Do you talk to yourself when playing golf? If you are like me, there are times when I have a whole conversation about my game in just six inches of real estate. Sometimes I am admonishing myself and others I am giving offering a pep talk. Before you start laughing at me, you know you all do it! And there are those rare moments when I drop a hint on how to play the next shot. Yes, dropping a hint is actually an important part of my game and I try to use it when the time right!
Many would say that dropping hints to your game is much like course management…..wait, who am I kidding! Dropping hints is exactly like course management. Talking my way around the course is vital to my game. Of course the conversation is sometimes very tempered, but it focuses on producing a successful outcome for my current shot and to set the next shot. This is the typical approach for all golfers, but in my case I sometimes take it to the next level of analysis.
I not only look at the current shot, but also the next shot and the one after that. Much like playing chess, I actually look a few shots in advance without losing focus on the shot at hand. While looking at the possibilities, I drop the hint about what to do and focus on positive outcomes. My process works well to help make the proper shot at the right time.
I could go into a great deal of detail about some of the hints I drop, but all of those are situational. But, I can offer this piece of advice, once you have made a decision about what route you are going to follow, commit to the shot and move on. Accept the results and start your course management process all over again. Remember, one shot does not produce your lowest score ever, it only helps build the foundation for success.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Looking at the picture of your 3rd shot on #4 must make you feel good about being righthanded.
Talking to myself on the tee box helps to confirm my decision on line and club selection and hopefully have a clear head when it comes time to pull the trigger.
BMc
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BMc
The shot on the 4th hole was a tough one that I was lucky enough to put on the green. Talking to myself, albeit briefly, is something that I think would be a big benefit in the future.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, ever give yourself a verbal playing lesson? Try it next time you play by yourself for nine holes. Talk yourself through each shot and putt. Does wonders to enlighten yourself about your course management and commitment to the next shot.
Good luck!
Brian
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Brian,
I have not. I will give that a try next swing. I will play as a single though because I think it might annoy my playing partners and I anticipate playing slower. Is that what you found?
Cheers Jim
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Probably would annoy playing partners but had no impact on the speed of my game. Just talking out loud.
Brian
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Okay, thanks. Have a great weekend.
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From the tee box, I have the entire hole mapped out. Before I take my stance for the 2nd shot, I’ve made whatever revisions are necessary (some always are no matter what) and re-determined my course of action for the rest of the hole. I will do that with every shot until the ball is on the green. Once there, every putt is planned to go in. There is no lagging. I may try and ease it in rather than jam it in, but I’m trying to make it. As far as I know, that’s the only way to get one close if not in.
I’ve just played skins games 4 days in a row. Not all that many decisions to make really. Go for it being the overriding theme. But going for everything can be a learning experience too. Sometimes the trouble looks worse than it is, and sometimes it’s worse than it looks, but you can’t tell the difference without trying it. I’ve got 6 eagles this week from going for it. Yesterday was a first for me with bookend eagles on 1 and 18.
I’m picking up tidbits here and there that even after more than a year and a half of playing this course I hadn’t realized and I’ve confirmed my worst fears with others. This helps tremendously when I want to play a normal round for score. My decisions can include this info and bring me better scores when I’m executing well and be helpful saving the day when I’m not.
We shouldn’t go out every week with the idea that we’re going to score well. Sometimes, we should be looking just to have some fun and experiment. That mindset is also helpful with our attitude while playing. If we’re experimenting, we should have an easier time accepting terrible outcomes. And learning to be more accepting of them helps us play better overall.
As for my driver, it’s still not back from the shop. But I’m really starting to be a fan of my brothers old Cobra. It’s another decades old model. The 440 SZ with a 9 degree head, a stiff shaft with a mid kick at 55 grams. So it’s a light package with a tiny bit less wind resistance thanks to a 20cc smaller head. I believe it was their “Pro” model at the time. At first I found it tough to hit, but it’s fast becoming my friend after finding the right tee height to use with it. It’s certainly giving me the proper trajectories and though I don’t feel it’s quite as forgiving or workable, a straight shot does seem easy enough to produce and the trajectory issue I had with mine is certainly not present. This one gives me some roll out when the fairway isn’t too wet. And today it gave me a green I hadn’t been on for well over a year with no wind in play at all. I’m pretty sure the other 2 times I managed reaching 11 was with a decent breeze at my back. So I’m pretty content. I ought to be, I walked away with the most skins 3 out of four times and the one I lost, today, I lost to a man with a super hot putter. He didn’t miss anything no matter how long today. It was a joy to watch.
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Kevin,
Sounds like you are having an awesome week. Thanks for sharing. Just so you know, I shoveled snow 4 times this week. 😉
Cheers Jim
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I’m guessing you didn’t do that with your 4 iron.😂
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Not this time! Would be great practice except for the layers and big work mittens! 🙂
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Haha, not this time! 🤣🤣🤣
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