Golf provides a challenge even before I step up to the first tee. If I get the chance to warm up properly, my current course does not have a driving range, I can determine how my swing is going to perform on that day. If not, I spend the first three holes hoping I get off to a great start. There are times, however, when all is going well and suddenly I could not hit a barn door from 5 feet away. Losing my golf swing is so frustrating when things are going well! Fortunately, I found a fairly quick process that helps me gain my swing back. It is not difficult, but does take some effort to fight my ego; let me explain.
The process I developed for my game is to sacrifice a chance a birdie for a whole or two. This approach does not set well for my ego, but it does allow me to reset my thinking and my swing movements. Sacrificing distance for control and accuracy is really challenging for me mentally, but it does work (most of the time) as it allows me to centre my thoughts on playing and removes them from thinking about my swing.

I my case, I will pull out my 4 hybird or 7 iron, depending on where I am standing on the hole. I chose these two clubs because I rarely thing about my swing because I am totally confident in the results they produce. My swing is grooved and they deaden all the white noise swing thoughts. I will use these two clubs until I am I have banished all the negative thoughts and I begin focusing on course management.
I realize this process sounds too simple and it is easy. For my game, it produces the results I need to get back on track and find my swing with the other clubs. With my 4 hybrid and 7 iron, I have an opportunity to par most holes, but birdie is a far stretch unless it is a short par 4. That is okay because I am looking at the long game and overall results. I have used this process during all types of scenarios including tournaments.
Finding my golf swing during a round of golf can happen. Sometimes it takes only one hole and other times three or four. During the process I am eliminating a greater chance of hitting a high number and really that is my intent. If you do not have a process to find your swing during a round of golf, try this one, you might be surprised at the results.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Two thoughts. First, my SOP when my swing gets wild is to club up and make a shorter swing. At the very least that creates better misses.
And second, when I can’t warm up I make sure and take a lot of practice swings. Before teeing off the first time, I start off with a partial swing and work my way up until I’m trying to swing faster than I plan to. About 20 swings give or take. I got that advice years ago from the pro at a course that didn’t have a range and it’s served me well. After that first tee shot I just make sure I take a few extra practice swings before the next few shots until I feel loose and then I can get back to my normal routine.
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Kevin,
Sounds like you are set for whatever comes your way on the golf course.
Cheers Jim
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