Is the sun rising or setting?

Every golfer tries to shoot their best score each time out.  Some times they are successful, sometimes not.  I routinely go through streaks of good play and periods of OH MY GOD!  Regardless, it is important to maintain a cool demeanor on the course.

Two weeks ago I shot a smooth 87.  Yup, I can not believe it either.  No matter what I tried, I could not score well.  I was either shooting par or double bogey and nothing in between.

Five days ago, I shot a 1-over 72.  Actually, I can believe this one because I carry about a 5-6 handicap.  I had four birdies and thee bogeys and a double (grrrrr).

So what is the difference between the two rounds that I should build upon to maintain success on the links.  After much introspection, I decided that lower stress about my game was a very important factor to my score of 72.

Early in each round I encountered a point where my short game skills were tested.  During the high round, I had plenty of self-doubt and lack of confidence.  Not sure why, but my attitude was poor.  I made a poor chip and started to get frustrated and my stress started to climb.  Unfortunately, I could not reverse this trend and poof, a score of 87!

During the great round, as I walked to the ball, I told myself that I can make this shot like a hundred times before.  I confidently chose my 52 degree gap wedge and easily chipped the ball within 2 feet and putted in for par.  Feeling very happy about the result, I continued with the positive attitude (even when I shot a double bogey) and it seemed that I just could not miss a shot.  There was no stress at all during the entire round.

I am not sure exactly how to control my stress on the golf course, but I do know that a positive mental attitude definitely helps.  It must be working because I have shot 72, 74 and 74 during my last three games…..and NO STRESS!  And I am confident my good play will continue.

I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!