Question:
Well, the first two rounds are behind me. I shot an opening round 2-under 70 … snip … and I followed that up with a very disappointing
1-under 71 Didn’t post before, but now I’m impressed. I spend a lot of my "golf time" watching guys like you play and it’s always great to see someone overcome those inner demons. Well done and keep it up. Paul
Response:
Nice goin! Good luck in the final round. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, the first two rounds are behind me. I shot an opening round 2-under 70 at Menifee (the greens were terrible and I only needed 26 putts); and I followed that up with a very disappointing 1-under 71 (27 putts) at General Old. General Old was ripe for the taking and I putted like crap (Yes, I know I only had 27 putts, but trust me). All of the pins were in the center and the greens were rolling true at about 8.5 on the Stimp. I missed half a dozen birdie putts inside 12 feet. My putting stroke feels a little "yippie" but oddly enough, only on medium to long putts — _not_ the short ones as is the case for most people with the yips. I’m currently at 139 — five strokes behind the leaders Bill Borden (a several time US Am qualifier) and Bob Jacobsen (a former pro who just got his amateur status back). I’m VERY thankful to all of you who chimed in with suggestions on how I might improve my performance this year. I followed the advice of someone on R.S.G. and got a caddie (my 10 year-old son Jeffrey!). Before every shot he would say, "Get a good target. Be confident. Smooth takeaway. Smooth transition. I can’t believe how much that helped me stay focused and in the present. No matter what happens tomorrow, I’m proud of myself. After several years of thinking I was a choker and that I didn’t belong with the top Amateurs in southern California, I now know I do belong. Thanks to all who took the time to post. :-) David Ober
Response:
David, I would recommend caddy. It should be friend or family member who knows how you play and you feel comfortable with. It sounds like the main thing is mental. Hopefully having someone to boost your confidence, like a caddy, would do the trick. Good luck. Dennis – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year. Happy golfing. David Ober (909) 682-6014
Response:
There’s a GREAT book at B. Dalton called "How to Line Up Your 4th Putt". Buy it and read it as you play your round. It will keep you relaxed and on target.
Response:
Well, the first two rounds are behind me. I shot an opening round 2-under 70 at Menifee (the greens were terrible and I only needed 26 putts); and I followed that up with a very disappointing 1-under 71 (27 putts) at General Old. General Old was ripe for the taking and I putted like crap (Yes, I know I only had 27 putts, but trust me). All of the pins were in the center and the greens were rolling true at about 8.5 on the Stimp. I missed half a dozen birdie putts inside 12 feet. My putting stroke feels a little "yippie" but oddly enough, only on medium to long putts — _not_ the short ones as is the case for most people with the yips. I’m currently at 139 — five strokes behind the leaders Bill Borden (a several time US Am qualifier) and Bob Jacobsen (a former pro who just got his amateur status back). I’m VERY thankful to all of you who chimed in with suggestions on how I might improve my performance this year. I followed the advice of someone on R.S.G. and got a caddie (my 10 year-old son Jeffrey!). Before every shot he would say, "Get a good target. Be confident. Smooth takeaway. Smooth transition. I can’t believe how much that helped me stay focused and in the present. No matter what happens tomorrow, I’m proud of myself. After several years of thinking I was a choker and that I didn’t belong with the top Amateurs in southern California, I now know I do belong. Thanks to all who took the time to post. :-) David Ober – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year. Happy golfing. David Ober (909) 682-6014
Response:
I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. …… I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there
been there.. I’ve missed qualifying for a regional tourney at Winged Foot because I 3-putted 6 times. I also missed qualifying for a state mid-am by one shot when I took 40 putts. I would get cautious and leave everything short. Aside from practice, here’s a couple of tricks I have used to combat my putting problems. – practice only uphill putts – practice with balata balls These two methods force you to hit the ball a little harder. When you get to the tournament, the weak putts don’t end up quite so short. Another tip for future years is to play more tournaments. After you’ve blown lunch at a few state or national tourneys, a county championship doesn’t seem so important. However, the only real cure is practice, practice, practice…. Good luck, Bob Dietrich (1998 Monmouth County Amateur champ)
Response:
I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur
You’ve certainly got enough game & experience here!!!! — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number.
So one thought is to go in thinking it’s one of your regular money matches, and downplay it’s the amateur. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club.
Do you have a caddy? A good one can know this and if he has any experience could help here. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do).
Nobody wants to putt 10′ past the hole when it counts. But if you’re going to succeed, you need to give yourself at least a chance for the putts to fall–if you get a real case of the "shorts" just pick a target X past the hole on the right line and putt there. Feel your way getting it 15-18" past the hole. Such a mental thing. This past week I’m at the shore with friend’s third grader who has an early cse of the golf "jones." Taped a potholder below a grip so he could have a putter to try on the carpet–two tiers 30′ away we put a coffee cup to putt to. Here I am (putting can easily be my challenge these days) saying out loud…"Here’s the world champions attempting this long putt, at the halfway point, there’s a change of levels…bla, bla, bla anyawy, all the self talk and wanting to mak the putt for the young novice…anyway, we were making two, sometimes three at a time!!! Desire and beliefe in yourself can account for allot!!! Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year.
We’re all pulling for ya David! Have fun and go for it! –Coops – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Happy golfing. David Ober (909) 682-6014
Response:
As a 13 handicap, I’m certainly not qualified to give you advice. Having played in my first Publinks this year though, I had a similar experience – scoring several strokes worse each round than I normally do. Other than a slight case of nerves, my primary mistake was to change my normal approach to the course. I started off playing more conservative than usual – in a futile effort to avoid big numbers early. That shook my confidence and took me out of my game. Next year I’ll try to play my normal strategy (for example – driver off the first tee instead of a "safe" 3 wood). If you’ve played a course many times and are satisfied with your scores, trying to play more conservatively or more aggressively takes you out of your normal rhythm. Let us know how you do! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year. Happy golfing. David Ober (909) 682-6014
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year.
Seems to me that you’ve already answered your own question, David. It’s already rather unhealthy to have the thought in your mind that the tournament "has your number." Obviously, it’s not as easy as just "pretending" that you’re out playing for bets, so just try to relax and have fun. You’ve obviously played all the courses before and played them well, so use your knowledge to your advantage. Hit the fairways and shoot for the center of the greens at the start – keep it simple. Once you get into the flow after a few holes, then step it up. No tournament is going to be won or lost in the first round. jeff — Jeff Chung http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34 Kirby Puckett Tribute, San Jose Area Golf Courses, Movie Quotes, MIDI
Response:
FWIW just go out and enjoy yourself. My view is that most people foul up by putting too much pressure on themselves. You feel that you have got to prove to other people just how good you are. Don’t be afraid of failing. What is the worst that can happen if you play badly. You are not a bad person, your family still love you (hopefully). You are obviously a very good golfer. Just play your normal game and accept what happens to you. Don’t try to force a score. My really low rounds come when I get really relaxed. After about 12 holes, if I’m 1 or 2 under, I either get cautious and try and protect my score – disaster – or I feel like ‘I’ ve proved I can play this game, let’s just play along and see what score I get’. I usually shoot good scores then. It’s very difficult to get into a state where you stop just short of not caring what you score. Believe in your abilities and trust yourself. Good luck. Let us all know how you get on. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year. Happy golfing. David Ober (909) 682-6014
Response:
David, Sounds like you’ve already answered your own question… 1. have faith in your choice of club – hit it like you know it’s the right one – if it comes up short or long, then it must have been the wind, right? and besides, you obviously have the kind of short game to deal with the result. 2. Have the same faith in your putting! Hit it past the hole. Good luck!! alternatively, take the rub of the green as it comes, forget about any "luck", and make your own on the day! Oscar. PS Have some good luck anyway… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year. Happy golfing. David Ober (909) 682-6014
Response:
I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number.
Take a long train ride and eat a bunch of bad clams the day before the tournament. This is what Walter Hagen did before he won his first US Open. He almost scratched but his buddy insisted he played. He could barely focus yet managed to shoot a 69 in the first round. Later he said it taught him to focus on one shot at a time. Later, zuke — You are in control until you are out of control.
Response:
I’m a scratch golfer playing in my fifth county amateur — The Inland Empire Amateur Championship this Labor Day weekend in Riverside county, California. It’s a three day affair to be played at General Old Golf Course (6,750 yards par 72); Menifee Lakes Golf Course (6,500 yards par 72); and Jurupa Hills Golf Course 6,000 yards par 70). I have shot in the mid to high sixties on all of these courses several times — all under the pressure of betting lots of money. The County Amateur, though, seems to have my number. I always seem to shoot something like 74-75-75 or 76-72-77. I’m capable of MUCH better scores. I tend to have lots of trouble with club selection during big tournaments. I’m constantly doubting my choice and I’m always afraid of hitting too much club. I also tend to get sort of "whimpy" with my putter. I start just barely rolling the ball to the hole instead of putting agressively (which I usually do). Any pointers out there — I’d really like to finish in the top 10 this year. Happy golfing. David Ober (909) 682-6014