Episode #130: Q&A - How Do I Bounce Back After a Bad Hole?
Bad shots (and bad holes) suck... but they're part of golf. Do you let a bad hole or stretch of holes define you? Or, do you fight through it and salvage the round?
After a horrific front 9 in my latest tournament, I bounced back with eight shots better on the back nine. How? By using these seven strategies in the podcast and tips below.
How to Bounce Back in Golf
1. Stay Present
The first tip to bounce back is to stay present - do not let your mind wander to the past and dwell on bad shots. Or, wander to the future and start adding your score up before the round is complete.
You must "be where your feet are" to play your best golf... especially after a bad shot, hole, or string of holes.
2. Commit to the Next Shot
The second step to bounce back is to commit to the next shot with 100% effort. The past shot/hole is done - it's time to focus on the next one.
This is a good time to dial in your pre-shot routine, focus on your target, and stick to the process.
3. Play More Conservatively
Instead of trying to play more aggressively, this is the time to play more conservatively. Too many golfers try to "force the issue" after a bad hole and make it all up on the next.
But this often leads to compounding the error. Play more conservative to get your confidence back on the next hole - whether that means less than driver off the tee or aiming toward the middle of the green.
All it takes is one good swing to get your round headed in the right direction
4. Check Your Self-Talk
Your self-talk is one of the most important parts of playing wicked smart golf. After a bad hole or several bad holes, do NOT berate yourself.
Talking negatively to yourself will not make you play better... it will likely make you play worse. Be your own best friend on the golf course.
5. Adopt an Optimistic Attitude
Golf is an unrelenting battle - especially tournament golf. Which is why you MUST stay wildly optimistic during the round.
If you believe you can play better and bounce back, you're much more likely to make it happen.
6. Embrace the Challenge
Stop thinking that golf is easy and that bad shots/holes don't happen! Instead, embrace the challenge even on your off days.
As Tiger Woods said, "The days you don't have it, you don't mail it in, you don't pack it in. You give it everything you've got, you grind it out."
7. Stop Worrying About the Opinion of Others
Lastly, make sure to stop worrying about what others may or may not think about you after a bad hole or during a tough round. Who cares!
Focus 100% on your swing and play your game to bounce back quickly.
