What to do When Things Aren't Going Your Way #golf

Whether your golf ball consistently finds the water or you are playing military golf (left, right, left, right), there are some days that you wished you never played the sport. When things aren't going your way on the golf course and you can't get into the zone, don't chuck your clubs in the pond! Here is what you need to do.

Even the tour pros have bad days and suffer from nerves or tension... which leads to a tight grip, pulled or pushed swing, the yips, and/or condescending mental attitude. One bad swing can lead to two and a round can blow up for the best of players.

Trying to hit "perfect shots" and negative self-talk can wreak havoc on your round!

Chez Reavie, a PGA Tour pro, won a tournament in his rookie season and began pushing for results instead of hitting shots one at a time. When his game began to collapse, he analyzed his thoughts - he may have been judging himself too harshly - and backed off a bit.

"I needed to realize that just because I hit this shot poorly or that it didn't go perfect, it has zero bearing on the next shot that I hit," Reavie said.

 "The next shot that I hit could be the best shot that I ever hit…It didn't matter. I started thinking about that and was like, 'Wow. I've never really looked at it that way.' I was always like, 'Oh, s---, I pulled my last 7-iron so let's try and hold this one off a bit. Well, then I'd probably hit the next one to the right. I was just chasing my tail, whereas this way, every shot was a fresh start."

If you are not playing in a tournament, this is a great time to change your mindset during the round work on your game. Turn a bad round into an opportunity to work out the kinks in your game. If you are playing in an event, take a tip from Reavie and start playing the game one shot at a time.

For the beginner, average (or better than average golfer), Golf for Beginners offers up these bullet points to remember when you see your game starting to collapse.

1. Remember that golf is a mental game - you may not be physically swinging the golf club well today but the way you talk to yourself is important - use your mind to turn your game around. Think about the good shots and keep your chin up. (Re-read Chez Reavie's quote above...every shot is a fresh start).

2. Whether or not you are in a tournament, if things aren't going your way, stop looking at your score and put the scorecard in your pocket. Instead, play each shot one at a time, stay in the present moment and don't worry about the final outcome.

3. DON'T QUIT or think of quitting - it is easy to just stop playing golf. and sulk. Always finish your round. Stop being a perfectionist and understand that golf is a game of working past bad shots.

As I read in Psychology Today, author and coach Fred Shoemaker stated, "ultimately golf is just a motion of the body, a club, a ball, an intention, and a target." Keep your highs and lows in check and you will improve your score and mental attitude during any round.

What do you do when things aren't going your way on the golf course? Share in the comments section of this golf blog and tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

The Finest Nine-Hole #Golf Course in the U.S.A.?

AndNine-hole golf courses are regaining popularity - here's why you should consider playing nine.

A lack of time is usually the main reason why many golfers play nine holes instead of the regulation eighteen but there is so much more to gain from a nine-hole course.

The Finest Nines, a book written about the best nine-hole golf courses in North America, states its case for the value of a short course.

A "complete" round of golf today is eighteen holes, which is based on The Old Course in St. Andrews; originally this course had twenty-two holes but, if you look back even earlier into Scottish history (as far back as 1562), golfers played twenty-five holes!

In his book, writer Anthony Pioppi states that a nine-hole round of golf is perfectly legitimate and that golfers should embrace nine holes and give the courses in this book validation as a true test of a golfers' skills.

Did you know, according to the USGA, "the First U.S. Open in 1895 was played on a nine-hole course"?

Nine holes are also great for a quick test of skills, an afternoon walk, and that it is totally "legit" and counts towards your handicap!

According to a press release issued by the USGA and the R&A, in 2020, a universal golf handicap system will take effect. "A minimal number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap; a recommendation that the number of scores needed to obtain a new handicap be 54 holes from any combination of 18-hole and 9-hole rounds."

The courses in The Finest Nines were selected for their architecture; strategy and shotmaking, how a golfer makes his way from tee to green and the diversity of the par-3's, 4's and 5's were the determining factors considered.

So, which course did the author hail as the "finest nine-hole course in the country?"

Pick up a copy of the book and find out! Okay, okay, spoiler alert - it's Whitinsville Golf Club in Whitinsville, Massachusetts!

Add a comment to this Golf for Beginners golf blog below and text us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Why All Golfers Need to Attend Demo Days

Spring is almost upon us which means (for the most part) golfers will be dusting off their clubs and taking to the driving range.

After reconnecting with your driver and irons, you may think that you need new clubs but, before spending an arm and a leg on new golf equipment, consider attending demo days sponsored by manufacturers or your local club...you will learn much about your swing, the newest technology and you may ultimately walk away with the correct clubs for your swing.

Going to a demo day at a golf course or equipment resaler is like entering a candy store - there are so many different clubs to view and all of the reps are standing nearby, tempting you to try before you buy. Demo Day is a cornucopia of golf bags filled with all the irons and drivers you want to test.

Why test new clubs when you believe your clubs will be perfectly fine for another season?

Your clubs could be costing you shots; just because something is familiar to you or you are comfortable with it, doesn't mean it is still good for your game!

Golf swings change, and so does equipment. What might have suited you up until this point may need some tweaking; your driver, for example, which could be ten years old, may no longer offer you proper distance - time for a new Twist Face or Rogue? Also, pay attention to the weight and flex of the shaft another important update due to changes in the speed of your swing.

“Even with all the latest developments and technology in golf, most golfers aren’t using clubs that fit them,” said Dale Ketola, director of instruction and fitting at Grande Dunes Golf Performance Center. “Even if you’ve been fitted before, mechanics can change.  You should be checked every so often to make sure your clubs complement your game.”

...from press release on MBN.com 

And if you are still playing with those beginner golf clubs and have taken your game to the next level, a professional should review your clubs to see if they need to be updated.

Read: How to Tell If You Need New Irons

With reps and pros on hand to answer your questions, Demo Day is a perfect time to reassess what is in your golf bag!

Golf for Beginners has compiled a short list of what you should consider when heading out to Demo Day.

1. Determine what you want to accomplish during the event and how much money you want to spend - it is easy to get lost among the shiny, gleaming, new clubs.

2. Talk to a pro about your game (what is good/bad about it and show him/her your current set of clubs.

3. Test the golf clubs - you may be surprised that hybrids feel more comfortable than long irons or senior-shaft clubs feel better to you than a women's set of golf clubs. Grips and shafts are also important. You may like a bigger grip or a lighter shaft - make sure you have the pro or rep help you through the decision-making process.

Also, don't just buy clubs - use this as a learning experience and make sure you get properly fitted for the clubs before taking anything home.

READ: Should You Replace your Long Irons with Hybrids?

What do you learn most about your swing and clubs when you attend a Demo Day? Let us know in the comments section of this golf blog and follow/tag us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.