Yesterdays round with a high handicapper

[Mark_G]

Well yesterday I went round my club course with an experienced high handicapper, and it was a real eye opener. The biggest difference I noticed was his reading of the course, and his totally straight shots, even his putting was great. Whilst I was zigzagging down 50% of the fairways he was dead straight, not as far, but dead straight. It showed me how far I have to go before I even attempt to get a handicap, a great learning experience, and I have already asked him to play again. I played ok for me but the round was ruined by a 13 and a 11, both of which are on holes I struggle with, so I am going to use my friends experience to be much more cautious on those two holes next time, (5 x 100 yard irons and two putts would only give me 7), is there any advice on how to cope with problem holes?

 

[Imurg]

When I have a problem hole, I'll try to play it normally and really concentrate on each shot. If that doesn't work then I change strategy. I'm not afraid to play 2 x 6 irons to the green rather than ,say, 3 wood/ wedge if that's not working. Don't be afraid to experiment if things go ti#s-up!

 

[toffeeboy70]

what i found was when i first started all i was bothered about was how far i could hit the ball and how quick i could get to the green, then i started going round in a fourball with 3 guys who are single figure players then i soon found out it was all about thinking about what your doing and not putting everything into trying to nail it,so just step back and have little think about the shot, do you really need to hit driver ,3 wood ,wedge, when you could hit driver and 2 seven irons, i'm sure you will get much better by going round with thw low handicapper,pick his brains on the way round i'm sure he will be happy to help you as my friends do with me, stick in and have fun

 

[BROOKIE]

I did'nt use my driver once yesterday,and I have to say I only missed one fairway,because of the windy conditions I
thought I would just think more about my gameplan,the result
being only 2 three putts in my round,my gross score of 81,
67 net,did well with my irons from 120 yards in,so hopefully
I can do abit better

 

[Fyldewhite]

Welcome to the art of course management. Sometimes the older boys who hit it 170 max but straight are very good when it comes to this (ladies too). They have loads of experience so playing with them will be a good idea to start with.

 

[chris661]

Welcome to the art of course management. Sometimes the older boys who hit it 170 max but straight are very good when it comes to this (ladies too). They have loads of experience so playing with them will be a good idea to start with.

Once played as a three ball behind a group of 4 ladies we managed to keep in touch with them for the first three holes then the next time we seen them was in the clubhouse, not long but straight while we were in the rough a couple(lots) of times. Makes all the difference

 

[jammydodger]

Which holes are you having probs with ? Was it the hill or valley course ? I live just up the road from your course and my F-in-L was a founder member there and my missus used to pick up all the stones/rocks when she was a little girl.

 

[Mark_G]

Which holes are you having probs with ? Was it the hill or valley course ? I live just up the road from your course and my F-in-L was a founder member there and my missus used to pick up all the stones/rocks when she was a little girl.

Its the Hill, the 9th, the 15th and sometimes the 13th. I scored 119 last week, 118 this week but wasted 20 shots just on those two holes both times. I am at Chris Potters range 1 or 2 nights a week practicing and taking lessons at BB, but they are starting to become a pain, they arent even that technical. Your wife did a wonderful job by the way.

 

[brendy]

To be honest if you are taking more than an 8 and it is only a run round, I wouldnt bother finishing out 11's and 13's. When I was a learner, I used my driver etc, looking back I should have used a 3 or 5 wood off the longer holes and a longish iron off the shorter ones. If a hole was wide open and long then there is no reason not to use the driver. You have to get used to one eventually if you want to play to a competent level. Plenty of practice and lesson time will help no end though.

 

[Mark_G]

I know Brendy but if I dont count all the shots then I feel I am not playing the game, I keep practicing anyway.

 

[brendy]

If there are guys behind you counting them too, they wont be long in letting you know if you are being slow. If it isnt a qualifying round, there is no shame in not finishing out, others will thank you for it.

 

[Mark_G]

Thats not a problem, as I always play at quiet times and am quite happy to let people play through if they catch up.

 

[Losttheplot]

Ref the OP, don't forget you will receive 1 or 2 shots per hole so don't think about it being a par 5 and you have to get there and in the hole in 5, think of it as a par 7.

When I was at your level I used to try and play every hole as a scratch golfer and try to drop on shots. It just doesn't work like that, especially at a higher handicap level.

If you try and play to your handicap and imagine all of the shots you receive are added to the par for the hole, I think you will be very surprised on how much easier and less stressful each hole becomes.

The times you shoot below your handicap on a hole you just have to smile and say well done to yourself and move onto the next hole. At no point try and say 'well I nett birdied it last week' and EXPECT to do it all the time.
Just take each hole as it comes and if you have a few good holes per round then you might suprise yourself as you see your handicap come down.

Just to add, I still have that mindset that 8 holes I get an extra shot and I try to play with that in mind. If I nett birdie it then happy days. If I nett par it then that's fine, it's to my handicap.

I've rambled on... Sorry

 

[Golfmmad]

When I first started playing I'd always count every shot, (always played when it was quiet too), all I wanted to do was to beat my last round score. I think it's a good way to start as it gives you a little focus and always leaves you wanting to come back for more. Then once you start scoring at around 100 enter the competitions - stablefords first and when confidence grows enter the medals.

Golfmmad.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Not got a problem with anyone wanting to finish a hole and keep track of their score providing there isn't anyone waiting behind. It sounds like this guy is wised up on etiquette and would have called players through so why not count the bad and the good. I think the OP just needs to look at the older members of his clubs. Many won't hit more than 170 yards but most will hit every fairway. For them most holes are par 5's (18 x = 90 and even off 18 handicap a net 72 will be competitive at a lot of places) and they usually have exceptional short games too.

Look at where the mistakes are being made and I bet you are repeating the same ones thinking "this week I'll show the hole who's boss". Take a step back and see if 3 (or 4) mid irons wouldn't do the job as well as a drive and a mid iron

 

[Mark_G]

Lost, Golf and Homer, you are all exactly right, I am comparing my scores and aiming for par on all the holes, (way above my abilities), I also am checking and trying to analyse my scores from each round, (my only round on my own I scored 105), and yes I am trying to beat the hole. In fact I can almost predict my entire route down the fairway to the two problem holes. A different approach is definitely required, thanks guys for the positive advice.