Amazing Round and Super Disappointed

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By Jaymo37

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  • 5 Replies
  1. Jaymo37

    Jaymo37

    Anyone else had a similar experience? Allow me to explain...

    So I went out to Bretwood GC in Keene, NH this morning for a 36 hole day with some friends from work. We had to start our day on the South Course because the North Course had a tournament going on later in the morning and was closed until it's completion.

    The course starts with back to back Par 5's to open up. I birdied them both and was thrilled to be -2 through 2 holes. I par'd the remaining 7 holes on the front 9. Hole 10 is the next par 5, and again I birdie to bring my round to -3. After a par and my first bogey of the round, I'm at -2 standing on the 13th green looking at a 5 foot eagle putt. I yank the putt, and watch as it lips out, tap in the birdie and proceed to par the 14th.

    This is where it all went sideways... It was on the 15th when it occurred to me that I could potentially complete my first ever sub-par 18 holes, and break 70 for the first time ever. As soon as those thoughts crept into my head, the wheels fell off the bus. I could feel my nerves go through the roof, couldn't keep my hands steady while putting, and just mentally fell apart. I finished Bogey, Bogey, Double, Bogey to shoot a +2 (74). Normally I'd be thrilled to card that round, but it just tasted so bitter after the implosion that was the last 4 holes.

    The afternoon round was a pedestrian 82 without much focus and a tired swing.

    I feel like i'm going to remember that round for a long time, as the round that could have been. At least it'll provide a little extra motivation to get back out there and keep hacking away at it, knowing i'm capable. Need to take Bagger Vance's advice and learn to shut my brain off without falling asleep.

    In any case, 36 holes with friends sure beat going to work!

  2. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    I think you summed the day up perfectly. "36 holes with friends sure beat going to work!". How disappointing can that be.

    I'm retired and every day is a good day regardless of what I shoot. Life is good.
  3. Doug E

    Doug E
    Urbana, MD

    Yes, I know the feeling well. In a round two weeks ago, I was playing with such confidence, hitting 10 greens in my first 14 holes with ease. And when I missed, I was able to chip it close and even chipped in to save a par on the 2nd toughest hole on the course. I was only 1 over par after 14 holes, with the possibility to shoot my lowest score ever. I finished up my final hole with a par on the toughest hole on the course and still shot 78. 3 of the last four holes I went double, double, bogey. And worse, what got me into trouble on both of those doubles were bunkers, which never seem to be a big issue for me. But with new sand in the first one, different than what I was used to, I flew it out and over the green leaving myself a downhill, short-sided chip back. Then on the next hole after landing in the front greenside bunker on approach with a back pin, not wanting to do what I just did on the previous hole, I wussed out and barely got it on to the green. Long lag resulted in three putt double. Oh, what coulda, should been.
  4. Dino J

    Dino J
    Burnaby, BC

    Great shooting Jaymo!
    Unforutantely, I think every golfer experiences a similar "pain" -- whereby a golfer makes several good/great shots and yet walks away from a hole feeling "disappointed".
    There are times when you make "par" and it feels like a bogey because of the lipped out 3 foot putt. Or you're on a slick green and 3-putt from within 15 feet to make bogey and feel like you have just taken a shot to your abdomen from the champ!
    I guess the best answer to this is "it's golf". Whether you are shooting a score and on the verge of your best round ever, we all are vulnerable to feeling the anxiety that goes with the anticipation. I think as you noted, the real skill is staying in the moment and focused on the next shot, etc.
    Of course, the tremendous upside as you also noted is that you enjoyed a great day with your golf pals, enjoyed the outdoors, the weather, and some solace and satisfaction of knowing what could be. Let's all hope that as golfers we get to enjoy this regularly! Well done Jaymo!
  5. DV

    DV

    Jaymo,

    This sort of thing happens often. It's even worse when you're playing in a tournament. Someone on TT forum recently suggested an idea that I think helps. They suggested that you should play from the most forward tees so you can mentally prepare yourself to getting accustomed to shooting below par. After a while it will become routine to the point that when you move back to your normal tees it's no big deal. Sounds like a good suggestion to me. So much of this game is getting over the mental aspects of playing well.

    Best Wishes,

    DV
  6. Steve H

    Steve H
    Clearfield, UT

    Here's an interesting book that I think you ought to consider reading. It is call Mastering Golf's Mental Game by Dr. Michael T. Lardon. It addresses exactly what happened to you and is full of great information to help us get through the doorway and into the promised land of great golf. Still a great day, and good times spent with your friends. Good Luck!!

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