Consistency hitting the ball

[golfmax]

Hi, i'm new here and as i've just started playing golf and joined a golf club I was just after some tips.

I've had 3 one hour lessons so far and have been practicing four times a week for 3 weeks.

Thing is, at the driving range, I hit some great shots, perfectly straight, 160~ with 7 iron but I have no consistency whatsoever.

The pro has told me its because i'm not relaxing and when I swing naturally, that's when I hit the ball sweetly.

I was just wondering if this was normal and how long it takes to get any measure of consistency hitting the ball.

Also, my fingers are killing me round my joints, how can I make this stop lol.

Thanks very much, despite these little setbacks, so far i'm pretty sure golf is going to end up consuming every waking moment of my life :smwinkgr:

 

[Paul2009]

just take a couple of practice swings before your shot - that'll loosen you up a bit and that should make you relax a bit. Also when youre swinging naturally youve probably got a slower swing so slow your swing down if your not feeling relaxed. As for the joints, not much except wear a glove and stretch before playing

Paul

 

[golfmax]

Thanks very much for your reply.

My dad says i'm just getting obsessed lol.

I hit 160 balls yesterday in two hours, about 25-30% nice and straight and how i'd like to hit the ball.

Is it something that just comes naturally over time?

 

[Timberbonce]

It comes with time in my experience. I went from where you are to being able to break 100 (shots) consistently on the course in a matter of maybe 3 months, but i had no lessons until i stopped improving on my own after maybe a year.
I think carry on with the lessons and just be patient, you obviosly want it badly enough so it will come.

Also my fingers used to hurt at the joints you get used to it to some degree but thats but hitting 160 balls in 2 hours would prolly still leave me with sore hands ;-).

 

[golf_bug]

I was just wondering if this was normal and how long it takes to get any measure of consistency hitting the ball.

Forever!

Seriously, you can be striking teh thing like Seve one minute and then duffing it all over the place the next. Welcome to the most frustrating of all sports......and teh most addictive

 

[Adrena1in]

Ah, I remember when I used to go down the range and could hit 200 balls, all 100% effort, and not get tired. Now if I hit 100 I'm usually spent halfway through them!

I wouldn't overdo it too much at the range to be honest. Do you play much on a course?

 

[JustOne]

My dad says i'm just getting obsessed lol.

Welcome to Golf!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I would say you are probably over practicing and becoming tired or lazy in your set up. Ideally you want to be hitting no more than 100 at a session and look to work on specifics. I always step off the mat after each shot and set up to the ball individually as you would do on the course.

I think you may be trying too hard as well which causes the inconsistancy. When you are relaxed and swing naturally you will find the clubhead will release correctly. However if you are thinking too much about technique the swing will become too mechanical and won't flow correctly.

I would also try and get out on the course as often as apossible as that is the only real place to learn the different shots. Try going out in the evenings and if its quiet play two balls or hit a few chips around the greens etc

Whatever happens welcome to the forum and enjoy this crazy game called golf

 

[JustOne]

Totally agree with Homer. You can get stale pretty quickly and the muscles need time to recover. That said you can always spend 20hours/day working on your chipping and putting!

regards....

 

[golfmax]

Well i don't know whats happened since sunday when I only hit 5 out of 60 and tonight but something's clicked majorly.

Hit 85 out of 90 balls perfectly straight and long with the divot just where it was meant to be with my 7 iron through to my 3.

Decided to try my driver out, managed to hit 250, straight.

I've no idea what happened but something just clicked and it's like I found my swing. Felt like the most natural thing in the world.

My main problems were my address and looking up and messing with the angle of my spine. Hope this lasts!