Taking Weeks/Months Off - Remaining Competitive

[EMA1]

I searched and found some related topics, but nothing that touched on all points I am curious about.

 

Over the past 2 years, I'vee worked my way down to a scratch golfer which required lots and lots of practice, and rounds at least once a week. About a few months ago, I started to notice my drive to practice and play has started to dwindle. For the first time, I would like to take some weeks, or maybe even the better part of a month or two away from the game. However, I have every intention of picking it back up once I feel ready, excited, and continue to put in work to get to a + handicap.

 

I am hoping to gain some insight from those who have been in similar positions to a few of the questions I have --

• During your time off, did you pick up a club at all?
  • If so, what kind of maintenance work did you do to make sure you didn't lose all feel?
• Did you do any work on the mental side of things? Books, etc.
• What recommendations do you have for someone who is briefly stepping away?

 

Thanks in advance!

Edited October 12, 2021 by EMA1

[phizzy30]

I took 4 weeks off recently because of my knee injury and I had to travel for two of my clients.  I have a membership to 24 hour fitness and would take my wedge which I brought with me and would take 100 practice swings each time I did a workout just so I wouldn't lose feel.  I also watched a lot of Kyle Berkshire and slo mo vids of PGA Tour players as well. 

[Precis1on]

I usually take the winters off. When I return, it's always good to check and see what really stuck from any swing changes and where I need to pick up from. My first couple rounds back are actually usually REALLY good since I'm not focused on anything else but scoring. 

 

If I get an itch, I'll do some drills. Monte's Broomforce now doesn't even require me to pick up a club lol. If I end up going to a heated range I'll spend most of my time dialing in short game feels, punch shots, etc.  

 

I just accept that if whatever I was working on prior didn't ingrain itself as a new swing habit, then I just pick it up again when I return.  But overall I try to stay away, and even off of wrx. This year I built a sim room, so I am actually going to be active this winter and see how that affects my game in the spring.