Chat about your golf game.

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: 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.

Sounds like you need some work on your short game. Here's a couple tips to help you with those nice little scoring chips - short game is sooo vital when you first start out.

Chipping is easy once you get the hang of it. I like to stand about 10 feet behind my chip, hold my club in one hand, and picture exactly where I want the ball to land. For practice swings, try to feel how hard of an underhand toss you would need to simply toss the ball (with your hand) and have it land on that spot. This is excellent mental activity for trying to establish the proper weight for chips. Beginners will chili-dip or blade the ball often, chunking it or sending it rocketing across the green. This is usually due to a head-yank (you want to see that ball go in the cup, I know =) ) or hands behind the ball at impact. Get that leading hand out in front and take a simple putting stroke and you can develop a nice little bump-and-run that is crucial for scoring.

Putting long distance is all about getting it within a certain distance to the hole - don't think about jarring the putt (it's nice when it happens) - rather, picture a circle painted around the hole - say with a radius of 5' from the cup. Concentrate on getting the ball in this circle. For longer putts, envision a massive hole 10 feet across and work on getting the ball in that hole. Short putts - hit 5' putts until you jar 10 in a row. Don't lift your head or move your body in your putting motion. I like to 'listen' for the ball-drop and refuse to look at the hole in my follow through to prevent yanks or pushes.

 

[Mathlete]

Originally posted by: 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. 😛

Yes, 9 holes!!!

 

[Patt]

I'm dying to get out. I live in Northern Alberta, and although the snow is mostly gone, the muskeg-y ground just doesn't soak up the water when it is still frozen below. Hence, our course here is soggier than anything, and will still take a couple of good weeks of weather to dry up. The range opened this weekend though, and I went through several sessions.

I did play a couple of weeks ago in Calgary when I was down on business, and managed an 84 at a course called Lynx Ridge from the tips on a very windy day. Not too shabby for the first round out, but showed me how much work I've got to do. However, I did birdie #1, so the year started off fine.

I've got to work a lot on the short game this year. Driving isn't too much of a problem, and my long irons are money. I am going to focus on putting and chipping for most of my practice sessions, as I need to improve my scrambling. Damn ... I want to golf NOW!

🙂 spring is here 🙂

 

[whattaguy]

I love golf. But, unfortunately, I haven't been playing much for the past 2 years. I'm an average bogey player with "glitches" that I know I have but can't fix. I have the problem of coming over the top (out-to-in swing) pulling the short irons and slicing the driver. It only happens at the ball though. My path always looks good on my practice swing, but sucks at address. Yeah, I know that we'd all be PGA players if we could duplicate every perfect practice swing at the ball.

What seems to help me from this ou-to-in problem is to put a box, range basket, or any other object that won't damage the club on the opposite side of the ball so if I swing out-to-in, I'll hit the box first. I guess I should keep that mental picture because I've never hit the box, and it actually gets me to hit the ball straight...sometimes with a slight draw.

 

[purbeast0]

cool thread.

i went to the range for the first time this season last sunday. since i broke my ankle in january, i still have some uncomfortable feeling in my ankle when I swing. i'm lefty and my left ankle is the one i broke, so atleast it's not the one that bears most of my weight as I swing.

i'm in the market for new clubs. my set is a complete $150 set, 1,3,5w and 3-PW. my driver is so flexible of a shaft that i can no longer hit it as i have gotten stronger (from working out) because my swing is just too powerful and my club flexes way too much. my irons are decent right now. my shorter irons (7i and up) are so sharp right now that I hope I can keep it that way.

i can't wait to get out and play 9-18 holes soon, i need to put my nice putter to work 🙂.

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: 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... 😛

I think that is a weaker grip ... I'm a lefty, so I'm sitting here trying to analyze. I'm not great at the whole grip thing, but read Ben Hogan's book, and you'll be as informed as you can be. Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: Patt
I'm dying to get out. I live in Northern Alberta, and although the snow is mostly gone, the muskeg-y ground just doesn't soak up the water when it is still frozen below. Hence, our course here is soggier than anything, and will still take a couple of good weeks of weather to dry up. The range opened this weekend though, and I went through several sessions.

I did play a couple of weeks ago in Calgary when I was down on business, and managed an 84 at a course called Lynx Ridge from the tips on a very windy day. Not too shabby for the first round out, but showed me how much work I've got to do. However, I did birdie #1, so the year started off fine.

I've got to work a lot on the short game this year. Driving isn't too much of a problem, and my long irons are money. I am going to focus on putting and chipping for most of my practice sessions, as I need to improve my scrambling. Damn ... I want to golf NOW!

🙂 spring is here 🙂

Alberta had quite a hand in crafting my most memorable golf experience ever - played Kananaskis Country GC (Mt. Lorette) a few years back. It was also my first time seeing the Rockies. Most amazing course I have ever seen + most breathtaking scenery = :shocked:

I can't wait to go back! Absolutely amazing and it was only ~$80 / round with cart.

 

[MaxDepth]

I am one of the most brilliant, most successful person you are likely to meet.

That being said, God created golf to humble me. When my ego goes way out of bounds, my friends take me to any front nine and I am sobbing like a baby.

 

[Mo0o]

Iwent to the driving range with my dad and his friends and damn, if you're not good at golf it can really hurt your hands. Everytime i misswung and dug the club into the ground it make my hand throb. BUt then again once you get that nice swing its like a miniorgasm

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Iwent to the driving range with my dad and his friends and damn, if you're not good at golf it can really hurt your hands. Everytime i misswung and dug the club into the ground it make my hand throb. BUt then again once you get that nice swing its like a miniorgasm

😀 there's nothing mini about it 😉

the nice thing about a well-hit shot is that you actually get a few seconds to enjoy it mid-flight. that, and holding a nice follow through feels amazing sometimes. that brief moment when you know the shot is good is one of the most rewarding feelings in golf. that, and monster long putts. "keeps 'em comin' back..." 🙂

 

[DingDingDao]

Okay, next question: I feel pretty solid with my 3I. Will a hybrid-3 really hit that much better, especially since I don't hit woods well?

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: DingDingDao
Okay, next question: I feel pretty solid with my 3I. Will a hybrid-3 really hit that much better, especially since I don't hit woods well?

if you haven't purchased it and you hit your 3i good as it is, stick with your 3i unless you try the hybrid at a range and see some kind of shot that you *really* need in your bag. i don't own any hybrids however so I can't really speak to their effectiveness. i'd rather have a nice tight-lies knockoff 3-wood, or similar. i do believe they were developed for players which have trouble with fairway woods/metals though, so you may want to give one of them a swing at the range. any decent proshop/range will put some tape on the face and let you try it free of charge.

 

[Patt]

Yeah, I seem to remember you saying that a ways back. Just to make you jealous Meltdown75 ... I have just booked myself and 3 of my best friends a golf holiday in the mountains around the solstice in June. Free accomodations in another friend's luxury condo in Canmore (just outside the Banff park gates). Can't wait!!!!!

Wednesday:
Mt. Lorette (Kananaskis golf)

Thursday:
Mt. Kidd (Kananaskis golf)

Friday:
Stewart Creek (Stewart Creek Golf Course)

Saturday:
Links at GlenEagles (Links at Glen Eagles in Cochrane)

Sunday:
D'Arch Ranch Golf (D'Arcy Ranch Golf)

*p.s. if you're Albertan, Kananaskis is only $60 per round! Stewart Creek at $145 will more than make up for it though ...

 

[LeonarD26]

I also recommend Ben Hogan's book. Be careful adopting all his teachings.... they may not all be for you but it's a great baseline to start from.

I went out the first time this Saturday at Saratoga National. Shot a 95... which is solid for me, especially my first time out for the season. Should of had a 90 if I eliminated a few 3 putts and poor chips. Did par the last 3 holes though. The best thing was the GPS in the Golf Cart!

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: Patt
Yeah, I seem to remember you saying that a ways back. Just to make you jealous Meltdown75 ... I have just booked myself and 3 of my best friends a golf holiday in the mountains around the solstice in June. Free accomodations in another friend's luxury condo in Canmore (just outside the Banff park gates). Can't wait!!!!!

Wednesday:
Mt. Lorette (Kananaskis golf)

Thursday:
Mt. Kidd (Kananaskis golf)

Friday:
Stewart Creek (Stewart Creek Golf Course)

Saturday:
Links at GlenEagles (Links at Glen Eagles in Cochrane)

Sunday:
D'Arch Ranch Golf (D'Arcy Ranch Golf)

*p.s. if you're Albertan, Kananaskis is only $60 per round! Stewart Creek at $145 will more than make up for it though ...

:shocked: wow. that will be truly awesome!! i'm turning green... 🙂

 

[MartyMcFly3]

Originally posted by: meltdown75

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Iwent to the driving range with my dad and his friends and damn, if you're not good at golf it can really hurt your hands. Everytime i misswung and dug the club into the ground it make my hand throb. BUt then again once you get that nice swing its like a miniorgasm

😀 there's nothing mini about it 😉

the nice thing about a well-hit shot is that you actually get a few seconds to enjoy it mid-flight. that, and holding a nice follow through feels amazing sometimes. that brief moment when you know the shot is good is one of the most rewarding feelings in golf. that, and monster long putts. "keeps 'em comin' back..." 🙂

So true. I love playing golf. 😀

 

[Patt]

Originally posted by: meltdown75

Originally posted by: Patt
Yeah, I seem to remember you saying that a ways back. Just to make you jealous Meltdown75 ... I have just booked myself and 3 of my best friends a golf holiday in the mountains around the solstice in June. Free accomodations in another friend's luxury condo in Canmore (just outside the Banff park gates). Can't wait!!!!!

Wednesday:
Mt. Lorette (Kananaskis golf)

Thursday:
Mt. Kidd (Kananaskis golf)

Friday:
Stewart Creek (Stewart Creek Golf Course)

Saturday:
Links at GlenEagles (Links at Glen Eagles in Cochrane)

Sunday:
D'Arch Ranch Golf (D'Arcy Ranch Golf)

*p.s. if you're Albertan, Kananaskis is only $60 per round! Stewart Creek at $145 will more than make up for it though ...

:shocked: wow. that will be truly awesome!! i'm turning green... 🙂

Now if only I can take the "Cup" away from my buddy who keeps kicking my a$$. Winning the tournament gives year-long bragging rights, and temporary guardianship of said Cup. The last three years I've come in a close second.

For those who would like a good instructional golf read, Zen Golf is a great read on the mental aspect of the game.

 

[meltdown75]

bump for the :moon: crowd... a :thumbsup: golf thread from earlier today. enjoy! :beer:

 

[endscape]

This post reserved for later golfage.


E

 

[IAgolf4evr]

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

Yes, I would have to agree. It's a little testing, but then again, what exactly did you expect??