Scratch Challenge - Blog

[AuburnWarrior]

The cause is mainly for charity. And being a [****] golfer getting down that low is going to mean every minute outside of work will be practise. Anyway, respect to your opinions. As mentioned, I only put the blog link on here as a few people asked me to when I posted. If you don't want to read it then don't, but I'm sure there are better things to do with your time than having a pop at someone trying to do something for a good cause. And yes I've played a 9 handicapper and scratch, you're right on the gap in standard, getting to a 9 doesn't worry me at all...

You never stated that your underlying motive is one of charity!

As I said, best of luck, I wish you well but every month we get someone on here who plays off 20+ and wants to be off scratch by the end of the year! They set up a blog and want everyone to follow it.

As has been said, if you're doing a blog then you've got to make sure there's stuff in it that people can't get elsewhere. Unfortunately, your writings will be what every other golfer on here is doing at the club/course. Tour players blogs are different as they offer an insight into a world that we will never experience.

I wish you well with your blog and your aim but, as I stated at the start, we've already got about a dozen blogs of people already on here - why should we follow yours??? Give us a cracking sales pitch and you might get some followers......the charity angle is good but we've already got a forum member's blog with a heavy leaning towards H4H......

 

[Tiger]

Good luck with it. My only advice is to get yourself an analytics account so you can see what things turn people off and what things don't.

I get 130 unique visitors a month which is probably about 80/90 people as many look at the internet on more than one device.

I guess mine's a bit like Eastenders in that it makes people feel better about their own golf. I do think about jacking it in from time to time but get the occasional message/comment that keeps me going.

Maybe I should change my blog title to feckinguselessatgolf.blogspot.com... it would be more fitting

I know what people are saying about the proliferation and USP. When Bogey asked me to join forces with him there weren't many out there but now there are loads... I also thought I'd have made more progress than I have but actually I have been a big fat, dirty, soiled, skidmarked, crusty and slightly whiffy bag of pants! Golf. Is. Hard.



Maybe I'll start a new sport and blog...

robinhood.blogspot.com

Novice to Olympic archer in five years...I've always fancied going to Brazil! Anyone know if there is an Archery Monthly publication?

 

[Piece]

If you're serious, then Mongoose's advice is the best I've read in a long time. I'd also add that you need to source a good and trusted pro - get strong recommendations. Not all pros are the same...

 

[Mongoose]

Cookie - As my ramble was well received may I continue with some other things that occured to me today while getting hammered in a friendly social with the new trainee pro....

- All the really good players I've played with (low Cat 1's and + handicapper Am's, and good club and playing Pro's) are excellent at distance control in all aspects of their game. They may miss right or left but most shots go about the correct distance. Of course that is partly a factor of having a repeatable solid technique in all aspects of the game, but also their understanding and skill in shot selection, club selection, and very importantly understanding the effects of wind and the lie of the ball. So I would add this to the list of tasks to accomplish, which wont be easy, in fact it will be very difficult. But a focus on distance control will stand you in very good stead when you get to the Cat 1 area.

- Use whatever clubs you like until you get to the stage of a consistent repeatable swing. That will probably be around single figures. THEN get fitted for clubs and shafts. Up to then your swing and game will be changing a lot with all the practice you put in, and fitting will become a moving target, which will surely distract you i.e. becoming equipment fixated. Once your technique is established then get clubs that are fitted and work for you, then stick with them unless there are pressing reasons to change.

- While your ultimate aim is a handicap one, to get to 0.4, play every round as a scratch round. Think scratch golf. When someone asks you what you scored, answer your gross score. Net and Stab points should not be part of your thinking or vocabulary. Think and play like a scratch golfer, even if you cant make those scores yet, it will get you in the habit of thinking like a good golfer does.

- Get this Bobby Jones quote engraved on a bag tag, or tattoo'd on the back of your hand: “It is nothing new or original to say that golf is played one stroke at a time. But it took me many years to realise it.”

Thats it for now! Hey, just thinking that if I'd followed all my own advice I could have been quite good

 

[Robobum]

Good posts Mongoose the only bit I would disagree with is abandoning things like pairs, scrambles etc. Clubs are normally very proud of their good players. By appearing to good or aloof to be playing in these things will lose you some support, encouragement and interest from the members.

It's also good to just play for fun every now and then.

 

[Cookie]

I had my best session on the range today after tweaking my grip, I've been playing a strong grip with an open stance for years without realising it. My new pro is a genius. Hitting it straighter cleaner longer every time. That's the most encouraging session of my life and it already feels more natural. Very encouraging comments from the pro. Looking forward to my first medal on Saturday now! The hard work is really paying off.

Thanks again for your time Mongoose - I like the B George quote but I don't quite fully understand it yet, I am sure it will click soon. And yes I always think of my gross score although I've got too used to match play. After today's range session I am looking forward to Saturday's medal. To be honest, I'm absolutely buzzing tonight. Apologies for adrenaline fuelled posting.

 

[Mongoose]

Bobby George was a footballer I think! All his quote really means is to put aside what has happened so far and just concentrate on the shot in hand. Far too many golfers are still wrapped up in the previous shot if it was a poor one, in a mood, in a temper, moaning etc, and the converse also happens, becoming overly optimistic and unrealistic after hitting a good shot. And this effects their next shot. You have to let it go and play one shot at a time, being as impartial as possible.

Robobum - I am not suggesting that our friend become aloof and not participate in supporting his club, but that until he's well on his way to achieving his goal his available golf time is best spent practicing and playing counting comps. Once he has achieved his goal (or not!) there is a lifetime for doubles, scrambles and the rest! Of course any invites to play for his club scratch team should always be honored.

Oh, and another "pearl of wisdom", which isn't mine, that is one of the best tips I have read - never hit a shot you couldnt pull off twice in a row.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Welcome to the world of blog. Like a lot of things on here they tend to polarise opinion but stick with it. I like to read a good few of them ans it gives me hopes and sometimes gives a fresh look at the same problems I face. I do think you need to add pictures to the post though to break it up and maybe get some more stuff up about the charity side of things etc. Keep at it and I look forward to reading your next posts and seeing the handicap tumble

 

[Cookie]

Thanks Homer. The blog page is being changed to a website by weekend and I have a 100 holes in a day charity raiser I am doing hopefully with ex footballers Tommy Johnson - that's on 20th June and will provide pictures etc. Once it's a website I will do more with it. I appreciate the tips, genuinely. I wished I'd held fire announcing it, till it was more ready, but I can't change that now. I am going to try and make it reader friendly and interesting in more ways.

 

[upinsmoke]

I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Also, very good posts Mongoose

 

[RGDave]

I only started it as people on here asked me to start one after I wrote my first lengthy post.

We did?