Don’t Let Distractions Destroy Round...

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Golf Potpourri

by

Mac Stevenson

Don't Let Distractions Destroy Round

When you hit a golf shot while someone in your group
is talking and you hit the shot well, you congratulate
yourself on your self control and ability to concentrate
under difficult circumstances. But what happens when
you miss the shot? If you're like most of us, you
become furious with whoever is causing the distraction.

You might say something, or you might keep it bottled up
inside, but the damage is done either way. And chances
are your emotions are out of kilter and will cause a
negative reaction on your next shot as well.

Golf is difficult enough without having to deal with a
number of annoying mental and physical distractions that
can destroy a good round.

The number-one cause of aggravation and loss of
concentration among serious golfers is fellow players who
won't shut their mouths while you're trying to putt or
hit a shot.

When confronted, these motor mouths give the excuse that
they're just out for a good time and anyone who is
bothered by their talking is taking the game too seriously.
The reality is that the talker is either dumber than a box
of rocks, being inconsiderate of the other players, or both.

Some of the loudmouths will say, "Football and basketball
players have to get used to the noise, why can't you?"

That's so ignorant it doesn't merit a rejoinder; the sports
are entirely different.

Way, way too many golfers won't be quiet while their playing
companions are trying to hit a shot. And it can ruin the
round if you're trying to play your best.

How can you let these non-stop talkers know that you're upset
without starting an all-out war? The best way is to step away
from the shot or putt and give the guy a direct look to let
him know he's being a nuisance. This usually works, but some
players are oblivious to everything but themselves or just
plain stupid.

When you run into a compulsive talker that won't take the hint,
you have a problem. The next step is to back away from the
shot and say, "Fore please." That should do it. Of course by
then you're mad and motor mouth is mad and the golf is ruined.

There's just no easy way to solve this problem of rudeness
without a direct confrontation with the obnoxious talker. And
then make sure you don't play with him again.

Two other common and unwanted agitations are cars going by and
honking or players yelling from an adjacent fairway. In most
cases, you can back off from the shot and start over with no
harm done.

Another disturbing habit some players have is standing in your
line--behind the pin--on a chip shot or putt. This is much like
the talker; the only way to solve the problem is by asking Mr.
Dimbulb to get out of the way. Or you can decide it's not worth
the confrontation and go ahead and putt or chip. Either way your
concentration on the shot is destroyed. And if you proceed and
hit the putt or chip poorly, then you're really mad.

One thing you can do in this situation is to tell yourself that,
if you're focused, you won't be able to see Dimbulb while you're
striking the ball. But the problem is that you won't be
concentrating on the shot.

Some players think you should putt those troublesome two-footers
without marking your ball and waiting. That depends on what you're
comfortable with.

If you hurry a putt and miss it just to get out of the way, you'll
be so angry with yourself that it will take several holes to get
over it; by that time your score and matches will be in a state of
disrepair.

That's not to say you should play slow, but some two-foot putts are
tough and it's perfectly all right to be sure you're ready before
you putt.

Occasionally during a round you won't feel right over a shot for
any number of reasons. Most of us go right ahead and hit
anyway--missing it badly.

This might happen just once or twice in several rounds, but when
it does, it's important to back off and start over.

Once in a while you might not feel right about how or where you've
teed up your ball to start a hole. If you're not comfortable with
the placement, take the time to move and tee it up again. Don't
hit it because you're afraid of being portrayed as a slow player.

And this doesn't mean you should take extra time on every tee.
These are infrequent instances involving an uncomfortable feeling
when you're not set up correctly on the tee.

It's vital to learn how to control your temper and maintain
concentration when one of your playing companions is rude enough
to distract you. And it's a lot easier said than done.

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Joe's Quick Tip

Left Shoulder Low

A common fault among poor putters is the accidental lifting of
the head. We say accidental because even though the player
concentrates on keeping his head still throughout a putt, he has
a tendency to lift his left shoulder on the follow-through-and
that makes the head move up.

You can overcome this fault simply by concentrating on keeping
the lift holder low throughout the putting motion.

When you contact the ball and follow through, keep your left
shoulder low. An added benefit: The face of your putter remains
square to the target line slightly longer.

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Quote:

"Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now.
Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you
happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time
you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family.
Every minute should be enjoyed and savored."

--Earl Nightingale

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Until next time, good golfing!

Joseph Forbush

http://www.thinkandreachpar.com/
ThinkandReachPar.com

191 Main Street Suite #1
Nashua, NH
03061
US

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