Walking. I very much need the exercise, and I know that no matter how I play, I'm getting something positive out of the round. I think I play better too. I'll limit cart to member-guests or a second day of a tournament with 36 plus holes over a weekend, or bad weather when forced to play in it.
As for the the good play/bad play--bad score/good score question, I'm probably on side of good play/bad score. I'm not asking a lot of my game - just more consistent contact on my full shots. I still manage to top a drive or a few shots every round, sometimes more than a few. If I can get through a round with no or maybe 1-2 of such shots, I'll shoot a decent score. If not, the doubles and triples find me. Still, even as I've had good days and bad days, the scores remain mostly within the 46-50 range no matter what I do.
I think it's a matter of concentration, or lack thereof. I've played a lot since March, more than ever by a factor of 3 during that same period, more than I play over the summer (thank you COVID). I've gotten a little better, but the inability to consistently put club clean to ball, even if it's an 75% successful result, has been frustrating. The good news is the side effect on my short game, which has required me to dial it in better 50yds and in. My index has been floating around between 20-21, but there's a round where I hit things clean and break 90, especially if the putting is on (probably best part of my game).
I've done a few more competitive type rounds this year, which I've enjoyed. I agree playing with better players and in competitions will help you step up the game. It's just something I've really limited for the last decade, mostly because weekend morning golf wasn't an option. I can't say I missed it at the time, but I see the wisdom in it.
As for the the good play/bad play--bad score/good score question, I'm probably on side of good play/bad score. I'm not asking a lot of my game - just more consistent contact on my full shots. I still manage to top a drive or a few shots every round, sometimes more than a few. If I can get through a round with no or maybe 1-2 of such shots, I'll shoot a decent score. If not, the doubles and triples find me. Still, even as I've had good days and bad days, the scores remain mostly within the 46-50 range no matter what I do.
I think it's a matter of concentration, or lack thereof. I've played a lot since March, more than ever by a factor of 3 during that same period, more than I play over the summer (thank you COVID). I've gotten a little better, but the inability to consistently put club clean to ball, even if it's an 75% successful result, has been frustrating. The good news is the side effect on my short game, which has required me to dial it in better 50yds and in. My index has been floating around between 20-21, but there's a round where I hit things clean and break 90, especially if the putting is on (probably best part of my game).
I've done a few more competitive type rounds this year, which I've enjoyed. I agree playing with better players and in competitions will help you step up the game. It's just something I've really limited for the last decade, mostly because weekend morning golf wasn't an option. I can't say I missed it at the time, but I see the wisdom in it.