Not only in golf, but in every game which is based on physical movements, there is always an element of chance or luck which is more or less demoralizing; but, in golf, losing a hole instead of winning it can almost always be attributed to

(1) Not giving proper attention to the stance, the grip or the swing; to wit, carelessness.

(2) The eye not giving proper instruction to the mind, especially on the putting green where one is not apt to examine the condition of the ground critically enough for the mind to estimate properly the amount of friction to be overcome; to wit, thoughtlessness.

(3) The mind not giving proper instructions to the muscles, as when one tops his ball, or pulls or slices it; to wit, laziness.

(4) In allowing the nerves to be so affected by the varying conditions of the game that they in turn affect the muscles and the stroke; to wit, nervousness.

Off his game.

(126)