Every golfer who has played the game for a significant period of time has been on a "roll". What is a roll? A roll is a 30 handicapper making three straight pars. A roll is a ten handicapper shooting even par on nine holes. A roll is sculling a bunker shot that hits the pin and drops in the hole. When things are rolling, you tend to have the feeling that nothing will ever go wrong again. Dogs will love cats, money will rain from the sky, and your spouse will plead with you to play more golf!
While being on the roll is great, it doesn't come around too often, and it rarely lasts very long. Remember, golf is hard. I will often hear my students talk about how poorly they are playing. Before the pity party gets out of control, I ask the student to hit a shot left handed. The usual shank or whiff is followed by laughter and then my comment-- "that is how a beginner feels." It is a good reminder to all of us how difficult the game really is. Then again if it were easy, we would quickly lose our interest! It is the challenge in this game that proves to be seductive.
We head to the course expecting to play a great round of golf. When things go sideways, frustration threatens to make the game less enjoyable, and we all get frustrated when things don't go well. However, another important part of the game is learning not to dwell on the negative. Poor stretches of play are part of the game, and you should expect a rough patch occasionally. Focus on how to correct mistakes rather then dwelling on them. While you may be going through a rough patch, concentrate on staying positive. By staying positive, you will get back on a roll sooner rather then later!
