One of the hardest parts of playing good golf is doing it for all 18 holes. For many recreational players, a bad shot can easily blow up into a bad hole or series of holes, which can then fully derail a previously good round.
Losing your swing or entering a mid-round funk can be confounding, and recovery can often seem totally elusive.
At GOLF’s recent Top 100 Teacher Summit at Cabot Citrus Farms, I asked longtime Top 100 Teacher Krista Dunton for her advice on the best way to shake off a mid-round funk, and she was quick to offer some useful solutions to help players get back on track.
Simplify your swing
“One thing I would say is, just make a little small swing — like a little punch shot,” Dunton said. “You’re often just one swing away from getting it back, so go for something that will help you make solid contact.”
Eliminate stored-up tension
“Try to totally flush [the tension] out,” Dunton advised. “Back away from the ball, swing continuously three or four times. Get your rhythm, get your tempo, get the tension out, because it’s tension that kind of kills people. And overthinking. So if they can flush that out, then get over the ball, quiet the brain down and go, I think that helps.”
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Think positive
“Start thinking of something you’re grateful for,” Dunton said. “Go to your happy place: thinking about your kids, or feeling lucky to be outside playing golf. Just getting in perspective makes a huge difference.”
Revisit good rounds
“I would recommend this for everyone,” Dunton said. “Write down: When I’m playing well, what’s it like? Are you singing a song? Is there a swing key that’s good for you? What puts you in a relaxed state? You have to identify it. If you don’t identify when it’s going well, you can’t draw back on it.”
Keep those notes on a bag tag or in a small notebook so they can be easily accessible when needed, Dunton says.
Now, the next time you sense your swing or round starting to slip, you can give Dunton’s advice a try to get your game back on track.
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