Confidence a vital ingredient in playing game well

Confidence in golf is a feeling of self-assurance arising from one's appreciation of one's own abilities.

Over the years I've brought up this vital ingredient in the recipe of good golf. Now just what causes a pretty good player to lose his faith in his ability to get the ball round in a reasonable score is more fickle to be able to answer.

Good golfers are also normal human beings, so let's think for a moment about the reasons for talented players' sudden inability to come in with a competitive score. Without mentioning names it's always interesting to me to see players seemingly come back to the world of the living, after being in the golfing wilderness for as much as a year or two.

So what could lead to a player suddenly not being able to break 75? Stretching yourself too far and burning out is a fine line all players must now face up too. Marital or girlfriend problems will cause a few kinks in any swing -- not to mention your putting stroke.

Financial issues are obviously another reason for the start of missed cuts. Health or mental issues few speak about but it's there and has affected many a player.

It's the time of the year when the prize-money on offer is just mind boggling with the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai kicking off and starting the cash flow with a staggering US$10 million. Then the Turkish Airlines Open is offering $7 million, followed by the Nedbank ($7.5 million) and the four tournament run is topped off with the DP World in Dubai with $8 million -- that's $32.5 million on offer over a period of a few weeks.

I'm also hoping that there are enough spots in these fields for our talented local players.

I know I shouldn't mention the 'elephant in the room' but it is a bone of contention that it's a case that the rich are just getting richer, and that there are older players who look like they are just going through the motions, and trying to just get to the Senior Tour and their pension fund.

These players just don't look excited at playing anymore, are no longer competitive and have little chance of winning anything ever again. Yet because of their past rankings, position in lifetime money lists, or other exempt categories they are in the field for nearly every tournament.

I've heard rumblings of discontent at this situation. However, finding the solution will be easier said than done.

Out of Bounds: Did you hear about the well known player who fell of his wallet...