I just got done with round 2 of the state mid am at Berkeley Hills. By virtue of missing the 36 hole cut, I won't be playing tomorrow. First of all, I must comment on those greens. They are infamous here in Georgia and they lived up to their reputation. Our greens at the Golf Club of Georgia are fast but these were lightning.
I shot 82/83 not making a single birdie all weekend. In round 1, I putted horrendously and in round 2, I just had 3 mental lapses. On the ninth hole today, I lost a ball in the rough not far off the fairway and had to go back to the tee.
Tee to green, I hit it real well. My only mistakes were when I got out of my routine and tried something different or tried to be too cute.
After my terrible putting performance on day 1, I had a buddy help me after the round on the practice green. I have a slow languid stroke in general and because of the speed of those greens I was decelerating. So, instead I moved to a shorter more pop type stroke (shorter back and accelerate thru) and it worked much better today.
Not sure what my takeaways will be. On a positive note, I am hitting it better than ever. However, I am not tournament ready. I don't have the self belief/trust in my game early on. Later in the round, I lose my focus on occasion especially after a good hole. I fear I am not playing enough golf. I practice a bit but playing a round of golf seemed like a foreign concept to me these past two days. Perhaps it should be that I need to trust my method and not try new/unnecessary things in the middle of a round.
Showing posts with label Alan O'Regan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alan O'Regan. Show all posts
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Dan Plan
There are many schools of thought on what it takes to become excellent in any field. Is excellence something you are born with or can it be developed? Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers (an excellent read by the way) has some very interesting observations on the subject. By all accounts there are countless other explorations of this subject but Outliers is the best I have come across. Up to now most of what I have read on the subject is anecdotal based on those who have already achieved excellence in a given field. We've never before had a real time documentation of someones pursuit of excellence from beginning to end. Before now that is - enter The Dan Plan.
In December, I happened upon the tale of Dan McLaughlin. Dan is going to be putting Gladwell's theory on achieving excellence to the test. I hope I don't do the plan a disservice by summarizing it as a plan to become a professional golfer by completing 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. Deliberate, well thought out practice mind you and not just mindless blasting of range balls like many of us are accustomed to.
Dan is a brave man. In pursuit of his dream, he has put it all on the line quitting his previous job and using all of his savings to do what it takes to become a professional golfer. Did I mention that he had never played a round of golf before starting this project?
I had the pleasure of meeting and playing 18 holes with Dan while he was in Atlanta over the winter. I am very impressed with how he is going about the journey. I think there is an element of living vicarously through his voyage. I'm guessing I'm not the only one who has endless dreams of quitting the day job to pursue my dreams.
I think it's a fascinating story and am very curious to see how it progresses.
You can follow Dan's progress or offer him support at his website.
In December, I happened upon the tale of Dan McLaughlin. Dan is going to be putting Gladwell's theory on achieving excellence to the test. I hope I don't do the plan a disservice by summarizing it as a plan to become a professional golfer by completing 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. Deliberate, well thought out practice mind you and not just mindless blasting of range balls like many of us are accustomed to.
Dan is a brave man. In pursuit of his dream, he has put it all on the line quitting his previous job and using all of his savings to do what it takes to become a professional golfer. Did I mention that he had never played a round of golf before starting this project?
I had the pleasure of meeting and playing 18 holes with Dan while he was in Atlanta over the winter. I am very impressed with how he is going about the journey. I think there is an element of living vicarously through his voyage. I'm guessing I'm not the only one who has endless dreams of quitting the day job to pursue my dreams.
I think it's a fascinating story and am very curious to see how it progresses.
You can follow Dan's progress or offer him support at his website.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Forward Steps
Its been a good week!
Friday, I managed to win the 2 man best ball at the club with a buddy. We shot net 64 (gross 68). I shot 73 on my own ball.
Then yesterday, I had my first qualifier of the year - the Georgia State Mid-Am at Orchard Hills. I guess it is a measure of my progress that I walked off the course unhappy with how I had played, yet shot 76 and qualified comfortably. 78 was the number. A windy day, the course was rock hard and yet the greens were slow and bumpy. Given that our greens at the club are running about 12/13 on the stimp (that's lightning fast for the non golf literate), putting was a real challenge. I felt the need to 'hit' everything and I don't think that's ever a good idea in this game. I had only a single three putt but I had a number of looks at birdie but couldn't hole out.
What really saved me was that I didn't hit it into trouble all day and when I missed greens I got up and down really well. I had zero birdies, 14 pars and 4 bogeys.
The actual championship will take place at Berkeley Hills on May 18-20. There will be a 36 hole cut before the Sunday round. This gives me a really good focal point for the next month. I don't plan on going out there just to make up the numbers :)
Friday, I managed to win the 2 man best ball at the club with a buddy. We shot net 64 (gross 68). I shot 73 on my own ball.
Then yesterday, I had my first qualifier of the year - the Georgia State Mid-Am at Orchard Hills. I guess it is a measure of my progress that I walked off the course unhappy with how I had played, yet shot 76 and qualified comfortably. 78 was the number. A windy day, the course was rock hard and yet the greens were slow and bumpy. Given that our greens at the club are running about 12/13 on the stimp (that's lightning fast for the non golf literate), putting was a real challenge. I felt the need to 'hit' everything and I don't think that's ever a good idea in this game. I had only a single three putt but I had a number of looks at birdie but couldn't hole out.
What really saved me was that I didn't hit it into trouble all day and when I missed greens I got up and down really well. I had zero birdies, 14 pars and 4 bogeys.
The actual championship will take place at Berkeley Hills on May 18-20. There will be a 36 hole cut before the Sunday round. This gives me a really good focal point for the next month. I don't plan on going out there just to make up the numbers :)
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Ruminations on a first visit to Augusta National
Thanks to a very generous friend, I had the pleasure of visiting Augusta National yesterday for the first time for a Masters practice round. I'd dreamed of seeing/playing this place ever since I was a 14 year old watching Nick Faldo win his first Masters back in 89. Given that I am unlikely to ever play there, just walking the hallowed turf was treat enough. Here are some ruminations on a first visit.
Final thought, how am I ever going to get to play this place??
- The place is much more intimate than TV can illustrate. The proximity of the 1st and 10th tees, the practice green and the 9th and 18th greens is really surprising. All 5 seem to be within a 70/80 yard radius.
- The TV does not illustrate the undulation of the fairways and greens. The false front on the 9th green is mind blowing. The climb from the fairway bunker on 18 to the green is extremely steep. The 8th must play much longer than 570 yards given the increase in elevation from tee to green.
- Many of the greens are much smaller than they appear on TV. 18 for example is about 60% the size I thought it would be and the drop offs all round very steep
- Although getting a ticket is hard there is absolutely no 'nickel and diming' at ANGC. The Pimento Cheese sandwich is still only $1.50 and a beer is either $3.50 or $3.00. They could probably make millions and millions more if they wanted with only modest price increases at the concession stands but choose not to do so. These guys get it!!
- Same with the merchandising tents. Everything is reasonable. Again, they could jack up the prices just a tad and further line the purses but that would just be out of keeping with their modus operandi.
- Parking is free in the official car parks and no need for a shuttle bus given the proximity. Supposedly they spend boatloads in the past few years acquiring the adjacent properties in order to be able to offer this perk.
- Rory must have hit the worst shot of his life to end up where he did on 10 last year. He progressed less than 100 yards down the fairway and was maybe 30 yards off his intended line when he hit the trees that kicked him another 40/50 yards off line. A total freak occurrence and I doubt if he ever has or ever will hit a shot that bad again.
- Watching players skip shots across the pond on 16 in the practice rounds is pretty special. I didn't witness it but apparently Martin Kaymer made a hole in one this way!
Final thought, how am I ever going to get to play this place??
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Coming around
The golf season has begun in earnest here in Georgia It was 82 degrees here today That might be a record for March 14th. The golf course is as green as I have ever seen it after an amazingly mild winter.
I'm starting to feel good about where my game is. I have been working on some very tedious drills that should help me alleviate my number one swing flaw - taking the club and my arms too much too the inside on the back swing. Its starting to have some effect - for the first time ever I feel I am close to not being across the line at the top. It feels so weird but I guess any huge change should!!
I cant say for sure that it is entirely driven by this swing change, but I shot my career low at the Golf Club of Georgia last Friday - 72 from the Tradition tees. The differential for this round was -1.2. I expect my handicap to be 3.7 or 3.8 at the next revision. I am really excited because for the first time I feel scratch is really an attainable goal and soon!!
I have my first qualifier on April 10 at Orchard Hills. In the past, I have gone to these things hoping to not embarrass myself or maybe have a good day and squeak through! Right now, I aim to medalist! Lofty goal I know but lets see what happens.
I'm starting to feel good about where my game is. I have been working on some very tedious drills that should help me alleviate my number one swing flaw - taking the club and my arms too much too the inside on the back swing. Its starting to have some effect - for the first time ever I feel I am close to not being across the line at the top. It feels so weird but I guess any huge change should!!
I cant say for sure that it is entirely driven by this swing change, but I shot my career low at the Golf Club of Georgia last Friday - 72 from the Tradition tees. The differential for this round was -1.2. I expect my handicap to be 3.7 or 3.8 at the next revision. I am really excited because for the first time I feel scratch is really an attainable goal and soon!!
I have my first qualifier on April 10 at Orchard Hills. In the past, I have gone to these things hoping to not embarrass myself or maybe have a good day and squeak through! Right now, I aim to medalist! Lofty goal I know but lets see what happens.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Cyclical
Well there hasn't been much to post about over the winter (if you would call it that this year). I played a bit but the swing has been stuck in something of a rut.
Handicap is stuck at 4.5 and for the last month I have been striking it like a dog for want of a better term. However, as always it seems to be cyclical and I am beginning to hit it better. The keys that have helped me turn it round this time are:
- trying to stay as wide as possible with the left arm (in effect pushing the left arm as far away from my chest as possible in the backswing.)
- keeping the right elbow close to my side on the backswing
The net effect of this is that my forearms stay very close to each other on the backswing. This gives me much more width and hence more speed. This move also seems to require less compensation on the downswing and as a result I'm striking it better. Here's hoping this is not another false dawn.
I'm left with 5 months to get to scratch. I need some sort of breakthrough if I am to realize this goal. Watch this space.
Handicap is stuck at 4.5 and for the last month I have been striking it like a dog for want of a better term. However, as always it seems to be cyclical and I am beginning to hit it better. The keys that have helped me turn it round this time are:
- trying to stay as wide as possible with the left arm (in effect pushing the left arm as far away from my chest as possible in the backswing.)
- keeping the right elbow close to my side on the backswing
The net effect of this is that my forearms stay very close to each other on the backswing. This gives me much more width and hence more speed. This move also seems to require less compensation on the downswing and as a result I'm striking it better. Here's hoping this is not another false dawn.
I'm left with 5 months to get to scratch. I need some sort of breakthrough if I am to realize this goal. Watch this space.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Tour Player vs Low Handicapper
A friend shared some data with me (that I believe originated from Dave Pelz), on the statistical differences between a tour player and the average low handicap golfer. Not sure what is the exact definition of a low handicapper, however I think it makes for some interesting reading.
Low-Handicap Amateurs vs Tour Pros
3% fewer 6-footers made
4% fewer 3-footers made
12% fewer 9-footers made
13% shorter drives
22% fewer fairways hit
27% fewer 10-15-footers made
28% fewer greens hit (GIR)
50% fewer up-and-downs from rough
62% fewer sand saves
74% fewer 15-20-footers made
AND THE MOST DISTINGUISHING CONTRAST OF ALL...
276% more 3-putts
Some low hanging fruit there! More time will be spent on the practice green this winter.
Low-Handicap Amateurs vs Tour Pros
3% fewer 6-footers made
4% fewer 3-footers made
12% fewer 9-footers made
13% shorter drives
22% fewer fairways hit
27% fewer 10-15-footers made
28% fewer greens hit (GIR)
50% fewer up-and-downs from rough
62% fewer sand saves
74% fewer 15-20-footers made
AND THE MOST DISTINGUISHING CONTRAST OF ALL...
276% more 3-putts
Some low hanging fruit there! More time will be spent on the practice green this winter.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Some interesting stats
As I strive for a scratch handicap, I resolved to keep track of my stats this year (the idea being that I will have a clear picture of what needs improvement).
I have been using a tool provided by golfdigest.com called makemebetter.
It involves entering a few details about each round played.
To summarize my stats:
Greens in Regulation - 50%
Putts per round - 33
Scrambling (saves when chipping/pitching) - 33%
Driving Accuracy - Excellent (for some reason it doesn't give me a number)
It goes on to tell me that my short game handicap is 4 and my long game is 5. Reasonably consistent with my official handicap.
33 putts is bad for someone only hitting 33% of greens.
I'm thinking that in order to get to scratch, I will need to get Greens in Regulation to 66% (or 12 per round), down to 30 putts per round and scrambling to 50%. In any case, it is an interesting tool - check it out at Make me Better
I have been using a tool provided by golfdigest.com called makemebetter.
It involves entering a few details about each round played.
To summarize my stats:
Greens in Regulation - 50%
Putts per round - 33
Scrambling (saves when chipping/pitching) - 33%
Driving Accuracy - Excellent (for some reason it doesn't give me a number)
It goes on to tell me that my short game handicap is 4 and my long game is 5. Reasonably consistent with my official handicap.
33 putts is bad for someone only hitting 33% of greens.
I'm thinking that in order to get to scratch, I will need to get Greens in Regulation to 66% (or 12 per round), down to 30 putts per round and scrambling to 50%. In any case, it is an interesting tool - check it out at Make me Better
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
November 2011
I have been terrible about updating the blog this year - shame on me. And its shown in my lack of progress. Handicap is now 4.0 although it has been down to 3.3. 2012 was my target year for hitting scratch so I guess I am stating the obvious now to say I'm not on track.
Ironically, I feel like my swing is getting much more solid, even if the results are not showing on the scorecard.
One key breakthrough I feel has been learning the role of the left hip in the downswing. I have finally learned the need to 'clear the left side'. Its still a very strange feeling for me but once I can trust it on the course, I feel I will be in shape to be a scratch player from tee to green.
However, from 100 yards and in is where its at. My success in improving my chipping, pitching and putting will determine whether I make it or not.
I am going to come up with a plan in the next few weeks for the next 6 months. I will stick to it!!
Next year is scratch or bust!!
Ironically, I feel like my swing is getting much more solid, even if the results are not showing on the scorecard.
One key breakthrough I feel has been learning the role of the left hip in the downswing. I have finally learned the need to 'clear the left side'. Its still a very strange feeling for me but once I can trust it on the course, I feel I will be in shape to be a scratch player from tee to green.
However, from 100 yards and in is where its at. My success in improving my chipping, pitching and putting will determine whether I make it or not.
I am going to come up with a plan in the next few weeks for the next 6 months. I will stick to it!!
Next year is scratch or bust!!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June Gloom
Haven't said much on here lately, but there has been quite a bit of golf played. By April I was playing pretty decent - enough that I was lucky enough to win a couple of events at GC of GA. Throughout it all, my short game has been killing me and still is.
To top it all off, I'm now on a bit of a downcycle with the swing. (I've figured out that no matter how much I progress, its all cyclical - it gets to be pretty good for a while and then it gradually slips away, hits rock bottom and then starts to come back again)
This weekend was out Member Member and I played putridly. Tee to green was not too bad, but round the greens was nothing short of abysmal.
My sole goal for the rest of this year is to develop a somewhat plausible short game. Yesterday, I ordered Phil Mickelsons DVD Short Game Secrets. I'm going to see if this can help me develop some sound short game fundamentals and see what happens from there. I'll post a review once I get a chance to watch it.
In the near term, I have a member guest at TPC Sugarloaf this week. Very excited about that - hope I can contribute for my partner. Then Monday I have a qualifier at Atlanta National for the state amateur. I think it'll take 77 to have a shot on what is a very tough track.
To top it all off, I'm now on a bit of a downcycle with the swing. (I've figured out that no matter how much I progress, its all cyclical - it gets to be pretty good for a while and then it gradually slips away, hits rock bottom and then starts to come back again)
This weekend was out Member Member and I played putridly. Tee to green was not too bad, but round the greens was nothing short of abysmal.
My sole goal for the rest of this year is to develop a somewhat plausible short game. Yesterday, I ordered Phil Mickelsons DVD Short Game Secrets. I'm going to see if this can help me develop some sound short game fundamentals and see what happens from there. I'll post a review once I get a chance to watch it.
In the near term, I have a member guest at TPC Sugarloaf this week. Very excited about that - hope I can contribute for my partner. Then Monday I have a qualifier at Atlanta National for the state amateur. I think it'll take 77 to have a shot on what is a very tough track.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
April 2011
Well its been a long time since I had anything to say about my quest to get to scratch. In all honesty I feel less and less convinced that it is a realistically achievable goal, however I'm going to push on.
I started hitting balls again about 6 weeks ago. The elbow is better but a long way from being fully recovered. I doubt it will ever be fully right however it is manageable - I just wont be able to hit a lot of range balls. This means the quality of my practice will have to improve.
I got fitted for and purchased a new set of irons - Titleist AP2s, 2 degrees flat with Dynamic Gold S300 shafts. They are great clubs. I am struggling to adjust to how high they flight the ball but thats an adjustment I am willing to make.
Since I started back, I have played 4 rounds. I only broke 80 once, however I am starting to feel it is coming round. My hiatus seems to have helped eradicate the driving problems that plagued last year. In relation to improved practice quality - I have made one commitment to myself. I refuse to hit a single range ball without making sure my ball position is right. To do this, I will use alignment poles. I played a round lately with my teaching pro and was shocked when he said my ball position was terrible but sure enough he was right. How frustrating that I can't even get the simplest of concepts such as ball position right!!!
One other development - over the years I have had two particular swing flaws the I struggled to eliminate - the bent left elbow and the club getting behind me on the backswing. Well, I think I have finally settled on the key to eliminating this problem - I need to keep both elbows and forearms much closer together on the backswing. Essentially instead of relying on the left arm to keep the left arm straight, I can get a little help from the right arm!
Handicap is at 3.9 now and rising. Hopefully that will change a little over the next few months.
I started hitting balls again about 6 weeks ago. The elbow is better but a long way from being fully recovered. I doubt it will ever be fully right however it is manageable - I just wont be able to hit a lot of range balls. This means the quality of my practice will have to improve.
I got fitted for and purchased a new set of irons - Titleist AP2s, 2 degrees flat with Dynamic Gold S300 shafts. They are great clubs. I am struggling to adjust to how high they flight the ball but thats an adjustment I am willing to make.
Since I started back, I have played 4 rounds. I only broke 80 once, however I am starting to feel it is coming round. My hiatus seems to have helped eradicate the driving problems that plagued last year. In relation to improved practice quality - I have made one commitment to myself. I refuse to hit a single range ball without making sure my ball position is right. To do this, I will use alignment poles. I played a round lately with my teaching pro and was shocked when he said my ball position was terrible but sure enough he was right. How frustrating that I can't even get the simplest of concepts such as ball position right!!!
One other development - over the years I have had two particular swing flaws the I struggled to eliminate - the bent left elbow and the club getting behind me on the backswing. Well, I think I have finally settled on the key to eliminating this problem - I need to keep both elbows and forearms much closer together on the backswing. Essentially instead of relying on the left arm to keep the left arm straight, I can get a little help from the right arm!
Handicap is at 3.9 now and rising. Hopefully that will change a little over the next few months.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Latest greatest
Well the weather is finally starting to co-operate here in Georgia. Considering the winter we have had, my elbow issues have not really resulted in me missing a lot of golf to this point.
I see Dr. Weil on Feb 22 and I'm guessing he will give me the ok to get back out on the course. (I actually hit the range last weekend and worked on 20-30 yard pitches).
Next step is to get fitted for that set of irons. T Weinhart is going to do the fitting for me. (Incidentally, his operation Nuclear Golf has now moved to the Standard Club which is great news - its a fantastic track and a little closer to home than St. Marlo was)
I'm very excited about the coming season - after taking stock of last year my focus is going to be from 100 yards and in, even more so from 50 yards inwards. As long as I can eliminate the couple of high blocks with the driver per round, I'm am convinced if I can pitch, chip and putt a little better then scratch is an attainable goal. I have taken pitching and putting lessons over the winter from TW so I feel I have the tools I need at my disposal - just need to adopt and ingrain it all now.
I need to set some goals for the year and while the overriding goal is obvious (scratch), I have set myself some intermediate goals a long the way:
- qualify for the Georgia State mid am
- qualify for the Georgia State amateur at Cherokee
- get handicap under 2.4 in time to meet cutoff to enter US amateur qualifier
Finally for now, I just got finished reading Dream On by John Richardson (from Northern Ireland). Essentially as a 17 handicap he took on a challenge of having to shoot one round of par within one year from the start of the challenge. Interesting read. There are some parallels to my own goal.
I see Dr. Weil on Feb 22 and I'm guessing he will give me the ok to get back out on the course. (I actually hit the range last weekend and worked on 20-30 yard pitches).
Next step is to get fitted for that set of irons. T Weinhart is going to do the fitting for me. (Incidentally, his operation Nuclear Golf has now moved to the Standard Club which is great news - its a fantastic track and a little closer to home than St. Marlo was)
I'm very excited about the coming season - after taking stock of last year my focus is going to be from 100 yards and in, even more so from 50 yards inwards. As long as I can eliminate the couple of high blocks with the driver per round, I'm am convinced if I can pitch, chip and putt a little better then scratch is an attainable goal. I have taken pitching and putting lessons over the winter from TW so I feel I have the tools I need at my disposal - just need to adopt and ingrain it all now.
I need to set some goals for the year and while the overriding goal is obvious (scratch), I have set myself some intermediate goals a long the way:
- qualify for the Georgia State mid am
- qualify for the Georgia State amateur at Cherokee
- get handicap under 2.4 in time to meet cutoff to enter US amateur qualifier
Finally for now, I just got finished reading Dream On by John Richardson (from Northern Ireland). Essentially as a 17 handicap he took on a challenge of having to shoot one round of par within one year from the start of the challenge. Interesting read. There are some parallels to my own goal.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Not Good
I had my follow up with Dr Weil yesterday and while he thinks there is some slight improvement, he feels the elbow needs more time - another 4 to 6 weeks to be precise. This winter has me going stir crazy as it is so another 6 weeks is going to hurt.
However, on a more positive note, he did say that I should be able to play through it for the year without further aggravating it any more than I already had - in other words, surgery can wait til winter if I need to have it.
Also, I can pitch, chip and putt to my hearts content. No excuses for having a crappy short game again this summer!!
However, on a more positive note, he did say that I should be able to play through it for the year without further aggravating it any more than I already had - in other words, surgery can wait til winter if I need to have it.
Also, I can pitch, chip and putt to my hearts content. No excuses for having a crappy short game again this summer!!
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Irons
I don't currently possess a set of irons. I sold both sets I had before Christmas. I wanted to raise a little cash :) but primarily I wanted to make sure the temptation wasn't there to go hitting balls before I got the all clear from the orthopedic specialist.
I'm hoping to get this all clear on Jan 18th in which case I need to get a new set of irons promptly.
If I've learned one thing over the last year its that you must play the right equipment for you. Its crazy to buy something new off the rack without getting fitted.
Therefore I probably want to get fitted for a set of the Taylormade R9's. Although they are last years, I don't much like the look of this years offerings from Taylormade. Also, I have messed around with some of the R9s last year and liked them. In fact, I swung one of TWs R9s at one point and loved them. Perhaps I can persuade him to sell me his if he is upgrading. I know that they are the right swing weight (D2) :)
I had thought of going to The Kingdom at Reynolds Plantation again to get fitted but the price has gone up and I just can't justify spending $1500 to get fit for a set of $900 at best irons.
I guess first things first, I need to get the all clear to start hitting balls - its driving me crazy not being able to work on my game!!
I'm hoping to get this all clear on Jan 18th in which case I need to get a new set of irons promptly.
If I've learned one thing over the last year its that you must play the right equipment for you. Its crazy to buy something new off the rack without getting fitted.
Therefore I probably want to get fitted for a set of the Taylormade R9's. Although they are last years, I don't much like the look of this years offerings from Taylormade. Also, I have messed around with some of the R9s last year and liked them. In fact, I swung one of TWs R9s at one point and loved them. Perhaps I can persuade him to sell me his if he is upgrading. I know that they are the right swing weight (D2) :)
I had thought of going to The Kingdom at Reynolds Plantation again to get fitted but the price has gone up and I just can't justify spending $1500 to get fit for a set of $900 at best irons.
I guess first things first, I need to get the all clear to start hitting balls - its driving me crazy not being able to work on my game!!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Club Championship
We had our club championship this past 3 days.
It was a blast. I have never experienced such pacy greens. I believe the greens were running at 13!! Surprisingly, playing from the tips was not such an issue. Weather was superb.
This is going to sound funny but given what I shot today but I have never been happier with my ball striking. I have finally eliminated that horrible big high block to the right with the driver. It was being caused by a slide towards the target with the left hip on the downswing. THE DOWNSWING HAS TO BE INITIATED BY LETTING THE CLUB FALL/THE RIGHT ELBOW UNHINGE WHILE REMAINING COILED.
Anyhow, I shot 81/81/87. I was in 9th place as of this morning but probably finished in the high teens.
In general I'm very happy with my ball striking tee to green. I had maybe 3 bad swings all weekend. Alas two of them cost me a 9 on the 11th hole (that's a par 5).
Was disappointed with how I chipped and putted. In truth I was tentative and a little chicken on the fast greens. I missed about five 3-footers or less.
Season is winding down. Only one event of note left - final round of the Green Tour on Nov 6th. Will take a week off to freshen up and get a few good weeks practice in before that!!
It was a blast. I have never experienced such pacy greens. I believe the greens were running at 13!! Surprisingly, playing from the tips was not such an issue. Weather was superb.
This is going to sound funny but given what I shot today but I have never been happier with my ball striking. I have finally eliminated that horrible big high block to the right with the driver. It was being caused by a slide towards the target with the left hip on the downswing. THE DOWNSWING HAS TO BE INITIATED BY LETTING THE CLUB FALL/THE RIGHT ELBOW UNHINGE WHILE REMAINING COILED.
Anyhow, I shot 81/81/87. I was in 9th place as of this morning but probably finished in the high teens.
In general I'm very happy with my ball striking tee to green. I had maybe 3 bad swings all weekend. Alas two of them cost me a 9 on the 11th hole (that's a par 5).
Was disappointed with how I chipped and putted. In truth I was tentative and a little chicken on the fast greens. I missed about five 3-footers or less.
Season is winding down. Only one event of note left - final round of the Green Tour on Nov 6th. Will take a week off to freshen up and get a few good weeks practice in before that!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Spoke too soon!
Seems I spoke to soon about it cooling down - today was close to a record high for this date - well above 90.
That hasn't stopped me from getting a little more practice in thankfully.
As I keep mentioning, Tim has told me that once I stopped initiating the downswing with my entire body and instead started by letting the club fall first, that I would stop missing those drives with high blocks to the right. I have been struggling though to ingrain this move until a playing partner gave me a wonderful tip this weekend. I need to think about swinging the club downwards while keeping my back/butt to the target for as long as possible. (i.e. keep my back to the target while unhinging my right elbow) I had one session at the range working on this thought and the initial signs were very encouraging. The high block to the right is gone and I seem to have gained some distance. Hopefully it will stick.
The club championship is on two weeks time and that is my number one focus now. A top 10 finish would be very sweet!!
That hasn't stopped me from getting a little more practice in thankfully.
As I keep mentioning, Tim has told me that once I stopped initiating the downswing with my entire body and instead started by letting the club fall first, that I would stop missing those drives with high blocks to the right. I have been struggling though to ingrain this move until a playing partner gave me a wonderful tip this weekend. I need to think about swinging the club downwards while keeping my back/butt to the target for as long as possible. (i.e. keep my back to the target while unhinging my right elbow) I had one session at the range working on this thought and the initial signs were very encouraging. The high block to the right is gone and I seem to have gained some distance. Hopefully it will stick.
The club championship is on two weeks time and that is my number one focus now. A top 10 finish would be very sweet!!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Back to HOTLANTA
Just got back from Ireland and it's absolutely steaming. I don't think there will be a lot of golf played in August. First of all, its just too hot. Then there is a matter of the condition of greens seemingly everywhere. Anywhere with bentgrass greens is really struggling with this heat. Played 4 times in Ireland.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
No more left side
When I first started my lessons with Tim, my ball flight was what you might describe as a controlled hook at best. That was my good shot and my miss was either a big block to the right or a quick snap hook.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Desperately Seeking Short Game
Thoroughly depressed after today!
Had a GA state am qualifier at Atlanta National. Shot 83!
Had a GA state am qualifier at Atlanta National. Shot 83!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Staying in the moment
I think thats what the pros refer to it as.
Yesterday, I got off to a great start - three under through five on Lakeside. Then came the rain delay and I started thinking about possibly breaking 70 for the first time. That was the end of that. I preceded to double bogey the first hole after the rain delay. I ended up shooting 73 but it should have been better.
Once I started thinking about shooting a low number, I started playing like I was hanging on for dear life. Everything became tentative.
The thing is, this has happened before and its a mental barrier I need to find a way of getting over. There's a lot of cliches out there ("stay in the moment", "one shot at a time" etc). Not sure how to address this one!!
On a more positive note, the driver and 3W are working very well and putting is markedly improved.
Yesterday, I got off to a great start - three under through five on Lakeside. Then came the rain delay and I started thinking about possibly breaking 70 for the first time. That was the end of that. I preceded to double bogey the first hole after the rain delay. I ended up shooting 73 but it should have been better.
Once I started thinking about shooting a low number, I started playing like I was hanging on for dear life. Everything became tentative.
The thing is, this has happened before and its a mental barrier I need to find a way of getting over. There's a lot of cliches out there ("stay in the moment", "one shot at a time" etc). Not sure how to address this one!!
On a more positive note, the driver and 3W are working very well and putting is markedly improved.
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