Did anyone turn in a swing?

I don’t remember exactly when it all started going downhill for my golf game and I don’t remember where. All I know is, since October – I am ashamed to admit – I have only been playing golf about once a month at our club events. So naturally, my game keeps getting worse. I feel confusion as I stand over the golf ball and am unable to get comfortable. I used to be relatively confident that I would put the ball somewhere close to my target, even if it was a few yards off or ended up in a hazard. It didn’t really cross my mind that I might not hit a solid shot. That is no longer the case.

Lately it’s gotten so bad that I’ve lost all confidence. I never know what’s going to happen when I swing that golf club. Chunk, dribble, crazy duck hook… it’s so frustrating! I had more confidence when I was brand new to the game (and scored better on occasion).

So I’m looking for my lost swing. It’s not easy, because if golfers find a better golf swing out there, they’re not likely to turn it in at the pro shop after their round. I have to hope that it was found by a good golfer who would find my swing shabby in comparison and that he or she had the sense to turn it in so their original swing could take its rightful place.

On a promising note

I played golf twice this weekend and though the pro shops at Soule Park (Ojai, CA) and Glen Annie (Goleta, CA) didn’t have my swing in their lost and founds, I did find pieces of it out on the golf courses. I started striking the ball a little better and more importantly, my brain let go of its worrying and distracting swing thoughts on many occasions. The result was cleaner shots and returning to my usual club selections instead of “clubbing up” to compensate for my trepidation. My chipping (formerly my strength) and putting (with which I’m known to struggle on and off) were atrocious, so my scores were still remarkably high, but I didn’t care because I felt better about my swing. That’s my key focus right now, and I don’t think getting my short game back will be as difficult. At least not as worrisome.

Instruction

Yes, I know I said I was going to seek professional help. I haven’t yet, but it’s still in my plans. In addition to a time crunch, there has also been a vicious circle going with my frequency of play: I need to play more to improve, but I’m not motivated to make the time because I got so frustrated out there. Now that I have a semblance of hope (if not quite confidence), and the spring weather is making me twitchy to get out there anyway, I hope to start turning things around. And there are a few more golf courses to check where I might have left my swing.

Next post.