Getting back in the game

oceanfish2008

Hi all,

I am a lapsed 3 handicapper, had given up for about 5 years and have been trying to get back in the game for the last 12 months. I am now up to 9 and have had countless 0.1's back. It took me a while to get my ball striking back and after going back to my old pro for lessons I am delighted with the way I hit the ball in fact I would say my swing is technically better than when I was 3. I always had a poor short game and have worked on that too and am slowly developing a good feel with the wedges.

Problem is I can't bring in a score. I broke 80 once last October but seem to be shooting in the low 80's all the time. It just won't happen for me. Granted I had problems with rythm for ages when I had a card in my hand but its getting ridiculous. Maybe I just need to learn how to score but I really can't be hitting the ball, pitching, chipping and putting any better in practise. Its not as if I am nervous in competition either, I feel confident and know I WILL start scoring soon. I just don't understand why I can't break 80. Last time I had a mental block about breaking 80 I was 15. I'm now 42. I'm 5 or 6 competitions into the season and no light at the end of the tunnel.

Anyone else have any advice or been in this scenario?

f22

Sounds like you just need to relax a little and just let it happen. It's far too easy when you've played the game to a decent level to expect things to click on course, but we all know, golf is such a fickle game.

You've mentioned the vast improvements you've seen in practise so it's only a matter of time before it all translates into a decent score. It will happen, but the more pressure you put on yourself the longer it will take.

BoardsRanger

I feel like taking a break - a permanent one!! About 5 years ago- i could hit the ball a long distance- especially my driver. But now- im like a feeble geriatric old fart and im only 26. Physically, im stronger than i was 5 years ago and fitter so its not that.
Its "driving" me demented - epecially last week when a person i was playing with said- "i wonder why your not hitting the ball that far- your shots have a great flight, nice draw but there not going very far" !!

Would anyone like a full set of clubs??

BUACHAILL

BoardsRanger wrote: »

I feel like taking a break - a permanent one!! About 5 years ago- i could hit the ball a long distance- especially my driver. But now- im like a feeble geriatric old fart and im only 26. Physically, im stronger than i was 5 years ago and fitter so its not that.
Its "driving" me demented - epecially last week when a person i was playing with said- "i wonder why your not hitting the ball that far- your shots have a great flight, nice draw but there not going very far" !!

Would anyone like a full set of clubs??

Generally speaking if your not getting distance in your drives it can be lots of things. There is so many factors to your swing its impossible to say without seeing it. The biggest reasons are normally club head speed, body rotation and weight transfer and by the sounds of what your saying its got to be one of those. Physically stronger has nothing to do with distance's, techniqe is so much more important. I think if your serious about your game you must get lessons to correct this for your own sanity.

Also on a side note, plenty of golfers pick there way around courses without hitting the ball a mile. Course management wins over distance everytime for me !! Good luck whatever you decide. putting the clubs away certainly wont get you hitting it better, keep going ! Spend a few bob and get 3 lessons !!

oceanfish2008

Thanks f22. Your right I probably need to relax on course. The longer you go without scoring the harder it is but I will work on it. Playing in a singles this weekend so I will post how I get on if anyone wants to hear my tale! Don't worry I will spare ye a postmortem on my card!

BoardsRanger

BUACHAILL wrote: »

Generally speaking if your not getting distance in your drives it can be lots of things. There is so many factors to your swing its impossible to say without seeing it. The biggest reasons are normally club head speed, body rotation and weight transfer and by the sounds of what your saying its got to be one of those. Physically stronger has nothing to do with distance's, techniqe is so much more important. I think if your serious about your game you must get lessons to correct this for your own sanity.

Also on a side note, plenty of golfers pick there way around courses without hitting the ball a mile. Course management wins over distance everytime for me !! Good luck whatever you decide. putting the clubs away certainly wont get you hitting it better, keep going ! Spend a few bob and get 3 lessons !!

Cheers buachaill - yea im fairly sure its body rotation and not getting enough "coil". Dont get me wrong, i am happy to be hitting the ball high and straight, its just annoying that im not getting the distance i know i can get!

I think i will look to get a few lessons- just have to find the right pro!

PhilipMarlowe

@OP
Hand your card to your partner on the first tee and that should be your last thought about overall score until you sign it after 18

If you're hitting the ball nicely and getting confident with the wedge play then you can only blame the brain for getting in the way. Make good decisions about strategy and take each shot as it comes to you... it's hard not to get ahead of yourself but if your concentration and focus is on just the next shot you've a better chance of posting a score.

oceanfish2008

Thanks Licksy. That advice makes sense too. 84 today with two doubles in the last 3 so I nearly did it... There is always tomorrow!

oceanfish2008

83 today. Dropped 8 shots in 4 crazy holes. Pity cos I was 4 over for the other 14