COMMUNITY

I shoot to an 11.8 handicap and have shot 80 numerous times but have yet to break it. I opened up with 4 pars yesterday and then it started going down hill. I have two issues that I've identified and would accept feedback upon.

1. After I open up strong I get this thought that there's nothing I could do to have a "bad" round instead of thinking, "put your foot on the throat and go low." I loose focus, especially if I'm starting to get pushed from the rear.

2. I still have a couple or few of what I call "complete axxhole" shots each round. Enough that I still have a mental approach that it's a toss up as to whether I even make acceptable contact, much less attain the target. It can start with the skied tee shot, a topped fairway bunker shot, or a pitch off the toe tip of my iron. Afer that, I don't feel like I can hit a good shot until I see it flying through the air.

It gets better when I remember to "have fun first" but I do exactly the opposite when I beare down and try to shoot my personal best. I get tight, & I start thinking "hit" instead of "swing." The result is the inability to hit any iron greater than an 8 without snap hooking it. When I remember to check my tempo and smooth out the transition it helps but I still seem to revert back to my old swing habbits when I try to make an adjustment during a round.

Is this what the pros refer to as "not enough reps?" Since I've began to develop "my swing" I don't really have a "go to" shot anymore. My only reliable shot is a flat swing that comes hard into the ball and takes a honker divot. I have a greater grasp of the technical aspect of my swing but need some input on just PLAYING the dang game sometimes.

Anyone else have similar experiences?