Golfing Frenzy

[Rarr]

Many people find that golf is a boring and tideous sport, but I must disagree. I find it enjoyable and a continual challenge. At times it is very discouraging, but when a great shot is made- it keeps you coming back.
I just started to play golf regularly about five months ago. Since, I have played at least once a week for the last five months. In fact, my boyfriend even took up the sport, and is quite good too! Golf is a great way to spend time outside with friends, family and those you love. I really like it!
I was just wondering if there are any other golf fanatics here on AnandTech? What is your average score and average driving distance? Also, do you have any tips for becoming a better and more consistent putter?
Thanks

 

[nateholtrop]

18 hole - avg 80-90 depending on severity of course
drive - 250 i am a short game player

nate

 

[RedRooster]

Go minigolfing as much as you can. You must learn how to judge distance, and how hard you should putt the ball. If you can hit it the right distance, it doesn't matter what your aim is like, as least you'll be consistently close to the hole. Work on your short game(chipping within 30yards of the green and putting) the most, as that is where you'll make up the most shots.
I'm a 10 handicap, and have been golfing for about 8 years or so.
I agree, it is easily the BEST game that you don't need a team for, and I'd do it everyday if I had the money.

 

[Rarr]

Thanks for the putting tips. I am a pretty consistent driver, 95% of the time i am down the middle of the fairway. I currently hold my three-iron as my favorite club, after I shot it a nice 125 yards to the green and tied my father for the first time ever. I do find it difficult to putt still, I have a putting green at home and practice on it as much as I can. Thanks again for the tips, I will keep them in mind while i am on the fairway and green.

 

[blueghost75]

I play golf all the time. Well, I did a bunch durring the summer. I had to play with my grandfather, because we are not members, but I am about to get a job there, so I might be able to play for free.

I shot a 95 last time I played, thats better than I have ever done. I think if I keep playing, I would probably get to the lower 80.

 

[AGodspeed]

I'm an extremely avid golfer. I was going to play Division I golf for UCLA, but I decided that I should concentrate on other things besides golf (like making money, and my major).

Before this summer, my average score was between 70 and 75 and my driving distance was about 280. Since I took a break from playing tournament golf 2 months ago, my average score has been more like 74-79 and my average driving distance has been 270. Yeah, if you don't practice consistently, it really hurts you. I'm just starting to get back into it though, and am loving it more and more. I'm going to devote next month to a lot of practice.

If you want to become a better putter, there are two things that you must practice:

1. A Light Grip: Don't take this too literally. If your grip is somewhat firm, that's OK. It really depends on what you're comfortable with. If you like holding the club lightly, then that's fine. If you like holding the club firmly, that's fine too. Just make sure your firm grip doesn't hinder your ability to make a smooth stroke. Therefore, a light grip is essential to ensure a smooth stroke, and will very likely ensure more putts in the hole.

2. A Consistent Routine: If you don't have some type of basic routine when setting up to a putt, then you're through. My routine, for example, consists of 1. Bending down to read which way the green slopes and its line, 2. Visualizing the putt going into the hole on the line I picked out in my first step, and 3. Lining up the putter face to the line I picked out and firing away. Whatever your routine, make sure you have a combination of all 3 of these elements.

Hope those tips helped. Have fun in the sun Rarr!

 

[GasX]

Here's a good putting tip:

Always try to two-putt.

Instead of always trying to nail your first put, try to get it near the hole so that your second putt will be easy. You get rid of a lot of third and fourth putts that way and will lower your score.

 

[FrogDog]

I play golf fairly often in the summer (1 to 2 times a week). I've been doing that for the last 3 years. A good round for me is in the lower 90s. For putting, make sure to only move your shoulders and keep the rest of your arms (elbows, wrists) firm...as well as your hips.

 

[Rarr]

Reading the Green is what really seems to trip me up most of the time. I live in Florida, so often a round turns from dry greens to wet greens. Reading green speed seems to take a real finesse.

 

[Doggiedog]

Yay, I'm going to play golf tomorrow and try out my new driver I got on eBay.