A Disappointing End........or not ?

[Macster]

So, the last Medal of the year passed yesterday, and a really crap round has left me pondering the year overall, and more importantly, looking forward to April already.

I set out this year, after to being off 12 for many years, to really 'have a go' at reaching Single figures, which lots of friends said was well within my grasp, and I felt I could well get to.
Overall, a good Summer's Golf followed, and by early September, I sat 3rd in our 1st Division Order of Merit, was in a Final of a Club Knockout, and on the 12th September, I finally reached my Target, getting to 9.2

Since then, my game has gone to Ratshit, and not only did I lose the Final 2&1, playing badly I have to add, I havent managed to put another good round together to get anywhere near my HC, and consequently didnt make a late charge on the Order of Merit, but worse of all, have finished the year @ 9.5, (10 HC), which is a smidge annoying

I guess I should take the positives on reaching my Target, but cant help being miffed at playing so badly for the last month, which I cant put my finger on really.

So, considering I dont play a whole lot once winter kicks in, but I do only live half a mile from the Practice ground, I'm gonna set my stall out and get onto the range 2/3 times per week and keep the swing loose to hit the ground running once April Medals arrive.

 

[Screwback]

I know how your feeling i set a target at the beginning of the year of sratch. I got there in fact got to +0.2 which was great but went up and now am off 1.0 but still had good season.

However the way i see it as ive done it once and will do it again......................hopefuly

 

[Herbie]

I think youve had a pretty good year, its bound to get tougher the lower you get, years ago when I came down rapidly to a 6 and on the brink of better, it was always big leaps after a period of depressing or demoralising golf, so i wouldnt worry, you have done great this year.

 

[jammydodger]

I've dropped from 9.1 to 4.8 this season and just want to forget about the handicap and competitive golf now. Cant wait for next year to start but will thoroughly enjoy just knockiing around this winter with no scorecard in hand.

Keep that swing loose Chris but it's easy to pick things up in feb/mar with a couple of weeks of heavy practice.

 

[DMC]

I have dropped down to a h/cap of 5 this year. This is the first year i have really made a concerted effort to lower my h/cap (mainly thanks to the credit crunch) its been a good year but cant wait for next season.

 

[RGDave]

I think you've got to look at the positives. Everyone's game fluctuates up and down and I always look to the scores made in the middle of the season when I'm playing the most golf.
You got cut on some really good rounds which you need to be proud of. We (you and I) are not great players, but have the ability to stand up and play close-to-proper golf with decent hitting and scoring. You achieved a great thing making the final and even if you feel things have gone downhill, you've made your mark.
The fact that I can cross half the country and have a game and dinner with someone that knows (or knows of) you says quite a bit. That and the fact you beat me to the golden prize of a priceless sleeve of balls.
Keep things "tight" over the winter, fix any recurring swing glitches and look towards the spring to go at the h'cap and new comps.
Besides, now I know I can actually drive to where you play (it isn't like going to Holland or something!) you'll need to be in top form for our matchplay round your lovely course.
Chin up....we know you played some super golf and it'll come back soon enough.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Look at the positive. You got there. OK you didn't hold onto it but you proved to yurself and your mates that you are capable of single figures. If you are going to practice more than play over the winter my advice would be to have some form of plan in mind rather than just hitting balls. Perhaps one session focus on nothing more than shots from <100 yards. Another might be long irons, hybrids and fairway woods etc. What I'm trying to say is vary it rather than get bogged down on hitting bal after ball and technical issues. Also if it starts to go wrong or you want to make a change why not use the winter to get a swing MOT from your pro. Once the greens start to improve next year really focus on the short game so when the medals start in April you are quick out the blocks. My guess is that next year you'll be off 7 consistantly and may even get to 6

 

[Macster]

Thx fella's, I know its been a good season overall, just a little miffed that it seemed to run out of steam in the last few weeks.

Think I'm going to book myself a course of lessons for the winter months, particularly for Driving, as this year has been the worst I can ever recall with the Big Dog in my hands, so much so that I reverted to a 3W for much of the summer.
Undoubtably, IF I could sort those issues out, and get some consistency off the Tee on the long holes, it would benefit me and perhaps allow me to take the next step down.

Much to work on.

 

[Imurg]

Maybe a slight downer by going back up to 10 but the handicap is still in 2 digits. And it got there by you playing well. No reason to suggest that it won't continue next season. keep the swing going over the winter and you'll hit the ground running.

Means I've got to come in 3 under CSS on our last medal next wednesday week to beat you for the season!!