Chances of being in single figures within 2 years?

[leaney]

So.... I started golf nearly 3 months ago and my handicap is now 23.

I would like to know what your thoughts are on the chances of getting to a single figure handicap within 2 years.

I wouldn't say I'm a natural at golf but I do put in loads of practice. This helped me shoot 91 last week, which is a vast improvement on my first round of 125.

I go to the range twice a week and play 1-2 times a week, plus I will have one lesson a month.

Not that age will make much difference but I've just turned 25 and I am a fit guy, playing football and doing a fair bit of weights work in the gym (too much according to my pro).

I know that nobody can give me a yes or no answer but I think it could be a good discussion none the less.

 

[beggsy]

you will need to spend hours down the practice area each week on 100 yard in and also putting

 

[leaney]

Chipping is certainly my weakest area (not including me eagle chip on Sunday).

I have a lesson on chipping in a few weeks. And I will get some lessons sorted for putting as well. I don't usually more than 2 putt but I would like to drain some longer putts.

 

[Bobirdie]

try putting those 2 times a week at the range onto the course. the range is ok for a hit if you cant make the course. but the real practice is on the course!

as above practice 100 yards in.

find your shot for 100 yards, 3 quarter pw etc.

chipping with 7 8 9 pw etc

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Slim but not impossible and dependant on so many variables. How old are you? What sort of course do you play

You will need a very good short game and a swing that you can rely on regularly as there won't be any margin for error especially in medals. You will also need to be holing your fair share of putts and getting it close from 100 yards and in.

If you can combine all those requirements with finding fairways and greens then yes, you could get very close. However doing that, combining it with a job and finding time to play as well rather than practice, practice, practice will be the big issue. I guess it also depends on how good your teacher is, how quickly you pick up any swing changes and how well they bed in. Lots of variables but good luck

 

[AuburnWarrior]

Fella, no-one on here can answer that question.

Is it possible? Anything in life is possible.

Can I get to scratch within two years - yes.

Can I win The Open - yes.

Will I?

Answers on a postcard.

On this forum you'll see the complete spectrum of golfers - absolute beginners through to pros. Whatever the level of the player, it's immaterial - we all have one thing in common - we all love the game.

If you get to single figures what difference will it make to you??? Will you give up the game if you don't???

Enjoy the game for what it is.

 

[splashtryagain]

I reckon a very good chance - single figures is not that hard as the cuts are sizeable a lot of the way there (0.3 per shot) and only come down to 0.2 at 12 so put in the putting, chipping and playing practice (not range) and i'm sure you have a good chance. This is unless of course you are one of those people who just looks wrong swinging a club.

 

[Philm]

yeah, when you play football are you one of the better players?

are you a natural at sports? if the answer is yes then i think you should get down to single figures by practicing for 2 to 3 years.

if your not that able then no probly never make nomatter the practice.

i hope i make it, if i dont ill prob give up the weekly slog at one course and cancel my membership and just play around as and when i can

Phil

 

[Alex1975]

I think it would be as easy for me to become a millionair in two years as it would be to get to single figures.

 

[RGDave]

No problem at all.

Why not.

I could explain why, but it would take a while.

It certainly doesn't involve spending hours on 100 yards and in though.

 

[leaney]

yeah, when you play football are you one of the better players?

are you a natural at sports? if the answer is yes then i think you should get down to single figures by practicing for 2 to 3 years.

if your not that able then no probly never make nomatter the practice.

i hope i make it, if i dont ill prob give up the weekly slog at one course and cancel my membership and just play around as and when i can

Phil

To be honest, I am one of the better players (Hard to say it without looking arrogant but hey).

It's my determination which plays the biggest part for me, I have to try and be the best at what I do. So I go away and put the time and effort in to improve.

I'm 25 now but back when I was a scrawny teenager, I started hitting the weights in the gym. And it was extremely hard to put on any weight as I was naturally a skinny kid.
Long story short, I worked my ass off for a year and put on 2 stone in muscle and I've maintained it to this date.

I guess my point is that, if you put your mind to something then anything is possible no matter how hard it might seem.

I'll keep working at golf and I will try to get to single figures and I know I will enjoy it as I like the challenge.

Thanks for your comments gents.

 

[palindromicbob]

Just write 9 in the HC section on your next score card. Done in less than a minute. Ok you might not play to it but the card will count.

The above is right though. 100 yards and in is the killer. Had a playing lesson with the a pro the other day. He couldn't quite understand why I was of 21 until I showed him that day.

Bad course management and poor control from this range is costing me at least a shot on every hole.

 

[Mattie]

Hi
Your in the same position as me. Im just finishing my 2nd year and im probably playing off 12.

I dont think your problem will be the swing etc it will be your attitude.

If you can control yourself and hit a consistent swing every time and not get pissed off or cocky and try to smash the hell out of certain shots but play within yourself you will shoot lower scores.

This is what it has been like for me. If I almost dont care how well I play and relax I play really well

Keep up the range though as much as you can especially chipping and get your self some decent wedges etc

 

[scottbrown]

I would say if your commited, then relatively easily. People put single figure golfers up on a pedestool however it is my belief that not too much talent is required, its more about the consistancy and any swing can be consistant.

Cat1 however with the 0.1 up and down I am guessing is a different kettle of fish and I have great respect for the ams at our who have kept a cat 1 handicap.

Just my 2p

 

[pokerjoke]

Definately can be achieved.
By someone with some natural ability.
The ability to learn.
Willing to work at it.
I done it,so why not you.

 

[CMAC]

Of course you can do it, if you have the natural talent, sporty, can dedicate the correct practice in rain and fair weather, play in lots of comps especially external ones, then yes it won't be that hard.

I did 18-5 in 1st season doing all of the above, getting below 5 and staying there is the tricky bit.

 

[trevor]

I think you stand a good chance of getting there if you are playing off 23 after 3 months. I'm playing off 22 after 3 years and have practised loads.

 

[USER1999]

A lot of it is about handling the pressure of shooting a medal round good enough to get you cut. Especially the nearer you get to your target.

 

[PNWokingham]

very posible if you are fit, willing and a natural sportsman and playing twice and practicing twice a week. good luck

 

[Hendo007]

Another thing not mentioned above is course management. You want to shoot lower scores then you need to seriously think about every shot before you play it, Stop taking the big stick when you don't really need it, think about getting the hazards out of the way and you'll be surprised how many shots come off. I got my HC down from 21 to 14 between last season and this one, I had hoped to get lower but just not getting enough medals in at the moment. This was one of the things that I try to concentrate on and it deffo makes a difference.