[Redhook]

Originally Posted by Homer Bailey

Had the best chance I'll ever have to post another score in the 60's. Played 36 on Sunday at Odyssey Golf Club , and started out just absolutely on fire.

Missed a 10 foot birdie on the first.
Made a 50 foot birdie putt on 2.
Made a 15 foot birdie putt on 3 (after hitting a wedge from the trees to 15 feet).
Parred 4.
Made a 30 foot eagle putt on 5.

There I was standing on #6 at -4, looking at a ten foot birdie putt. Hit a perfect putt, but it lipped out. Mis-clubbed on the next hole (par 3), flew the green, and made bogey. Parred 8 and 9 to tie my career low on 9 holes at 33. Bogied the first three holes on the back to quickly get back to level par. Got on the island green par 5 #16 in two, made birdie, but follwed it with a 3 putt bogey on 17, and a shanked sand wedge approach on 18 that led to a double. Absolute choke!

I'm mental about going below par. I was this way for years in my attempt to break 80, and I always psyched myself out. I've only shot 3 official rounds under par, and can't really explain why there haven't been more. I'm sure there aren't too many people out there that feel bad for me, and I don't blame you, but my desire to improve has never gone away. I'm trying so hard to take my game to that next level, and I just can't get past the mid 70's phase.

Try changing your mindset. Instead of being 3 under and hoping you could end there, try getting further under par to add more cushion. The more under you get, the more you can mess up and still have a great round.

Believe it or not, my comfort level is about 5-6 under par. That's when I'm feeling relaxed and confident. I know if I reach that level I can play aggressive because I could still make a bogey or two and finish in the 60's.

This isn't easy to do, obviously, but it does help. One of these days, you'll keep going when you get to 3 under. You'll get to 4 and then 5 under, and then all of the sudden your round will be over and you'll be in the 60's.

Good luck and keep up the good playing.