Coming Back from a Scratch

DonkeyPokerTour

Hi Guys

I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for How to get over a scratch. One of my many problems seems to be scratching 2-3holes in a row. So basically do you guys have anything that helps you get over a scratch or can suggest any books etc?

Thanks
Regards
Ian

stevire

DonkeyPokerTour wrote: »

Hi Guys

I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for How to get over a scratch. One of my many problems seems to be scratching 2-3holes in a row. So basically do you guys have anything that helps you get over a scratch or can suggest any books etc?

Thanks
Regards
Ian

Did you try any of Dr.Bob Rotella books?

Loads of them available in the book shops these days... I'd recommend "Golf Is Not a Game of Perfect"

soundsham

good advice on the golf is not a game of perfect

i bought the book found it a little hard to get into at first so i searched for an audio book and ended up getting a set of 3-4 of his books for €25ish handy to play when driving every once in a while just to refresh the mind on a few of the pointers

kave passed on the copies "ahem originals" to 3 or 4 guys and all said they got something from it.........some good old yarns in there too

ShriekingSheet

Ian, I'd add my +1 to all Rotella books, Game of Perfect in particular.

From my own experience and from watching other golfers I find after a scratch many people think "right, good score on this hole to make up for it". They might even do the math in their head to work out "well I've a shot here so a birdie will get me a 4 pointer and back on track".
Or maybe it's more of a "ok, steady the ship" attitude you might take after a scratch thinking "just bag a handy 2 points here, avoid two scratches in a row at all costs".

If you find yourself doing any of the above or similar this is your problem. As cliched as it is, forgetting about a bad shot/hole is the only way to go. Fair enough, this is easier said, but it is Objective #1 you're working towards in these situations. I've found if you keep at it, you will start to brush off these scratches easier and have them out of your mind on the next tee. It's gradual but it will come with effort.
In the meantime, you can also ensure the anxiety or tension you feel from making a scratch doesn't find it's way into your swing on the next tee. You may get that "careful" feeling, trying to steer the ball, or start thinking of how your technique let you down on the last hole and how can you fix it on the next. This all has to go. You've gotta do the exact opposite. So when you make a scratch, instead of being tight and careful on the next hole you're going to be more free, look at where you want the ball, step up and just let fly, almost as if you don't care where the ball goes! Tense, steering type swings will only cause more bad shots. But when you make a scratch, just let fly with the next tee shot, as if on a driving range.

soundsham wrote: »

good advice on the golf is not a game of perfect

i bought the book found it a little hard to get into at first so i searched for an audio book and ended up getting a set of 3-4 of his books for €25ish handy to play when driving every once in a while just to refresh the mind on a few of the pointers

kave passed on the copies "ahem originals" to 3 or 4 guys and all said they got something from it.........some good old yarns in there too

Yeah I have a few as well, the Confidence one is good, the Putting one is good too. Found the Golf of Your Dreams a bit much, more geared toward tour-school atendees. Read the first bit og the new 15th club one, seems to be GINAGOP Part 2 kinda thing.

One I hadn't heard of is The Golfer's Mind. Picked it up at christmas. It's like a summary or handbook of some of the most important bits of the previous books. Handy cos it's conscise and reminds you of the helpful bits without having to read through all the old stories!

Would be interested to know which books you found best. And what you play off if you don't mind me asking?

soundsham

i found all of them helpful but probably in this order
1 golf is not a game of perfect.
2 putting out of your mind
3 golf is a game of confidece
4 golf of your dreams

audio book is great you can skip on a bit if you want because the odd bit can be a little tedious
got the new book too @ X-mas but only have read a few chapters and yes it does summarise the points nicley at each chapter end

busy reading 4-iron in the soul at the minute good laugh

play off 7

if you want donkey send me a private message and i may be able to help you out with the audio book,

kingshankly

Nearly finished rotellas latest book "the 15th club" have to say it's his best book to date . Harringtons three majors are included and how rotella helped him , very intersting insights into the modern game, it's one thing reading it but it's another to put it in to practice

stevire

Where did ye pick up the audio books of Bob Rotella?

Didn't know they existed, if anyone knows an online/offline shop that stocks them let me know!!

nige1982

Donkey,

you have to look why are you scratching holes, is it from 3 putts or lost ball etc and work on what ever you fell is bringing your game down, when i am playing stableford I always play the safe shot to keep them dreaded scratches off the card (hit 3 or 5 wood instead of driver) it also depends on your handycap, if your off anything over 18 you have 2 shots on certin holes so make sure you make use of these

PhilipMarlowe

stevire wrote: »

Where did ye pick up the audio books of Bob Rotella?

Didn't know they existed, if anyone knows an online/offline shop that stocks them let me know!!

iTunes link

Adiaga 2

soundsham wrote: »

i found all of them helpful but probably in this order
1 golf is not a game of perfect.
2 putting out of your mind
3 golf is a game of confidece
4 golf of your dreams

I saw these 4 books in kind of a box set in easons before xmas. Can't remember the exact price but I remember thinking it was a good deal. I have the first two of the above and would also highly recommend them.

Myksyk

I started a thread some time ago on something like "how was your head in your last round" because I think this is such a crucial part of the game.

One simple, visible way to 'mind your mind' during a round is to decide, before you start, that you will endeavour not to speak (think) negatively to or about yourself during the 18holes. If you can manage this you prevent the destructive cumulative build up of negativity that results in your whole round crashing. It's as much a habit as your swing so it may take time to forge your mindset into this shape for your golf. Well worth it though.

Rotella's advice is based on the simple truth that every shot you play is independent of any other and therefore might be the best shot of your life ... unless you bring psychological baggage to the shot from your last or previous holes. This is what you're working to prevent. Start by being habitually nice to yourself on the course!!!

soundsham

the are available in many places icluding itunes
but i bought mine through easons.ie and i checked they are subject to availability at €27.80

if not try searching

1 audiobooksonline.com
2 learnoutloud.com $31.96 +p&P

stevire

Found one through amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bob-Rotella-CD-Collection/dp/0743544773

Looks like a good deal...

Don't have iTunes, nor do I like to support it... (I've a thing against Apple's use of ipods, iphones etc. one big monopoly)

stockdam

If you've just played a bad hole then stop thinking about it......it's gone.

The trap that most people fall into is trying to get the points back.

Slow down........look at the next shot. Focus on what you want to do. Play slightly safe as you want to keep the ball in play.

prbillabone

Hi bud,

Just looking at your request, hope your well on your way to a scratch free round. A good friend and a good golfer tells me to play the precentages, i.e. if you get into trouble with a shot, like behind a tree or immovable obstacle play the easiest shot without being Harry Houdini, chip out take the penalty and get the ball on the green asap. Its all about getting the ball on the green as the changes of holeing a 20' put is better than chipping in from off the green from 20' or even 10'. I often find that if I dont adhear to this advice I suffer with a scratch. 1 point could be the differnce of a 1st or 2nd place. Also dont forget that your not Tiger or Padraig so accept it and dont try and make it up on the next.