It was easy in the winter. The missus thought it was quite sweeti had a new hobby and quite funny I'd go out and practice in the pouring rain. She had no inclination to venture outside and the littl'un was only one and nowhere near as adventurous as he is now.
As the weather has improved there has been growing disdain of my weekend golfing outings. I've tried to play 'off peak' to avoid holding up better golfers, which has the direct effect of writing the whole day off. It's a two way thing though where I want to spend more time in the great outdoors with my son enjoying having kickabouts and games of chase on the heath.
It's becoming more evident that the biggest challenge I face is balancing the necessary practice and playing time without having a detrimental effect on family life. I used to be able to practice my putting three nights per week. My don would obediently go to sleep when I put him down and the missus would run on her treadmill and we'd chat as I went through my drills on the mat. Now she's soaking up the dying embers of daylight on her outdoor runs and junior would rather cuddle for an hour than sleep in his cot.
Thing is that it's not a frustration, I actually live the quality time we are spending together, I just need to figure out a different way to put the hours in.
Comments:
Homer
I’m finding less is more in terms of practice. I know I’m swinging badly and why bother practicing something that isn’t working. Got a frindly game on Saturday, a lesson with my normal teaching pro on Sunday and a 4 ball better ball on Monday. I’m off next week and so can work on the drills from my lesson and then get out and play. I’m trying to get more holes in than hours on the practice ground and only really hit the range if I need to work on the swing.
You need to find the right balance for you but maybe cut back on the practice time a bit and get as many holes as your life will let you. No substitute for on course experience even if you only use the last hour of daylight and play 4-5 holes.
Spin77
Reality bites indeed. These issues have been worked out in our house by me getting up at 6am saturday/sunday to go and play. Its the only way to get out there without it ruining the weekend!
There’s an answer to it somewhere in the day mate
Tiger
I still think I’m in the ‘train it’ stage particularly on chips and pitches but with putting and longer game trusting on the course is paramount. Mondays round will be interesting as it’s the first time the fairway wood will be in the bag. It’s difficult at this stage as I’m getting so much out of playing and practicing. As for the missus early mornings mean she can’t go for her run. That would be a big mistake. Go too soon afterwards and she feels time pressured too long afterwards and the day is ruined. I think I just have to accept the ear ache once a week!
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Frankie says...
Played a new course today. Brett Vale situated off the A12 between Ipswich and Colchester is a stunning little course particularly the stretch from hole 4-11. The greens were hollow toned and a little bobbly but that doesn't excuse the poor quality of my putting today. Way too much pace for most of the day with my distance judgement only really improving on the last four holes.
Lesson of the day is that I need to relax more. The swing and ball striking are definitely there. Too much pressure on myself on the par 3's saw me fall apart on pretty much all of them. Hole 10 Death or Glory I chose death not clearing the tee on my first, sticking the second in a bunker and then criss crossing the green for a 7.
Looking back through my notes of the day they are pretty much all iron shots, mainly when I relaxed. What hurt me today was my chipping and putting from the fringe. Thing is that and my putting are the two elements of my practice that have taken a back seat this month. Conversely, the iron practice is paying dividends.
Brett Vale is much more forgiving than Waldringfield but that said I lost just one ball today (a refurb into the pond on 4). That was one shot off the tee. Rest of the round I played with one ball, never done that before, ever!
Didn't score on one hole as we couldn't find my ball. We thought it had dropped short and been lost in the forest when it had in fact cleared the green. So for 17 holes I carded 103. The first sub 100 is coming and hopefully sooner rather than later.
Lesson of the day is that I need to relax more. The swing and ball striking are definitely there. Too much pressure on myself on the par 3's saw me fall apart on pretty much all of them. Hole 10 Death or Glory I chose death not clearing the tee on my first, sticking the second in a bunker and then criss crossing the green for a 7.
Looking back through my notes of the day they are pretty much all iron shots, mainly when I relaxed. What hurt me today was my chipping and putting from the fringe. Thing is that and my putting are the two elements of my practice that have taken a back seat this month. Conversely, the iron practice is paying dividends.
Brett Vale is much more forgiving than Waldringfield but that said I lost just one ball today (a refurb into the pond on 4). That was one shot off the tee. Rest of the round I played with one ball, never done that before, ever!
Didn't score on one hole as we couldn't find my ball. We thought it had dropped short and been lost in the forest when it had in fact cleared the green. So for 17 holes I carded 103. The first sub 100 is coming and hopefully sooner rather than later.
Friday, 23 April 2010
Shortened short list
I thought that Nevada Bobs flight scope was usable on all clubs but unfortunately it's not set up for fairways. Chap was very nice and helpful. Let me whack a few clubs but without seeing the ball flight I was a bit stuffed.
That said one club emerged as a favourite which was the Ping G15. My second favourite was actually the MD but that's all based on how they felt and sounded. So I still need to test on a range, but have a clearer idea of the pecking order.
Also think I'm edging closer to a 3 wood & 5 wood. The G15 lofts are 15.5 & 18.5 which would lead nicely into my 3 iron. Still toying with the idea of a 60 degree lob to complete my set up till the driver comes next year/18 months time.
Comments:
Tiger
It’s odd replying to my own post but spoken to my pro and now I’ve narrowed selection we’re going to look at shaft options. Hopefully, next weekend. Things are looking up!
Homer
Shafts are the engine room and there is a whole world of flex, kick points etc to explore. I think having your pro look at it with you and who knows your swing is a huge boost. Whilst its great to hit a ball on a range and see how it flies, there isn’t anything to tell you whether you are getting optimum performance. Take your time though. There is no rush. A lot of the demo days at local ranges have launch monitors set up so maybe have a scout around and see if there are any coming up near you
Tiger
After today i feel much less pressured. Was striking my 4 & 5 iron really well knocking on 200 yards with the 4. Feel much more comfortable exploring my options with my pro. I just don’t know enough about golf to be making informed choices on technical aspects such as shaft choice. I’ll have a look to see when the next Ping demo day in my area is. Funny thing is that I’ve been working so hard on my long game that the short game is suffering. It’s never ending but that’s what I live about this game.
That said one club emerged as a favourite which was the Ping G15. My second favourite was actually the MD but that's all based on how they felt and sounded. So I still need to test on a range, but have a clearer idea of the pecking order.
Also think I'm edging closer to a 3 wood & 5 wood. The G15 lofts are 15.5 & 18.5 which would lead nicely into my 3 iron. Still toying with the idea of a 60 degree lob to complete my set up till the driver comes next year/18 months time.
Comments:
Tiger
It’s odd replying to my own post but spoken to my pro and now I’ve narrowed selection we’re going to look at shaft options. Hopefully, next weekend. Things are looking up!
Homer
Shafts are the engine room and there is a whole world of flex, kick points etc to explore. I think having your pro look at it with you and who knows your swing is a huge boost. Whilst its great to hit a ball on a range and see how it flies, there isn’t anything to tell you whether you are getting optimum performance. Take your time though. There is no rush. A lot of the demo days at local ranges have launch monitors set up so maybe have a scout around and see if there are any coming up near you
Tiger
After today i feel much less pressured. Was striking my 4 & 5 iron really well knocking on 200 yards with the 4. Feel much more comfortable exploring my options with my pro. I just don’t know enough about golf to be making informed choices on technical aspects such as shaft choice. I’ll have a look to see when the next Ping demo day in my area is. Funny thing is that I’ve been working so hard on my long game that the short game is suffering. It’s never ending but that’s what I live about this game.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
So much choice and what to do...
So I took my first step towards buying my fairway wood yesterday by popping into Nevada Bobs on my home. Originally, I had planned on testing the MD Superstrong, Mizuno MX700, Ping G15 and Nike Machspeed. Though I'd speak to the club fitting guy and get his thoughts. He suggested the Callaway Diablo, Cobra S2, Taylormade Burner Superfast and Ping G15.
Now I'm savvy enough to know he is going to try and sell me this year's models but his assertion was that as the more established club makers they have more research into forgiveness and this is related in their club design. Thing is from what I've read, with the exception of the Ping none of the others got a look in with square headed Nike and the Mizuno taking the plaudits on forgiveness.
The next thing is how do I choose given the fact that my swing is still a work in progress. Obviously as I get better my ball flight will straighten out but what should I be looking for if the majority of my shots on all the clubs I try go right? Is there any criteria that can help me decipher which of my 'exaggerated fades' (sounds better than nasty slice doesn't it) were better, and consequently which club I should buy.
Personally, I'm in the buy a second hand/the cheapest one camp, if that's the case.
This is going to be an interesting week...
Comments:
Homer
Personally I think he’s giving you a bum steer. MD, Benross etc are by far cheaper than Cally and Ping etc but its primarily because their promotional budgets are significantly less. If you look at TG magazine as well as GM MD in particular always do well in user tests.
I’d stay well of square headed fairway woods and if possible avoid the temptation to buy a closed or draw bias club as it will only mask any swing flaws.
The point is a budget club like an MD or Benross is not inferior in terms of forgiveness and in fact may well be more so that some of the bigger money names. If you are in doubt stick it out onto the forum and I’m confident you’ll get the same response
Tiger
Was kind of the impression I got, the “let’s steer the novice to the most expensive clubs” approach! Feeling more than a little disillusioned, where has customer service gone. Anyway after a bit of reading around, including a couple of old threads on the GM site, I’ve decided on my testing list. Don’t want to try more than four as I’d rather hit more balls with fewer clubs and if none of them suit try again another day. Based on all the info I can gather I’ll be having a whirl with:
Cobra S2 (new kid on the block)
Ping G15 (the people’s choice)
MD Superstrong (best of the budget crew)
Mizuno MX-700 (last year’s award winner)
Going after work Friday and I’ll let you know how I get on.
Now I'm savvy enough to know he is going to try and sell me this year's models but his assertion was that as the more established club makers they have more research into forgiveness and this is related in their club design. Thing is from what I've read, with the exception of the Ping none of the others got a look in with square headed Nike and the Mizuno taking the plaudits on forgiveness.
The next thing is how do I choose given the fact that my swing is still a work in progress. Obviously as I get better my ball flight will straighten out but what should I be looking for if the majority of my shots on all the clubs I try go right? Is there any criteria that can help me decipher which of my 'exaggerated fades' (sounds better than nasty slice doesn't it) were better, and consequently which club I should buy.
Personally, I'm in the buy a second hand/the cheapest one camp, if that's the case.
This is going to be an interesting week...
Comments:
Homer
Personally I think he’s giving you a bum steer. MD, Benross etc are by far cheaper than Cally and Ping etc but its primarily because their promotional budgets are significantly less. If you look at TG magazine as well as GM MD in particular always do well in user tests.
I’d stay well of square headed fairway woods and if possible avoid the temptation to buy a closed or draw bias club as it will only mask any swing flaws.
The point is a budget club like an MD or Benross is not inferior in terms of forgiveness and in fact may well be more so that some of the bigger money names. If you are in doubt stick it out onto the forum and I’m confident you’ll get the same response
Tiger
Was kind of the impression I got, the “let’s steer the novice to the most expensive clubs” approach! Feeling more than a little disillusioned, where has customer service gone. Anyway after a bit of reading around, including a couple of old threads on the GM site, I’ve decided on my testing list. Don’t want to try more than four as I’d rather hit more balls with fewer clubs and if none of them suit try again another day. Based on all the info I can gather I’ll be having a whirl with:
Cobra S2 (new kid on the block)
Ping G15 (the people’s choice)
MD Superstrong (best of the budget crew)
Mizuno MX-700 (last year’s award winner)
Going after work Friday and I’ll let you know how I get on.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Hard graft required
So I've been analysing my rounds to date to try and figure out where it's going wrong and what the positives are. Let's start with the plus points:
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Sibling rivalry
Well first things first I had a mare. Primarily, on the longer holes where I was just trying too hard. My bro was hitting a driver and I tried to keep up with him rather than playing my own game. I hit 51 on stroke index 1-5 that's +30 and scored 41 on the four Par 5's.
My bro didn't fair too much better. Though he hit better shots from the tee I generally outperformed him into and around the green. We both carded 124 my worst ever score. However, he won on matchplay 1 up and stableford.
What frustrated me were the four birdie opportunities I missed including a three putt on the 11th argh!!! However, there were a number of positives. Though it is still a work in progress my chipping is getting there and I'm starting to get the hang of it. I hit some very good approach shots today just need to do it more consistently. But best of all was my performance on four of the par 3's. I scored 15 on those four holes including my shot of the round to hit GIR on the 185 18th. The hole has trees to the left of the hole and water to the right. The green curves round to the right and hugs the water so to reac the green you have to hit a slight fade and hit the gap and roll up to the back of the green as the pins normally tucked to the right. I normally drop shot or mishit but today I hit a 5 iron pin high and though I missed the putt I stroked home the second for par number two of the day.
So I know that when the pressure's on the long game can't cope, but the short game is more than capable of firing. I scored +9 on 9 of the holes I played today, and no surprises they were the shorter ones.
Much to learn and work on, the scores are getting higher, but I'm sure I'm getting better. More practice required and a 3 Wood desired.
Comments:
Homer
A number of obvious issues. Probably trying way too hard not just on the longer shots and reacting to your brothers shots and performance rather than your own (a Rotella favourite subject)
The need to get a wood of some description and learning to use it is becoming more and more paramount
I wouldn’t worry too much. This is only the 3rd???? game on a full 18 holes so there is still much to be learnt. Focus on your own game though as its the only thing you can control.
It sounds like it was a close run thing though so you’ve probably got him worried for the rematch. Keep working hard and it’ll soon happen
Tiger
Yes, yes, yes and yes. It was a useful learning curve playing in a game I wanted to perform well in. I did notice that my game improved during a period when I felt I’d thrown the game and focussed on what I was doing but found it far too easy to get distracted when I played myself back into contention. Was my 5th round so still a lot to learn. In terms of clubs I’m going wood shopping next week .
Homer
Enjoy the hunt for the right weapon. If you check out my blog I’ve put the clubs away for a week after finally reaching rock bottom.
My bro didn't fair too much better. Though he hit better shots from the tee I generally outperformed him into and around the green. We both carded 124 my worst ever score. However, he won on matchplay 1 up and stableford.
What frustrated me were the four birdie opportunities I missed including a three putt on the 11th argh!!! However, there were a number of positives. Though it is still a work in progress my chipping is getting there and I'm starting to get the hang of it. I hit some very good approach shots today just need to do it more consistently. But best of all was my performance on four of the par 3's. I scored 15 on those four holes including my shot of the round to hit GIR on the 185 18th. The hole has trees to the left of the hole and water to the right. The green curves round to the right and hugs the water so to reac the green you have to hit a slight fade and hit the gap and roll up to the back of the green as the pins normally tucked to the right. I normally drop shot or mishit but today I hit a 5 iron pin high and though I missed the putt I stroked home the second for par number two of the day.
So I know that when the pressure's on the long game can't cope, but the short game is more than capable of firing. I scored +9 on 9 of the holes I played today, and no surprises they were the shorter ones.
Much to learn and work on, the scores are getting higher, but I'm sure I'm getting better. More practice required and a 3 Wood desired.
Comments:
Homer
A number of obvious issues. Probably trying way too hard not just on the longer shots and reacting to your brothers shots and performance rather than your own (a Rotella favourite subject)
The need to get a wood of some description and learning to use it is becoming more and more paramount
I wouldn’t worry too much. This is only the 3rd???? game on a full 18 holes so there is still much to be learnt. Focus on your own game though as its the only thing you can control.
It sounds like it was a close run thing though so you’ve probably got him worried for the rematch. Keep working hard and it’ll soon happen
Tiger
Yes, yes, yes and yes. It was a useful learning curve playing in a game I wanted to perform well in. I did notice that my game improved during a period when I felt I’d thrown the game and focussed on what I was doing but found it far too easy to get distracted when I played myself back into contention. Was my 5th round so still a lot to learn. In terms of clubs I’m going wood shopping next week .
Homer
Enjoy the hunt for the right weapon. If you check out my blog I’ve put the clubs away for a week after finally reaching rock bottom.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
In Your 15th Club, Bob Rotella recommends keeping a journal using it to document good shots you have hit. The idea is that it disciplines the mind to remember good shots and reinforce memories of those shots. By consistently taking this approach a golfer will develop a positive outlook on their game, something which is a key ingredient while they are working on elements of it.
I was somewhat sceptical of the positive benefits until I reviewed my old score cards. Remember that blitz of good holes I had when I shot +8 for nine holes? Well on that day I was taking notes for my blog. After the disastrous 15 I hit on the 2nd hole the last thing I wrote was "great back to back six irons". Having been sitting on 9 shots just 100 yards down the fairway of that 500 yard par 5 I hit two great sixes to put me about 50 yards from the green. I teed up on the par 3 third having just reminded myself of those two great shots, pulled the six iron from the bag and hit the green just missing my first ever birdie.
I continued in that vein, recording all my good shots until the 12th hole when I stopped. Between holes 3 - 11 I recorded four pars, three bogeys, one double and one triple. I'm sure there is no coincidence that I played better on those holes partly because I believed in and trusted my swing.
Saturday is a big day as it will be the first time I play my brother and it's also the first day that my new journal will be in use. I hope that the competitive nature if the game will boost my concentration, my new pre shot routine will get me ready for each shot and the mental approach will reinforce positive thoughts.
I don't care what I score, I just have to win!
Comments:
Thought I’d just check in mate and see how you were getting on. Good to see your still at it and heading the right way.
Good luck for saturday mate, hope you beat your brother and record a nice win. Sure you’ll be taking me on in no time! Keep it going Tiger, and I hope your enjoying it all too
Tiger
Hey Swinger, Thanks for the message. I’m definitely getting better though it’s not showing on the scorecard yet. I’m hitting significantly less duffs than I was and actually the score consistency probably owes more to me progressing from the six iron to using the 4&5 more often. I’ve not quite tamed the 4 yet
The short game is also coming on and the problem now is hitting it too hard and clearing greens because I’m catching it so clean. I feel confident that a major break through is just around the corner. Fingers crossed it will happen on Saturday (we take sibling rivalry to a whole new level)! Hope all’s going well for you on the course.
I was somewhat sceptical of the positive benefits until I reviewed my old score cards. Remember that blitz of good holes I had when I shot +8 for nine holes? Well on that day I was taking notes for my blog. After the disastrous 15 I hit on the 2nd hole the last thing I wrote was "great back to back six irons". Having been sitting on 9 shots just 100 yards down the fairway of that 500 yard par 5 I hit two great sixes to put me about 50 yards from the green. I teed up on the par 3 third having just reminded myself of those two great shots, pulled the six iron from the bag and hit the green just missing my first ever birdie.
I continued in that vein, recording all my good shots until the 12th hole when I stopped. Between holes 3 - 11 I recorded four pars, three bogeys, one double and one triple. I'm sure there is no coincidence that I played better on those holes partly because I believed in and trusted my swing.
Saturday is a big day as it will be the first time I play my brother and it's also the first day that my new journal will be in use. I hope that the competitive nature if the game will boost my concentration, my new pre shot routine will get me ready for each shot and the mental approach will reinforce positive thoughts.
I don't care what I score, I just have to win!
Comments:
Thought I’d just check in mate and see how you were getting on. Good to see your still at it and heading the right way.
Good luck for saturday mate, hope you beat your brother and record a nice win. Sure you’ll be taking me on in no time! Keep it going Tiger, and I hope your enjoying it all too
Tiger
Hey Swinger, Thanks for the message. I’m definitely getting better though it’s not showing on the scorecard yet. I’m hitting significantly less duffs than I was and actually the score consistency probably owes more to me progressing from the six iron to using the 4&5 more often. I’ve not quite tamed the 4 yet
The short game is also coming on and the problem now is hitting it too hard and clearing greens because I’m catching it so clean. I feel confident that a major break through is just around the corner. Fingers crossed it will happen on Saturday (we take sibling rivalry to a whole new level)! Hope all’s going well for you on the course.
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