How I dropped 21 shots in 1 day

Saturday was hard work - I ended up shooting 120 at Turangi. Mine was the only handicap that went out by 6 in the annual company golf tournament and I was wondering whether this might be my last tournament.

Sunday couldn't get any worse... or could it?

I was 4 over on the first, 2 over on the second, 2 over on the third, 3 over on the fourth, 3 over on the fifth, 1 over, 3 over, then something remarkable happened...

I stopped and thought to myself, I have 2 choices:

1. Carry on doing what I was doing

2. Change what I was doing

I decided to change and simply slowed down my swing, took an extra club and didn't try & smack the snot out of every shot.

Guess what happened?

Bogey

Par

Bogey

Par

Birdie

3 over - That was the closest to the pin hole & I tried too hard!

Par

Bogey

3 over - Tried to smack it too hard again!

2 over - Thought I could make up the shots I dropped on the last hole

Birdie - Reminded myself to slow down

3 over - Tried to smash a long par 3!

Now I would love to become more consistent & after shooting 2 birdies in 1 round, know that I have the ability to play great golf!

I shot a net 66

I was full of anticipation and could hardly sleep, thinking about the round I was about to play.  I stood on the first tee after some putts & warm up, ready for an amazing round.

The first hole was a forgettable double bogey.  The second was better - scoring 3 on a par 3 with a long putt that dropped after I chipped on my second shot.  After 9 holes I felt optimistic with 45.  The back 9 wasn't as good after losing a ball off the tee on along par 4, scoring 47 on the back 9.

I believe the difference in my game was my pre shot routine.

Club - make sure the club is aligned properly

Feet - set up correct

Grip - strong right grip

.. then the practice swing

Half - keep the left arm straight, swinging back so its parallel with the ground

Hold - pause at the top of the swing

Through - smooth swing through the ball towards the target

Although it seems like a lot to think about - its only 1 thing at a time & it seems to be starting to work!

Frustrated low handicapper

I recently played with a golfer who is on a single figure handicap - and he got frustrated with his game.  It struck me that no matter what your handicap is, the enjoyment of a round comes from within, rather than counting the number of times I hit the ball!