Floyd - Elements of scoring
Deepak Chopra - Golf for enlightenment
John Richardson - Dream On

Hi Paul

Being able to focus at the appropriate time will, in my experience,make the game much more rewarding.
I agree it is a "balancing act"! but the problem if you never focus when it comes to an important match.....you are lost!

I heard of the Raymond Floyd book......obviously you would recommend it!

Hi Sam, I have tried to identfy what is stopping me concentrating.  Being a user of buggies, I have noticed that I tend to go into my own little world, (when on the buggy)which does not help.  I have a small ride on buggy which does allow me to travel the course with my playing partners. (this helps)
Sometimes getting to your ball to quickly, does not give you time to evaluate your shot, you take the shot to quickly.
I have trigger words I say in my head on the tee, they seem to be helping.  On the green I am trying breathing technics.
Friendly golf has to be kept strickly to practise in my case, as I'll switch off totally.
I'm playing a Society game today, it will be off yellows and will be very social, but I will try my hardest to remain focused!

Any tips are welcome here

Cheers
Paul

Hi Paul

I have found the best way is not to think or evaluate the next shot/chip/putt until you walk into the "focus area"!

This is usually a few feet before were the ball is......if you think about the shot too early you just get more confused!

Chat/think about anything else except the shot until you are in the "focus area" - you can watch all the pros on tour doing this....!

Good luck and enjoy.....and of course that old phrase......don't forget to smell the roses!

All the best

Sam