Commitment to improvement

Oddsocks

Oddsocks

Ryder Cup Winner
Joined
Jun 20, 2010
Messages
17,477
Location
Croydon, Surrey
Visit site
It's quite apparent that from what's read on here the main percentage of us have regular lessons, and constantly working on something within their swing or game, and are keen to improve whether that be a set area within their game, or improving generally in order to chase a a goal albeit a handicap cut or a general better, more consistent level of play.

My question is for those going through an improvement programme, how much do you actually commit and how much time do you set aside to achieve these goals?

The reason I ask is I've read murph's recent post and he has set aside 30 mins a day without even touching the course in order to improve, which is believe is major commitment on he's part,

I'm about to pic up where I left off with my old pro in order to finally break the bad habits within my swing, I know I have my work cut out but if I'm honest with myself in previous attempts I've seen improvement but not really committed to it in order to grind it in and make it fluent,

I'm reckoning a lesson every three weeks with range sessions twice a week plus either 9 holes and range at weekends or just a solid range session should be enough to ingrain improvements and changes in the swing, .... But it seems there is a percentage of people who expect quick fix lessons and then wonder why they haven't improved or they see little or Jo gain from what is actually little commitment to the cause,
 
What was your goal david, and how far down the track are you,

I'm trying to get away from range sessions for quantity , and want to try more quality .

Most range sessions I will beat 100 balls without it being constructive so to speak, I'd rather 50 balls every day than 150 balls once a week with no positive effects on my game,
 
I had first lesson of new year on Friday. After coming back to game with intent I've been working my swing, game and muscles back to a groove that is pretty good but I was conscious my backswing was flaky and the pro focused on that right away. crossing line at top arising from lazy takeaway and positioning of right hand.

So I've now got something tangible to work on ... So far yesterday & today 300 range balls has got the 1st half of backswing regrooved. Has certainly tightened dispersion and eliminated big hooky miss left. Now the hard bit - setting position at top, personally I'm anticipating not seeing significant robust repeatable improvement for at least another 600 balls.... So let say 1000 balls to get out of old lazy habits and retraining a new substantive motion before even stepping onto course .... But I'll be back to pro at 1000 in a fortnight for check-up....
 
was thinking about this through the week. As a high handicapper my game is obviously pretty inconsistent. I can birdie, par, bogey and more any hole at any given time. I am booking a lesson for the end of the month and every 4 weeks therafter, also buying 2 x 10 token range cards a month. will go every evening after work and work on drills given by my pro. I wont go to the range at weekends but may play the odd 18 socially at varying courses bu probs not for the 1st 2 month or just before KOK :)

My target is to just be more consistent in my long game and hopefully see a general improvement after a 3-4 month period although as I am being a nomad this year I will carry on for the majority of the year. My thoughts are I can carry on as is just knocking it around with the odd decent hole/round or ingrain a half decent swing that will help me not only score better but enjoy playing more. Theres no fun going round in mid 90's to 100+ with half a dozen pars or a few birdies on the card!
 
Oddsocks said:
300 balls in 24 hours , it's that part swing of full swing shots
Click to expand...

Two sessions, 180 yesterday & 120 today. On each I'd have used 20 at beginning with PW & 8i to loosen up after 5-10 mins stretching. Yesterday probably the remaining balls, 80 with 8i then 80 with 6i. Today the remaining 100 with 5i. On both occasions alignment sticks & definitive targets.
 
I have committed about 200 putts at home on a short pile carpet to groove my grip , stance and direction of the putts. I put down a 20p coin and try to get the ball rolling over it or at least brush the side of it and I will do regular sessions over the practice green at least twice a week .
 
RobertB said:
Two sessions, 180 yesterday & 120 today. On each I'd have used 20 at beginning with PW & 8i to loosen up after 5-10 mins stretching. Yesterday probably the remaining balls, 80 with 8i then 80 with 6i. Today the remaining 100 with 5i. On both occasions alignment sticks & definitive targets.
Click to expand...

Fair play, I'm thinking that a lot of mine is going to be 3/4 swing grooving certain things, it seems most of my issues stem from a poor takeaway and poor weight transition at impact, hitting 100 3/4 shots is no way as punishing on the body as 100 full shots.
 
I've not really set a goal - initially I got three lessons booked as I didn't have a clue where the ball was going after only playing a dozen or so rounds a year for much of the last decade - went from a steady 18 to 21 in that period.

I'm a sports photographer when I'm not working at my main job and that screws up playing in comps on Saturday's and and Sunday mornings most weeks - our club has regular tee times on weekend mornings where the same guys play together each week so I can't just put my name down for a game on the odd occasions I get a free weekend day - it was easy to tell myself I didn't have time to play or practice but in reality I can make time for at least a few holes or a visit to the range.

Decided after a four day golf trip to the Algarve with the missus that I wanted to at least be able to play steady golf again - took about a month and a half before I was comfortable with the initial changes.

At the moment if I go to the range I'll hit just 50 balls mostly with the mid irons, even if I get the driver out I don't thrash it - I find that grooves my basic swing and I'll go out on the course on my own and practice sensible course management.

I'm not a big hitter and I've found that using my handicap strokes by hitting a five iron and a wedge usually gives me better results than lashing a three wood off the fairway and often getting into trouble - I don't hit the ball far enough to reach 440 yard par fours comfortably anyway (we've got a fair few of them) so I doubt I'd ever get to single figures anyway - I just want to be better than I was and I'm improving all the time I think.

Will be working on the driver and fairway woods at the range as time goes on, can't see me ever standing lashing loads of drivers though, I find that's where I lose rhythm.
 
I have noticed on here some very serious golfers, for me play once a week, no lessons and no practice, so I suppose I'm not that committed, just go out and play for me now .
 
macca64 said:
I have noticed on here some very serious golfers, for me play once a week, no lessons and no practice, so I suppose I'm not that committed, just go out and play for me now .
Click to expand...


I get my practise on the course itself - work shift so can play 5 times a week if I wanted - it's what has helped me improve. But don't set any goals - turn up , hit the ball , have fun , have a laugh in the bar then go home - my focus is on enjoyment. People IMO just need to be careful not to get too wrapped up in trying to improve that they forget to just enjoy it.

But it's never a bad thing to have a goal
 
macca64 said:
I have noticed on here some very serious golfers, for me play once a week, no lessons and no practice, so I suppose I'm not that committed, just go out and play for me now .
Click to expand...

But a lot stems from being happy with your level of play and also getting out of golf what's you want.

For me I've hit a level where I can either have a storm or stinker, which for me isn't enough when I've hit some very good scores this season, unfortunately they have all been in the roll up and not medal play or I'd be off a lot less.

Macca if you don't mind me asking what's your hc, and what do you look for from your golf.
 
I'd add a couple of other comments. Coming back to golf after long periods away I was always struck by how feeble my golfing muscles felt. So it is important if serious improvement is considered that you've got to get your physique up to spec too, I'm not talking toned tour pro but supple and having golfing strength... Such that you can hold the club 'lightly' as instructions tell... Plus developing power muscles in legs and back.... More value there than another/different/latest £300 driver......

For myself I've a target I want to achieve with my golf... So I'm going to put in some hours ... Also most courses nearby shut this weekend with weather so 4 -5 hrs on range no big deal...;)
 
If funny as I did 150 balls yesterday on the range but none of it felt constructive as such and it didn't finish well, it was this alone that made me feel now is the time to get back in the lesson route, out of interest 5 hours on a range - how many balls would you hit?
 
Any time I get for golf is spent on the course. Unfortunately with me and hid working full time and having two little ones, the range really isn't an option. Maybe when summer provides more daylight hours that'll change. Now, at best I get an hour before the round for range or putting. So have to settle for my 25 handicap for a while yet.
 
I think this is my reason for change, this year could bring big things and I honestly feel it's now or never, whiles there's half a chance of improvement this year, I don't want to look back next year and know my year to knuckle down was this year and I missed it.

I feel for people like papas and john which would live to get better yet simply don't have the time to dedicate in order to improve.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

J
Late starter at 48 years old - irons recommendations
Replies
8
Views
614
kp17
kp17
T
Playing proper golf whilst trying to change your swing
Replies
19
Views
558
timd77
T
J
At what point are you willing to upgrade your equipment?
2 3
Replies
55
Views
4K
nickjdavis
N
J
What club to buy next
Replies
12
Views
700
Bunkermagnet
Bunkermagnet
M
First time on course(s)
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
Magcargo
M
Top