Which goes first...

[Imurg]

When you have a lay-off like DCB's just had, either injury or time constraints, which part of your game disappears first? Or takes longer to come back (if they all take a holiday!) Long game, short game or putting?

When I had a 5 year lay-off it was the short game that really hurt me. On my return I spent most of my practise on the short game which is probably why its reasonable. Nowadays, if I don't play for 2-3 weeks the short game always takes a little longer to get going than the rest of it.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Definitely the touch on and around the greens. Feel is something you can only gather through regular play. Mind you a few rounds and it soon starts to come back.

 

[DCB]

I'll tell you next week. It's all gone at the moment !

 

[Imurg]

I'll tell you next week. It's all gone at the moment !

Figured it might have - hence the post!!

 

[RGuk]

I took years off, and despite being back 17 months, things are still not quite right. Initially it was the long game but once that was getting me round OK, I realised that the 3 or 4 shots MORE I take these days could easily be wiped out with a sharper short game. It's not bad, as such, but a mixture of "indifferent" chips and not making many 6-12 footers just about sums it up. Whereas before, I'd chip/pitch balls to within 4' and make the putt, these days it's more like over 5-6' and be happy to 2 putt. Shame really, but it'll come back.

 

[TonyN]

I lose my short game after just a couple of weeks. It usually only takes a few hours to get back though.
Since I started playing I think 3 weeks is the longest I have gone with out playing at all. When I did return it was like starting from scratch. Didnt take long to get my swing back but took ages to get any good again.

 

[USER1999]

Putting. I haven't been on the greens since November, til yesterday, and my silky smooth putting stroke has disintegrated, to the point where I am making Sergio look good. Oh dear, I am in trouble.

Hopefully by Goswick I will be back. May need to break out the putting mat.

 

[theeaglehunter]

My long game goes first, however comes back quicker.

The reason for this is I don't have a short game to loose, or bring back.

 

[rgs]

Personally i think your short game is the first to suffer after a lay off. Usually returns after a few rounds.

 

[flandango]

My short game suffered after a 10 year lay off (wasn't supprised) I havn't played in 4 weeks as all local courses have been closed. I have been hitting the range 3 times a week which is going well. Learning some new shots and groving my swing. Cant wait to get out there a play. Maybe next week.

 

[TWM]

Well I took 25 years off and came back at age 73.
Everything was gone and it took a number of lessons to get any part working again. I was always short and now advancing years and dodgy health make me shortest on the course.
I concentrate on being straight and get there eventually. Good putting often rescues my score.