January statistics

So the end of month one draws to a close and a week long break with the family and of course the endless snow played havoc with my practice schedule. I am keeping track of my progress on the Scoresaver 2 statistics package and every month will be letting you know what the stats say. This month includes all data since I began playing in August and will serve as the baseline for the coming months.

One thing the stats won't reflect is the amount of time I have spent reading, which has definitely helped me think more about the mental side of my game. Anyway without further ado the stats.

The novice strikes back

It wasn't spectacular or a particularly special jaunt round the par three. But after my disastrous last outing I needed to put some demons to bed. I'm still not pleased with how I played with my putting the only stand out component of my game. Chipping still needs major work, particularly my technique.

Playing with just three clubs I often didn't have as much choice meaning I was consistently short of the green on well struck shots. I'd then hit two horrendous chips before putting it close from way off the green.

In fact I only took a total of 14 putts the trouble was the 20 shots between the putting and the tee shot. In the end I carded a 43 an ok round, demons banished and a very clear idea of how I need to improve. The novice had struck back...

Longridge Deluxe Multi Cup Putting Mat: Equipment review

I was still debating whether to buy a putting mat or not when the in-laws kindly obliged and got me one for Christmas. The challenge I have is that the only carpet in the house I could practice on was outside the littl'uns bedroom and I doubt his mother (or him for that matter) would have been very forgiving of my night time putting practice.

The mat is a beast 9 foot by 3 foot and is currently living in the garage as it was too big to conceal under our gargantuan sofa. The other problem is the hazard and cup inserts are simply the cutouts flipped over and crudely painted. This means that whilst the mat is in use they can move out of position and almost certainly need to be repositioned if you roll it up.

From the not that sublime to the utterly ridiculous!

I'm at centre parcs this week with the family. Playing havoc with my practice as my golf has been limited by my better half. However, I managed to get dispensation to nip off and play the par three. After my performance at the range I had high expectations. This was probably my first mistake. If it wasn't, not taking my time certainly was.

This was my first time playing on my own and it wasn't a joyous experience. So last time out I hit 38, didn't hit any GIR but then had great chipping practice. This time...52...yes you heard me correctly fifty blinking two!!!! That is my worst score ever!

Dream On: Book review

Dream On: One Hacker's Challenge to Break Par in a Year, John Richardson 
(Blackstaff Press, 2009)

I'm a big fan of drunken, challenge books. For years my favourite book was 'Round Ireland with a Fridge' by Tony Hawks. The sheer lunacy of the challenge, his humour and the Irish charm won a place in my heart forever. In fact I should really dig that out and read it again. Based on this 'Dream On, seemed to be perfect. This book had the potential to provide me with a blueprint for my own challenge as well as the promise of being a thoroughly entertaining read. However, this posed problems as I was unable to divorce wanting to learn some secrets of how I could lop several shots off my score from just enjoying John's story. In retrospect I've decided that the consequent level of expectation placed on this book was unfair and as a result I' ve split this review in two halves: fun and fact.

Let's kick off with the fun. John is a little bit barking and 100% honest. The honesty really struck a chord with me, especially as his imaginary golfing companion Seve referred to him quite frequently as "a dick". For a large part of the book John does make some catastrophically bad decisions principally his love affair with his driver and his failure to practice his putting or take advantage of free golf lessons from the resident professional. There were times I felt like screaming out loud, but fortunately Seve would normally appear and simply state "Meester Richardson, you are a dick". At which point could relax, allow the throbbing vein in my forehead to stop pumping so violently and return to the journey.

You see in my eyes, possibly more than most, I needed John to succeed and as he constantly derailed his efforts I became increasingly exasperated. It is a fantastic story and there are a number of moments I think almost all golfers can relate to, though I doubt my relationship would ever survive a sledgehammer in the living room. It is also fitting that the heroine of the book isn't Debbie the golf pro at John's course, but his long suffering wife Lesley and his daughter Aimee (who has some choice words to say about two thirds through the book).

Moving onto the fact and I have to be honest here, this book does not have any massive revelations in terms of how to lop shots off your score. What it does very well is accurately reflect the demons that battle all golfers who neglect their short game in pursuit of the perfect drive. I've deliberately protected myself from this by refusing to have any woods in my bag in year one of the challenge, but having read some of Bogey's posts and regular visits to my driving range, I know that this is a malaise that affects amateur golfers everywhere. John's other problem was his desperation to try anything to find a miracle cure from watching countless old videotapes, to swinging a sledgehammer in the living room. Often this left to a conflicting myriad of distractions when really he should have spent more time with Debbie, his golf pro. He readily acknowledges this throughout the book and though it didn't have any laugh out loud moments, his reflections did crack more than the odd smile.

I did feel however that John bended the rules of the challenge somewhat, with unlimited range balls and golf lessons. This in addition to the fact that he had played before and achieved a handicap of 15 meant that he wasn't really starting from 'scratch'. However, that aside the task remained enormous and the gusto he displayed in pursuing it when all round people were doubting him is a credit to his character.

John has now created the break par blueprint, for anyone seeking help in improving their game. I'm following my own game plan for the time being, but when things get desperate (as they inevitably will) I may well be registering...or perhaps I'll just buy a sledgehammer!

My rating 80%

To buy the book click on the image below:



ISBN 9780856408410

Comments:

John Richardson
Hey my friend. Thanks for this. If you contact me on the email address I’ll give you whatever help I can. Cheers (and best of luck!) John

Tiger
Thanks John, I may well come calling when the season gets underway in Spring. Good luck with your blueprint project. T

Breakthroughs (yes plural!)

Well I enjoyed just over three hours of golf today and have made (I hope) some real progress. First a bit of warm up practice and the ball just kept going straight, a couple with slight fade, but a dispersion of about 4 metres from PW - 6 iron. My pro was suitably impressed with my progress especially as the last two changes of grip and removing overhinge were still in place and working well.

V-Easy: Equipment review

You will have gathered from earlier posts that I have shunned all that is long about the game of golf. So it will come as no surprise that most of my purchases have been books, training aids and clubs for my short game. Kicking us off is the V-Easy invented by PGA professional Bob McArthur. This three-in-one training aid should have a place in everyone's bag, read on to find out why.

Simple to look at the V-Easy is kept closed by two magnets in the legs. This attention to detail runs throughout the product that also contains a rubberised hinge to grip your club shaft.

My teaching pro spent several hundred pounds on a different, and distinctly massive, device that you and club are fitted into. Once 'locked' inside the device restricts wrist movement and promotes rocking of the shoulders when putting. The result a smoother, repeatable putting stroke.

By comparison, the two legs of the V-Easy open out and slot under the arms, while the club rests on the hinge. The result? A smoother, repeatable putting stroke. When I showed my pro he almost cried. At only a fraction of the price this is a lightweight, portable and extremely effective training aid that you can use at home or on the putting green.

But it gets better. You can also use a lofted club to help you work on those delicate chips from the fringe. I found this really useful in helping me learn the backswing distances required for use of my 8 iron. The V-Easy ensured I had sound technique so all I needed to focus on was learning the length of back and through swings for a variety of distances.

But wait there's more. Open the legs and place it on the floor and position a ball at the tip. Use the two sight dots near the hinge to align your shot, the coloured stripes on the legs to align your feet and you can resolve any alignment issues you may have. My two regular playing partners are chomping at the bit for a quiet day on the par 3 course to give it a go. I did have some problems using the alignment function, mainly owing to my gargantuan, oversized, clumsy, yeti feet that kept kicking the blinking thing out of position.

This shouldn't distract from what is a great product that sits happily in my bag waiting diligently for putting and chipping practice. It also doubles up by holding my towel rather than looping it over my 3 iron.

To find out more or to buy the V-Easy go to:

www.v-easy.co.uk

Rating: 87%

Comments:

Bob
Hi Tiger. Thanks for the write-up of my V-Easy, I’m glad you like it. I hope it helps you with your project to get down to scratch.
All the best, Bob McArthur

Living room golf

When the snow was falling, the courses were shut and the golfing fraternity was cursing meteorological analysts for the bleak outlook, I satisfied my thirst for golf (to a degree) by playing Tiger Woods 2010 on the Wii.

Last night the missus and I went to the cinema to watch the luscious, 3d action spectacular that is Avatar, which among other highlights includes a joyous and deliberate demonstration of 3d technology with a putting scene.

Experts believe that by the year 2014 the majority of homes will contain a 3D television and this got me thinking. Take the ground breaking Wii motion plus technology that has made Tiger Woods 2010 the greatest console simulation of golf, ever. Hone it and develop it. Add 3D tv technology and we could all possibly have the ultimate, fun golf training aid in the comfort of our own living room?

Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible: Book review

Dave Pelz's Short Game Bible, Dave Pelz 
(Auram, 1999)

At school I was a tad small, 5' 4" at the age of 16, then I grew a foot, filled out and became a much more physical sportsman. I took up rugby at Uni, playing flanker/second row with a couple of outings for the Uni weekend side and continued to play uni football turning first into a solid centre back and then a powerful centre forward. However, in all my sporting endeavours the one thing I lacked was skill. Throw a cricket ball at me and if I caught it right it went a country mile, but any efforts at a late cut usually ended up nestled in the wicket keeper's gloves. I suppose this is why distance off the tee has never gripped me about golf, having skill, finesse and touch around the greens always has. My favourite player of all time is probably Seve. I believe this book will help me play like him, well a little bit.

Encyclopedia of Golf: Book review

Encyclopedia of Golf: A Comprehensive Guide to the Rules, Equipment & Techniques, Chris Meadows (Parragon, 2008)

This book written by Chris Meadows may well look dated in terms of the images but is a fantastic book for someone new to the wonderful game of golf. This was the first book I bought and it continues to serve me in good stead. The chapters are broken down into 10 logical sections which flow effortlessly in providing an introduction to the many facets of the game. Before I dive into the sections I would like to place a personal caveat. If you are starting off playing golf I'd suggest having at least six lessons as whilst the illustrations and text are illuminating you still need someone qualified telling you that you are executing the move correctly.

Anyway I digress. I'll give a quick breakdown on each chapter before providing you with my overall view:

1. Equipment
When my pro first started talking to me about lie angle, loft, shaft length, shaft flex, custom fitting etc my eyes glazed over. Then I read this book and it all made sense. Useful introductory information that reinforces the importance of custom fitting.

2. Preparation
Centred on grip, posture, set up and pre shot routine

3. Golf Swing
Now the swing is a complicated thing and here it is broken down into its component parts. Now I'll be honest this section hasn't helped me to hone my swing, what it has done has helped me understand the changes my teaching pro has introduced, the reasons why they are important and picture reference points I can use in front of the mirror at home.

4. Chipping & Pitching
Now, I have a confession to make. I've not read this chapter for a while and having re read it for the purpose of this review have recognised that I am an idiot. I've played with three low handicap players all of whom chip and pitch the ball exactly as is shown in these illustrations to great effect. When the snow thaws I'll be returning to the practice these principles. Here Meadows talks through club selection and various techniques on approaching chip shots.

5. Bunker play
Not been in many bunkers yet, and haven't got this far in my practice, but Meadows covers a range of techniques for a variety of bunker lies.

6. Putting
Really interesting section this. Not sure my green keeper would be too pleased with me pouring water on the green to learn how to read it but once again some useful insights and tips on building your putting stroke and pre shot routine.

7. Faults & Cures
I have mixed feelings about this chapter. On one hand its really useful to help understand how you could be going wrong but I personally think trying to solve issues in isolation is dangerous, especially for beginners. What if you get your diagnosis wrong? And then the change you make compounds the initial problem? For me if its broke get a pro to fix it.

8. Trouble shots
Really helpful section, particularly in considering subtle changes you may need to make in your set up based on various lies (divots, tight lies, ball above/below feet etc.)

9. Advanced techniques
Not been anywhere near this section but this looks at shaping the ball, creating back spin and shots like the lob shot. For those golfers who have shied away from lessons and are selt taught I think this section would be of most use.

10. The final section
this covers ten of the best courses in the world to get you drooling. Really interesting read especially when the PGA players are playing a tournament at one. However I found the introduction to the rules of golf which followed more useful.

All in all this is a strong starter book for people new to the game. I found it very insightful and would recommend to anyone new to the game and those who intend on teaching themselves how to play. You will however find that you will need more detailed reading on various components of the game and the number of exercises is not as large as it could have been.

My rating 75%

To buy this book online click here

ISBN 978-1-4054-7351-4

New game plan

Went over to the heath today to continue my short game practice. Dave Pelz is a genius and I'm already seeing an improvement in my play. More on Pelz in my Tuesday book review but in terms of my short game I've learnt a lot about the three wedges in my bag.

Green, green grass of hope!

Never in my whole life have I been so happy to see rain. The drizzly showers over the past few days have helped to clear the range and though the courses are still saturated down here, just getting out to hit a few balls is great. What is even better is that my two latest modifications are working well.

Ok, so you've had a chance to get to know me a little better, look at my swing and examine my plan of action. So as the snow is gently thawing how do you think I will get on in year one of Project Scratch? Please post your comments on what you think my handicap will be at the end of year one (December 31st 2010)?

Comments:

Homer
I think you’ll get to 20 pretty easily this year

Rob2
It depends on what you are shooting now? Fingers crossed you both do well. You definately seem to have the right attitude with regard to learning etc. I will go for 18. Good Luck

Mike_j_fgolf
18 or less this year and it will be the easiest jump to make as you will be coming down .4 for any shots under your handicap. Mike

Bogey
Nice to see you guys so confident. I must admit to setting myself a mental target of 20. I’d be delighted if I’d hit that by December.

birdieman
I reckon 17, you’ll need to work hard though!

pokerjoke
I believe twenty is a good target and a realistic one,good luck

Screwback
I think that if you put the practise in and have the natural ability you can go low maybe between 12 -14. The main thing is not to take it too seriously….easier said than done mind!!!

TR30
I’m a glass half full man so will say 18. Best of luck and look forward to seeing how you progress.

Jammydodger
I’m going to be a little conservative and say 21. Hope you fly way past that though. Good luck

Deke
Hi Tiger,i am also on a mission this year(join club,get handicap,go down to 18 within a year),i see no good reason why we both cant play off 18 by this time next year! Maybe we should sort out a friendly wager to see who gets there first?

Tiger
Thank you all for your thoughts, really interesting perspectives. Deke thanks for the challenge – how about a sleeve of Z-Stars to the winner?

Deke
Sounds good to me mate! Will keep you updated on my progress,and I wish you and Bogey all the best too.We should try and get a game sorted soon,i am well up for some long distance golf trips.Hmmmm,z-stars should be a good upgrade from my soft feels,nice!

Tiger
I’m assuming that you are looking forward to enjoying the other 9 Z-Stars after you have sent me my sleeve! ;0) Good luck with your own game and we look forward to hearing about your progress.

Just a few more to add from GM thread:

Society Fan – 18
Swinger – 22
Owen Thomas – 17

Great in theory

I played a reasonable amount of chess when I was at school. I was pretty good and got in the team. Problem was chess isn't that glamorous but as most matches didn't conflict with my 'real' sporting pursuits I never really got teased about it. Then aged 12 everything changed. A local school, Holmwood House, held an annual competition featuring six-a-side football, squash, basketball and er chess. I was in the junior school fooball 1st XI at the time and was looking forward to playing in the tournament when my house master and Geography teacher dropped a bombshell. As the third best player in the junior school I'd been selected to play in the chess team. You see there are loads of people who can kick a football about, but not many who played chess, so despite my remonstrations I sat indoors (in full view of the footy tournament) and played chess. Unsurprisingly, I lost and fell out of love with chess big time.

For me there is a similarity in golf. A lot of people who love beating balls with the big stick, but not as many who want to understand the theoretical side of the game.

Mini milestone...

So there I was browsing the Golf Monthly forum and I came across a thread by Gaz8 and how he was chuffed with his own personal mini milestone of chipping in. Well several posts later he then asked what our own mini milestones were and listed four of his own:

1. Par a hole
2. Birdie a hole
3. Beat his mate
4. Break 100

This got me thinking. I've only played one (almost) full round and have accomplished none of these. So my aim is to do all four by the end of February. There I've said it and written it and italicised and bolded it. No turning back now. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

The big freeze

Sod's law has it that just when you think you've cracked it the powers at be do all they can to prevent you from practising. Doubt I'll be able to make it to the range mid week and the snow has meant that I can't practice with my wedges on the heath. So until the weather improves I'll be honing my putting and enjoying reading through my two latest Bob Rotella acquisitions.

Hoping it improves so I can hit the range and par 3 on the weekend. Would be a nice end to the week if my performance and stats have improved since my last woeful showing.

In the meantime I can enjoy a subscription to Golf Monthly as a late Xmas present. Currently, an amazing 50% off, see this month's edition for details.

Lesson: January 2nd 2010

Lessons are brilliant and in my opinion if you want to get better at golf the sooner you have them the better. There are a lot of things that are difficult to teach, like feel, but if you have the mechanics of a solid repeatable swing the game has got to be easier, right? Well that's my thinking and today's lesson underlined that. We have been gradually developing my swing and most recently the focus has been on the foundations (minimal lower half movement with good posture) and grip (recent change to stop me hooking). Today my pro highlighted two faults.

Scoresaver 2: review

Regular GM forum poster Homer has kindly sent us through a review of Scoresaver 2 a golf statistics software package. I'll be downloading my trial package today with a view to getting the full package at the end of the month. I did try and create my own spreadsheet but given the size of our undertaking I think dedicated developed software is the way to go. To find out more about this stats package and how it could potentially help you with your ambitions for 2010 read Homer's review below or visit www.scoresaver.co.uk/Scoresaver2.

So it begins...

I've learnt a lot during my first four months and playing Waldringfield on Wednesday has really helped me develop my game plan for year one. My ambition is to be an 18 handicap by December 2010, which equates to a shot a hole. However, apart from par three holes I am generally hitting double or triple bogeys - so how do I plan on getting my scores down?