Have you ever started a round and feel like things are working like
they should and then end up hitting the wall because in the back of
your mind you have already told yourself that this next hole is going
to kill you. Well, I am pretty sure that is what I did the other day. I
had shot a pretty good front nine and stopped in the clubhouse to pick
up a beverage to take out on the back nine. While I was in there, a
couple of guys came in before heading out on the front. We had some
friendly chit chat where I told them that I was happy with the way I
was playing but now I had the 10th hole to get by. (That was the
trigger). The 10th has a creek in front of the tee box, along the left
side then wraps around the back of the par 3 green. And if that isn't
enough, there is a pond off to the right of the green. I have lost
balls in just about every part of the bodies of water. Right, left,
short, long, you name it. I have done it on that hole and on that
particular day, I line drived my first shot into the far bank. Re-teed
and pulled this shot a good distance but pulled it left and into the
creek. 2 penelties and still a long way form finishing the hole. Even
my chips on that hole were short and choppy. I was glad when that hole
was over and I was able to stop the bleeding.The 11th hole is also a
par 3 but I put my tee shot within a foot and a 1 putt helped me get
back into the proper frame of mind to recover and have a fairly good
round overall. Just a reminder. Keep the negative thoughts out of
your game.
And THAT is exactly why I never pay attention to my score during a round.
Many people I play with played golf since they were kids. Maybe junior (competitive) golf, or high school or college golf. They always know what their score is, but Hell, when you're one over it's pretty easy to keep score. When you shoot 89, or 95 it's a lot harder. I began noticing that whenever I felt I had a good round going, and went to the scorecard, and figured out what I was at...then I started thinking about what I had to have on the next hole, and the next, to shoot this or that.
And that's when everything would fall apart. All I need is a bogey on 18 to break 90....automatic triple. If I par out the last two I'll shoot an 83....quad...11! Without a doubt!
I realize now that knowing my score during a round is not for me. I would be one of the guys on Tour that never want to see the scoreboard. I don't need to know what I'm shooting...much less what everyone else is shooting. Golf is an individual sport. It's just me...against the golf course. I can't block the next guys shot...or tackle him behind the line of scrimmage. I just have to play my game...and the score will work itself out.
But I'm rambling way too much. I guess it's because it rained all day today and I couldn't make my 11:51 tee time...I guess I'm a little grumpy. The rain has let up now, I'm hoping it stays that way. I have a 7:46 tee time in the morning. Fingers crossed. Don't get me wrong...I love rain...but just not when I have a four-day marathon of golf planned.
But then there's always one thing certain about the weather in Texas...just wait a minute, and it will change.
Guess I'll go watch the Colonial highlights now. Then I'll see what the Weather Channel makes up for tomorrow.
