How long?

[ScoopyMcPeterson]

Hi guys,

Im 20 years old and only started playing golf about 4 weeks ago after years of wanting to. I have played other sports to quite high levels so it is a logical step to take. When I go the driving range I find I hit the balls pretty consistently and my teacher says I have a very nice, natural swing.

Although I know I will obviously not be brilliant overnight (as is the beauty of golf) after playing several rounds with my mates my game just seems to deteriorate after a few holes and I feel very uncomfortable. My iron play will begin very well but then I will be at address over the ball several holes later with an iron fretting through my mind as to why I can't hit the ball properly; and when I say properly I don't mean a slice or hook - I mean just off the ground.

I know this problem is probably just inexperience because when I hit the ball properly it goes lovely. I was just wondering how long it took you to get comfortable and get that 'muscle-memory' to hit the ball consistently well off the deck?

Cheers guys.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Like most sports you need to get the fundamentals right. Have you had a professional look at your grip, address, posture etc. If you prefer think of it another way. Would you go out in a car after so little preparation. Get a few lessons and learn what a good swing feels like. Everyone will have good and bad days but at least giving yourself the best preparation will help. The secret is to enjoy the good shots and rounds and forget about the bad ones

 

[ScoopyMcPeterson]

Yeah i've had 4 lessons to date with a pro and sorted out my grip, posture etc and he has pretty much said its now just down to practicing those elements. Its not so much me not knowing the fundementals but more about waiting for that 'click' moment when everything gels and becomes 2nd nature.

If I could draw an analogy it would be like when learning to drive with clutch control. I struggled for weeks with it and it was literally one lesson when it completely clicked for me and from there on everything was easy and effortless.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

The best part of 15 years and even now there are times I feel like I've never hit a ball before

 

[DMC]

Still trying to put 2 good rounds together back to back, and have been for more years than i care to remember.

 

[RGDave]

I was just wondering how long it took you to get comfortable and get that 'muscle-memory' to hit the ball consistently well off the deck?

Depends how you define consistently. I was hitting the ball well enough for 9/10 shots after 18 months, just not very straight. That came later, but clearly I'm still working on it.

 

[jammag]

After retaking up the game fully after a few years off, I started how you are explaining your situation. The problem I used to have was that I would hit 3 or 4 good shots then for that next shot I would think ah just swing and it will be fine and I became too relaxed after thinking I have cracked it and so your swing speed maybe is slower and you dont have the correct movements. This will then lead to a bad shot and gets you panicking so your next shot your then looking for the ball before you have hit it which means you duff it a long the floor.

What I learnt is think positively dont think theres water there I cannot go in it, just think of the shot you want to play, when practicing a swing try swingin through the ground your ball lies in (obviously not in a bunker) but get the feel how the club will go through in the actual shot. Concentrate on the ball and what part you want to hit, try and see your divot before you look for your ball, if your playing with mates they should be able to see where your ball goes.

Although 2 biggest tips I think anyone can give you is 1) Play the shot you can play not the shot you would like to play. 2) enjoy it and have a bit of a laugh at yourself if you do duff it, if you get wound up then you will not enjoy it.

 

[Farneyman]

to hit the ball consistently well off the deck?

If you can do that you should turn pro.

I am also looking to hit the ball consistently well but sometimes its not pretty.

 

[JustOne]

The best part of 15 years and even now there are times I feel like I've never hit a ball before

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I've witnessed that

 

[RGDave]

The best part of 15 years and even now there are times I feel like I've never hit a ball before

^
^
^
I've witnessed that

I get this. Normally stood on the 10th about 1 or 2 shots over par. I have completely forgotten how to play with 3 holes to go before!

 

[JustOne]

I normally lose count at 50 over par.... for the front 9

You have to give this game at least a year before making any hasty judgements, by then you'll either love it or hate it, and you'll start to enjoy your frustrations in a perverted way that only golfers understand

 

[RGDave]

I normally lose count at 50 over par.... for the front 9

You have to give this game at least a year before making any hasty judgements, by then you'll either love it or hate it, and you'll start to enjoy your frustrations in a perverted way that only golfers understand

I reckon I could waste 50 shots on the last hole. Recently, anything past the ladies tee is a bonus.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

One thing is certain. You will never find the definitive golf game. The way I see it a bad golf day is still a good day anyway and providing you accept the game will hurt and frustrate more than it gives and rewards then you'll be fine