Laid up from golf for a while so need some ideas please.

[craigstardis1976]

Unfortunately I am laid up from golf for the foreseeable future. I have some health issues that I do not want to make the focus of my post but they are going to prevent me from playing and practicing for some time. Unfortunately this health issue has somewhat incapacitated me so I cannot even take practice swings, etc.

In just over two years I have gone from beginner to a 12 handicapper and of course my goal is to get into single digits and then remain there.

This past year I have tried different equipment and more or less come back round full circle. A TaylorMade Driver, wood and Hybrid, PING irons and putter and Cleveland wedges. I hand picked them, field tested them and feel as if i have best in class in each category. With matching new grips, I have less than $300 invested. I feel very fortunate to have such good equipment.

So, during this hiatus that may be as long as six months, I want to set some goals from getting to single digits from a 12 handicap and put together a plan of action to do so.

1. I am going to need to build my strength up so with Doctor's advice I am going to build some arm muscles and when I can try to walk upto a couple of miles a day to get my legs in shape, but that is further down the road.

2. I am going to work on perfecting my alignment process as much as I can.

3. I know I could hit my mid irons more accurately and become a better bunker player - so I am going to read Practical Golf by John Jacobs and a book about bunker play by Gary Player as well as look at his online bunker videos to help me out there. Then with my notes use them when I can get back out there again.

4. Re-read Smart Golf by Hale Irwin on the mental side of the game.

5. Read Dave Pelz Short Game and Putting Bible.

But it is not really a cohesive plan. So if anyone has some suggestions of other things to do, other things to read or watch, ideas, etc, I would love to hear them.

Thanks,

Craig.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Craig

Sorry to hear about the incapacity. My season and health were affected back in February onwards and it's been very stop start and struggling to find any consistency. I can see where you are going with your plan, and it's great to absorb as much information as you can but sadly there comes a point where you need to be able to work on what you've learned. Keep working on the fundamentals of grip posture and alignment if you can, especially if you have a mirror you can use.

My advice is stay patient (who wants to play sodden or frozen winter courses) and get back to a fighting state of health and listen to the specialist advice and be ready to be quick out of the blocks next season.

 

[Junior]

Sorry to hear of your health issues. How about a putting mirror and a putting mat at home ? Also, when fit enough, definitely start chipping out in the garden. This will see you to single figures more than any full swing work (just my opinion).

 

[patricks148]

Why not as someone else suggested, work on your putting. that will easily save a few shots per round.

Im no better a ball striker now than i was as a 10 handicap, but i'm a much better putter now

 

[Spear-Chucker]

Sorry to hear that, Craig.

I'd echo others good advice around putting and any short game work if it's feasible. Any physical activity/training that can help flexibility, leg and core strength is perfect for golf too. Ever looked into yoga? Good for life in general and not just golf of course... Can be tailored to many different levels of physical ability too.

Catch up with Bob Rotella's writing and if you're really brave papers on the new(ish) ball flight laws are guaranteed to educate, kill time and help sleep

 

[Farmergeddon]

I have just had a 5 month lay off and spent the time working on my putting, I got a thing called a putting sword,(ebay) its a metre long piece of what looks like lino and the trick is to putt along the length of it, if you do that ok you have hit a straight pure putt.After using the sword. I switched to left hand below right and since coming back and getting used to the speed of the greens I have had 26,25, & 28 putts

 

[DCB]

Having had a very lengthy layoff, I'd say your best bet is to get your health professionals on your side. If you can't make practice swings, it's pretty serious, so, don't push the limits without asking them what you can or can't do. Don't push yourself too far too quickly. Build up slowly and gently get yourself ready for getting a club in your hand. I was fortunate that my rehab folks bought into what I said I'd try and do. Took a long time and a lot of effort but it is worth it in the end.

 

[craigstardis1976]

Thank you everyone it has really helped focus my mind during what is a stressful time.

Right now I am more or less confined to an armchair and its going to be a while before I an even putt, but I am going to talk to my Doctor about what stretching I can do, this is an excellent idea, thank you.

I also will check up on some of the reading materials. Can anyone suggest a book that will help cement the most common rules of golf in my head?

Many thanks,

Craig.

 

[mikejohnchapman]

I have 15 months out with a bad shoulder injury so I sympathise. The consultant said I would never play again after the operation but I am back and playing to 5 so where there's a will !!!!!!

I thought I would like to referee if I couldn't play so initially got the new illustrated rules book which was quite readable (compared with the rules and decisions books). There is an online rules course on the R&A website which gets you to level 1 and some quizes that are good practice.

I ended up taking the level 2 course via the R&A which is not for the faint hearted but was something to focus on.

Good luck.

 

[craigstardis1976]

I have 15 months out with a bad shoulder injury so I sympathise. The consultant said I would never play again after the operation but I am back and playing to 5 so where there's a will !!!!!!

I thought I would like to referee if I couldn't play so initially got the new illustrated rules book which was quite readable (compared with the rules and decisions books). There is an online rules course on the R&A website which gets you to level 1 and some quizes that are good practice.

I ended up taking the level 2 course via the R&A which is not for the faint hearted but was something to focus on.

Good luck.

Thank you, Sir. I shall check it out!

 

[pokerjoke]

Sorry to hear of your plight Craig but fair play on staying positive as there will be light at the end of the tunnel.

I suppose keeping strong and staying focussed on your goal will get you through so I suggest lots of reading and lots of PMA books[good luck on your return to full health.