I had to take the last 3 weeks off from golf, following my sons surgery (some reconstruction on a hand and foot). Tonight I got to play 9 in a best ball format, ball striking was remarkably solid but had zero feel putting. I can’t speak about the number of 3 putts in polite society
What do you do well out of a break, and what do you struggle with? How do you deal with it?
I tend to get off the tee and putt incredibly well out of a break. Something about free swinging and letting the natural putting motion take over helps me.
I chip like absolute trash out of a break. I pray I never miss a green because wedges feel like foreign objects.
I’ve also found I can strike the ball surprisingly well after a layoff. I think a lot of it has to to with coming into the game with zero expectations and really allowing that muscle memory to take over (after all, I’ve hit hundreds of thousands of golf shots in my life, somethings gotta be in there). Short game always seems to suffer a bit and by the time the rust has shaken off that part, I’ve now had time to let my brain get in the way of my ball striking 
I use layoffs as a swing remedy. They cure whatever is ailing my swing. During the layoff I try to read/watch some good material on whatever problem I’ve been having so I can get my mind right.
I find longer layoffs typically affect my wedge play and putting - I think those are skills that I need constant calibration either through practice or playing to remain sharp. For the most part, I don’t see too many ill effects on my swing. Although, I can’t say I’ve gone more than a week of not swinging a club in a long time!
I rarely take a break from golf during the season (primarily because our winter is pretty long). Ironically, though, I’m in the middle of one right now due to a shoulder ailment. What I expect to see when I return to action is a loss of touch around and on the greens. Think about it, isn’t that the part of your game that comes back last after a long winter? On the positive side, though, a little break now and then is probably good for all of us mentally. If you beat yourself up after missing short putts or 3-putting, taking a little break might be good to clear your mind.
I haven’t swung a club since August… I’ve done some light short game work…
Finally get a shot in my back tomorrow, so I’m hoping I can stand long enough to get short game work in this month and will start swinging 1/2 swings in November.
My game was on point except for putting before injury… I’m nervous about what I’m going back to, but figure I’ve built the fundamentals, just need to be smart about returning to them.
I think the best thing to do after a hiatus is take time to build up the stuff you want to improve on and try to rid yourself of prior bad habits… I’m not really worried about my score until next spring.
Nothing, everything, mumble & grumble.
I personally recommend a 7-14 day break when you game hits a wall. I’ll pitch and chip outside and putt inside a bit to maintain feel and low point. The thing I have to keep in check after a layoff is adrenalin through the first few holes. Getting in a rush, not picking my target, focusing on that shot, following pre-shot routine, etc.
If I have a really long layoff, like our winter here, then I come out and strike it really well, putt decently and play the feel shots like garbage. If I have a shorter layoff like you, everything is usually terrible for the first 5-6 holes then it gets better.
Periods away from the game for me are good for the mind but tough with the short game. A couple people have mentioned the winter layoff. November to March or April is tough around here. We can stay loose and work on swing mechanics into a net, and putt on mats but the feel of the short game is tough to match with practice. I mentioned fast greens in another thread and everyone said - it takes practice and feel. After three months or more you have to get that back. If you’re only taking off a few weeks you probably will be ok and it will be a good refresher. I am not a fan of winter since my only real hobby is golf. I work on my fitness, see my coach who has a great indoor studio, and practice at home. Maybe I should take up skiing? Haha that’s all I need, another expensive sport!
I have to have a tough conversation with my wife about how its time for her to get back in the workforce!
Haven’t been on a course in at least 3 weeks and very few short trips to the range in that time frame. Teeing it up in club championship starting tomorrow! Should be interesting
I’m sure it will go well. Good luck tomorrow.