It's rusty and looks bad on paper, but it feels good.

[Paul77]

So I'm 3 rounds in on my new found hobby. I discount the fact that I used to play every week in my twenties at various different council run courses because I wasn't really taking it seriously. So it's been about 10 years of a break and after three rounds it actually feels pretty great to be out there playing again.

However

If i was to dwell on my scorecards I'd be really down in the dumps. I do really feel like I'm striking the ball well. Off the tee I can't really go wrong (average of 217yds) with only a few stray shots on distracted tees. Second shots on approach to the greens are usually short on the par 4's, or a small percentage way ward to the right or left. It's a good fix for that, just play more. I do severely lack in any bunker experience, and trying to get out on the first in four shots yesterday was embarrassing but I never get to practice this.

My playing partner who is a member of the course (plays off 14), said that joining a course is a no brainer and you'll likely really benefit from just going round a few holes at a time at least one night a week to get some practice in but I've always been a bit of a do a whole 18 to make it worth my while. He also said "I need to get my shortgame sorted out" and I do agree.

Certainly came off the round yesterday like a fool and did feel a lot of great tee shots were wasted with a poor shortgame.

Is there anything but just playing more that's going to help with this? Is it a case of just joining a club and on a quiet day just jumping on and clubbing 20 balls out of a bunker each time and onto the green before you are comfy with it?

Cheers

Paul

 

[Duckster]

Id say that joining a course, or playing a lot more is definitely going to help, however not as much as getting a few lessons straight away.

You can hit the ball, but if you get lessons now it'll set you off on the right path to get better. Rather than struggling on and possibly graining in bad habits that will be harder to get rid of later on.

Just wish I'd have done that.

 

[Paul77]

Id say that joining a course, or playing a lot more is definitely going to help, however not as much as getting a few lessons straight away.

You can hit the ball, but if you get lessons now it'll set you off on the right path to get better. Rather than struggling on and possibly graining in bad habits that will be harder to get rid of later on.

Just wish I'd have done that.

That's a good point. I hadn't considered that option. Always felt the lessons were for the better players. I definately want to improve my game like anyone. I guess getting a foundation for how it works in the swing etc is helpful then you just need to learn the course you're a member of to nail it done to something more consistent.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Wise words from Duckster. For some reason too many of us avoid getting lessons when the difference they can make is huge. If you have a fault then a pro will spot it in 2 minutes and give you the cure, hopefully. It is then up to you to put it into practice. I have yet to come out of a lesson hitting the ball worse than when I went in. Get it right early and the game will be easier. Fumble along and it all becomes more difficult to straighten the faults out at a later date.

Some clubs have short game or bunker areas where you can just practice your short game. These are great for concentrating on this aspect of your game. If the club you end up joining does not have this then doing what you suggest sounds a good idea. Just keep a beady eye out so that you do not hold anyone up whilst hitting your 12th ball out of the bunker.

The last point I would make is don't beat yourself up. Short game play is about touch and feel and the more you play the better you will get at judging those things.

 

[Paul77]

Wise words from Duckster. For some reason too many of us avoid getting lessons when the difference they can make is huge. If you have a fault then a pro will spot it in 2 minutes and give you the cure, hopefully. It is then up to you to put it into practice. I have yet to come out of a lesson hitting the ball worse than when I went in. Get it right early and the game will be easier. Fumble along and it all becomes more difficult to straighten the faults out at a later date.

Some clubs have short game or bunker areas where you can just practice your short game. These are great for concentrating on this aspect of your game. If the club you end up joining does not have this then doing what you suggest sounds a good idea. Just keep a beady eye out so that you do not hold anyone up whilst hitting your 12th ball out of the bunker.

The last point I would make is don't beat yourself up. Short game play is about touch and feel and the more you play the better you will get at judging those things.

Great advice too thanks. Seems the way to go. The course I played on yesterday had a wee practice 130 yard hole complete with bunkers too but it's too far out for me to be a member. Shame. One to ask though in future. My playing partner from yesterday had a wee list of things to keep in mind from their lesson last year. Still helps he said. I'll look into it.

 

[DanFST]

I wouldn't worry too much about short game, It'll just come with playing more often. I have had about a month off after I had a complete blowout and uncharacteristically lost my temper on the course. My touch and feel around the greens has definitely suffered.

Where I am different to most on here is I don't see lessons as integral to getting better on the course for most amateurs or even enjoying your golf more. How many absolutely horrible swings do you see on the course? And how often do they have a respectable handicap? I get on GC2 every 2 months, or if i'm playing badly, but that is it. I don't have the time to try and play off cat 1, so why try and break down and rebuild my swing to get it "perfect".

 

[Paul77]

I wouldn't worry too much about short game, It'll just come with playing more often. I have had about a month off after I had a complete blowout and uncharacteristically lost my temper on the course. My touch and feel around the greens has definitely suffered.

Where I am different to most on here is I don't see lessons as integral to getting better on the course for most amateurs or even enjoying your golf more. How many absolutely horrible swings do you see on the course? And how often do they have a respectable handicap? I get on GC2 every 2 months, or if i'm playing badly, but that is it. I don't have the time to try and play off cat 1, so why try and break down and rebuild my swing to get it "perfect".

I know all about blow outs. I haven't properlly gone over the line but yesterday I felt I let the flow down of the round with a number of sporadic holes. I filmed my swing with the slow-mo iPhone camera and it was the first ever time I was able to see it properlly. I posted it to twitter for kicks and giggles one night.

https://twitter.com/campsiephoto/status/587892473722236928

I should add that I pushed that shot to the right and now that I know I was standing too close to the ball and I've since lined up the ball with the toe of the driver and it's corrected it. Wee things make a big difference and It's that sort of non mind numbing tips I'm after.

 

[DanFST]

That looks a lovely swing for someone who hasn't played in 10 years! :thup:.

Normal shot looks to be a fade? You have to think what you want to achieve in your golf and go from there. But joining a course is a no brainer, you will improve much more than just hitting balls on the range and most importantly it's much more fun.

 

[Paul77]

That looks a lovely swing for someone who hasn't played in 10 years! :thup:.

Normal shot looks to be a fade? You have to think what you want to achieve in your golf and go from there. But joining a course is a no brainer, you will improve much more than just hitting balls on the range and most importantly it's much more fun.

Thanks

I went up the range last night straight after my round but came away feeling it was pointless. If a slight kick out left then coming in just right of target is normal then I'm good lol. Years ago My mates would have called that a slice. My playing partner back in 2005 used to hit a high draw and I loved the look of that shot. I was never able to do it, but it'll have to wait. No point in hitting that if I can't get out a bunker in one shot.

Someone gave me a Cleveland 60 degree wedge, and I can't use it so I'm up for anything I can use in sand and is good for rough around the greens.

 

[Canary_Yellow]

You've got a very nice swing.

I think a couple of short game lessons if you're not sure on technique, otherwise plenty of practice will see you in good shape.

The range can be pointless if you don't have a plan or goal while you're there. I try and spend most of my time hitting 8 iron plus to a variety of targets different distances away - high shots, low shots, half shots, full shots.

Or if I want to practice my all round game, I pretend I'm playing my course - so, driver, 9 iron, chip, driver, pitch, driver, 8 iron, chip, driver, hybrid, chip, etc. rather than just bashing driver after driver or whatever.

 

[rksquire]

.......(average of 217yds) with only a few stray shots on distracted tees. .....

By forum distances I'm guessing that's not bad for (I'm assuming) an 8 iron!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Lessons don't have to be about getting a perfect swing. When I have gone for lessons the pro has worked with how I swing and tweaked it to work better within my limitations. I am looking for a better and cleaner ball strike, more consistency. You may also ask for a lesson on a particular problem, eg hitting a hybrid better or wedge play. You control the lesson, you have paid for it.

 

[Paul77]

By forum distances I'm guessing that's not bad for (I'm assuming) an 8 iron!

That's my driver, however I noticed the stats have been ruined by a wrongly tagged 7Yd shot with the Game Golf app. I forgot to tag the driver at the tee then tagged it before I approached my second shot. Didn't really know how it worked the first time around. lol

Lessons don't have to be about getting a perfect swing. When I have gone for lessons the pro has worked with how I swing and tweaked it to work better within my limitations. I am looking for a better and cleaner ball strike, more consistency. You may also ask for a lesson on a particular problem, eg hitting a hybrid better or wedge play. You control the lesson, you have paid for it.

Looking at the local pro for the course I have in mind to join so it'll be good to see how I get on.

 

[Tiger]

Good luck with it all. I've struggled with my chipping on and off. I had a playing lesson this weekend and my coach has now got me hitting chips with my PW but hitting them like a bump and run. So stand closer and taller like you are putting, heel of the club off the ground and putt the ball.

Each to their own but I find occasional playing lessons help make the game much less infuriating. It's one hour on the course and gives do much more insight than 30 mins on the range.

Enjoy

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Big fan of lessons. Most pros will offer a good deal on a block of them. Get the basics sorted out in a couple then have one on short game, driving and then I thoroughly recommend a playing lesson. A good pro will really open your eyes to what you actually do on the course (and what you should) and give you some ideas on course management to stop some of those horror scores blighting the card

 

[Paul77]

Excellent advice guys thanks.

It's just finding the right tuition. There's a World of Golf close to me and 4 courses on my doorstep too. Are they all trained the same way or is it like driving instructors?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Tricky question. In theory they all go through the same PGA training but like anything, even going back to your school days, some teachers are just better at getting the information across. I tend to favour a pro who has good word of mouth recommendations but it has to be a two way street. They have to understand what you are trying to achieve and I have to understand what he's saying and trying to get me to do. Good communication is vital.

 

[MashieNiblick]

If you struggle with bunkers then I would say absolutely have a lesson on that.

I see so many people struggle out of bunkers simply as a result of not having the right technique to play the shot required. I'm not saying that necessarily applies to you but a pro will show you how to play not just a basic shot but also shots from up-slopes, down-slopes, bare lies, plugged lies, "fried eggs", long ones and little pop up shots, which will give you all the options next time your ball is "on the beach". I did this a few years ago and it transformed my bunker play. Some good videos on YouTube, but no substitute in my view to being shown how to do it in person and get instant feedback from a pro.

 

[Tiger]

Excellent advice guys thanks.

It's just finding the right tuition. There's a World of Golf close to me and 4 courses on my doorstep too. Are they all trained the same way or is it like driving instructors?

I've had three different coaches. My current one is by far the best of the bunch and I'll not be changing. It's a lot about how you get on with your coach and how easy it is for you to understand and apply what they are teaching.

A good rapport is vital, them appreciating your limits is crucial and a feeling they are just as committed to your improvement as you are is essential. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress :thup:

 

[Paul77]

Making want to go ahead and get this sorted now. Going to New York in three weeks and I've picked up a nice wee metacarpals injury the other day so it's likely after NY I'll hit it up. I'll certainly report back with my experiences. Cheers.