My Life (Sub 2.5)

FixdePitchmark

frostie500 wrote: »

100% agree with this. Started tracking my shots over the last five or six rounds and was shocked by the correlation between solid driving and good scores for me. My chipping has been quite good and i'll get up and down (or take two putts) almost all the time from around the green but found that days where I was missing off the tee it was impossible for me to get around in anything other than to my handicap. Played yesterday from the back tees in my club and was spraying the driver for the first 11 holes and made bogey on each all the way round. Last 7 I was able to turn the driver on and just by virtue of hitting solid drives suddenly went on a run of pars and finished off 12 over. Went out this morning and played nine but hit every fairway with good distance and was one over because I hit 6 greens in reg. For me when I look thru the notebook at the shots i've hit it's clear that the long and mid games are they keys for me to score well rather than chipping and putting

I got down to 8 , with no short game or putting - All long game. :eek:

reax

There are numerous ways to look at this. I started off golf with a handicap of 10 because of my Pitch n Putt skills. I could play to this as well with absolutely no long game. Biggest club I could hit off the tee was a 5 wood but got a lot of pars by getting up and down. I had visions of improving the long game and getting much lower but I found it's not as easy as it sounds.

FixdePitchmark

Stunning evening with a strong breeze – feeling a bit wrecked with too much work lately. An unusual complaint.

When I started out on these “projects”. I got a great tip from Space here – I was looking at a round in total, almost from the 2nd – 3rd hole. The tip was to break down the round into parts – be it 3 holes – 6 holes. Whatever.

So a target for me is always – after 6 holes if I am 1 over I am going well – 2 over recoverable – level great going – under …………..well, we can all lose the run of ourselves.

I realised that I haven’t mentally pushed on – it is a brave golfer – ok, a good golfer that thinks that under par should ever be part of his round or mentality – most guys when under panic, fall apart and think about the European tour (lol).

But it is summer out there – the turf is hard, suits my angle of attack, the driver is going miles, if you don’t take on under par now – you never will in this game.

So I knew it was there today – wasn’t perfect, but getting up and down and striking the ball well. The greens are a little slow at present – the growth has been unreal and in the evening the growth can be sensed in a putt.

I had 5 makeable birdie puts and made 1. Not great, but slipped under par for the 9. I’ve done that a good few times before – but this was a little different, it was very easy and as bad a score as I could have had.

The 3 bad holes I had – 60 yards out – missed green, 90 yards out missed green, 100 yards out missed green – got up and down on them all. It really highlights how poor my wedges are.

It really is a little scary what sort of score would be on if I could hit wedges – I can obviously hit wedges, but just very inconsistent.

It is my own fault – well, a few things going on with club I use (bounce), tempo, angle of attack etc – but nothing honest practice wouldn’t sort.

So – what did I get out of it? I need harder targets – to get to 2.5 – you can’t fear under par. You can’t get over excited over birdie putts – Eagles putts should be part of your game. I’ve had about 5 eagle putts in last 3 weeks and made none.

You need to have a confidence, comfortableness and a sort of cockiness about it - which I never had. I’m not sure it is something I will ever have – but the more you do it, the more you feel ok the next time.

But – feck it, I should be proud of that golf in a strong wind I was under par for 9. 3 bad shots all round. 6 girs (3 others on edge), no bogeys. But I know there is 2 or 3 more shots there.

We always know there are easy shots there when we are amateurs – just trying our best. Not knowing what that best is. I wonder do you ever find out what your best is ?

I’m not even sure I want to know the answer to that question.

spacecoyote

Glad to hear something I've said on here helped someone Fix (actually shocked to hear might be a better term)

The progression in your golf has been fantastic & well done for the effort. I wish I could apply myself in the same way...think I need a new job

Got myself to the range last Sunday & actually felt really productive. Thinking of your short range woes, I picked a target maybe about 60-70yards away & tried to hit at it in multiple different ways with different clubs (gap wedge, lob wedge, 7 iron, low fade, high draw, etc...) found it a really useful thing to practice as in theory it should make me think a bit more creatively around my short game & give me a few different options that I can tap into when on the course

Now, you just need to translate this form onto a parkland course & get yourself a bleedin boards win!

FixdePitchmark

I normally have a dip of form after any breakthrough in handicap – making progress numerically for me, has far too big an impact on my motivation and subsequent confidence. I suppose I have been very lucky to always be going down in the last 3 years. So it is always a new achievement, a new low. It is a great complaint in a way.

But – I didn’t see the last month coming at all. How could you be at your lowest ever handicap and be playing your worst ever golf – well, worst in 5 years.
It really is a perplexing game – each time I would restart a new round going, ok the last one was an aberration – was just a bad day, a once off, stay positive this will pass.

But – was incredible stuff – started with shanks, then putting went again, then was over the top, adjusting swing, plane, grip – and suddenly you are a mess. Had 3 rounds in a row in the low twenties Stableford. I genuinely got a bit depressed about it all. Ridiculous, as a game shouldn’t really have an impact on you as a person. Should it – I don’t know the true answer to that. It should be no. But I have seen rage on a golf course that is very hard to understand. Can this game actually bring you down, off the course, when it goes that wrong?

I’m hoping the answer to that is no. I actually was swinging so poor – I got an injury swinging a golf club. Mad stuff. I needed time out – away, but I had too many commitments with societies, club and charity events. I sort of decided to play it out and grind it out. I’m not sure this was the right thing – how can you take a break from golf in that weather – them conditions and so much good stuff on.

So about 10 rounds into this run – I stopped playing on a course - hit the range instead. About a week after I hit Corballis, I was thinking – If I hit a course that I felt comfortable on, hitting unusual clubs – it could reset the brain – it was desperate stuff. It didn’t work – lol. I lost 7 balls. I still loved the round. Note to self – never try find your game in Corballis. Too many good balls now in the outrageous long marram.

Behind all these problems – my swing felt very wrong – very restricted, a swing without width, without timing, with a slashing tempo, a lunging anger.
Went a good few rounds were a par was a great score – you miss pars when they are gone. You miss birdies even more, and eagle putts are for the Gods and pros.

Not sure that stubbornness is anything to be proud of – But I suppose the one thing I did was stick it out. Not sure that was the right thing. In hindsight – it probably wasn’t. I got that advice from many people I respect and many people a lot wiser than me.

And then it happened………….

It has been truly stunning (as we know) the last few weeks. How could you seriously stop playing in that when you can? “Take a break” – take a melted Kik Kat at the bottom of your bag.

I was on the first heading for what was now my usual Bogey or double on an easy first hole.
Things were incredibly slow out there, as the summer golfers hit the courses with their shorts – Sun cream – slow play and shanks. At least I felt comfortable (lol)

But I met up with an older gent I play a few holes with, late 70s – he has followed my progress and to be honest – one of these blokes you just feel great after they talk to you. Some of these guys have seen it all – played to very low handicaps – had great careers and full lives. The one thing that golf has shown me – is how we underestimate our elders.

He asked me how I was getting on – “terrible”.

“Couldn’t be true – you’re a total natural swinger”.

I smiled.

“No, it is bleeding terrible”.

“Show me”.

Next tee stood up.
“Your whole body is pointing right”

So there you go.

I don’t know if it was the chat for the next holes – I’m a romantic, but this idea you meet an oracle on the course and life is happy ever after is outrageous.

Par – Par - Bogey – par – Bird – Bird.

Best striking in well over a month.

I finished – it was enough – don’t push your oracle luck.

Loire

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

But I met up with an older gent I play a few holes with, late 70s – he has followed my progress and to be honest – one of these blokes you just feel great after they talk to you. Some of these guys have seen it all – played to very low handicaps – had great careers and full lives. The one thing that golf has shown me – is how we underestimate our elders.

Great post Fixde. I love meeting people like that and wouldn't it be a great goal to end up like that!

Well done on finding your mojo too!

Hoof Hearted2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I normally have a dip of form after any breakthrough in handicap – making progress numerically for me, has far too big an impact on my motivation and subsequent confidence. I suppose I have been very lucky to always be going down in the last 3 years. So it is always a new achievement, a new low. It is a great complaint in a way.

But – I didn’t see the last month coming at all. How could you be at your lowest ever handicap and be playing your worst ever golf – well, worst in 5 years.
It really is a perplexing game – each time I would restart a new round going, ok the last one was an aberration – was just a bad day, a once off, stay positive this will pass.

But – was incredible stuff – started with shanks, then putting went again, then was over the top, adjusting swing, plane, grip – and suddenly you are a mess. Had 3 rounds in a row in the low twenties Stableford. I genuinely got a bit depressed about it all. Ridiculous, as a game shouldn’t really have an impact on you as a person. Should it – I don’t know the true answer to that. It should be no. But I have seen rage on a golf course that is very hard to understand. Can this game actually bring you down, off the course, when it goes that wrong?

I’m hoping the answer to that is no. I actually was swinging so poor – I got an injury swinging a golf club. Mad stuff. I needed time out – away, but I had too many commitments with societies, club and charity events. I sort of decided to play it out and grind it out. I’m not sure this was the right thing – how can you take a break from golf in that weather – them conditions and so much good stuff on.

So about 10 rounds into this run – I stopped playing on a course - hit the range instead. About a week after I hit Corballis, I was thinking – If I hit a course that I felt comfortable on, hitting unusual clubs – it could reset the brain – it was desperate stuff. It didn’t work – lol. I lost 7 balls. I still loved the round. Note to self – never try find your game in Corballis. Too many good balls now in the outrageous long marram.

Behind all these problems – my swing felt very wrong – very restricted, a swing without width, without timing, with a slashing tempo, a lunging anger.
Went a good few rounds were a par was a great score – you miss pars when they are gone. You miss birdies even more, and eagle putts are for the Gods and pros.

Not sure that stubbornness is anything to be proud of – But I suppose the one thing I did was stick it out. Not sure that was the right thing. In hindsight – it probably wasn’t. I got that advice from many people I respect and many people a lot wiser than me.

And then it happened………….

It has been truly stunning (as we know) the last few weeks. How could you seriously stop playing in that when you can? “Take a break” – take a melted Kik Kat at the bottom of your bag.

I was on the first heading for what was now my usual Bogey or double on an easy first hole.
Things were incredibly slow out there, as the summer golfers hit the courses with their shorts – Sun cream – slow play and shanks. At least I felt comfortable (lol)

But I met up with an older gent I play a few holes with, late 70s – he has followed my progress and to be honest – one of these blokes you just feel great after they talk to you. Some of these guys have seen it all – played to very low handicaps – had great careers and full lives. The one thing that golf has shown me – is how we underestimate our elders.

He asked me how I was getting on – “terrible”.

“Couldn’t be true – you’re a total natural swinger”.

I smiled.

“No, it is bleeding terrible”.

“Show me”.

Next tee stood up.
“Your whole body is pointing right”

So there you go.

I don’t know if it was the chat for the next holes – I’m a romantic, but this idea you meet an oracle on the course and life is happy ever after is outrageous.

Par – Par - Bogey – par – Bird – Bird.

Best striking in well over a month.

I finished – it was enough – don’t push your oracle luck.

No shanks then???:pac::D;)

FixdePitchmark

Except when you quoted that post. Lol

Hoof Hearted2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Except when you quoted that post. Lol

Ah jees, sorry man:p

FixdePitchmark

Had a decent break for me the last while.

Before the break the game was in very poor condition - with a solid hook / snap hook.

Haven't put my finger on why this had come in - only way out of the hook has been a slight delay in swing to let club get to a better position prior to strike. The body alignment also a factor.

Got out today for a full 18 and it is still poor all around - about 8/9 over for 18.
It is poor, but - if you can believe that is a slight improvement. :eek:

Was out with a lad I play with about every 6 months at a charity event (friends 20 years) - he said he never seen me struggling so much for a par. :eek:

At that rate my handicap will be going up for a while yet.

I've been very busy - work - kids - holidays etc. I've neglected my game to be honest. But prior to that - I sort of lost my motivation , I was enjoying golf - but turning away from practice. It was a sort of catch 22 - when you are striking the ball poor - it is hard to watch yourself practice .

This week I said , ok, back to basics , back to the grind, lines of divots and damaged turf and swing and repeat and understand the cause of the flaws.

Get the short game work in - enjoy the putting green again.

It is simple improving in this game when you are honest with your inner mind and self.

So - I feel the motivation coming back , I know I am nowhere near my handicap or game , but slight turn the last few days - played 9 in 2 over the other day with back to back birds - that was a major sign of hope.

So 3 months to go - If I was a betting man I'd say I'm looking like Iceland V England at this point.

A chance to get to under 2.5 - but I'm looking in trouble at the moment.

A big day needed , a turn, a decent round even - an under par 9 maybe.

Today - I hit a perfect drive near 300 yards - almost holed the wedge - then a tap in bird , I wish I could find that golfer.

Hoof Hearted2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Had a decent break for me the last while.

Before the break the game was in very poor condition - with a solid hook / snap hook.

Haven't put my finger on why this had come in - only way out of the hook has been a slight delay in swing to let club get to a better position prior to strike. The body alignment also a factor.

Got out today for a full 18 and it is still poor all around - about 8/9 over for 18.
It is poor, but - if you can believe that is a slight improvement. :eek:

Was out with a lad I play with about every 6 months at a charity event (friends 20 years) - he said he never seen me struggling so much for a par. :eek:

At that rate my handicap will be going up for a while yet.

I've been very busy - work - kids - holidays etc. I've neglected my game to be honest. But prior to that - I sort of lost my motivation , I was enjoying golf - but turning away from practice. It was a sort of catch 22 - when you are striking the ball poor - it is hard to watch yourself practice .

This week I said , ok, back to basics , back to the grind, lines of divots and damaged turf and swing and repeat and understand the cause of the flaws.

Get the short game work in - enjoy the putting green again.

It is simple improving in this game when you are honest with your inner mind and self.

So - I feel the motivation coming back , I know I am nowhere near my handicap or game , but slight turn the last few days - played 9 in 2 over the other day with back to back birds - that was a major sign of hope.

So 3 months to go - If I was a betting man I'd say I'm looking like Iceland V England at this point.

A chance to get to under 2.5 - but I'm looking in trouble at the moment.

A big day needed , a turn, a decent round even - an under par 9 maybe.

Today - I hit a perfect drive near 300 yards - almost holed the wedge - then a tap in bird , I wish I could find that golfer.

You can, be the ball;):pac::p

spacecoyote

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Had a decent break for me the last while.

Before the break the game was in very poor condition - with a solid hook / snap hook.

Haven't put my finger on why this had come in - only way out of the hook has been a slight delay in swing to let club get to a better position prior to strike. The body alignment also a factor.

Got out today for a full 18 and it is still poor all around - about 8/9 over for 18.
It is poor, but - if you can believe that is a slight improvement. :eek:

Was out with a lad I play with about every 6 months at a charity event (friends 20 years) - he said he never seen me struggling so much for a par. :eek:

At that rate my handicap will be going up for a while yet.

I've been very busy - work - kids - holidays etc. I've neglected my game to be honest. But prior to that - I sort of lost my motivation , I was enjoying golf - but turning away from practice. It was a sort of catch 22 - when you are striking the ball poor - it is hard to watch yourself practice .

This week I said , ok, back to basics , back to the grind, lines of divots and damaged turf and swing and repeat and understand the cause of the flaws.

Get the short game work in - enjoy the putting green again.

It is simple improving in this game when you are honest with your inner mind and self.

So - I feel the motivation coming back , I know I am nowhere near my handicap or game , but slight turn the last few days - played 9 in 2 over the other day with back to back birds - that was a major sign of hope.

So 3 months to go - If I was a betting man I'd say I'm looking like Iceland V England at this point.

A chance to get to under 2.5 - but I'm looking in trouble at the moment.

A big day needed , a turn, a decent round even - an under par 9 maybe.

Today - I hit a perfect drive near 300 yards - almost holed the wedge - then a tap in bird , I wish I could find that golfer.

Reminding of this article Fix

If It’s Not Fun, Why Play? – Practical Golf
http://practical-golf.com/if-its-not-fun-why-play/?mc_cid=edcef58dae&mc_eid=ead8edc144

FixdePitchmark

Hit Corballis today for 12 - wow , just wow, as you can imagine. Was a nice fast 12 - to start, as was alone. But a bit slower as had pleasant company for the last nine.

You don't get days like that too often in Ireland. The gentle sea waft was welcome to cool the 30 degree heated Links surfaces. The rare mirage over that browning links surfaces, a sort of 80s Open look - it seemed appropriate the week that was in it.

Game still a strong pull and a lunging angry out of plane swing.

I just haven't found my swing in what is now - what, 4 months. This period has given me one thing. A gratefulness for good golf when it is there, you can wake up one day and it is gone.

A combination of stubbornness, time constraints and the vicissitudes of life, prevented me from taking any (real) action to resolve my game.

I tried , I tried hard. But it seems a physical change. I'm genuinely about an 8 or 9 handicap player at present.

So I started off today with the normal - pull , then another pull, then a bladed wedge. Terrible stuff.

On my 3rd hole - met a nice lad , you have the normal chat - what you off , his answer a little surprise "I'm trying out on Euro Pro Tour" :eek:

He asked me my handicap - I embarrassingly told him, followed with an almost confessional explanation of my game being in bits

I played the first hole with him with a massive pull - but halved the hole with a 70 foot 2 putt. I was in a match (in my own head) , you may as well in your own head when you play against a pro for the first time

On the 2nd we halved in bad bogeys - then onto the famous 3rd (it was a very strange sequence of holes due to a big crowd out there) , I won the 3rd with a par.
And - I just couldn't believe how well I was playing. I'm not a big believer in raising your game to the situation - but this was one of the first times I had a real sense of that. I was getting up and down , holing 6 to 8 foot putts , hitting good tee shots.

We had a great game - and I ended up winning 3 up - in my own game in my own mind (lol)

I know it means nothing in the full scale of things - but I got around that 9 holes in level par. It is the best I have played in months.

I know I'm not fixed - but at least I could fight again.

Today - was a day that had everything. A great course, a chance meeting, great golf, incredible weather, great memories - the days we need in our slumps to keep us going. The reason we love this bloody game.

FixdePitchmark

Was away on holidays and had a considerable break from golf again. I was hoping when I came back that by some form of magic, my game would be back. My oh My. I played my first 15 holes back, in 18 over par. Next day 6 holes in 9 over par and today 6 holes in 7 over par. Crazy stuff.

This is an incredible fall in form in say 4 months. Mainly a snap hook – pull – lost ball.

Then to add to that – when I don’t practice my short game and putting, it falls off very fast.

So I walked straight off the course and arranged a lesson. Ridiculous that I let it go that long. I just had too much on and summer is not a great time for me golf wise (family, work etc.). The lesson was excellent – was more like therapy, I had chopped and changed so much from the time I got the shanks – there really was very little left of what was my swing. I wish I had just gone to someone sooner. I made the mistake of listening to every person that said something – some was good info, but too much info, is like that mistake we can make of watching too many You Tube golf tips.

Using video footage – I could see that there were plenty of good things there – but minor stuff like a weak stability and core over the ball was cause me to lunge. A couple of simple swing thoughts later I was hitting the ball very well. But – we all know there can be a lesson placebo.

On the way home from range I had a chat with myself, why had all this happened.

In the last few years, I went about this project in reverse in a way (long game before short) – At the start I worked hard on my swing, I hit an incredible amount of balls and it made me a good driver of the ball and iron player. This got me to a point – but eventually I hit a wall – I realised I was just going to the range as a habit to kill balls, in fact, I was even getting injuries from it. At that point, I totally rejected the range, I worked on short game, on course practice and my handicap just tumbled down.

But – still talking to myself on the way home – I realised, like with most things with me, I didn’t have balance in my practice. It was all long or short – it strangely enough worked for me at times, but it means it is from one crisis to the next, long problem, short problem, long problem, short problem.

But – sure that is the reality for most of us on here – it is only a hobby – a game, we only have so much time. In reality we are always picking a part of our game to work on to the detriment of the other part. You can look at any part of the game and that will happen – bunker play – putting – wedge play etc. If you neglect it – it finds you on the course.

Some people are very lucky in life – or in parts of life. These things are a little easier. They can walk away from a sport, a game, a skill and it is just there. Sadly for us mere mortals – this is not the case.

Looking along the range – a thing I hadn’t done in a long time. You could see the frustrations of all the different ages. Girls and Boys beginning, children and Dads frustrated with each other, older gents hitting the ball fantastic. Pros giving lessons about the same basics again and again and again. The grip, the stance, the ball position.

As I was leaving a guy approached me and said – you are hitting the ball fantastic, would you mind having a look at something – I laughed to myself. If only he knew the reality.

I always wanted to be that crazy old bloke giving the tips at a range – I am at serious risk of failing to meet my target now, but at least I can be that crazy range bloke now.

18 over for 15 holes – Lol.
Range guru.

FixdePitchmark

I was never a big believer in that your state of mind plays any part in your golf game. After much advice from people on Boards here – I opened my mind and looked into a few elements of the game, like Bob Rotella - very soon after, I had my best ever rounds and broke the tough barrier of under the 5 handicap.

I’ll never forget those days – sure, they are still fresh in my mind as only in the last 12 months of this project. When I would make a big move in the game – I would call up to my Dad’s and tell him about the round. He was the man who first gave me the love of this amazing game. He showed me the great sights you get to see along the coast, when you fully embrace that golf is not just a game. It is “Heaven on earth” – as he would advise me. How right he was, how right he still is.

My Dad had a long term illness the last 10 years, he couldn’t play golf – but still loved talking about it. He was the one, who told me that I could do anything if you try hard enough in life. He wasn’t a conventional club golfer, he was from a time when, work golf societies started to form and break down the strange class based system of golf in Ireland.

We had an amazing life together, we were best friends, interested in the same things - sport, golf, music, science and the arts. Even if I didn’t have a mind as beautiful as his – I was still fascinated by his range of skills – not to mention, him being a fantastic role model, father, grandfather, husband and man.

Over the last 3 months as there were signs he was on the final journey – my own golf game fell apart. We were spending increasing time (as a family) up to 24 hours a day towards the end, being with him on them last precious, sad and at times fun days. We sang songs, read poetry, told stories and said the things that needed to be said. As a family and as a friend we have no regrets. Not all are so lucky in life.

When you have a great relationship with a father – we idolise them. We think that they are the best in the world. I can only hope my children and I, have anything near what my Dad had with his.

At one point, I was up in the hospital – my Dad turned to me and said, please go out and practice and play 9 holes. I went down to the course and in pure anger, hit the ball as hard as I had all season, drive and 9 iron over the back of a par 5.

So after a crazy few weeks – it is over. My life will never be the same again – but I’m so grateful for every day I had him. We had amazing days In Deer Park and on the tougher journey out to Corballis – all without a car and using at the time, very slow public transport and I remember waking and walking and walking. But it made the pint for him and the Coke for me all the more pleasurable.

So today – I had to hit a course on our coast. A coast we spent so much time together – playing golf or on the beach or at an Irish Open. Dreaming about a life past the realities of houses and factories.

I hit Corballis and I am so thankful I did.

It was perfect and I had it to myself and his memory, in perfect links conditions with dream like views across Howth Head and Lambay Island.

I played well enough in a 2 club wind. Front nine 6 over, back nine 1 over. But it wasn’t about the score – it was about what that coast meant to me and him and our friendship.

I know it is a long way from what the target for this project was – but it is a level of golf I dreamed of when I was not even in a club and just had this idea in my head I would like to test myself at golf. My Dad always told me I could do it. And he was so proud of what I had done to get to single figures.

When your mentor, friend and encourager is gone in life – it is a scary place.
But – I hope the template he gave, holds in me and I can now live up to it and pass on as he did.

“Heaven on earth”.

OffalyMedic

Lovely words Fix, thoughts are with you and your family at this tough time!

Russman

Beautiful post Fix, thoughts are with you.

Hoof Hearted2

Beautiful words fix and sorry for your loss, my father passed on the 1st of September 12 months ago and after reading your piece I'm reminded of how lucky you are to have such an influential figure in your life, he'll live on in you, take care buddy.

Ben1977

Thanks Fixde for the lovely post. Sorry to hear about your Dads passing. It always came across in your posts how much you admired your Dad. Thoughts are with you.

alxmorgan

I always knew my parents loved me but not how much until I held my first child in my hands nearly 6 years back now. I became aware of how they must have felt for me when I held my son. It blew me away, humbled me, moved me beyond what I thought was possible.

My thoughts with you and your family at this time. You are very lucky to have a great relationship with your father as not all have that. You have a treasure trove of great memories which can never be taken away.

Seve OB

Emotional times for you Fix. Glad you went out today and got such a lovely afternoon to reminisce.

We shall raise a glass to you and your Dad on Saturday night.

See you soon pal.

3putt

Beautiful words Fix. Thoughts are with you and the family.

spacecoyote

Sorry to hear about your loss Fix.

You're in the thoughts of all your friends here on Boards.

Keano

One of the best posts I have ever read on this site.

Sorry for your loss Fix.

Dublin Spur

what lovely tribute, lots of parallels with my life - take care Fix

charlieIRL

Thoughts are with you and your family buddy. Give us a buzz if you need and ear to bend anytime.

pcasso

Beautiful post.
Your Dad had very good reasons to be proud.
Condolences P.

fullstop

Perfect post Fair play

FixdePitchmark

But I failed.

So the year has passed. I failed. I got to within 1.4 of my target – but I failed.

Now, I’d like to add, after the last 3 months I had – I would apply for a medical / mental exemption, if I was a PGA Tour pro. But – I don’t believe in excuses - I failed. Also – I’m not a PGA tour pro – I’m a Dad, head case, and forum user.

Now – from the off on this thread – I admitted that the target was a target designed to be at the limits and the edge of failure. I have to admit – In higher winds and early season (Feb to March), I was in fantastic form and playing the golf of my life. I was almost shocking myself with the stuff I was doing. 4/5 over in 2/3 club winds, winning competitions and seeing record low handicaps. For a while I started to believe in my own bull****.

But it is like the failure that is so predictable in most sports – when you achieve a certain level, you think you have done it – but no, golf is a hard sport and one mental lapse or foot off the pedal and you are gone, particularly when you get below 5.

So today, I hit the links alone for some closure – a wind of 9m/s is a challenge to any golfer at any level and I was using 5 irons from 155 yards – that is a 3 to near 4 club wind.

In the last few weeks since an enormous personal pressure has come to an end, I have felt incredibly more relaxed on the course. The sun was shining, the sea was wild and noisy, the conditions were ideal for a man who likes the tough conditions.

From the off, I felt so in control, confident, and aware that, I’m no longer a player that breaking 80 is an ideal or big deal. I’m a player who is a good ball striker and on a hot day, can hit a 76 or lower. (Even if that has been very unrealistic lately)

But I failed.

But today – I went into the wind in full winter clothing, thinking about my time with my best friend (old lad) and thinking of all the things that have happened in the last 5 years. You shouldn’t really be thinking about these things as you face tough conditions like that – but what else would you be thinking about as you look at your life over the stunning Howth Head.

I was thinking about all the friends from Boards, people from my club, family, mentors, pros and elders that you meet on a long tough journey in golf and life.

But – it isn’t really “tough”, it is hilariously ridiculous, relaxing, joyful, spiritual and life itself – a little ball and a score, lip outs, wind and luck, change a score considerably – the score isn’t that important, is it!?

For so long, I was using golf as an escape – but in reality, the best part of golf is not only the the escape, it is a connection. A connection that enables , the skilled, the old, the dreamers, the hapless, and the hopeful, to find commonality – to realise, no matter how bad or good the real world is – you have 4 hours in peace and escape from the realities of life and at times, your own life.

For the 9 holes today – I basically played as well as I can – I made very little on the greens – lipped out and had 2 3 putts – but the wind was strong , so strong, putting was an art form, the ball was rolling out an extra 6 to 8 feet. I was 4 over for 9 – I hit two 5 irons that were the best I hit in a long time, into a 3 club wind, a slight draw to hit greens – the sort of shots that amaze yourself.

So after 4 years at this, I know I’m a 6 to 8 handicap player – I tested myself to an extreme and got to 4. But, I, low handicappers I played with, friends, mentors –knew, it was a temporary aberration of effort.
But – I’m glad I did it.

But I failed.

I’m not sure why I posted all this here. It seems to have been something I needed to get out of my system.
I know it was all bollix in so many ways – But there is one thing for sure, without the threads, there is not a chance that I would have done what I did.

There is one thing that can never be taken away from me, in my own mind, that is the time, I called up to my Dad and said – Dad, "I’m off 4 now" . He is the one person in the world who had total belief that I could do it. He told me from every moment of my childhood I can remember. “You can do anything”. When your dad is gone – it is time to grow up.
You need to pass on that mantle.

You know what – I’m ready. (even as a failure (lol))

But – I know I have one more good round in me – I seen that today.

Thanks to all on Boards, for pms, support and ultimately friendship, It was an absolute blast.



But I failed.

Fix.

The End.

pinkdoubleeagle

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

But I failed.

So the year has passed. I failed. I got to within 1.4 of my target – but I failed.

Now, I’d like to add, after the last 3 months I had – I would apply for a medical / mental exemption, if I was a PGA Tour pro. But – I don’t believe in excuses - I failed. Also – I’m not a PGA tour pro – I’m a Dad, head case, and forum user.

Now – from the off on this thread – I admitted that the target was a target designed to be at the limits and the edge of failure. I have to admit – In higher winds and early season (Feb to March), I was in fantastic form and playing the golf of my life. I was almost shocking myself with the stuff I was doing. 4/5 over in 2/3 club winds, winning competitions and seeing record low handicaps. For a while I started to believe in my own bull****.

But it is like the failure that is so predictable in most sports – when you achieve a certain level, you think you have done it – but no, golf is a hard sport and one mental lapse or foot off the pedal and you are gone, particularly when you get below 5.

So today, I hit the links alone for some closure – a wind of 9m/s is a challenge to any golfer at any level and I was using 5 irons from 155 yards – that is a 3 to near 4 club wind.

In the last few weeks since an enormous personal pressure has come to an end, I have felt incredibly more relaxed on the course. The sun was shining, the sea was wild and noisy, the conditions were ideal for a man who likes the tough conditions.

From the off, I felt so in control, confident, and aware that, I’m no longer a player that breaking 80 is an ideal or big deal. I’m a player who is a good ball striker and on a hot day, can hit a 76 or lower. (Even if that has been very unrealistic lately)

But I failed.

But today – I went into the wind in full winter clothing, thinking about my time with my best friend (old lad) and thinking of all the things that have happened in the last 5 years. You shouldn’t really be thinking about these things as you face tough conditions like that – but what else would you be thinking about as you look at your life over the stunning Howth Head.

I was thinking about all the friends from Boards, people from my club, family, mentors, pros and elders that you meet on a long tough journey in golf and life.

But – it isn’t really “tough”, it is hilariously ridiculous, relaxing, joyful, spiritual and life itself – a little ball and a score, lip outs, wind and luck, change a score considerably – the score isn’t that important, is it!?

For so long, I was using golf as an escape – but in reality, the best part of golf is not only the the escape, it is a connection. A connection that enables , the skilled, the old, the dreamers, the hapless, and the hopeful, to find commonality – to realise, no matter how bad or good the real world is – you have 4 hours in peace and escape from the realities of life and at times, your own life.

For the 9 holes today – I basically played as well as I can – I made very little on the greens – lipped out and had 2 3 putts – but the wind was strong , so strong, putting was an art form, the ball was rolling out an extra 6 to 8 feet. I was 4 over for 9 – I hit two 5 irons that were the best I hit in a long time, into a 3 club wind, a slight draw to hit greens – the sort of shots that amaze yourself.

So after 4 years at this, I know I’m a 6 to 8 handicap player – I tested myself to an extreme and got to 4. But, I, low handicappers I played with, friends, mentors –knew, it was a temporary aberration of effort.
But – I’m glad I did it.

But I failed.

I’m not sure why I posted all this here. It seems to have been something I needed to get out of my system.
I know it was all bollix in so many ways – But there is one thing for sure, without the threads, there is not a chance that I would have done what I did.

There is one thing that can never be taken away from me, in my own mind, that is the time, I called up to my Dad and said – Dad, "I’m off 4 now" . He is the one person in the world who had total belief that I could do it. He told me from every moment of my childhood I can remember. “You can do anything”. When your dad is gone – it is time to grow up.
You need to pass on that mantle.

You know what – I’m ready. (even as a failure (lol))

But – I know I have one more good round in me – I seen that today.

Thanks to all on Boards, for pms, support and ultimately friendship, It was an absolute blast.



But I failed.

Fix.

The End.

Sorry for your loss pal. A tough time for you and the family. Always remember. "Its only golf"

charlieIRL

I wouldn't say you failed, I'd say more important things took precedence this year, you have next year, the year after and so on to get to 2.5 if that's still your goal.

You've had a tough year off the course, you are going to have many more off it (believe me I know) but you are here and you can play golf, enjoy it dude, don't torture yourself over a silly handicap!!!

FixdePitchmark

charlieIRL wrote: »

I wouldn't say you failed, I'd say more important things took precedence this year, you have next year, the year after and so on to get to 2.5 if that's still your goal.

You've had a tough year off the course, you are going to have many more off it (believe me I know) but you are here and you can play golf, enjoy it dude, don't torture yourself over a silly handicap!!!

Agree 100 %

rickis tache

Sorry to hear this news fdp.
You always had a lot to say about your dad when we met and you sounded to be very close.

Ye enjoyed your times in Galway with him I remember you saying.

As for the fail as you put it, you didn't. Your road to success just took a detour.
Get back in the route.
I said it before when we plaYed Galway bay last year, you have the potential to make it a lot lower. I and many others that played with you know this to be fact.

Bet your da is telling arnie "hey my young lad is some golfer!"
And he's right

The Big Easy

Beautiful words as always Fix. I for one look forward to a new thread

FixdePitchmark

The Big Easy wrote: »

Beautiful words as always Fix. I for one look forward to a new thread

We were wondering where you were.

You are a man who inspired the ("false" ) concept, that limitations are an element of the mind that you need to overcome.

But - we haven't heard from you since

Joking in a Riknd way.



Anyway - thanks, for that.

Hope, body and mind is OK - and catch you on a late Bus at some point

The Big Easy

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

We were wondering where you were.

You are a man who inspired the ("false" ) concept, that limitations are an element of the mind that you need to overcome.

But - we haven't heard from you since

Joking in a Riknd way.



Anyway - thankS, for that.

Hope, body and mind is OK - and catch you on a late Bus at some point

I was in Colombia, only came back the morning of the All-Ireland. I was overcoming some more limitations of the mind As a result golf and the forum wasn't on my mind for a while

I suppose part of the reason I went was that I couldn't play golf, so maybe the injury was a spiritual intervention of sorts :pac:

But I'm back now and would like to play a few rounds but the tendons are still not playing ball and soon the weather won't be either. Bit of a miscalculation on my part spending spring/summer in Colombia before returning for the turn.

Maybe I should start my own golf as a spiritual pursuit thread :pac: Don't think I could ever match your own stream of consciousness prose though

Maybe we could have a game round Corballis during the winter sometime with a hip-flask to warm the body and the view to nourish the soul

Seve OB

I was just going to post the same question Fix and ask The Big Easy where he has been, but then I turned the page and seen you beat me to it.

I guess the Journalist dug deep and after watching Narcos, felt he had to go to Colombia and find out a bit more of who Pablo really was

Good to see you back Dan, we missed ya this year