Silly Mistakes

I've made more mistakes on the golf course this year than I ever have, especially recently. My overall game is in pretty good shape. I'm starting to hit it decent again, and I'm hitting good shots around the greens. BUT, for some reason, I'm really compounding every error I make. I'm bound to make some bad swings now and then, but instead of making 4 or 5 when I do, I'm making 6 or 7. That is not how you play golf.

I haven't been grinding out decent scores when I make bad swings. It's not from lack of effort, but silly mistakes are showing up. I've always been able to grind out good scores, saving shots wherever I can. I haven't been doing that lately.

The qualifier in Eugene was a good example of all this. The course was tough, so I knew anything under par had a chance. I hit enough good shots to do this, but when I did hit a bad shot, I made a big score. On holes where I should have had a chance at par (at worse bogey), I ended up fighting for bogey and making double (or triple). Like I said, and it's obvious, this isn't how you play good golf.

I ended up with a 77, and 70 got into the tournament. 70 is a very high score to get into a Nationwide, and I really like my chances in that type of qualifier. I messed up too many things, though, and didn't have a chance coming in.

I don't think I've been playing enough golf when I'm home. I've been working very hard on my swing and short game, but not getting out on the course very much. I think that is where these mistakes come from. I haven't worked out my other muscle (probably the most important one), my brain.

It's a balancing act, for sure. Not enough work on technique (done on the range, chipping green) can lead to swing faults that will not allow great play. At the same time, not enough time on the course will lead to a diminished ability to score. At times this year I've spent to much time playing, and it showed as my swing wore down a bit. I've overcompensated, so I need to balance the practice and play a little better.

So, I'm learning. Finding the right way to spend my time practicing is as important as finding the right way to swing the club. I'm looking forward to it all coming together just in time for the end of October. Tour School.

Luke Swilor

Comments

[Anonymous]

Yeah I've always had the problem of practicing too much and not playing enough. Work and college take a lot of time away and the money is another issue but I should probably be trying to get out and at least play 9 holes after work while there is still enough light out. Hope you find a perfect balance and get it together in time for Tour school next month!

-Dave