How long before... :)

[Mattie]

Afternoon everyone...

Important question I hope, im at the range atleast 2 times per week and doing ok but I was wonderring from all you lovely people how long it would be before I can hit about 8/9 out of 10 balls reasonably well, no embarressing shots.

Ive been at it 2 months now and its getting there but am I looking at a year or so before im 'average'. If so not a prob im willing to put the effort in.

Any advice greatly accepted

Thanks
Mattie

 

[jammydodger]

I guess to start with it depends on your natural ability and hand/eye coordination. People who have played ball sports before usually pick up the basics ok , but its a tough game to get consistent with even for the best players. Hard work and practice will pay off though

GL

 

[viscount17]

Mattie, the 'horrors' creep in for everyone, irrespective of handicap. It's just that what a low handicapper will call bad, we might be proud of. A high handicapper just has more of them, it's the nature of the beast.

I don't think time is a measure that should concern you. We all learn what is, after all, a complex set of skills at a different pace; some can progress rapidly others take a while longer (oh how I hate the prodigies that pick up a stick and knock spots off the back fence first time out, ).

It's taken (taking) me a while and I'm still not there but then I do try to force the pace. I know that's wrong as it isn't going to change anything (except maybe for the worse), so as long as you are enjoying what you're doing, stick at it. It will come.

 

[TonyN]

Mattie I see your a local lad, what range you at? Sandfields? Sealand?

Are you having lessons?

When I first started about 3 years ago I just used to use the range and whack balls. I started watching some videos off Videojug and copied them, they worked a little.

When I started having lessons I went from shooting high 90's to low 80's in about 12 months. I broke 80 at the start of this year. Its important that the work you put in, is the right work. If your doing something/s wrong, you'll only deepen the faults further the more you practice.

I dont use the range alot now but I need to get back in over the winter, maybe we could meet up and have a knock.

 

[Fyldewhite]

Getting more consistent off a mat at the range is good but sometimes this isn't the best way to learn. Try to get on a field with some irons (5,7,9) and get used to hitting these off grass. Most shots you play on a proper course will be like this and particularly the 7 and 9 aron are much easier to hit than drivers and 3 woods etc which you probably hit a lot at the range. If you can learn to hit these reasonably well you should be able to get around a golf course no problem.

 

[TonyN]

I agree Flyde, If your at Sandfields Matt (as I suspect because you play a short 9 holer) then there is grass available to practice on at the side of the range!

 

[SandyBalls]

My advice is that you don't take any advice from clubchamp07. I think he believes that anybody who hits a duff shot should be fishing instead of playing golf.

My advice is to have lessons. If you are mishitting the ball there is a reason - and unless you are told that reason you will not be in a position to correct it.

 

[DMC]

Doesnt matter how long you have played or how good you are,the next bad shot is never far away.

 

[Smiffy]

How long would it be before I can hit about 8/9 out of 10 balls reasonably well, no embarressing shots.

In my case about 25 years.
I've been playing 23 so only another 2 more to go

 

[Mattie]

Wow thanks for the feedback everyone

I used to play a lot of tennis so im picking it up pretty quick.

TonyM, im at the Sealand road range about 2 or 3 times per week and ive had one lesson/evaluation so far. I've played Sandfield a couple of times now, its pretty cool, best scored is 49 so far!!

Would be cool to go for a knock, all my mates dont have the enthusiasm I have unfortunately so just let me know, but I am still rubbish so dont expect much other than looking for my lost balls

It is very true that I am ok on the range mat but rubbish on the grass. I shall pop along to Sandfield and see if I can ruin their lovely grass.

Thanks
Mattie

 

[TonyN]

Ok Matt, to help me get motivated for the range, why dont we go for a knock sometime in the week. I dont mind if we go sealand or sandfields its up to you.

Who did you get ya lesson off? Danny?

There is a great pro at Sandfields I used last year called Jamie.

Aint played Sandfields course since lasy year either, for a 9 holer its alot of fun and very well kept, I wouldn't mind a knock there!

 

[Herbie]

Dont get disappointed with duffed shots, I still do them after 30yrs and dont get too disappointed with your game standard going up and down, it happens to everyone to varying degrees and frequency. The main thing is to stick with it and focus only on everything that works well for you and always take the positive from every shot, however minute the positive in some shots may be. just keep at it.