Know Your Distances

[HomerJSimpson]

OK let me get something off my chest and into general consumption. I still think the original nature of the post was how can I put it "direct" but the content of this and all the others Alchemy has posted have been spot on. There was even one with a short game link which has helped my pitching enormously.

I have nothing against the guy and we have swapped PM's and I think/hope we both know where each other was coming from. My post regarding the whole GPS episode was worded as such so as not to relight the embers of that particularly passionate debate and didn't give any consideration to any newbie joining since who missed that particulart ding dong. My mistake.

I want to encourage and keep as many newbies as possible on here and with the exception of the spammers and this post think I do my best to welcome everyone. Indeed I made a real effort with Mono who did more than ruffle a few feathers when he joined and has now developed into a good honest and regular poster.

I hope this clears the matter up and we can get back to the topic. Thank you for your time.

 

[Leftie]

Keep the tips and obversations coming mate. To my mind it doesn't matter one jot if some people have come across some of them before. If they have then it may act as a reminder to them, if they haven't then they are most valuable and could just make that difference we are looking for.

Tbh, when I say your name I hoped that there will be that little gem from you that would transmute my base game into something golden

 

[Herbie]

Alchemy, just carry on, I visited this site before joining many many times so Im sure others will including novice golfers who may not have the nerve to join in but will gain from the tips on here. Any tip from a good golfer is worth listening to and worth being in print for others to view. When new people come to this site they very very rarely read way way back in threads so its good for anyone to publish and re-publish tips and advice. Ive been here a little while now but Im buggered if I can remember all the stuff I have read let alone stuff I havent. Right or wrong you are doing a good thing Alchemy and I hope you dont get p****d off and go elsewhere.

 

[captgray]

I have just joined this site and am a new golfer handicap clubs and balls though they say 28.
Ive read many interestings posts and this one on distance has made me think has I strike my rescue hybrid well and my driver not bad but my short game and irons less so.
I dont hit 150yards with my 7 iron and probably hit 100-120 although ive been told in the summer it will be different.
So any advice is useful. I have found relaxing with the driver and hybrid makes the ball go. With the irons I dont seem to hit it well at all probably tensing up and trying to hit it too hard along with lifting the head etc.
So as a newbie these forums help us and to answer one question when you new you dont know things and have to ask for help. Some golfers are helpful and realise you are dead keen and wnat to play well and learn others just look at you as though you are a piece of dirt. We all had to start somewhere im having a few lessons which has proved invaluable so thanks alchemy and all you old hands who help us new golfers long may it continue.
Ps any one wants a game with a hacker who wnats to learn and play well contact me I play at west malling.

In the bag
Taylor r5
Yonex cyberstar M11 3 w 7w
Ben sayers M8 rescue 24"
Yonex vmass 260s
Ping C67 putter

Graham

 

[haplesshacker]

Despite what some may think. Any perspective, regardless of skill or ability is welcome on here, regardless if it's been discussed before. In the year or so since I joined certain topics do come around quite regularly. I don't have a problem with that as 'noobs' can join in, us 'oldies' on here have had a chance to use the kit, and so might have a different perspective on it when compared to an earlier thread.

'Teaching' sport is a very difficult skill, and it's underated by those that don't do it as a profession. I know, I've spent several years doing it. Trying to do it through this medium is probably the hardest way to achieve it. Lets face it, how many 'misunderstandings' have happened because of how something has come across in the written word on here.

When I joined this site, I just jumped in, no intro, no who am I, no where I play, but I was made to feel welcome.

I can understand why some might think it's a bit cliquey, but any 'clubhouse' is like that, regardless of sport, hobby or pastime. I know that 'making friends' is difficult, but if someone walked into the yacht club shouting his mouth off, he'd get the cold shoulder he deserves. I know, I was once like that as a teenage know it all! Regardless of their ability. Maybe, just maybe, there's a bit of that happening here.

I don't know if ths forum is being used as a quest for popularity by some, because they lack something in their 'real' lives, or if there is a 'power' struggle. But I think we need to take a step back and just let things quieten down a little. This is not the first post of mine regarding this (feel the love!).

If this continues I can see GM wondering why they're bothering.

You might think that I'm sitting on the fence, especially considering Friday nights debarcle, but I'm not taking sides on this one. Particularly as I might be viewed as one of the clique!!

 

[haplesshacker]

Back on topic.

Yes it has been discussed last summer, when Homer went to great lengths describing how he went about it with his SkyCaddie.

But who really searches the forum anyway.

If we are to welcome 'noobs', we (as in the 'oldies'), must allow them to restart topics under they're own steam as a new post.

Maybe it's just the way some people come across that grinds, rather than the actual topic. Maybe that's just their style, as I have learnt over the last couple of days.

Let it ride over you, and take the post for what it is. It might be useful to you.

I know it's something I should do, but in general terms my clubs go in reverse order. The less loft a club has, the less distance it goes.

 

[Herbie]

Well said hapless.

 

[Tommo21]

I’ve been involved in forums for many a year and this is nothing, absolutely nothing, compared to what I’ve come across. I think it does good to have the odd tiff now and then. It weeds out the chaff and it brings out peoples strengths and sometimes bad points. But isn’t that what it’s about, we’re not here to agree or scratch peoples backs or we would be wasting our time when you think about it. One mans meat is another’s poison and all that. I’m sure one or two people on here write things down differently to what they would say in conversation. Basher said “I know there is often a clique on here” I cant say I’ve noticed. Yes you can get the same people posting back and forward on a subject as if they’re the only ones on here. But in my experience that’s usually because others don’t get involved, for whatever reason, rather than being a clique.

 

[haplesshacker]

Gotta agree with you about this forum being quite polite though. One sailing forum I used to take part in was open warfare, and boy did that have it's cliques!!

But what we do have to bear in mind is that this forum, first and foremost is a marketing tool for GM. Not directly, but indirectly. It is not a independant forum, and therefore sometimes we have to mind our p's and q's.

Gm does an astounding amount for this forum, more recently the introduction of a new double page spread in (I believe) Aprils mag for the first time. Maybe some of the new guys aren't aware of this, or maybe they're just too aware of it!!

I'm all for debate, but please just bear in mind that we can't see each others reactions to how something has been typed.

ps I know that I'll still be 'upsetting' people depite trying to be 'careful'!!

 

[bobmac]

Think I'll just keep quiet, it's safer

 

[TonyN]

Where do I start?

Alchemy, I thought your post was excellent. I didnt feel the need to make comment initially because I know roughly what I hit my irons and thought as good as the post is, I dont need the advice, but others might. CARRY ON WHAT YOU ARE DOING, MANY WILL BENEFIT.

Its been said a few times before but i will say it again. The same posts will pop up over and over again. The advantage is, as we grow stronger, advice, views, opinions (and sadly insults) will also grow stronger too, its just to be expected. This has also been said before but i will also say it again. Its probably best saying nothing rather than shooting a post down in flames.

Bobmac and Alchemy, you are both what this forum needs, and as a long(ish) standing member, I feel very greatful to have you both on board and I hope to the golfing gods above that you both stick around for a long time to come.

I love to see noobs getting involved and will welcome genuine user with open arms. (anyone spamming is just fair game)

Thankyou for the offer of a game by the way, I shall definitly be taking you up on it and I look forward to it! Hopefully I will learn atleast something from you.

Peace, Out!

 

[Imurg]

But who really searches the forum anyway.

Hear Hear, Hapless.
Try searching GPS and then wade through the hundreds of posts you find.

Keep the advice coming I say. A lot of it doesn't interest me (pathological fear of golf instruction!) but there may be something that does and it must help somebody! And views change over time - you never know even Herb may come round to GPS one day!!(Tongue firmly in cheek, preparing to run )

 

[TonyN]

Imurg, when I joined this forum, I was very much against GPS, anyone who used one was a cheat as far as I was concerned.

Funny enough it was Homer who changed my mind!

 

[John_Findlay]

While we're on the subject... am I the only one on here who uses a laser? I know they're expensive.. but boy they're accurate.

 

[Herbie]

But who really searches the forum anyway.

Hear Hear, Hapless.
Try searching GPS and then wade through the hundreds of posts you find.

Keep the advice coming I say. A lot of it doesn't interest me (pathological fear of golf instruction!) but there may be something that does and it must help somebody! And views change over time - you never know even Herb may come round to GPS one day!!(Tongue firmly in cheek, preparing to run )

whatever gave you the idea I dont like them?

I'd probably have one if they were 50 quid

 

[bobmac]

Dam Tony.
Now you are going to have to widen the door so that me and Alchemy can get through it.
Seriously though.
I can't speak for Alchemy (does anyone know his real name)
Personally, in 1975 I played off 2. I joined the Royal Air Force and spent 22 years travelling the world enjoying some great golf on some great golf courses and generally having a ball.
The worst part was watching golfers playing great golf courses but having a miserable time because their game was not as good as they hoped.
It was frustrating because they were making basic mistakes which I knew I could help them fix.
When I left the RAF, after a short spell of doing not alot, I decided to turned pro so I could learn how to teach properly and maybe make a few bob at the same time.
Now I have my dream job.
People pay me money to talk to them about their golf swings and as an end result, they play better golf and ENJOY THEIR GOLF MORE.
My greatest buzz is when someone comes up to me a week after a lesson and says "that thing you taught me....it works. I'm not scared of that bunker shot or the chip over water or whatever it is.
If the truth were known, I'd do it for nothing (Dont tell my members that)
At the moment my course has been closed for a week due to you know what(and its snowing here again) so here I am helping you guys for nothing. I love it really.
If anyone has found my tips a help please send a cheque to the following address
Calls may be recoreded and charged at extortionate rates and terms and conditions apply.
Does anyone have a relative in Dubaii who needs any golf lessons?
Ok Tony, you can close the door now

 

[TonyN]

Bobmac, I have friends in Dubai, My best mates sister lives there, her B/F's dad owns his own tobaco company, I was told to bring my golf clubs next time I visited, you coming?

 

[bobmac]

Bobmac, I have friends in Dubai, My best mates sister lives there, her B/F's dad owns his own tobaco company, I was told to bring my golf clubs next time I visited, you coming?

He owns a fag shop near a golf course ?
Does the sister own a brewery?
Book me up.
I was going to play with Alchemy but he has already got his 4 ball organised and I dont fancy giving him 2 shots around his own track
See you at Heathrow
PS Can I bring my GF. She's off 18

 

[viscount17]

Alchemy, as far as I'm concerned keep it coming. OK some I've heard before - doesn't mean I can do it and repetition is no bad thing.

Just wish I had a grass area to do this, knocking 20 at a time on each hole seems to upset some groups. Strange that.

 

[Cernunnos]

To add my tupence-h'penny....

I'd really advise anyone to know the extents in distances with each iron & not simply just the mid/average distance.

For instance, (now I'm just going to pick figures out of the air for a moment) you know the average distance of say your 7 iron for the sake of argument is 150 yards, but when meassuring out distances for that iron, then there will be a fair amount of shots that will be at 155 yards & maybe a couple that reach 160, then there will be a whole host that dont make the 150 mark & say only reach 145, whith perhaps the odd one miss hit & only going 140 out of say hitting 20 balls.

If most of them are reaching that 150 yards, then there is little issue with saying your 7 iron goes exactly 150, but its probably best for most to think of a window of distance for a 7 iron or whatever.

So, going by the hypothetical distances above the window for the 7 iron would be 145 to 155. Go up to the 6 iron go through the same process & there is bound to be a slight overlap

You could say for that 7 iron its 150 plus or minus 5 yards, but with that in mind a player will know the extent of his or her capabilities with that iron.

In this age of GPS, if we know the extent of the greens we are hitting to.... (Front & back), then it should be fairly easy to come up with what club we need, assuming we also take into account variable like wind, time of year, slope & barrametric pressure.

All said & done, whether or not we've meassured our distances by pacing out, GPS or any other method. If we don't have access to GPS or anything else many of us are more than capable of seeing instinctively a distance without needing to know a numerative figure & know what club we need for what we see before us. I mean, what do you think we all did before golf holes were meassured in yards, metres, paces or whatever. All this comes from experience.

What I'm getting at is we don't nesessarily need to know a hole is 150 yards or 190 yards to know we are going to need a 7 iron or a 4 iron, we can with experience see that the shot is a 7 iron or a 4 iron.

How many times have any of us come to a hole taken one look at the green from the tee box, looked at the yardage on the score card or by the tee point & said to themselves no way is that xxx yards & used the club they see as the shot before them.