The last time I attempted to blog this 'subject' I got bombed out and maybe just as well since it was after a return from my local l (no different now as it happens ) but lets now keep it short . My best rounds have been because I had this "Demeanour starting off , not to be confused with "mindset" which could be a preconcieved state "Demeanour" is moreso a state of 'being in the zone' for whatever reason certainly not pre-concieved ! ..... and when that happens I play my best golf and all the rest are also rans !

Anybody agree or do you have some other comments to make on this subject ?

Not sure about Demeanors or mindset but I've come to realise if I wake up one morning and think to myself, "I want to play Golf today." I should take the day off work, look to see what comps are available that day because thats when I seem to play my best Golf. Too many times I think I play and play in competitions and I'm doing it because I have too or because its expected and not because I deep down truly want to. I'm certainly aware there have been times when I'm walking to the 1st tee and all I'm thinking is I want to be somewhere else.

I also am finding if I play a round or comp with a high handicap golfer, a beginner, a junior or a lady, I play a different game entirely then when I play with my usual partners or people of similar or better ability. People have commented I seem to be more relaxed, less likely to react to bad shots physically and mentally and some have said my swing looks much smoother, again probably as a result of being more relaxed. Maybe I fall into the trap of getting caught up in the banter and joking with usual partners and distract from the job at hand, maybe I get too caught up in trying to be competitive playing with equal or better abilities.

Colin, I don't turn up at the course thinking I'm going to have a good round, or even wake up and think to myself, today's the day to play.

My first hole is my deciding factor, if I play it well and I am swinging smoothly then I will think today's the day.  If I feel stiff or the ball goes all over the place then it's not.

Russ

I can usually determine whether I am in the groove after I have hit my first duff shot (generally on 1st or 2nd hole).

If I just put it down to being a high handicapper and get on with my game, then usually I have a good round. If, however, I get annoyed with myself and dwell on the bad shot, I then find my game goes to pot.

I really try not to let a duff shot get to me, but sometimes it just niggles me to distraction and I cant forget and move on! Damn game.

Russell M

do you therefore find that your 'initial good performance' sets you up nicely for the rest of your round - I think I am exactly like you , yes it's my day and you feed of that bigtime !

mind you in saying that I've murdered the course over the front nine and the wheels come off over the returning nine !

Colin, so true....

If I par the first hole and do it quite easy then I'm thinking it's my day.

On the other hand if I take a triple then I'm thinking I might as well walk in now, never do, but that's what I'm thinking!

Russ

There is so much to learn from having State Management, that is to be able to focus when needed to and remain calm.

By having a pre shot routine you effectively start your "State Management".

You been reading golf books again Santo ?

Just wait til i get back from the week long "Neuro-Linguistic Programme" booked for the end of November

You always were an cunning linguist, Waynetta, no need for you to go on a course

Well whether its down to demeanor or mindset I managed to knock two shots off my handicap on Wednesday. Thats the biggest cut I've had for a couple of years.

Well done Chris

Believe it or not your game improves when your mind does

Remember that "Learning does not stem from do this and don't do that - it stems from what happens when you do this and don't do that"

I will attempt to give a thought for the day everyday this month!!!!

I'll give you a thought for the day, Santo...

THE SOUTH ARE GOING TO WIN THE N v S

Stay tuned for the next thrilling installment 

Pantomime season has started then?

Oh no they aren't! 

I notice Masters Marshall and Santorini both now have the same mental age of 10.

I'll reply to you Mr Hawkins, in tomorrows thrilling words of wisdom....

As for you Govan...I think you already know what you can do.

Here's a clue.....

John and I did it to you at South Winchester.

Another day and another round of golf and a nice round of 82 at Belton Park. That should see my handicap dropped by another 1.2 when I report the score back to my handicap secretary tomorrow. Whoopee back to 14 I'll be.

I'm guessing my current 'Keep it Simple, Keep it Stupid' approach to Golf at present is working well.

That's the same approach Wayne and Tim have, Chris..

Only trouble is, not sure which is which

P.S.   Use this as a thought of the day.

Cause Wayne didn't post one of his eulogies today