Handicap Ambitions 2011

ssbob

strokes1 wrote: »

Jimbling
Can you explain how you acheived the 10+ shots improvement to someone who has similar ambitions...18 to 15!
cheers

I would echo that, my long game is ok(improved my stroke average by about 6/7 shots last year) but short game from about 40 yards and in, including bunkers and putting as horendous,(took 45 putts in Castlemartyr in November!!!

the lawman

tran wrote: »

had to give up hurling 2 years ago so took up the golf for something to do. given handicap of 13 and now off 2.2. going to take it seriously this year. might even change the hurley grip.:)

I'm a hurley grip also and to be honest I could never change it and hit a golf ball properly.

Screaminmidget

the lawman wrote: »

I'm a hurley grip also and to be honest I could never change it and hit a golf ball properly.

I'm the same. If it aint broke etc.
In my eyes though, theres no difference, the club doesnt know what grip you have, so once its square at impact its all the same.

the lawman

Screaminmidget wrote: »

I'm the same. If it aint broke etc.
In my eyes though, theres no difference, the club doesnt know what grip you have, so once its square at impact its all the same.

Wonder how many there are of 'us kind' out there? On a personal level I don't know anyone else!

Maybe there is some underground club we could join......!

Screaminmidget

the lawman wrote: »

Wonder how many there are of 'us kind' out there? On a personal level I don't know anyone else!

Maybe there is some underground club we could join......!

I know 2 lads with the same grip, one was playing off 4 and gave up because he was being overlooked for teams because of his grip.
The other is off 5, and still going down, despite the pure lack of effort he puts in
Although these are success stories, ive seen more people that cant use the grip and have to change it :P

jimbling

strokes1 wrote: »

Jimbling
Can you explain how you acheived the 10+ shots improvement to someone who has similar ambitions...18 to 15!
cheers

ssbob wrote: »

I would echo that, my long game is ok(improved my stroke average by about 6/7 shots last year) but short game from about 40 yards and in, including bunkers and putting as horendous,(took 45 putts in Castlemartyr in November!!!

Mainly it's practice practice practice, but I'll outline how I went about it.... hope it helps.

The Problem:

• Obviously a major obstacle in short game play is confidence. We all know that. But how do you get the confidence when you're no good at it in the first place?
• When you stand over a pitch, you have to have absolute conviction. If you back out or falter in any way during your swing, it will end in tears.
• If, in your minds eye, you are not really sure what you are trying to do, the chances of you backing out or faltering are much greater.

Previously, when I came up to a short pitch, for example, I had different techniques in my head. All in a bit of a muddle... most likely mixing with each other. Sometimes I would do a great shot, sometimes I would duff it, sometimes I would top it off the other side of the green etc etc

The Solution

So, how did I get around this muddle?

For me, it was tying down one specific method. I picked up a copy of Dave Pelz: short game bible, and had a nose through it. It's not for everyone, and you certainly have to breeze through a lot of the waffle, but there's some good stuff in there too. I'm not suggesting it will be the answer to your problems, but it really helped me to concentrate on ONE method.

I also joined the Fota Academy. €200 a year for access to the practice area. Its a great set-up. Has four greens. One specific for putting, one for close green chipping and two for pitching.
I spent a lot of time there. Instead of going out for 9 holes after work, I'd go up there and spend 2+ hours. After a few weeks I'd say I had cut 4/5 shots off my pitching game.
And so it went on.


From the point of view of putting, I'm honestly not sure. Practice. Building a more stable pre shot routine. I don't know, but during all that practice I eventually starting getting a feel for the putter. I went from getting lots of 3 putts (and a few dreaded 4 putts) a round to mostly two putting. By middle of the season I would be gutted if I got more than one 3 putt.

So, that's about it... probably not much help, but there ya go....

death1234567

Currently an 18 handicapper but I'm going to get a few lessons for the first time ever and I intend on playing alot more golf this year so I hope to get my handicap down to about 12 -15 by the year end.

charlieIRL

the lawman wrote: »

I'm a hurley grip also and to be honest I could never change it and hit a golf ball properly.

2 of the lads in our 4 ball at the weekend had hurley grips. Both played damm well.

ssbob

charlieIRL wrote: »

2 of the lads in our 4 ball at the weekend had hurley grips. Both played damm well.

I have nothing against a hurley grip, I was one myself for a while but are there many top professionals or even any using it? If not then I would think that to progress to the best of your ability it might not be the best way forward.

the lawman

ssbob wrote: »

I have nothing against a hurley grip, I was one myself for a while but are there many top professionals or even any using it? If not then I would think that to progress to the best of your ability it might not be the best way forward.

I have tried change it trust me but I play like my granny. Its muscle memory I guess I played for so long P&P with the grip and my brain won't allow any other way.

I'm not planning on going pro so I guess I'm alright. If I get to 10 at some point in the future I'm a happy hurler!!!

ssbob

the lawman wrote: »

I have tried change it trust me but I play like my granny. Its muscle memory I guess I played for so long P&P with the grip and my brain won't allow any other way.

I'm not planning on going pro so I guess I'm alright. If I get to 10 at some point in the future I'm a happy hurler!!!

Well I can't say anything because I am an 18 handicapper and I have gone back playing hurling after a 5 year break and I am finding it very hard to grip the Hurley properly........strange!!!:D

Anatom

Got my first handicap last summer (18 of course :rolleyes:) and would love to drop just one shot by the end of October. It'll all depend on how much golf I get to play.

I don't think anything else is realistic at this stage to be honest, but I'll be delighted if I get that done...

Myksyk

the lawman wrote: »

I have tried change it trust me but I play like my granny. Its muscle memory I guess I played for so long P&P with the grip and my brain won't allow any other way.

I'm not planning on going pro so I guess I'm alright. If I get to 10 at some point in the future I'm a happy hurler!!!

I played with a guy late last year playing off 2 with a Hurley grip ... fabulous player and it was enlightening. I've always thought the biggest weakness of the cack handed grip was the way the wrists were obstructed from breaking or hinging properly. He placed his left hand with the thumb facing directly backwards from the target line and the palm facing outwards. This allowed him to break his wrists freely. Sky had a Professional on last week who was cackhanded and he did essentially the same thing. So maybe that's the way to go for you Hurley grippers.

staker

That I'd pay to see:eek:

I was cack handed for a long time and changed to left handed clubs about 2 years ago.Joined a club last May,started off 18 playing at 19 now.
Would be happy with any improvement,but 4 strokes is the aim.

GetInTheHole!

Got first handicap last year. Started at 15.6. Lowest was 15.3 and finished the year at 16.7.

Got some decent lessons over the winter and out in some hours at the range. 13 hole leage already going well so hoping to make in-roads this year.

Aim is to get to 12.

Myksyk

See the pro I refer to above here. Again, his left hand's thumb faces almost backwards. From a slight distance the swing is essentially indistinguishable from a standard swing.

gerire

Play with hurling grip and think my irons have brought me as far as they can. 09 went from 18-15. Last year 15-12. This year we shall see. No money to invest in new irons so the original fat shafts will have to carry me further. Did just invest in a new putter. And I reckon thats worth atleast 1.5 shots on average so hope to see myself in the 10.xx range by season end

Spazzy Magee

Am playing of 13 now after getting cut from 15 last Summer playing society and open days. Hope to make it down to single figures by the end of the year as will be playing more reglarly in Sunday comps as well as the same society / open days. Work needed though...we'll see:rolleyes:

chalkie 501

new years resolution(made in the early hours in some establishment:P)!!
was to get down to 3,currently 4.3...to lose .8 doesnt sound much but when your clubs S.Scratch is 38-39pts i'd have to shoot level par just to lose .1.....
shoot 5 over and its .1 back...im fairly confident nonetheless;)

mr.mickels

haven't had a handicap in about 15 years, started going to the range in 2011 so hoping to join a club again in the latespring/early summer. Hitting the ball well, but is very hard to gauge anything on the range and have zero short game practice thus far, I used have a respectable short game, so if I maintain enthusiasm will be hoping to get to low single figures, maybe scratch again. Hitting well over the 300yarder in the range with the range balls, and getting straighter with every visit thus far.

jimbling

jimbling wrote: »

Went from 18 to 15 last year (22 - 18 year before). But it was a very disappointing year for me. I vastly improved my short game, probably by about 10+ shots / round.

Alas I completely lost my long game and nothing could save it. I got disheartened and took a break, followed by an injury..... as of now I have not swung a club since August. I actually think that might help me. Hopefully I'll have forgotten all the stupid "fixes" I tried and get back to my basic swing that served me well.

Anyway, this year I'm hoping to push on and finally get down to 12

Played 9 holes last week. Obv the first few didnt go great, but got into the swing of things quickly. Long game was pretty sweat for first game back.
Went to the range to hit a few balls twice this week.... and ..... em ..... OMGYG!! :pac:
I'm striking the ball so beautifully.

It's too early to get excited, but if my ball striking is back to 2009 standards then I should easily get below 12 this year. Here's hoping

ssbob

mr.mickels wrote: »

haven't had a handicap in about 15 years, started going to the range in 2011 so hoping to join a club again in the latespring/early summer. Hitting the ball well, but is very hard to gauge anything on the range and have zero short game practice thus far, I used have a respectable short game, so if I maintain enthusiasm will be hoping to get to low single figures, maybe scratch again. Hitting well over the 300yarder in the range with the range balls, and getting straighter with every visit thus far.

Hi Mr.Mickels, I find the range no good at all unless using open grass bays........I can hit consistent 300 yard drives in the range but once I get on the course, I am only hitting it about 240 which annoys the hell out of me, maybe it's because on the range you are just lashing it and it doesn't matter where it ends up

the lawman

jimbling wrote: »

Played 9 holes last week. Obv the first few didnt go great, but got into the swing of things quickly. Long game was pretty sweat for first game back.
Went to the range to hit a few balls twice this week.... and ..... em ..... OMGYG!! :pac:
I'm striking the ball so beautifully.

It's too early to get excited, but if my ball striking is back to 2009 standards then I should easily get below 12 this year. Here's hoping

Great stuff jimbling hope you keep that form going!

PhilipMarlowe

ssbob wrote: »

Hi Mr.Mickels, I find the range no good at all unless using open grass bays........I can hit consistent 300 yard drives in the range but once I get on the course, I am only hitting it about 240 which annoys the hell out of me, maybe it's because on the range you are just lashing it and it doesn't matter where it ends up

We had that discussion on here before where someone (can't remember who, sorry!) brought their laser range finder to some ranges and the distances of the markers was (generally) WAY off.
Ok, probably because range balls don't go as far so they move the markers in a percentage closer so it resembles 'reality' more.... but also because if you hit your drives out to the 300 you feel better about yourself and you enjoy the range experience more as a result so it's good for business, but not much help for your game when you take on a 250 yard carry on the course

My ambitions.... currently 4.8
Started last year on 3.8 and got 12 .1s back with one little 0.2 cut in my last competition of the year. Don't see myself playing enough golf early in the season to really improve because I'll be doing exams but hopefully I'll get a few lessons in (have them paid for by voucher so no excuse).
Want to get down to 3 again but I'll still enjoy it all even if I go out to 6

ssbob

Licksy wrote: »

We had that discussion on here before where someone (can't remember who, sorry!) brought their laser range finder to some ranges and the distances of the markers was (generally) WAY off.
Ok, probably because range balls don't go as far so they move the markers in a percentage closer so it resembles 'reality' more.... but also because if you hit your drives out to the 300 you feel better about yourself and you enjoy the range experience more as a result so it's good for business, but not much help for your game when you take on a 250 yard carry on the course

My ambitions.... currently 4.8
Started last year on 3.8 and got 12 .1s back with one little 0.2 cut in my last competition of the year. Don't see myself playing enough golf early in the season to really improve because I'll be doing exams but hopefully I'll get a few lessons in (have them paid for by voucher so no excuse).
Want to get down to 3 again but I'll still enjoy it all even if I go out to 6

That makes sense alright, thanks Licksy, I must borrow a range finder and bring it to my local range. Anyway if I was a consistent 300yard striker then how in the name of god can I not break 100 strokes!!!

Actually I keep going on about the magic 100 but the best I have actually got is 110 so maybe I should concentrate on getting 109 or 105 or something.

jimbling

jimbling wrote: »

It's too early to get excited, but if my ball striking is back to 2009 standards then I should easily get below 12 this year. Here's hoping

I spoke way too soon. It's worse than it ever was the weekend. Not a good start, dont see myself getting cut unless something miraculous happens.

GreeBo

Aiming to get down to 5/6 from 9.3.
Was 8.1 middle of last year until a run of 12 0.1's drove me to get a lesson.
+2 gross for 12 holes last week and +7 at the weekend so starting to see some payback from the practice sessions.

Parky2010

Sorry, but how do you get a handicap? I'm new to playing the game and heading to a full course the weekend i'd say do you have to play several times to get a handicap or what happens with it?

Myksyk

Parky2010 wrote: »

Sorry, but how do you get a handicap? I'm new to playing the game and heading to a full course the weekend i'd say do you have to play several times to get a handicap or what happens with it?

You have to play three rounds with someone who has an official GUI handicap and who is usually a member of the club you intend to join. Then hand the cards in to the handicap secretary for the club who will work out your handicap, put you on the system and get a GUI card for you.

Parky2010

Myksyk wrote: »

You have to play three rounds with someone who has an official GUI handicap and who is usually a member of the club you intend to join. Then hand the cards in to the handicap secretary for the club who will work out your handicap, put you on the system and get a GUI card for you.

Do you have to play with someone with an official GUI handicap yeah? Thinking of joining Grange Castle cause its the closest one to me! So is it that easy? Just play 3 rounds.. give your card in to someone then bang you have a handicap?

Myksyk

Parky2010 wrote: »

Do you have to play with someone with an official GUI handicap yeah? Thinking of joining Grange Castle cause its the closest one to me! So is it that easy? Just play 3 rounds.. give your card in to someone then bang you have a handicap?

Here's the info from the GUI:

"Q.1 How do I obtain a handicap?
A.1 An official GUI Handicap (CONGU® Unified Handicap) can be allotted only to a Member of a golf club that is affiliated, as defined, to the GUI.
To obtain a handicap a player is required to submit a number of cards over 18 holes at his Home Club (preferably over a Measured Course), in such a manner as his Home Club specifies, but not less than three. Each card must be signed by a responsible person acceptable to the Handicap Committee.
Any score of 2 over par for men and 3 over par for ladies shall be amended to 2 [3] over par respectively. After these adjustments have been made an Exact Handicap (whole number) should be allotted equivalent to the number of strokes by which the best of the submitted cards differs from the Standard Scratch Score."

rafared

To get under to 5 or under. Playing off 6 (5.6) at the moment so I reckon its possible. Need to get some short game practice in soon though.

ssbob

Myksyk wrote: »

Here's the info from the GUI:

"Q.1 How do I obtain a handicap?
Any score of 2 over par for men and 3 over par for ladies shall be amended to 2 [3] over par respectively. After these adjustments have been made an Exact Handicap (whole number) should be allotted equivalent to the number of strokes by which the best of the submitted cards differs from the Standard Scratch Score."

Does this mean if you get 5 over on a hole that is reduced to two over?

I have yet to submit my three cards for my handicap because I am finding it hard to get 18 holes in at the moment.

Myksyk

ssbob wrote: »

Does this mean if you get 5 over on a hole that is reduced to two over?

Yes.

foxyboxer

No handicap just trying to consistently break 80.

Short game needs a ton of work.

Villain

Playing off 24 but only really started last year and was given 23, playing a lot of Golf this year and hoping to get some big cuts down to about 15 by October. Biggest problem is keeping a round going. I have had 20,22 and a few 23 points after 9 holes but always blow up and it's really annoying because mates think I do it deliberately but I really really want to get cut, concentration and swing speed are main issues, once my swing speeds up I just can't slow it down!

Finno59

was off 18 start of last year got down to 11 , so now im hopin to get to at least 7

Iangolf

13.8 at the moment having been a distance member last year (1st yr playing) which I feel made it hard to lower handicap as I was travelling around playing opens.. but having joined a club properly in the new year I have played to or beaten handicap in all but one round in comps...

So hoping to get to 8 by the end of the year... Have realised that it's all about short game and have seen improvements with practice already.

pinseeker

last year was first year as member.started 16 and ended 4.5.it was distance membership and have moved clubs to be closer to get more golf in.good scores so far with level par 72 gross today.would like to aim for maybe 3 or lower.fingers crossed.

pduigee

Was off 16 last year and got down to 10. Hoping to get down to 8 this year

useurename

pinseeker wrote: »

last year was first year as member.started 16 and ended 4.5.it was distance membership and have moved clubs to be closer to get more golf in.good scores so far with level par 72 gross today.would like to aim for maybe 3 or lower.fingers crossed.

thats savage golf.fair play

Cosmic Penguin

Playing 3 years or so.

Had back surgery at end of 09 so getting back into it properly this season.

Joined a club, hoping to get from 23 to 15

Having 45+ putts :mad:a round is killing me, so focus on putting should make it very do-able

the lawman

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

Playing 3 years or so.

Had back surgery at end of 09 so getting back into it properly this season.

Joined a club, hoping to get from 23 to 15

Having 45+ putts :mad:a round is killing me, so focus on putting should make it very do-able

Bets of luck cosmic hope the back issue is all gone and you reach your goals.

I know its obvious but make sure every green is only 2 putted!

Cosmic Penguin

the lawman wrote: »

Bets of luck cosmic hope the back issue is all gone and you reach your goals.

I know its obvious but make sure every green is only 2 putted!

Cheers.

Back is sorted. Golf obsession is in full flow.

f22

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

Cheers.

Back is sorted. Golf obsession is in full flow.

Just recovered from 2 years of back trouble Cosmo, went out 2 full shots and lost them again in my last two rounds. Good luck!

SEORG

Cosmic Penguin wrote: »

Playing 3 years or so.

Had back surgery at end of 09 so getting back into it properly this season.

Joined a club, hoping to get from 23 to 15

Having 45+ putts :mad:a round is killing me, so focus on putting should make it very do-able

Going for my first round since last July after back surgery myself, can't wait to get back playing.

I've spent an age on youtube watching swing videos.

Have the golf holiday booked already.

Playing off 17, went out 2 points last year so hope to get back to 15 with a few swing improvements.

Cosmic Penguin

SEORG wrote: »

Going for my first round since last July after back surgery myself, can't wait to get back playing.

I've spent an age on youtube watching swing videos.

Have the golf holiday booked already.

Playing off 17, went out 2 points last year so hope to get back to 15 with a few swing improvements.

Good man.

Make sure to enjoy it and take it slow.

For me, last season was just about enjoying being able to get out and play

Now, I want to enjoy it even more by playing well and improving.

Best of luck

coolhandspan

off 14 hoping for single figures this year, fingers crossed, :rolleyes::rolleyes::D

LarMan

will start this season off 19, I would hope to be down to 14, but need to avoid the duff chips that are costing me points.

ssbob

LarMan wrote: »

will start this season off 19, I would hope to be down to 14, but need to avoid the duff chips that are costing me points.

If it is close to the green why not try and use a 7 or 6 iron or even putter at least your guaranteed contact, I have worked on using the 8 iron around the green and I am saving strokes.