Chat about your golf game.

[meltdown75]

Not sure how this thread will make out but oh well. Could be a place for us amateurs to exchange tips & anecdotes to improve our games. Post your scores, post stories about amazing or bad shots, or just check in! Talk about your home course or one you've recently played.

I've been out 5 times so far this season - played 18 twice and 9 holes x 3. Only been to the range once though... eek!

Been hitting the ball fairly decent this year but still working on eliminating the dreaded blow-up hole (double / triple!).

Shooting in the low 40s for 9 holes (41,42,43). My 18-hole scores are 88 and 85 so still quite a bit of work to do to get back to my 80-82 range. Missing some short putts though!

So far the most helpful tip I received in the off-season was holding my follow through for a couple of seconds after my swing. I noticed that concentrating on that allows for a much more balanced swing and a more fluid motion.

Cliffnotes: if you don't golf, you may not find this thread interesting. 🙂

 

[davestar]

i'd like to see this thread get somewhere, but i don't have much to add considering my golf game is SH*T at the moment.

 

[mobobuff]

Don't be the one to teach a girl who's never golfed before how to golf.

Total hell :Q.

That's the best advice I can give, other stuff is slow and steady backswings, the 'K' body formation... whack the ball and aim for the hole... other than that... girl am + golf = BAD.

 

[DingDingDao]

Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

 

[richardycc]

my golf league starts tonight, I've only been to the range twice this yr, and I have a new $30 putter, should be interesting....

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

do you occasionally pull your woods to the left instead of slice? You might be standing too close to the ball, or just have it wrong at address somehow.

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

I have that reoccuring slice too. I've never bothered to try to figure out what I'm doing wrong, though. Next time I'm out I'll try to pinpoint it. I, too, hardly ever slice with an iron. I bet it's something mental.

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: Gibsons

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

do you occasionally pull your woods to the left instead of slice? You might be standing too close to the ball, or just have it wrong at address somehow.

No, I don't hit any duck hooks with the woods. I've tried messing with my address--I've moved the ball forward and backward in my stance, I've tried adjusting tee height too. Nothing seems to help 🙁

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

I have that reoccuring slice too. I've never bothered to try to figure out what I'm doing wrong, though. Next time I'm out I'll try to pinpoint it. I, too, hardly ever slice with an iron. I bet it's something mental.

It could be. I mean, how different should your swing be between irons and woods?

 

[Uppsala9496]

I would think you are maybe standing further away from the ball than you should due to the additional length of the club, and stretching to hit it. You are over extending and reaching at the ball during your downswing which is causing your hands to get way ahead of your body. Thus the dreaded slice.
The hands way ahead will also result in a push.

My game is crap so far. Only been out twice, and am in the mid-90's since I have no feel for my wedge play or my putter. Wedges have to be costing me a good 5-6 per 9, and my putter is awful. Nothing like a 4 putt and 3 putt the same round (when on in regulation it is demoralizing).

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao

Originally posted by: mobobuff

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

I have that reoccuring slice too. I've never bothered to try to figure out what I'm doing wrong, though. Next time I'm out I'll try to pinpoint it. I, too, hardly ever slice with an iron. I bet it's something mental.

It could be. I mean, how different should your swing be between irons and woods?

Nothing much changes unless you're chipping. Pretty much just the angle of the club to the body and the distance you stand from the ball. I can tell though when I drive straight and drive a slice they feel very different, just gotta pinpoint what I'm doing different.

 

[richardycc]

anyone watching the ladies' big break 3 on golf channel? 😛

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
I would think you are maybe standing further away from the ball than you should due to the additional length of the club, and stretching to hit it. You are over extending and reaching at the ball during your downswing which is causing your hands to get way ahead of your body. Thus the dreaded slice.
The hands way ahead will also result in a push.

My game is crap so far. Only been out twice, and am in the mid-90's since I have no feel for my wedge play or my putter. Wedges have to be costing me a good 5-6 per 9, and my putter is awful. Nothing like a 4 putt and 3 putt the same round (when on in regulation it is demoralizing).

Hmmm... theoretically wouldn't that result in a hook instead of a slice? Maybe we're standing too close...

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

The list of slice remedies is probably just as long as remedies for the common cold! I still slice occasionally, though not nearly as bad as I used to. My mishits right off the tee are straight now, they don't slice much. Try the 'thumbs up on the follow through' trick. After contact, concentrate on pointing both thumbs skyward. This has shown to correct the swing path in some cases. What is your grip like? You may have an overly strong or weak grip (right hand 'underneath' (weak) or 'over the top' (strong). Try getting a feeling for turning your hands through the shot. A good drill for this is is to hold your left hand out in front of you, with the back of your hand facing the target. Hold it there and swing your right hand through to meet it. Let your left hand turn so your thumbs turn toward the target. Practicing this can give you a feel for turning your hands through the shot at impact and hopefully square up your clubface. Just concentrate on getting that clubface square once it reaches the ball and you can correct your slice. Do you have a big backswing? You may want to shorten it if you do. Go to the range and hit some very short, slow drives. Don't worry about distance, just try to hit them straight. If you start small, you can sometimes get a feel for what you may be doing wrong when you swing big.

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: Uppsala9496
I would think you are maybe standing further away from the ball than you should due to the additional length of the club, and stretching to hit it. You are over extending and reaching at the ball during your downswing which is causing your hands to get way ahead of your body. Thus the dreaded slice.
The hands way ahead will also result in a push.

My game is crap so far. Only been out twice, and am in the mid-90's since I have no feel for my wedge play or my putter. Wedges have to be costing me a good 5-6 per 9, and my putter is awful. Nothing like a 4 putt and 3 putt the same round (when on in regulation it is demoralizing).

I think it's possible. I haven't had time recently to go to the range to tune my swing, but when I address with woods, my arms and the club are nearly in a straight line. I'm pretty sure I need to move closer to the ball, and bring my arms down more.

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: meltdown75

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

The list of slice remedies is probably just as long as remedies for the common cold! I still slice occasionally, though not nearly as bad as I used to. My mishits right off the tee are straight now, they don't slice much. Try the 'thumbs up on the follow through' trick. After contact, concentrate on pointing both thumbs skyward. This has shown to correct the swing path in some cases. What is your grip like? You may have an overly strong or weak grip (right hand 'underneath' (weak) or 'over the top' (strong). Try getting a feeling for turning your hands through the shot. A good drill for this is is to hold your left hand out in front of you, with the back of your hand facing the target. Hold it there and swing your right hand through to meet it. Let your left hand turn so your thumbs turn toward the target. Practicing this can give you a feel for turning your hands through the shot at impact and hopefully square up your clubface. Just concentrate on getting that clubface square once it reaches the ball and you can correct your slice. Do you have a big backswing? You may want to shorten it if you do. Go to the range and hit some very short, slow drives. Don't worry about distance, just try to hit them straight. If you start small, you can sometimes get a feel for what you may be doing wrong when you swing big.

That's a good tip. I'll try that drill the next time I'm on the range. :thumbsup:

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: meltdown75

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

The list of slice remedies is probably just as long as remedies for the common cold! I still slice occasionally, though not nearly as bad as I used to. My mishits right off the tee are straight now, they don't slice much. Try the 'thumbs up on the follow through' trick. After contact, concentrate on pointing both thumbs skyward. This has shown to correct the swing path in some cases. What is your grip like? You may have an overly strong or weak grip (right hand 'underneath' (weak) or 'over the top' (strong). Try getting a feeling for turning your hands through the shot. A good drill for this is is to hold your left hand out in front of you, with the back of your hand facing the target. Hold it there and swing your right hand through to meet it. Let your left hand turn so your thumbs turn toward the target. Practicing this can give you a feel for turning your hands through the shot at impact and hopefully square up your clubface. Just concentrate on getting that clubface square once it reaches the ball and you can correct your slice. Do you have a big backswing? You may want to shorten it if you do. Go to the range and hit some very short, slow drives. Don't worry about distance, just try to hit them straight. If you start small, you can sometimes get a feel for what you may be doing wrong when you swing big.

That's a good tip right there :thumbsup:

 

[richardycc]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao

Originally posted by: Gibsons

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

do you occasionally pull your woods to the left instead of slice? You might be standing too close to the ball, or just have it wrong at address somehow.

No, I don't hit any duck hooks with the woods. I've tried messing with my address--I've moved the ball forward and backward in my stance, I've tried adjusting tee height too. Nothing seems to help 🙁

you probably have an outside in path

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: richardycc

Originally posted by: DingDingDao

Originally posted by: Gibsons

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

do you occasionally pull your woods to the left instead of slice? You might be standing too close to the ball, or just have it wrong at address somehow.

No, I don't hit any duck hooks with the woods. I've tried messing with my address--I've moved the ball forward and backward in my stance, I've tried adjusting tee height too. Nothing seems to help 🙁

you probably have an outside in path

I'm pretty sure I do, and I've been trying to correct that also. I just can't seem to find an inside-out swing path that feels comfortable. A lot of times it just feels like my right elbow is dropping too far and almost hitting my right side. Weird thing is, I don't seem to have the same problem developing a good inside-out path with my irons. 😛

 

[Mathlete]

This is a sweet thread.

I am a 28 year old man who golfed for the first time EVER last July. This year I bought a set of clubs (overstock) and I am hooked. I got out for the first time yesterday and shot a 62. I am finally able to hit the fairway woods/long irons (hybred) good but I also lose 15+ shots per round on 3 and 4 putts and haywire chips. Any tips would be great.

 

[DingDingDao]

:shocked: Please tell me you're talking about a 62 on 9 holes, or a par 3 course. Otherwise you need to go to Q school. NOW. 😛

 

[meltdown75]

Also DingDongDao, if you can hit straight shots with your irons, you can definitely hit straight shots with your woods / driver. Think "same basic swing - __ different clubs."

Build up your confidence with your driver - a lot of it might be anxiety / nerves when you get on the tee. Make sure you think positive thoughts about each shot, and visualize the best possible result happening, and yourself executing. This is huge - can't be stated enough. Pick your target (I like to visualize the path of the ball by picturing it in a bright colour against the backdrop of the fairway) and swing through to it.

Try posing in your ideal follow-through position and reversing your club back through the swing. Then try a couple practice swings and hold that balanced follow through. Commit to it and swing - don't even think about the ball! "Just let the ball get in the way" as they say.

As far as ball distance / position - for driving, I like my ball just inside my left foot. My feet are slightly wider than shoulder-width. I am in an athletic posture with knees slightly bent and I am slightly bent at the waist but NOT leaning forward. Weight is evenly distributed on feet, favouring my heels slightly because I don't want to catch turf on the way down. Slow takeaway, FULL follow through and a balanced finish which I like to hold no matter where the ball is headed.

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: meltdown75
Also DingDongDao, if you can hit straight shots with your irons, you can definitely hit straight shots with your woods / driver. Think "same basic swing - __ different clubs."

Build up your confidence with your driver - a lot of it might be anxiety / nerves when you get on the tee. Make sure you think positive thoughts about each shot, and visualize the best possible result happening, and yourself executing. This is huge - can't be stated enough. Pick your target (I like to visualize the path of the ball by picturing it in a bright colour against the backdrop of the fairway) and swing through to it.

Try posing in your ideal follow-through position and reversing your club back through the swing. Then try a couple practice swings and hold that balanced follow through. Commit to it and swing - don't even think about the ball! "Just let the ball get in the way" as they say.

As far as ball distance / position - for driving, I like my ball just inside my left foot. My feet are slightly wider than shoulder-width. I am in an athletic posture with knees slightly bent and I am slightly bent at the waist but NOT leaning forward. Weight is evenly distributed on feet, favouring my heels slightly because I don't want to catch turf on the way down. Slow takeaway, FULL follow through and a balanced finish which I like to hold no matter where the ball is headed.

Good tips on the mental aspect, thanks :beer:

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

Try changing your grip. I had this problem once with a driver I had, everything else was straight, but that fvcker wouldn't ever hold the line. Eventually I had a friend help me with changing my grip, and it has been pure ever since. Good luck.

 

[DingDingDao]

Originally posted by: Patt

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Yep, I think this is a cool idea.

Here's something to get people started:

I hit my irons fairly well. My short irons are pretty rock solid, with average distance (I hit a 7I to 150). My long irons are pretty good, as well--pretty straight off the tee, and I carry a 3I to about 210 yds or so. My problem is this: my woods are awful. I can't generate good distance (I hit a driver to about 250 on average), and nearly every time I pull a wood out (1,3, or 5) I slice it, badly. It's gotten to the point now where on long holes I'll use 3I instead of using the woods. Anybody have any suggestions on how to get rid of this awful slice?

Try changing your grip. I had this problem once with a driver I had, everything else was straight, but that fvcker wouldn't ever hold the line. Eventually I had a friend help me with changing my grip, and it has been pure ever since. Good luck.

Stronger grip? Weaker? Right now my grip is slightly strong (L hand slightly over, R hand slightly under). Or is that weaker? I can never remember... 😛