Golfing frustration!

[kevster84]

I've been playing golf for about 8 months and it has been very up and down. Started off with lessons which identified a flat swing plan. Improved a lot after these lessons, then at Christmas I couldn't hit a ball. Everything off the hosel! Another lesson improved me short term. Then came the shanks which was down to posture/letting the arms move away from the body so I now keep bicep/tricep close to chest. Had a cracking round last weekend which was ruined by a nightmare on the 18th which ruined my score. Last night the shanks had returned, especially with wedges around green. So frustrating as my set up routine is the same and had been playing ok the first 5 holes. I'm getting frustrated about the inconsistency, I can be excellent for some holes but I always have a few shocking holes which prevents ME breaking 100. Is this par for the course as a beginner? If my drivings good my iron play is poor, if I'm struggling with driver my irons are OK. Last night was the former, nice straight long drives only to be ruined by poor iron shots and wedges around green.

 

[kevster84]

Apologies for the long thread! I just wanted to see if there was light at the end of the tunnel, recommended steps or start picking a new sport to play!

 

[chrisd]

8 months is no time at all in the process of learning this game. Most people learn for some years before they can start being certain of not shanking, duffing etc etc and getting a standard sort of golf game. Keep practicing, take lessons and enjoy learning what is undoubtedly one of the most difficult games to play

 

[pokerjoke]

Stick in there mate these things take time.
Next time really take notice of your set up and when a good one comes remember the feeling
and set up.
Part of the problem is not being able to understand why it happens.
100 after 8 months is pretty good so cut out the duffs and 90 is within your sights.

 

[kevster84]

I'm always 101 or 102. The other day on the back 9 out of 7 holes I shot 4 pars, three bogeys. I then messed up the last two holes. My friend who took it up in November is now hitting 90's constantly :-(

 

[turkish]

Kev you are in the same boat as me I'm about the same time taking it up and round about the 100 mark. Best is 95 and had a few other rounds just under the ton mark. My problem is I NR too much but if I look at the rounds I've had about the 100 mark 4 months ago compared to today they are night and day- I strike the ball so much better now I just lack the consistency.

Concentration(both under and over IE too many swing thought) and tempo are my 2 biggest problems which I need to work on- you may be different tho just find out what's your issues are work on them and get lessons.

Re my concentration is really because I've not got a set routine and trigger- I've messed about with a few things but I need to get something solid down. My tempo is due to confidence I think and I've bought a skypro to help groove a better tempo (and hopefully also a better swing)

 

[Foliage Finder]

Same here, started playing around July last year, so about 10 months. I share your frustrations 100%!

However, in my lessons with the pro, one thing he has always told me is probably one of the best bits of advice I've heard so far. When going round the course, I play or I practice, I don't do both. If I'm playing a practice round, ditch the scorecard, put the pencil away, I don't keep track of my score, because I'm playing completely differently to how I'd play if I was trying to get round the course playing the least number of strokes.

Due to not having played for too long, I think I've only ever played one proper round, everything else has been practice! I don't actually know how many strokes I take to get round a golf course, and I don't mind that. I will be doing another proper round soon so I will know then, but I'm in no rush to get a handicap or anything.

Just have a look at my thread in ask the experts about the longer clubs - I'm nowhere near consistent yet after 10 months, but I wouldn't expect to be. :thup:

 

[Curls]

A few points to note

1. You're actually not scoring badly for the length of time you're playing.

2. That is not a long post.

3. Dont apologise for anything on here, you should here what some of this lot come out with (he said, distancing himself from any of his own comments).

4. It's all about the fundamentals. No not that crowd in Iraq, the Stance, grip, aim, posture. If you're ready to make a good swing its half the battle, so try to forget about the million things that could go through your head when you actually swing a club and focus on getting the fundamentals right with a pro, and on the course.

Chin up, golf is a cruel mistress, but when she's good to you there's nothing quite like it

 

[Deleted member 16999]

I've been playing golf for about 8 months and it has been very up and down. Started off with lessons which identified a flat swing plan. Improved a lot after these lessons, then at Christmas I couldn't hit a ball. Everything off the hosel! Another lesson improved me short term. Then came the shanks which was down to posture/letting the arms move away from the body so I now keep bicep/tricep close to chest. Had a cracking round last weekend which was ruined by a nightmare on the 18th which ruined my score. Last night the shanks had returned, especially with wedges around green. So frustrating as my set up routine is the same and had been playing ok the first 5 holes. I'm getting frustrated about the inconsistency, I can be excellent for some holes but I always have a few shocking holes which prevents ME breaking 100. Is this par for the course as a beginner? If my drivings good my iron play is poor, if I'm struggling with driver my irons are OK. Last night was the former, nice straight long drives only to be ruined by poor iron shots and wedges around green.

Have faith mate, I've been playing really well, even started with cut in April, went out confident today of playing well, hit 85% of Fairways and that's all the positives, worst score for 2-3 years, don't know why couldn't hit an iron, 4-5 3 Putts, these days happen,
Put it behind you and move on, have a search for some of the shanks threads on here, I've been helped by some of the knowledge the guys on here share.
Looking forward to your next post telling us how well you've played :fore:

 

[HomerJSimpson]

And the frustration continues. 29 points today but hit it so much better than the score indicates. The driver was erratic but that aside the ball striking (and direction) was so much better. Really feel I'm working hard and doing the right things in practice and not seeing any payoff....Yet. Just need to find a buffer zone or cut and stop these 0.1's

 

[ScienceBoy]

GASP

Grip
Alignment/Aim
Stance
Posture

That is my pre shot routine, use that one or something to build consistency from.

 

[kevster84]

I think a common problem I have is my arms go out a bit on the downswing which causes a shank. The only way I can prevent this is by feeling like my hands come close to the body. I think I'd be ok if my friend hadn't improved so quickly. The other guy who started at the same time is a little worse and struggles more than me.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It's a common problem and I have to tell you it will get better. I would advise a lesson and get your basics checked out again and then crack on. If you can put 14-15 good hole together you just need to eradicate the mad ones and that will come experience, course management and better ball striking. Try not to worry about what your friend is doing an just because he's seemingly ahead of you at the moment in terms of progress doesn't mean he's always going to be