Topic: Golf - how bad are you?

[JP-65]

Thanks for the advice mate, really helpful and will defo try to focus on slowing my swing down, stance and transfer of weight tomorrow. Just realised that i often lean back when hitting the ball which i hadn't given much consideration before.

Also, i've never really played with an interlocking grip, (did try it for a few months but i never really felt comfortable with it - bad habits and all that). Do you reckon this is contributing to slicing the ball as well?

Leaning back will also help you to slice!  You should stay balanced throughout the swing, a test of this is to see if you can hold your finish for a few seconds.  Pressure on your feet should be centered with a slight bias towards the toes.

[choi]

Bottom of my index finger and just above half way up on my ring finger. Both on my left hand towards the left hand side of my fingers if my palm was facing me.
And i'm right handed, so yeah it's probably me gripping it too hard. If the pressure is suppose to be like you say, the club would definitely go flying out of my hand. I'm going the range later anyway so i'll try that! Ta!

[JP-65]

Bottom of my index finger and just above half way up on my ring finger. Both on my left hand towards the left hand side of my fingers if my palm was facing me.
And i'm right handed, so yeah it's probably me gripping it too hard. If the pressure is suppose to be like you say, the club would definitely go flying out of my hand. I'm going the range later anyway so i'll try that! Ta!

Just wanted to make sure it wasn't in your palm or heel of your hand, which are other issues.

You need to find the balance between having a "light" grip, and losing control of the club (in my early days of playing golf, I was working on this and on a practice swing, I accidentally let my driver go out of my hands, and it merrily flew off into a pond to the left of the tee box, never to be seen again....LOL)

[Prossimo]

I'm really bad at playing spin.

[BRdispatch05]

I shot 119 yesterday, and I had a good game

thats how bad I am

[choi]

For future reference, what other cheap golf courses are there around Southport?

Southport Municipal is £11 for a round which is pretty cheap. All the other courses i've looked at are well over £40 which is ridiculous for someone still trying to learn. Just that i reckon in the summer it'll get boring playing the same course over and over again.

[ThepepeReina]

40 a round!? what a joke, my garden backs on to bowring park golfie so me n me dad just bunk on there some nights

[Bennekov]

After not playing golf for 8 years due to 2 kids and taking over my dads business after his death I've started again. Played 9 holes last week and scored 4 (!!) Stableford points! That's how I roll....

PS. My hcp was 12 when I stopped but the club secretary has been merciful with me so my hcp is now 15. Goal for the season is to be able to play like hcp 15.

[_Lfc_]

I've been playing golf for a year now and have a handicap of 18,feel I could be better though. Score usually ranges from 87 to low 90s

[_Lfc_]

I regulary three or four putt and it's the one part of my game I can't seem to improve on. I can drive down the middle most time, and more often than not my approach shot is in and around the green, but my putting is fucking dire.

Putting is the easiest part of the game imo! If you can sort that putting out you'll be scoring very well if you consistently hit greens in regulation. Put more emphasis on putting.

[Sean_93]

there's 3 "style'" of grip, interlocking/overlapping/10 finger (baseball grip), doesn't really matter what style, whatever is comfortable & works for you.  I have to say the 10 finger is good as a stop-gap if you're struggling with a slice, as it helps promote rotating the wrists, which is good for drawing the ball.

again, a good drill to experience the feel  of rotating the wrists and forearms is to "split grip", ie to grip the right hand at the bottom of the grip, when you swing you'll feel the rotation of the forearms to a much greater extent.

Was actually hitting the ball surprisingly well to begin with at the range after 6 months out. Things went a bit downhill towards the end, ie the slice creeping back in but overall really pleased with how i got on.

Tried an interlocking grip and found this greatly improved the accuracy of my driving (especially 3 wood), as i i actually began to draw the ball, which is rare for me, as well as hitting it straight and don't think i sliced the ball once during the first 50 balls (the second 50 was an entirely different story altogether!) I also really focussed on my transfer of weight, as well as slowing my swing down and found this helped as well so thanks for pointing that out!

However, i struggled with the interlocking grip on my iron shots and found i was hitting the ball cleaner and straighter when reverting back to my old grip.

Overall though, not as bad as i thought it would be and hopefully bodes well for Friday when i play 18 holes with my uncle.

[SGTBabbel]

after watching the game religiously for the past 4 years, i finally decided to actually give it a go and played on a 9 hole course near mine with a few mates last summer- one whos been playing for years and another whos just taken it up a few months before me. really glad i gave it a go, and am even more admirable of the top players, and some of the golden oldies at my loacl who look like they cant walk, let alone whack the golf ball down the fairway!!

it was quite evident that every shot i was taking was going right, in fact, thats the most consistent thing about my game! nevertheless, my mates suggested i took a lesson or two- which i did, and its been a real eye opener for me in terms of the actual prepration and coordination taken before even striking the ball.

gonna hit the range tomorrow and try and put into practice some of the things me instructor has been trying to teach me. i do wish i'd taken it up when i was younger instead of trying to hustle on the pool table (not) and playing footy on the street 

[JP-65]

after watching the game religiously for the past 4 years, i finally decided to actually give it a go and played on a 9 hole course near mine with a few mates last summer- one whos been playing for years and another whos just taken it up a few months before me. really glad i gave it a go, and am even more admirable of the top players, and some of the golden oldies at my loacl who look like they cant walk, let alone whack the golf ball down the fairway!!

it was quite evident that every shot i was taking was going right, in fact, thats the most consistent thing about my game! nevertheless, my mates suggested i took a lesson or two- which i did, and its been a real eye opener for me in terms of the actual prepration and coordination taken before even striking the ball.

gonna hit the range tomorrow and try and put into practice some of the things me instructor has been trying to teach me. i do wish i'd taken it up when i was younger instead of trying to hustle on the pool table (not) and playing footy on the street 

People who don't play golf regularly, generally don't understand how important your pre shot routine is, then how 90% of the result of your golf swing is all in grip, stance & alignment, things you do before you even swing the golf club.

[Mr Dilkington]

Was out on the practice range today, was hitting my irons really well.

Getting a lot of draw on the ball with my irons now, where as before it was just a hook. 

Start the ball about 5-10 yards further left than my target, and it's working great for me. Problem with my irons used to be, rather than take a clean and easy swing, i'd try and go for a huge swing with one club smaller.

Now i'm gonna go for one club bigger, and just hit a nice clean swing with a bit of draw.

I feel if i can get some consistency off the tee i could really make a dent in my handicap.

[rednich85]

Driving is hit and miss for me. I can hit about 60% power with reasonable accuracy. Once I try put any more power my shots all end up right.

Its so frustrating

My irons/hybrids are getting better.

I've recently moved from playing our 9 hole to our main course and its like playing a different game!

One massive difference is how difficult it is to keep you concentration intact over 18 holes. At this stage, every round I play is a learning experience.

Oh and I rarely, very rarely miss a putt under five yards!! Putting is my strong point at this stage.

[deester]

I'm up there with the worrst golfers ever to disgrace the game . it got so bad one day on a work day out I resorted to throwing the ball from the tee as I couldnt hit it any further then 5 yards. 

Most rounds I play invariably end up with me packing it in at the 10th when my shoulder 'seizes up'  after 2 hours of  swinging my arm out of its socket.

Greatness surely beckons

[SGTBabbel]

People who don't play golf regularly, generally don't understand how important your pre shot routine is, then how 90% of the result of your golf swing is all in grip, stance & alignment, things you do before you even swing the golf club.

thats exactly what my instructor is constantly trying to drum into me. that and keeping my shoulders and head in position as opposed to all over the place as it used to be!

[choi]

Driving is hit and miss for me. I can hit about 60% power with reasonable accuracy. Once I try put any more power my shots all end up right.

Its so frustrating

Try turning your waist a bit quicker so it matches your swing. I always find that if i try and swing my arms and turn my waist as fast as i can at the same time, it usually goes straight. Works for me anyway, even if it isn't the proper technique.

[choi]

People who don't play golf regularly, generally don't understand how important your pre shot routine is, then how 90% of the result of your golf swing is all in grip, stance & alignment, things you do before you even swing the golf club.

What's your pre-shot routine? I currently don't really have one, i just kind of try to press a line in front of my ball with the club for direction and then take a couple of practice swings.

[JP-65]

Driving is hit and miss for me. I can hit about 60% power with reasonable accuracy. Once I try put any more power my shots all end up right.

Its so frustrating

My irons/hybrids are getting better.

I've recently moved from playing our 9 hole to our main course and its like playing a different game!

One massive difference is how difficult it is to keep you concentration intact over 18 holes. At this stage, every round I play is a learning experience.

Oh and I rarely, very rarely miss a putt under five yards!! Putting is my strong point at this stage.

If you can hit it well @ 60%, trying going up just a little at a time, and only go up  a bit more when it's working at the speed you're at.  When you "dial" it up, you're losing your sequencing, rhythm & timing.  Your swing is still the same, it's just not being applied in the same way.

[JP-65]

What's your pre-shot routine? I currently don't really have one, i just kind of try to press a line in front of my ball with the club for direction and then take a couple of practice swings.

It's a long discussion, but it involves assessing the lie, distance I want to hit, assessing the wind strength & direction, assessing pin location and dangers, determining club/swing length/shot shape/ball trajectory I want/where I want the ball to land etc. 

Then it's clearing my mind of all extraneous "stuff" once I take the club out of the bag, taking my grip, one practice swing for the shot I want to execute, stand behind the ball and visualise my ball flight, pick a spot in front of the ball that's on my line to assist in alignment, then I have a specific set up routine that I use every time.

It's important to get into a routine to "settle" the mind, your subconscious "knows" when you've done something different, and it'll "disturb" you during your swing.

[wardides]

Playing Baltray on Tuesday and then Seapoint Wed. I'm going to need more golf balls.

[monkeyharris]

I shot 119 yesterday, and I had a good game

thats how bad I am

I shot 124 last week on my first game of the year - I'm now dreaming of a 119!

[pewithree3]

Many years ago I went to my local golf course and about to tee off when an old man
asked if he could play along with me.
After a couple of holes he told me that I was trying to hit the ball too hard.                 
 He showed me how he hit the ball and the difference was immediate, he told
me to say, "Let the club do the work" as I lined myself up.

[Col]

My aim for this season is to shoot under 100.

[choi]

Playing Kirkby tomorrow, anyone been round there before?

[G a r y]

It's not the best muni in the area but still worth a round. If there has been a lot of rain it can be absolutely shocking.

[Mike_LFC]

Shot 88 at Allerton today. Was aiming to break 90 so was happy at the end. Just wish I could play more. Damn work gets in the way of life.
Women's comp playing in front of us and for some reason they all had bunny headbands on.

[Mal]

Had a 'mare on the greens last Friday, reckon I had around 41/42 putts (normally I'm good for 32-36).

I 4 putted three times. Awful. Still the putter is un-bent and I will improve.

[Nick110581]

Looking to pick up a set of clubs for 120ish.

Basic ones are ok. Some dunlop sets on sports direct and bay hill ones on ebay for 90!! Both with bags.

Just playing two par threes at moment and thecdricing range.

[Kopite B205]

Went to Allerton today for my first game in about 2 years. Hit a 92 and was made up with that. Really enjoyed the game and it's certainly reignited the interest. My driving is still my weakpoint though and I always seem to hit a low hooked shot that skims through the grass. It infuriates me so much that I tend to use the 3 iron off the tee. I need to get over my phobia of the driver!

[SFiasco]

I'm starting to get really furious with myself now I've started to play again. I can drive well, I'm quite naturally a strong lad ( not buff, just strong! ) and I can really rip it when I can. My irons onto the green are good, although my putting is fucking dire. But for some reason, be it rustyness or whatever, I'm shooting awful scores and I can't seem to get it down. I'm scuffing many shots, losing lots of balls, taking 5 shots out of the bunker etc.

The reason I'm so frustrated is because I know if I can hit it well for most of the 18, I'd shoot something in the 80's and I'd be delighted with it. But I'm way over that and without blowing my own trumpet I'm better than that. I'm thinking it's lack of concentration or something. I line up to the ball, relax, focus on hitting it but I still end up in fucking Skem when I'm playing Allerton.

[scoresagain]

Went to Allerton today for my first game in about 2 years. Hit a 92 and was made up with that. Really enjoyed the game and it's certainly reignited the interest. My driving is still my weakpoint though and I always seem to hit a low hooked shot that skims through the grass. It infuriates me so much that I tend to use the 3 iron off the tee. I need to get over my phobia of the driver!

Tee it up higher! It'll allow you to get under the ball to get it up in the air, and try to get it so you're not closing the face on the ball.

[scoresagain]

I've been playing a par 3, 9 hole course over the last few weeks and i'm getting better everytime I play. I seem to just rattle off par after par these days which is more than adequate for me.
I bought new irons a few months ago and its taken a bit of time to bed them in, but i'm striking it quite nicely now. I need to work on how to get back spin as I tend to go through the green a lot, which is unfortunate and infuriating after a nice iron shot that lands short of the hole but then shoots through. Any tips, other than, come down on the ball, steep swing, weight on your front foot?

[red_lfc_costello]

this might help some of you....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_lOfroRDq8

[JP-65]

I've been playing a par 3, 9 hole course over the last few weeks and i'm getting better everytime I play. I seem to just rattle off par after par these days which is more than adequate for me.
I bought new irons a few months ago and its taken a bit of time to bed them in, but i'm striking it quite nicely now. I need to work on how to get back spin as I tend to go through the green a lot, which is unfortunate and infuriating after a nice iron shot that lands short of the hole but then shoots through.

Backspin comes from hitting the ball then the turf.  Generally, most golfers, unless near scratch don't do this, nor get back spin (other than maybe wedges), as they don't transfer their weight onto the front foot early enough, and aggressively enough, nor lag the clubhead enough.

You probably don't need backspin, you need height.  Your ball flight is probably too low (although the ground in the UK is hard right now due to low rainfall).

[scoresagain]

Backspin comes from hitting the ball then the turf.  Generally, most golfers, unless near scratch don't do this, nor get back spin (other than maybe wedges), as they don't transfer their weight onto the front foot early enough, and aggressively enough, nor lag the clubhead enough.

You probably don't need backspin, you need height.  Your ball flight is probably too low (although the ground in the UK is hard right now due to low rainfall).

I tend to hit it really high anyway, so its a mystery why i'm not getting the ball to stop quicker! Cheers anyway!

[JP-65]

I tend to hit it really high anyway, so its a mystery why i'm not getting the ball to stop quicker! Cheers anyway!

I'd take a club less then, unless there's sand/water you've got to get over.

[Mr Dilkington]

Use a softer ball?

[scoresagain]

Use a softer ball?

Im thinking of getting some new balls, any advice on which ones?