Call it what you want — funk, slump, cold streak — sometimes you just flat out can’t play golf. And it happens to everyone.
Even professionals go entire months where they fall off the map, though they’re still pretty good even when they’re bad. For the rest of us, slumps happen much more often than we’d like and unlike pros, weren’t not so good when they happen.
However, as frustrating as they may be, they’re natural and 9 times out of 10, the source of the problem comes from that 6 inch space between your ears. So next time you find yourself in a funk, use some of the tips below. They’ll help get you out of it.
Take a Few Days Off
Though it may seem counterproductive, the absolute best thing you can do when you find yourself in a funk is to put the clubs in your garage and take a few days off. Don’t swing, don’t putt, just do something else.
The reason you’re having problems in the first place is probably because you don’t know what you’re doing wrong and if you just hit hundreds of balls without knowing what you’re doing, chances are, it’s only going to make things worse.
Bottom line, everyone needs a break from time to time, especially if you’re playing a lot. So sit back, relax and spend the weekend playing something else. You’ll be surprised at what it can do for your game.
Stop Practicing and Just Play
If you’re one of those players who just can’t seem to put the clubs down for a few days, there are other things you can do. Sometimes hitting more range balls isn’t good. Unless you know what to work on, you’re just going to screw up your swing even more.
So instead of doing that, grab some friends, go out and play a nice leisurely round. Sometimes getting a good competitive match going can take your mind off your swing enough to get you back in the groove.
Tinker With New Equipment (A little bit)
Have you ever set up to your shot, looked down at your club and just felt like you were going to hit a bad shot? Well, it happens quite a bit and in many instances, it’s caused by what you see. If you don’t like what you’re looking at, you’re not going to produce a good swing.
Now, this doesn’t mean you need to go out and buy a whole new set of clubs. It just means that trying out some different sticks might not be a bad idea. Go into your local pro shop and ask an employee if you can hit some of the new demo clubs. It might not work every time but anything that might get you out of your funk is worth a shot.
NOTE: It might be a good idea to leave your credit card at home on the day that you decide to try this approach.
Keep a Positive Attitude
The absolute worst thing you can do when you’re playing bad is get angry. Frustration leads to more frustration. No one ever plays good when they’re distraught and as hard as it may be, it’s always important to keep a positive attitude. Just remember, everyone (even pros) have trouble from time to time. It’s perfectly normal and if you just give it a few days, it will probably pass.