it just won't happen

[barb]

Hi all
I've been at my new club for almost 2 months now so I'm getting used to the course and the strategies to use but there is 1 shot, I have done it once when I 1st joined but since then no matter how many times I try it the ball falls short.
The hole this happens on is no3 par 4 350yds. There is a ditch approx 170yds from the ladies tee box. I know I can drive further than this, my average drive is now approx 200-220yds. for some strange reason, I know its something I am doing, I can not get the ball over the ditch (I always end up in it and running out of golf balls quickly ).
When playing seriously I lay up using a 6 iron but when it's just hubby and I, I always give it go but to no avail. It's so frustrating, all I want is an extra yard and it'll be over.
Does this happen to anyone else and is there any tips on how to remedy this.

 

[bobmac]

Barb, I think your driving distance includes roll, so your total carry may only be 160yds which would explain why you cant carry the ditch.
What loft is your driver?
Do you have a video of your swing you could post on you tube please?

 

[AliB]

driving 220 yards off 31? I'm not surpised you have that nick-name!
Best of luck with the ditch, though if you can get a lay-up closer to it (5 wood?) couldn't yuo still be on in two? (I know, I know, it's the priciple!)

AliB

 

[Tommo21]

I'm sure Bob will put you in the right direction and there is a big gap in carry and distance.

Just a thought, at one golf course I carry two drivers, one is 13 degrees. The reason, one hole in perticular needs a carry of around 230 yards, but I dont want a lot of run as it's a par three. I dont hit the ball that far and this club gets the ball much higher than a 3 wood. It's also great down wind.

My point, what degree is your driver and could more angle give you the extra carry you need.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Barb,

Without trying to be patronising why bother? I'm guessing you must get two shots there so why try and clear it. A nice iron short, something short of the green, on for three and two or three putts at the outside and a nett par or net birdie. Job done. Out 7th as those forummers that have played it has a small ditch (maybe 5 yards wide) about 240 yards from the white tee. Many could carry it but it narrows as you get to the ditch and its just not worth the risk. For most of the lower handicappers at the club its only a 5 iron or so in and I would say 95% lay up in competitions.

My advice is perhaps see about a lesson (maybe a driving one) and do as Bob says and review your driver loft before thinking about it. Its always good to hit the glory shot but if the rewards don't outweigh the risk then whats the point.

 

[chipsandegg]

hi Barb,
Gotta go with Homer on this one, if your struggling to clear it, lay up and that applies to all holes not just that one. Ive been playing with some low handicappers of late and it really is an eye opener to see how many times that they dont "go for it"
Ive been at my new club 6 months now and im finding out new things every time i play. I think it will take a couple of years to truley get to know the course well.

 

[CrapHacker]

Its always good to hit the glory shot but if the rewards don't outweigh the risk then whats the point.

It's fun





And then, after all that effort, when you can do it consistantly, your game goes up another notch.

 

[Fyldewhite]

Yep, definitely with Homer on this one. The quickest way for a high handicapper to lose shots is to try to play the course like a low handicapper. It's a different game, plan your stategy accordingly, be realistic, and your scores will improve.

 

[bobmac]

Barb,
In my experience, the most common reason for people who lack distance is a lack of clubhead speed.
So now you're asking how do I get more speed. Without seeing your swing it's difficult but lots of golfers suffer from not hinging their wrists correctly at the top of their backswing.
As you see from the picture on the left, my wrists haven't clompletely set to a right angle compared to the picture on the right. Have a look at your swing in a mirror and see if you get to the position on the right.

 

[Fore]

Hi all
I've been at my new club for almost 2 months now so I'm getting used to the course and the strategies to use but there is 1 shot, I have done it once when I 1st joined but since then no matter how many times I try it the ball falls short.
The hole this happens on is no3 par 4 350yds. There is a ditch approx 170yds from the ladies tee box. I know I can drive further than this, my average drive is now approx 200-220yds. for some strange reason, I know its something I am doing, I can not get the ball over the ditch (I always end up in it and running out of golf balls quickly ).
When playing seriously I lay up using a 6 iron but when it's just hubby and I, I always give it go but to no avail. It's so frustrating, all I want is an extra yard and it'll be over.
Does this happen to anyone else and is there any tips on how to remedy this.

I must say Barb that one thing i have learnt about golf is that any water or features capable of containing water and general hazards on the course of any nature are just magnets for golf balls and it does not matter what you do they just pull the ball in.

 

[birdieman]

Barb, in all seriousness how about enrolling in some circuit and/or weight training combined with flexibilty work over the winter. If your golf techique is good enough perhaps you're just lacking the nescessary power to carry this ditch. Some physical conditioning work may be the answer?

Bet you find most of the LPGA stars in the gym most days.

There are too mnay silly myths about what weight training does to womens physiques. Strength training is not the same as body building!

 

[viscount17]

Our 7th as those forummers that have played it has a small ditch (maybe 5 yards wide) about 240 yards from the white tee.

been there!

Barb, I can sympathise. No matter that you know that the better course is the lay up it's the challenge, the test isn't it? There is always that one shot that you have to make to prove to yourself that you're becoming a serious contender (and beating hubby doesn't hurt!).

We had a hedged ditch across one fairway, golfers divided into two - those who could get over the hedge and the rest.
In truth it wasn't that far (about 180) but getting the ball over was the thing.

So long as you the right thing in comps, go for it when you're there for fun. Get the weight transferred forward and drive through the ball.

Good luck!

 

[Herbie]

Hello Barb, if you can't clear it, stop trying to. A h/c of 31 you should hone what you are good at all the time and make marginal improvements as you go along, or get a pro to help you find that extra distance.

Trying to do something and repeatedly failing can become your own little nemesis. Trying too hard in all departments can slow the learning process, we are all guilty of trying too hard though.

 

[CrapHacker]

So long as you the right thing in comps, go for it when you're there for fun. Get the weight transferred forward and drive through the ball.

Good luck!

Yes, yes, YES !!

Couldn't agree more.

yoo go gerl !

 

[Region3]

Someone famous once said that the definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

If you struggle to get over the ditch then why bother?

I know it's only in fun games, but when you come to a competition you're then playing the hole in a way you've not practiced.
Plus it's just adding a stroke to your score for no good reason.

 

[barb]

Thanks all for the comments. I will try and get a video of my swing this weekend for you Bob to have a look at, my driver is the taylorMade Burner 13 deg loft.

I only try this shot when I'm out with hubby and the course is quiet so there is no pressure. I always lay a shot up but knowing that I have done it once gives it that challenge to want do it again (you just have to )

I will continue to try!!

 

[barb]

Barb, in all seriousness how about enrolling in some circuit and/or weight training combined with flexibilty work over the winter. If your golf techique is good enough perhaps you're just lacking the nescessary power to carry this ditch. Some physical conditioning work may be the answer?

There are too mnay silly myths about what weight training does to womens physiques. Strength training is not the same as body building!

Thx Birdieman
I have recently started back at the gym and flexibility and strength training are both on my program for over the winter months as I have a few areas that I need to work on (mainly toning up and slimming down )