Golf is all about routine. Whether it is a pre-shot routine, a swing routine, or putting routine, the better we play is based on doing the same process and mechanics over and over again. I am a strong believer of following a process because it makes golf easier to play. I know it sounds boring, but it really is not and my scores prove that my approach is successful. The challenge is when my routines become boring and I tire of following my successful process. The good thing is I know what the challenge is and how to fix it!
I know I am starting to tire of my routine when I am going through the processes of playing without focusing on the actual process. I am like a mindless robot just going through the motions without any real thought. Yup, I am not mindful or focused on my game……at all!
I am sure you have figured out my woes when I tire of my proven routines. I am unfocused and not mindful. There are many stressors that can cause this melancholy feeling, but I prefer to use the French term.
I like the term “ennui” (pronounced ‘on we’) This word “describes a feeling that combines tiredness and boredom. Ennui is one version of “the blahs.” Though it sounds it little fancy — maybe because it comes from French — ennui is a common feeling that everybody experiences: being bored and tired.” (vocabulary.com)
There are times during play when I am mentally disengaged, thus I play poorly and just go through the motions. My fix for this situation is to pick clubs I would normally play from specific distances. For example, playing a par 5 with just a 5 iron, hitting a 4 hybrid from 150 yards, or putt with my sand wedge. Basically, I break the routine of playing by making my mind focus on shots that I do not normally attempt. After a few holes, I am back in the game and can focus on performing my routines with intent.
Everyone gets tired of playing golf. Yes, staying home is an options, however it is important to have a fix when the lack focus happens when we are on the links. Do you have a fix your “ennui”?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
I think the title “tiring of the same golf routine” says it all. In my own personal experience, that happens when I forget that golf is not my job, it is supposed to be fun. It is okay to want to play well, but if I get too obsessed, that crosses the line and tiredness results.
Several years ago I made a big change in the way I approached my golf game. I decided that first and foremost, golf and golf practice needed to be fun. I changed things up and brought out some of my old clubs on occasion and it was refreshing. A friend then invited me to play hickory golf and a new appreciation for the game evolved.
My love for the game has not waned. I typically play as much as 6 times a week in the summer and although my body gets a little tired, my spirit is not. I might play three different sets during a given week and love it. I thought that my scores would suffer (and didn’t care), but it didn’t.
I have learned that my golf journey is not defined by my score and handicap. It is defined by the enjoyment and friendships that I make. Do I want to do well, absolutely. But when it gets to be too much like a chore, it is time to get out the old sticks and refocus.
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Lorne,
Your journey to playing hickory shaft clubs is a great one for everyone to hear. I agree, if we are not having fun, then what is the point.
Cheers Jim
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Jim, very salient observations. I don’t have a permanent fix other than to try something new, as you mentioned. Wednesday, after our morning matches at Long Bay, we played an additional nine holes doing a four-club challenge. You declare on the tee what four clubs you will use and improvise from there. I chose driver, 5-iron, lob wedge, and putter. Definitely sharpens your focus to manufacturing shots and course management and away from any mechanics. It’s great fun, you should try sometime!
Thanks,
Brian
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Brian
Picking your clubs before playing the hole….sounds like fun. I will give that a try.
Cheers Jim
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Playing every day has it’s own challenges to routine. It’s ALL routine somedays and no real game to be had. And worse like you said, no real and earnest desire to find it. Then I do take a day or two off and of course find myself ready to get back real quick after having to do chores in it’s place or something equally mind numbing. That’s what I did the past two days in fact. I needed a day off and then work kept me away.
During a round the only thing I found that works for me at least almost all the time is the long held practice of thinking of a new nine as a new round. That seems to have taken hold well with me over the years and helps bring about a mental reset. On occasion I can bring that reset on earlier. Maybe with help from one good shot. But, it’s more hit and miss than the 9 for me.
Better to be proactive maybe? Doing things like playing different courses, playing different tee boxes, taking a round and just going for everything. A no fear day. A no score, no worry day. Go out and just pound them to the hole and enjoy yourself. Got a lefty in your group. Might pick a hole and hit with each others clubs though that might not be so great for our egos, lol, it is fun.
Played skins today. Took 5 of them and held 2 of the other guys to 1 and the third to 2. Chipping and putting and the added boost of WANTING to be out there after two days off. Hit the rest ok too but only pulled the driver a few times. I hit the 4 wood and the hybrids off the tee more often today. The guys joked about me sandbagging but I told em that I just got tired of it always being me feeling the pressure after they got to hit their approach shots first and I wanted to give em a taste of the own medicine. 😎 The truth of the matter is more that I just felt like playing those holes that way today for no good reason. I changed it up today.
Giving that net a good workout yet?
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Kevin, I try not to play too many days in a row. I was playing every second day last year and think that might be my same schedule this year. We shall see as I am much closer to the golf course. Glad to see you are winning at your skins game.
Cheers Jim
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