Oxford Cup Qualifying. It pains me to even think back on this round with the exception of a few shots. After a fantastic range session Thursday eve, then another before the round, was really hopeful I might be able to start moving back in the right direction.
Topped the ball 40 yards off the first tee. Wonderful start. Started with double. Then came up short right with 5i tee shot on 2nd. Long chip and 3-putt. Double. Drive on 3 into lateral hazard on right. Tried to play it out and moved it 60 yards. Then couldn't make good contact with 4W from rough. Then couldn't do much better on the next. Then the next. Finally hit good 24* onto green and 2 putted for triple. 7 over after 3. Swing was as bad as a 25 handicapper. On the range, it felt as in-sync as ever. The problem is in my head, but it is breeding on itself and getting worse. Showed no signs of life until a good drive on 6th which resulted in par and then a sandy to save par on 7th. Too little too late to help the front nine. Hit 3 good shots on par 5 8th, but 8 iron approach landed center of green and rolled off back, down slope. Chip up was a touch short. 2-putt bogey.
Back nine wasn't much better other than making a 60 foot putt on 13 for birdie and parring 17th. Driver swing continues to be inconsistent. Too many swing thoughts mucking up my head, 4 or 5 of which seem to be happening in the middle of my swing. Hit maybe three good drives all day.
My 4W fiasco on 3rd is burned into my head now. That's going to be tough to get over. I'll need perfect lies to pull the 4W for awhile. I did hit one real good 4W after the mess on 3rd, but the lie was in the fairway, sitting somewhat up. Hit it longer and straighter than most of my drives of late. One of my few good swings today.
My free and easy range swing is replaced by a stiff and off balance one when I get on course. I am pressing. Confidence is very low when I stand over the ball. Questioning everything and not getting the right answers. I am in as bad a golf funk as I have ever been in. Handicap continues to soar.
My game is in deep doodoo. Meditation might be my next move...then maybe a sports psychologist. Or I quit the game and take up birdwatching or stamp collecting.
