Feels
I have been feeling relaxed and ‘free’ this week! Having spent some time reflecting on my approach, I have settled on my longer-term focus. I have found it hard at times to remain on track with that sentiment, mainly because I am sharing the journey with you! It has added a layer of complexity to processing and progressing at a rate I am comfortable with. However, I have eventually found ways to become at ease with this and moving forward, feel positive about my capacity to do so.
By the way, I've added a "Buy Me a Coffee" link if you'd like to support my writing endeavours (which I usually do in coffee shops or while contemplating a cup of coffee).
Practice
One short game practice session this week. I played a game designed by Peter Arnott (Practice Thinker on Twitter). The game is called Short Game Wizard. The rules of the game are below. It was a very challenging game for my skill level but it enabled me to practice in a way that added pressure and repetition. It took me 11 rounds to finally get to -4 including up and down for the last shot, meaning I hit 66 shots. It also included 1 bunker shot each round of 6.
Rules
Goal = Get to -3 for 5 holes, then the last hole YOU MUST get up and down to complete the task.
If you fail to get to -4 after 5 holes start again.
Set Up = Par is 3.
Choose six stations from differing positions before you start the game.
6 shots from 20-30 yards (one of the six in a bunker shot if possible). At least two also from the rough (drop ball). Putt out.
The task is complete when you qualify for the last hole (-3 or better after 5) and you get up and down on the last station.
Start again if you fail to get up and down on the last ball.
Play
I played in the Captains Charity event on Sunday, in aid of the Motor Neuron Disease Association (Link to DONATE here.) The round was a Stableford, off-the-back tees and we had a great day for it!
The round was another step in the right direction with my approach play. This is where most of my practice has been over the last 3 months and where most of my lessons were focused. I had no double bogeys over the round, which was very pleasing but 4 3-putts prevented a nice score in the 70s. I finished with 81 and 37 points which resulted in a handicap reduction to 10.2. I hit 11 greens but had only 1 up and down out of 5 (with one very poor duffed chip off an average lie; it may be my most hated shot in golf, including a shank :-)). It felt like another good round overall, with fine-tuning required to keep me moving in the right direction.
My stats for the round are below.
Below is a graphic from Arccos showing my trends over the last 3 rounds, showing further signs of positivity. Since starting to play I have never had my approach play in the green. Certainly heading in the right direction.
Reflective Questions
Do you require significant changes in certain areas of your game or fine-tuning?
Which direction is each area of your game trending?
What can you review in your thinking to help free you up?