Last July I broke 80 for the first time. It was an out of body experience. I shot an even par 35 on the front side. 3 bogeys, 3 pars, and 3 birdies made for an exceptionally exciting even par score. I shot a 40 on the back nine, doing everything possible to try to hold together a round in the 70s.
Breaking 80 last year was a one time event. Going into this season I wanted to break 80, and as the season has gone on, I've become obsessed with it. I flirt with 79 contantly, shooting 80s and 81s on a regular basis, but I just couldn't crack 80. I'd get to the last couple holes needing to par or make a long putt to shatter the big, bad 80 barrier, and I couldn't quite pull it off.
Then, something magical happened on June 20th. I shot a 74. Four days later I followed it with another 74. The following week, 77. Two days after that, 75. Yesterday, a 76. I've played 10 rounds since my 74. Four of those rounds have been in the 70s.
The question is: Is this just a temporary hot streak or the beginning of more consistent lower scores? After I shot the second round in the 70s I started to believe that I could do it consistently. It wasn't just a freak event. I actually can do this. The surge in confidence that comes from breaking 80 has helped me stay focused. I don't stand fearful over putts, worried if I picked the right line or if I will have the right speed. I just look at it and think: "You can do this. Just drain it."
The bottom line is that I feel more confident in my ability to play well, but its a shaky confidence because I'm still in uncharted waters for my golf game. Let's hope I can keep it together!
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