There I stood standing in the ruin of my day’s golf game saying, “Why the hell did I do that?” The squirrel in the neighboring tree gave no response and continued its foraging expedition. The golf shot selection was based on another golfer I am but not today. The round was not ruined but my feeling of confidence was shattered like peanut brittle dropped from the third floor and would require several holes to mend stroke by stroke. Sound familiar? Bad decisions in golf are what keep hole score tallies requiring all fingers and toes to compute. Golfing strategy needs to be based on solid decisions and good data.
Where do Bad Golfing Strategy Decisions Begin?
If we trace the error chain back to the first weak link, we will see the club selection was based on presence that day of the premium golfer of our capabilities and maximum potential. The yardage used to calculate was based on optimum weather and ground conditions and golfer not present today.
If I ever utter the phrase while standing behind my golf bag, “I made that (fill in the blank of yardage or loft or difficult trick shot) once.” I guarantee that that one successful shot was a lucky fluke of a golf swing. Like at the craps table, I always try to play the highest percentage shot I have in my arsenal. It might not be sexy or even reach the green but it will stop the avalanche of snowmen from appearing on my score card.
Last Chance to Stop a Bad Decision
I always experience that last moment of self doubt while standing at address. I ran through everything and am ready to swing and hear that last verification request from inside my head. “Are you sure?” I am of the school that if I are not 110% confident with a shot, I have another option that will be more successful. I might not get the yardage but I will not lose a ball or my fragile confidence.
Best Example of Catching a Bad Golf Strategy
My very first article for this blog discussed standing up and walking away from a shot. It was a powerful moment in my golf game. Taking the doubt standing over the ball and redirect it to a quick analysis to ensure I made my best decision. Quite a liberating decision.
Let the Bad Decision Die in the Past
Never dwell on a bad swing. When I make a bad decision, I curse myself under my breath and then let it go and focus on the next shot. I like to say to myself, “Well, this will be an epic bogey from that spot.” Spin that crap shot into golden glory. It is tough if I keep making bad decisions but I cannot carry my clubs and the weight of 25 bad decisions each round.
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