Conference 7.286::golf

    
    I used to have a simular problem.  I would start the round fairly
    good, and then would fall apart after a couple of holes.  In my cases
    I don't think it was being a nice guy, since the group I play with
    consist of better golfers then myself, but a lack of concentration
    on the course after the first couple of holes.  What helped me was
    to set up a numbered series of events that I would follow before
    I hit the ball.  1) check my stance.  2) Check my grip.  3) position
    of the club in respect to the ball.  4)backswing. 5) hit the ball.
    6) follow through.  By doing this I was able to concentrate on each
    part of the shot and forced my self not to forget or take for granted
    any part of the shot.
    
    Steve
    

    When I play a match, I don't worry about how many holes/strokes
    up/down I am. I believe that you have to play one hole at a time,
    regardless of the match. If you are playing your best, each hole
    will take care of itself.
    
    Don't let your opponent physch you out if you are a couple down
    after 4-5 holes. I never start a conversation about the status of
    the match, until maybe the 16th or so. I always keep track of where
    the match stands, but don't think about it, again take one hoel
    at a time. If your running out of holes and you are down in a match,
    you may have to take a chance that you would not normally take.
    For instance, go for the green over a pond where you may normally
    lay up short. 
    
    If you are up in a match, perhaps even blowing your opponent away,
    I then work on my score, forgetting about the match. The match will
    take care of itself.
    
    Smitty

    
    You may find that a person in your 4 some maybe putting well or
    chipping well and you may subconsiously try to do it there way.
    It is important to golf your own game.
    Playing in a match is not the time to change a stroke or a swing
    stick with what works and work on the rest after the match. You
    will find it is easier to get beat by yourself then from other
    golfers.
    
    Stay CONFIDENT !!
    
    

    In match play, you have to try and beat your opponent to a pulp!
    Try to win every hole. Even if you win 9 and 8, so what? Beat him
    first, then feel sorry for him later. There are only 18 holes in
    match play! Now stroke play is a little different...
    
    Mike

    Thanks for the support today is the day I'll find the killer instinct.
    We are playing a new course where I seem to play better(concentrate).
    
    The guy I'm playing is dead meat from the start and no letting up
    till it over...
    
    Jeff 
    

                              
                          "blood all over!!!"
       re 349.0
      
       I've got a similar problem..........I build myself up to a heaving
       crescendo from the club house to the 1st tee then automatically
       submit myself to the inevitable drubbing.Is this golf game really
       good for the soul????

    A little results from Rambo. 
    
    1 up after 5 holes then the game was over. It was my fault I took
    a risky shot to the green rather than laying up and put it in the
    water. 
    
    lost by 2 strokes..
    
    Jeff
    

    Regardless of what type of match you're playing, you never play
    the opponent .... you play the course.  As soon as you let the opponent
    dictate what shots you make and what pressure you place upon yourself,
    you're finished.
    
    Every player has different skills, different strengths, and different
    shotmaking ability.  Take advantage of your abilities, and make
    the shots that you are capable of making.  When you start playing
    against an individual, you try to make shots that don't make sense
    (FOR YOU!).  As someone said earlier, play the course, take each
    shot and each hole one at a time.
    
    Play against your opponent and your ego will determine the outcome!
    
    Play the course and yor shotmaking will determine the outcome!
    
    The killer intinct is fine if its channeled toward the proper
    priorities ... making better and better shots on each hole.
    
    Good Luck!
    

    
    I agree with .8 fully!  I recently played in a 12 man tourney
    "best ball", I knew the three other players on my team can hit
    real deep of the tee's and there is no way I can compete with them
    for the "long ball".  I knew my game is around and on the green.
    We all realized this and stated right at the start..."Monty we'll
    get you near or on the green..you take care of the rest".  
    
    The fact of the matter is I know my strength and weaknesses, I played
    the course and DID NOT TRY TO DRIVE with these guys.....I must admit
    it help me relax and play better as to my potential, I even hit
    some pretty decent tee and fairway shots because I was in the game.
    
    I also find that remembering shot/club selection helps me stay in
    the game and maintains that mental (rambo) attitude that is needed
    to stay competitive.
    
    My .02 cents...go out there any play your game, don't let up and
    as for me those good shots that I have, those are the ones that make me
    keep coming back for more!
                                                 
    Bob "Monty" Montville

    
    Maybe you are a victim of mind games being used by your opponents.
    Your symptoms of starting good and losing fit this tactic to a tee.
    When your opponents say little things like; "I'm glad I don't have
    that lie", or "Your going to use a FIVE iron, hope you get all of
    it" (Get the drift?), they get you thinking about the subject of
    the comment and not your basic game.
    
    I know this rather questionable tactic works because I use it a
    lot. Mostly with results as you describe. I do notice that the more
    I use this tactic, the less susceptable I am to it. When bombarded
    by a distracting quip, I just return one and move on. Just make
    sure to get in the last word.
    
    re.8 - the mention was to play the course, not the opponent. In
    a tourneyment I agree. In match play it's not the score, but how
    many hole you win. I'd rather win with an 8 than halve with a par.
    In match play the head games can cost both of you strokes, but the
    strongest mentally will usually prevail.
    
    Good luck and enjoy gorilla golf

    
    Mind games don't always work. A friend of mine once played with
    a guy who would play mind games with him. Well my friend played
    the worst game of his life, and proceeded to beat the living sh*t
    our of his oppenent. The guy was in the hospital for 2 days and
    has never played the game since. He didn't file any charges either
    because if he did my friend would do it again. 
    
    Be carefull who you play this on, it could backfire.
    
    Mike

    .11
    
    Now that is serious !!!!
    
    Mind games are part of the game..Afterall, don't you play them with
    yourself (today I break 90, I'm gonna par this hole, think I'll
    change balls this one looks scruffed up, I only use white tees,
    etc)....
    
    If someone takes it so seriously as to beat-up someone, I'd suggest
    they take up a less violent sport, like say Australian Rules Football.
    
    Jim
    

    Hey, I got it back I played my game all the way through yesterday.
    My competition let himself fall apart. The conditions were very
    windy about 20-30mph, difficult to watch a wedge fly the green from
    170. I kept myself together by playing against the course...
    
    Jeff

    				
    
    			<SIMPLE>
    
    		PLAY FOR MONEY!!!!!!
    
    
    
    		It gives a whole new perspective to losing.....
    
    
    		Wives aren't legal tender on a golf course.
    
    
    
    
    	golf's a gamble
    	lfb..

    Try playing for money, say a $2 Nasau with $1 greenies and birdies
    and presses are automatic. A great way to loose a lot of money if
    you don't play very well. $2 Nasau with the $1 greenies/birdies
    doesn't sound like much but consider this:
    
    You could loose $6 if you loose the front, back and overall (assume
    there were no presses) plus the number of birdies you make plus
    the closest to the pin greenies on each of the par 3s (assume 5
    par 3's). So that leaves you with $6+$5+birdies say about $12 to
    $13 dollars. Now, figure out the presses (which could probably tally
    up in the $20 area). Not a bad day...
    
    Mike