First, many thanks to all those who provided advice on how to break out, especially Vet. The address position analysis (grip change) continues to help immensely and the slump is almost over. Technically, I’m still in the slump because my 81 today is the 10th straight round at 80 or above (my Mendoza Line), but I can feel the wind in my sails.
Today’s round had some very critical data points. First, I got off to a good start parring my first four holes. The slump has been punctuated by horrible starts with double or triple bogey as a a frequent and unwelcome lead-off visitor. Yes, I did make a triple on my 7th hole, but used that as motivation. Sure I was down on myself, and the root cause was again a lateral hit from a downhill lie in a bunker but I told myself, I could either accept the fact that I was destined to remain in this horrid slump or double down to concentrate harder. I bogeyed 8 and 9 and turned in 7-over 43. Normally, I don’t add up my score until the round is complete, but I was mad as hell for blowing a good start and felt like checking.
For some reason that score check improved my focus on the 10th tee and I hammered a drive down the middle and made birdie on the par-5. God, that birdie felt good because it’s been so long since I made a birdie that I couldn’t remember the last one. Then I enjoyed a first in my 40 years of playing golf. I drove a legitimate par-4 and sunk an 8-foot putt for eagle. I have made eagle on par-4s before but always from the fairway and never after driving the green. My tee shot measured 323 yards and was down hill and slightly down wind, and yes, I had hit into the group in front. At first, I couldn’t find my ball but noticed one on the surface as they were leaving the green. I apologized, sank the putt, and was 3-under after two holes on the back. I gradually gave away my gains with some shoddy iron play but drove it well all the way around and finished with a 2-over 38.
My reason for hope is twofold. A very simple change (grip) has made a huge difference and I’m playing my best shots without any swing thoughts. When the mind is clear and your fundamentals are in order, this game can be played well.
Next up is a tournament at Queenstown on Thursday. Hoping to leverage these gains and help the team win.
All About Golf 
Good to hear you are turning the “slump” around. Good luck in your tournament. Looking forward to hearing how it goes.
Thanks. I believe the mid-week nine holes I’ve been playing is starting to pay dividends. Hope to get out today but it’s raining cats and dogs.
Nice to hear you are turning the corner.
The recovery continued yesterday with more encouraging signs during our tournament at Queenstown Harbor. I hit the driver very well; only missing one fairway, and the putter got hot and I was fortunate enough to make a couple in the 10-20′ range for the team birdies. We shot 8-under 63 which was a tie for 3rd out of 21 teams. It’s coming!