My Life (Sub 80)

FixdePitchmark

I'm starting a diary , a journey, a blog.

Call it what you want, but I hope to break 80, on a par 72 course in the next 12 months.

I did it when I was 21 in USA and living on the course, so it is above my current ability. I'm 35, old, aged and crap.

I score about 85 to 90 at the moment.

It may sound like a sad persuit, but, with age I now know that, what you can do in your youth is not allways in your grasp.

I've never had a lesson, I lack time, as, I have two young kids and a wife. Kid now awake, time for bed. The job is a problem too, but i have a job.


Why and what is golf for, I find peace there, I can not explain it.

Life.

THEIRISHMOB

What handicap do you play off?
I agree with all you said, golf in a place to find peace.

So called summer golfers bug me. What more could you want then a cold crisp morning where its freezing cold with no wind, even the gentle breeze burns your face it’s so cold, but yet after 18 holes of golf with friends, life is perfect.
Forget bills, jobs, the pressures of life. Life is good, embrace it, enjoy it.

We all need to stop taking life so serious and enjoy all that we do have, because trust me, we all are very lucky.

AldilaMan

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I'm starting a diary , a journey, a blog.

Call it what you want, but I hope to break 80, on a par 72 course in the next 12 months.

I did it when I was 21 in USA and living on the course, so it is above my current ability. I'm 35, old, aged and crap.

I score about 85 to 90 at the moment.

It may sound like a sad persuit, but, with age I now know that, what you can do in your youth is not allways in your grasp.

I've never had a lesson, I lack time, as, I have two young kids and a wife. Kid now awake, time for bed. The job is a problem too, but i have a job.


Why and what is golf for, I find peace there, I can not explain it.

Life.

You're only 35 years young. I took up golf at 40 and now age 50 playing off 10. I've shot plenty of sub 80 rounds and only recently shot my best ever 75. Having small kids interferes with golf committments but they won't always be young and you can keep playing well into you're 70's if you remain healthy.

Best of luck with the pursuit of happiness

FixdePitchmark

This is all getting very philosophical and deep.

I had a few drinks in me last night , but it is a serious aim and I'm shooting about 85 , losing balls one to two due to a bad slice.

I know time is on my side, but I guess everybody has a game they think, dream and know they can play. I'm not there now. Everybody has a life, they think, dream and know they can have. I'm very lucky I have.

Having a family and the two kids being so young is a joy. So taking 5, 6 shots off in a year is a big challenge particularly as I can play so little. I'm going to have to be clever with my time.

I play golf mostly on my own and am not a member, thinking of joining, but waiting for the price and place.

I've been waiting around for my friends to take up golf, they are all still playing Football, Gaa, Triathlons, Cycling. I did some of that, as I think Golf is not great to meet young people and can put on the weight too. I went away from golf for about 7 years, played 2 to 3 times per year in that time. The stuff I did in that 7 years is amazing. travelled , marriage, kids.

I think when your kids are very young it is a very important and joyfull time, I had a tough year due to sickness in my family. I'm coming out the other side. In that year when I was on the course on my own , I found peace. I'm saying that Golf was a realse a cleansing of the soul.

Perhaps I'm looking too deep and the answer and my soul is not in the bottom of a hole. But, perhaps it is. It is better than the bottom of a glass.

I never get angry on a course, I love to see the sea and hear the sounds and see the seasons. It is a joy to take time to look at the amazing country we have.

It seems so ridiculous to go on about something like it is life or death, it is only a game , or is it. I think Golf can sometimes take over a life, there is more too life than Golf, but it is a deep part of some people's lives.

Non golfers think I'm a bit mad to be out on my own playing golf, even some golfers do. You are kind of out of place and in the way. Other groups don't like you there, I feel in the way. The other day I was on my own in Portmarnock links, a 3 ball let me through, a four ball did not, between a rock and a hard place. I'm not a loner, so joined up with 3 great lads behind. I've had great moments like that on a course. Totally sound guys play golf, but total idiots too.


The stuff that has gone on in Golf has been an expression of what has gone on in our country , greatness and madness.

Golf Boards ie, is a great place and people share their experience. Perhaps it is not good to share too much online.

I'll drive on, put the kids to bed, I've a job, a house, a great family. The circle of life is almost complete. Thank God or something for that.

FixdePitchmark

THEIRISHMOB wrote: »

What handicap do you play off?
I agree with all you said, golf in a place to find peace.

So called summer golfers bug me. What more could you want then a cold crisp morning where its freezing cold with no wind, even the gentle breeze burns your face it’s so cold, but yet after 18 holes of golf with friends, life is perfect.
Forget bills, jobs, the pressures of life. Life is good, embrace it, enjoy it.

We all need to stop taking life so serious and enjoy all that we do have, because trust me, we all are very lucky.

I'll put my hand up , have been a summer golfer for 35 years , but I'm changing , 7 years of help and boards got me there (LOL). Yes was out the other day in Portmarnock and got that red face, strange one, like sun burn.. Any moisturiser recommendations.

irish bloke

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

losing balls one to two due to a bad slice.

Your coming over the top ild say. Most people who slice are. Work on coming from the inside at impact

FixdePitchmark

irish bloke wrote: »

Your coming over the top ild say. Most people who slice are. Work on coming from the inside at impact

Thanks Irish Bloke, must not be too bad because does not show up on my irons. More movement with driver for some reason. Looked up this clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7UixTZGU3g

CageWager

From the time I picked up a golf club as a kid to now Ive encountered a lot of milestones in golf. I never once cared about winning a prize, the handicap was always what I was after. I started off trying to break 100, then 90, 80 and eventually got to break 70. Every time I improved to get my to the next level, they key was my short game. Trust someone who has been there, if you want to shoot in the 70's you must be able to, as bobby jones said "turn 3 shots into 2".

If you have a hall in your house with carpet where you can hit a few short chip shots and putts then do this. Dedicate an hour every night to this. Hone your putting stroke to the point where you miss nothing from 4 feet. Dedicate 90% of your practice time to chipping and putting. this is the secret to playing good golf but most men just want to bang drivers in the range. You need to develop touch and feel around the greens, then you will break that magical 80, its only a matter of time.

k.p.h

That's some bum advice tad00, did you just read it off the back of a Dave Pelz book or something ..?

If you have an ace short game, lets say up and down every time and it takes you 4 shots to get to the green. How do you manage to shoot in the 70's ..?

I'm taking the piss a little here and I know where you are coming from, as a lot of people completely ignore the importance of the short game, but a balanced approach is the only way to go. (Well not 90% anyway)

irish bloke

k.p.h wrote: »

That's some bum advice tad00, did you just read it off the back of a Dave Pelz book or something ..?

If you have an ace short game, lets say up and down every time and it takes you 4 shots to get to the green. How do you manage to shoot in the 70's ..?

I'm taking the piss a little here and I know where you are coming from, as a lot of people completely ignore the importance of the short game, but a balanced approach is the only way to go. (Well not 90% anyway)

Im going to have to agree here.

If you spraying it off the tee and fatting/topping mid irons all over the place, it doesn't matter how good you are around the green you will never break 80 not to mind 70.

Of course short game is important but im sure there are plenty of scratch pitch and putt players out there who couldnt even break 90.

FixdePitchmark

tad00 wrote: »

From the time I picked up a golf club as a kid to now Ive encountered a lot of milestones in golf. I never once cared about winning a prize, the handicap was always what I was after. I started off trying to break 100, then 90, 80 and eventually got to break 70. Every time I improved to get my to the next level, they key was my short game. Trust someone who has been there, if you want to shoot in the 70's you must be able to, as bobby jones said "turn 3 shots into 2".

If you have a hall in your house with carpet where you can hit a few short chip shots and putts then do this. Dedicate an hour every night to this. Hone your putting stroke to the point where you miss nothing from 4 feet. Dedicate 90% of your practice time to chipping and putting. this is the secret to playing good golf but most men just want to bang drivers in the range. You need to develop touch and feel around the greens, then you will break that magical 80, its only a matter of time.

Thanks Tad00.

I remember doing that as a kid in my dads , playing the carpet. He was so encouraging , he has not been well enough to play these days.

I bought my house in the Celtic Tiger and the wife would kill me if I did chipping on the solid oak, as for the grove in it for the putting, where is Des Kelly when you need him.

I think I'm 85 % on the chipping and putting, have a good feel, playing the game on off for 25 years. I should be in the 70s, but I think I've learnt to respect that score more now, I mean to get from 85 to 80 is that extra game
a week, that practice at the short stuff. You can't do it with what I have been doing, just playing golf. This is my little project now. I'm all ears.

I have a habit of pulling a 4 footer under pressure, This is once or twice a round.

Here is where I am V where I would or need to be.

Shots Lost

So 2 to 3 shots lost on short putts.
2 to 3 shots lost on long putts.
4 to 5 shots lost on drive
2 to 3 shots lost on poor contact on Iron, slight slice or hook
2 to 3 lost on pulling from wedge , or poor direction from 100 yrds.

So 12 to 17 shots lost, Good day to Bad day

72 turn to 84 Very Good day.
72 turns to 89 Bad day.

I've never looked at my game in that way, and I will start taking notes on next round and see where I am more precisely.

I've had great stuff on here, Ball was in wrong place, now off left nipple.
And on here I was told, was coming over top, I am , my hips are moving in the way of the You tube clip i put up.

So two things changed in one week, need to get out and test them now. Or go to the range now. Instead of watching NFL on ESPN, when it is a nice winter day.

Thanks again to all my sub 80 brains.

jay5296

I agree with tad there. try dedicate 80-90% of your game to 100yrds in. I understand all aspects of the game must be practiced but touch about a green needs extra practice. If your off say 12 or less your ball striking would be somewhat consistant off the tee but getting the ball down from the fairway in three shots or less is the real test. But thats golf, theres always room for improvement no matter how well you play. :rolleyes:

k.p.h

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I've never looked at my game in that way, and I will start taking notes on next round and see where I am more precisely.

I think this is the best course of action FdP. It's a bit random saying work on short/long game. I think the best course of action is to address where you loose the most shots first.

Lower handicaps have a habit of saying work on your short game, and rightly so as that's where they tend to loose most of their shots but it's not the same for higher handicaps as they tend to loose most of their shots from full swings.

A really good indication of what it takes to break 80 consistently is the GIR stat. You need to hit 8 approx GIR per round. This coupled with some decent putting and a good scramble rate (40% +) will have you consistently below 80.

jay5296

Theres a couple of good apps around that help you record your stats, fir, gir etc... and a few online. tell you what you need to improve to get you u to scratch!!

FixdePitchmark

Got up off me Arse and drove to the Grange Driving Range Portmarnock. I would not have done that four months ago. Nice place , big investment. Went upstairs , you could fall off that place if things were not going well. Was never a big fan of driving ranges, but going with goals now. Nice view across the fields in Malahide and Portmanock, plenty of land not used in North County Dublin. CJ rest in peace.

Ball poistion and hip movment were worked on.

Few stretches , Never would have done that two years ago. A cup of coffee and a (Diet) coke .

Lw ten balls, Pw 5 balls, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4.

Hitting balls well. As I got to about 6 iron you could see that my left to right movment coming more into ball, Worked on hips and position hitting green about 3 out of 5.

Decided to keep lower part of body more stable for back swing , hitting ball well but some straight some 5 to ten yards right of green.

Moved onto 3W, strange left to right but the odd hook in. But only about 5 out of ten would be in fairway

Driver, 27 Balls remaining .

1 good one in first three, then 15 in a row would be bad left to right. In panic making grip strong, Moving feet for draw, can not get ball to not go Right.

Head dropping now, thinking of going back to my 9 iron to get a smile on my face.
Step away have a coke and a think.

Then out of no where I remember a drill from my childhood with a Towel, maybe it was Faldo or Leadbetter.

I try keep my arms close to my body on back swing, Bang straight. Bang Straight. 3 Balls left. Smile returns.

Feels unnatural for me, I'm holding arms too close to body , but a change. a discovery an Eureka.

I drive home, I've made a discovery , I think. I take a deliberate detour to Portmarnock, look at the coast of my childhood, and remember back to the Irish Opens with my Father. My whole life has been spent on this coast.

I pick up some fish for the dinner and hear the Greek tragedy on the radio. Real life is always back with a bang.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Kp_Hdoxk3k

FixdePitchmark

jay5296 wrote: »

I agree with tad there. try dedicate 80-90% of your game to 100yrds in. I understand all aspects of the game must be practiced but touch about a green needs extra practice. If your off say 12 or less your ball striking would be somewhat consistant off the tee but getting the ball down from the fairway in three shots or less is the real test. But thats golf, theres always room for improvement no matter how well you play. :rolleyes:

Would agree that I'm losing scores in here, but I feel I need to get rid of slice, I'm basically hitting a lost ball, in a tree or deep rough from drive. So , will get rid of slice then come into the shorter stuff at end. I think, I can get that right, but I think the basic flaw in my swing is even costing me from 100 yrds.

Thanks lads , all ears.

AldilaMan

I played golf for the first 6 or 7 years with a big slice until I decided to address the problem a few years ago. I wanted not just to hit it straight but to draw the ball. I moved from an over the top swing which was obviously drifting outside the ball on the downswing cutting accross the ball, to a flat baseball like swing. (by flat I mean taking the club back along your waist instead of your shoulder). It is very hard to slice the ball with a flat swing as it promotes the club coming back to the ball from the inside. It will produce a draw shape and unfortunately a hook occassionaly. The flatter swing gave me that feeling of tucking in my arms on the downsing so that the club came from the inside. I've now gone back to the more over the top swing because the hook became too prevalent but I've learnt that feeling of getting the club to come from the inside which is key to eliminating the slice.

CageWager

k.p.h wrote: »

That's some bum advice tad00, did you just read it off the back of a Dave Pelz book or something ..?

If you have an ace short game, lets say up and down every time and it takes you 4 shots to get to the green. How do you manage to shoot in the 70's ..?

I'm taking the piss a little here and I know where you are coming from, as a lot of people completely ignore the importance of the short game, but a balanced approach is the only way to go. (Well not 90% anyway)

I've been golfing all my life, what I know about the game I havnt learned off the back of a book, Ive learned it in countless hours of very enjoyable practice and play:D

My logic, although you may not agree with me, is very simple. Firstly the guy can shoot 85 so im assuming he isn't taking 4 shots to get up to the green. In an average round you might hit 13 or 14 drives but in the same round you could hit 36+ putts. For many players shooting in the mid 80's easily half of their 85 or so shots will be hit from 100 yards in. This is why I would focus the majority of my practice in that area in the short term.

In the long run obviously as any good golfer will tell you, you should break down every area of your game, make changes and along with proper course management and experience you will become a better golfer. IMO, in the short term an improved short game is a far more valuable to the 85 shooter than an extra 20 yards off the tee or a slightly straighter drive.

If I was playing a match and I could choose to either play a guy with a beautiful Ernie Els swing but who couldnt sink a putt, or a guy who could scramble his way to the green and hole out well im taking on ernie any day:D Just my opinion, just the way I play golf. Im sure my style wont be right for everyone, just thought id throw it out there.

FixdePitchmark

tad00 wrote: »

I've been golfing all my life, what I know about the game I havnt learned off the back of a book, Ive learned it in countless hours of very enjoyable practice and play:D

My logic, although you may not agree with me, is very simple. Firstly the guy can shoot 85 so im assuming he isn't taking 4 shots to get up to the green. In an average round you might hit 13 or 14 drives but in the same round you could hit 36+ putts. For many players shooting in the mid 80's easily half of their 85 or so shots will be hit from 100 yards in. This is why I would focus the majority of my practice in that area in the short term.

In the long run obviously as any good golfer will tell you, you should break down every area of your game, make changes and along with proper course management and experience you will become a better golfer. IMO, in the short term an improved short game is a far more valuable to the 85 shooter than an extra 20 yards off the tee or a slightly straighter drive.

If I was playing a match and I could choose to either play a guy with a beautiful Ernie Els swing but who couldnt sink a putt, or a guy who could scramble his way to the green and hole out well im taking on ernie any day:D Just my opinion, just the way I play golf. Im sure my style wont be right for everyone, just thought id throw it out there.

Tadoo, I see where your going, but would like to say I'm in trouble off tee, or lost about three to four times a round. I think this has a mental impact on me too, also 3 off the tee and hitting irons off tees breaks my heart.

bustercherry

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Tadoo, I see where your going, but would like to say I'm in trouble off tee, or lost about three to four times a round. I think this has a mental impact on me too, also 3 off the tee and hitting irons off tees breaks my heart.

I seriously doubt it's possible to shoot low to mid 80's when you are doing that.

k.p.h

I know where you are coming from tad and I agree with you to a certain extent, so much is played from close range to ignore it's importance.

I often feel the need to express the importance of the full swing as people don't realize how often us higher handicaps lamp the ball into the ditch. No amount of chipping/putting is going to help when the ball is OB.

Also I am starting to realize more and more how much GIR matters also. But the flips side of that is no one hits every green all the time. I think the moral of the story is all parts of the game are important when trying to lower your scores, while it might be best to focus on where you loose the most shots, but not so much as you don't practice all the area of the game.

FdP - Fair play with noticing you issues with connection. It's a great thing to start working on as it impacts many areas of the swing. Staying connected helps with swing plane, take away, and also improves power. It's best to pay particular attention to the right elbow. It's extreemly important to not let it drift too far behind you. It's a swing killer when it go's off on a tangent. I do it all the time and I tell you it's extreemly messy. :rolleyes:

Just to mention the pitfalls of staying properly connected if you don't have proper fundamentals. If your grip if disconnected/too strong it promotes either a huge push shot or if your hands flip through impact a snap hook. This could lead to you doing the proper movements but seeing poor results because a fundamental is off.

Which brings me back to the importance of fundamentals. You really need to nail these down, without a proper grip and setup all your effort and practice is going to go down the swanny. You must have a unified neutral grip to properly take advantage of all the improvements you are going make in your swing. You also must have a solid balanced setup which is aligned properly.
This is professional golfers first port of call every time they practice, I recently read some Adam Scott article where he mentioned that his grips gradually drifts towards strong and he constantly has to address it. If he has to work that hard at his grip you must presume amateurs like ourselves have to work on it too.

Anyway a good person to look at in regard to staying connected is Westwood, I always though it was very noticeable how he keeps his right elbow from going behind him. All the top pros keep it in front of them except Eamon Darcy but he was talented fecker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAs7v8v6YME

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7S8LyE0HpY

golfnut1

The way I would look at it is. You have to be smart with your practice. Most of us don't have much time to practice so when we do get to practice there is no point hitting 60 yard bunker shots. What I'm getting at is practice smart and efficiently.
Look at what shot are killing you on the course and why. What I mean by why is did you need to play that shot? Were you playing within yourself or were you playing the shot you should instead of the shot you could. Pratice is great. Pratice with good course management now your on your way to low score. If you want to break 80 this is the best tip I can give you. Check the below and use this rule in your next round I think it will help you a lot.
Remember play the shot you can not the shot you think you should.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsbS9eH9ZgQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

FixdePitchmark

Got away on the mid term to Knightsbrook Hotel and the Heritage.

Got 13 hole in on Knightsbrook and 15 in on Heritage.

Both courses a bit soft due to rain over last few weeks.

Great deals in both places, Heritage lovely track, both monoliths to the mad years.

Had 8 slices out of 13 on Knightsbrook and only 4 GIR very poor.

Had 7 slices out of 15 on Heritage and 6 GIR played ok.


So losing most my shots from drive and missing about 3 to 4 , 3 to 4 foot puts per round. Horrible.


So did not have full rounds but great to get out and the weather was great . Very very slow in the Heritage, did my head in. Joined up with two nice lads.

So would have been late 80s but hard to judge . Bad scoring but playing great iron shots most of the time. Stuck with the driver as a test. But to score well would just play an iron with stats like that. I played a four iron and 6 iron to 10 ft on the 9th in Heritage, but don't like giving up on the driver.

So goals for the next month:

1) Driver, make up my mind what to do, go to range or a pro, or both.
2) Short puts, practice somewhere. Why am I pulling ? I think I know the answer , practice, but where, I'm not in a club ?.


Lots of work to do, but the days shorten, time is precious.

alxmorgan

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Got away on the mid term to Knightsbrook Hotel and the Heritage.

Got 13 hole in on Knightsbrook and 15 in on Heritage.

Both courses a bit soft due to rain over last few weeks.

Great deals in both places, Heritage lovely track, both monoliths to the mad years.

Had 8 slices out of 13 on Knightsbrook and only 4 GIR very poor.

Had 7 slices out of 15 on Heritage and 6 GIR played ok.


So losing most my shots from drive and missing about 3 to 4 , 3 to 4 foot puts per round. Horrible.


So did not have full rounds but great to get out and the weather was great . Very very slow in the Heritage, did my head in. Joined up with two nice lads.

So would have been late 80s but hard to judge . Bad scoring but playing great iron shots most of the time. Stuck with the driver as a test. But to score well would just play an iron with stats like that. I played a four iron and 6 iron to 10 ft on the 9th in Heritage, but don't like giving up on the driver.

So goals for the next month:

1) Driver, make up my mind what to do, go to range or a pro, or both.
2) Short puts, practice somewhere. Why am I pulling ? I think I know the answer , practice, but where, I'm not in a club ?.


Lots of work to do, but the days shorten, time is precious.

Might be worth considering going for a fitting for the driver.
Could be that the shaft is too flexible for you.

Keano

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Got away on the mid term to Knightsbrook Hotel and the Heritage.

Got 13 hole in on Knightsbrook and 15 in on Heritage.

Both courses a bit soft due to rain over last few weeks.

Great deals in both places, Heritage lovely track, both monoliths to the mad years.

Had 8 slices out of 13 on Knightsbrook and only 4 GIR very poor.

Had 7 slices out of 15 on Heritage and 6 GIR played ok.


So losing most my shots from drive and missing about 3 to 4 , 3 to 4 foot puts per round. Horrible.


So did not have full rounds but great to get out and the weather was great . Very very slow in the Heritage, did my head in. Joined up with two nice lads.

So would have been late 80s but hard to judge . Bad scoring but playing great iron shots most of the time. Stuck with the driver as a test. But to score well would just play an iron with stats like that. I played a four iron and 6 iron to 10 ft on the 9th in Heritage, but don't like giving up on the driver.

So goals for the next month:

1) Driver, make up my mind what to do, go to range or a pro, or both.
2) Short puts, practice somewhere. Why am I pulling ? I think I know the answer , practice, but where, I'm not in a club ?.


Lots of work to do, but the days shorten, time is precious.

Should give it a try. Last time I played the Heritage my driving was so bad but my 3 wood was excellent. Eventually, I decided to play 3 wood off the tee and should have done it sooner. Good golfer's know when a club isn't working and leave it in the bag. Shame I can never take my own advice!

Kace

I know where you're coming from there in your quest. I think I would consider enlisting in something similar this year too.

I nearly always have 3-4 blowouts in a round these days - sometimes more. Driving is in the absolute horrors and it's impossible to score from where I put myself. I started a course of lessons about 6 weeks ago and got something to work on re my posture. Went out that weekend and lost 11 balls (yes 11) in a round :eek:

I then got injured and missed the rest of my prepaid lessons (organised through work as part of a group deal). I am hoping to start getting back into it next weekend for a few holes.

Sad part is that I have been as low as 5 hcap at one time and am now 12 and can't play to 18. There certainly is no shortcut to consistency in golf !!!

Good luck with the quest this year !

FixdePitchmark

Hit the driving range today. (with my coach , my 5 year old son).

A good laugh with him, but a bit distracting too. It's part of my clever with my time practice, well, clever, but a bit odd.

Was trying to try a few different takeaway routes. Decided to go back straight for about two feet, then come on inside , obviously not straight , but a wide arc inside target line. Then coming inside close to body from there (two feet from ball). This is new for me, Had good results, 3 out of ten slices. Was 8 out of ten last week. So a big day, on my birthday.

As was said here, was concerned over my shaft flex, but too flexible should not be slicing was in my head ?. So had ten drives with my old Big Bertha 2 plus stiff shaft. All going left too right.

When I did the exaggerated takeaway then inside to body from two feet away from ball , I actually hit a few draws, this put a smile on my face, it means I have turned a corner in more ways than one.

Left the Grange Portmarnock happier than I went in and got myself a new Muzino 60 degree 8 bounce. Feeling a bit cocky. But a fall is always a flop away in golf.

The only help I've ever got in golf was my Dad starting off . I now know I'm doing ok, but I'm on my own. Great help on here and You Tube has changed golf. Perhaps you can do it on your own with the net these days ?

I've tended to do most things without help in my life, it's time to grow up widing my arc and my circle, in my golf life.

100 euros for 5 lessons, time to have a think about it.

irish bloke

Good to see you making progress but If I was you I would forget about getting a driver fitting and get a lesson first.

Lesson 30 euros, driver and fitting 400 euros.
For all you know your driver and shaft could be perfect for you and it could just be your swing (which I suspect it is).

The thing with not getting a lesson is that you could just be repeating your mistakes over and over again.

Remember practise makes permanent, not perfect....

golfnut1

irish bloke wrote: »

Good to see you making progress but If I was you I would forget about getting a driver fitting and get a lesson first.

Lesson 30 euros, driver and fitting 400 euros.
For all you know your driver and shaft could be perfect for you and it could just be your swing (which I suspect it is).

The thing with not getting a lesson is that you could just be repeating your mistakes over and over again.

Remember practise makes permanent, not perfect....

Yeah have to agree with Irish bloke....a lesson or two is the way to go.

k.p.h

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

100 euros for 5 lessons, time to have a think about it.

Don't even think about it just go for it ...! You know the way you are trying this and that, imagine if someone says to you "learn to do it like this and you are guaranteed to succeed". It will completely take the guesswork out of it and focus you on practicing the technique that will definitely improve you. You should definitely go for it asap, it will help make the most of you range time too.

irish bloke

k.p.h wrote: »

You know the way you are trying this and that, imagine if someone says to you "learn to do it like this and you are guaranteed to succeed". It will completely take the guesswork out of it and focus you on practicing the technique that will definitely improve you. You should definitely go for it asap, it will help make the most of you range time too.

Spot on. You need someone to take a look at your individual swing and tell you the area you need to work on.

All these youtube videos are grand but they are only really useful when you know what you need to cure....

Get the lessons....

AldilaMan

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Hit the driving range today. (with my coach , my 5 year old son).

A good laugh with him, but a bit distracting too. It's part of my clever with my time practice, well, clever, but a bit odd.

Was trying to try a few different takeaway routes. Decided to go back straight for about two feet, then come on inside , obviously not straight , but a wide arc inside target line. Then coming inside close to body from there (two feet from ball). This is new for me, Had good results, 3 out of ten slices. Was 8 out of ten last week. So a big day, on my birthday.

As was said here, was concerned over my shaft flex, but too flexible should not be slicing was in my head ?. So had ten drives with my old Big Bertha 2 plus stiff shaft. All going left too right.

When I did the exaggerated takeaway then inside to body from two feet away from ball , I actually hit a few draws, this put a smile on my face, it means I have turned a corner in more ways than one.

Left the Grange Portmarnock happier than I went in and got myself a new Muzino 60 degree 8 bounce. Feeling a bit cocky. But a fall is always a flop away in golf.

The only help I've ever got in golf was my Dad starting off . I now know I'm doing ok, but I'm on my own. Great help on here and You Tube has changed golf. Perhaps you can do it on your own with the net these days ?

I've tended to do most things without help in my life, it's time to grow up widing my arc and my circle, in my golf life.

100 euros for 5 lessons, time to have a think about it.

I've had lessons from time to time and most have been beneficial if not immediately then sometime later when the penny dropped. Teaching Pros have very different methods of teaching. Some will teach one method only and change anything and everything to get you to swing the club their way. Others try to work with what you've got by tweaking at the edges. I once went to a Pro when I had a fade/slice and he told me that I'd always have a fade as it was my natural swing. Having read quite alot about the difference between a draw and a fade, I knew he was talking crap. The biggest change I made to my swing was moving from a slice to a draw and it was achieved from reading the internet. Irrespect of whether you swing like Woods, Furyk or Darcy, the path of the club face for the last 12 inches before impact will determine whether the ball draws, cuts or goes straight.

My advice is to continue experimenting while you are gaining knowledge. You've already eliminated alot of your slices (on the range) by swinging flatter. This is going to feel alien to you until you hit hundreds of balls this way. It will be so much easier for you to understand what any Pro is trying to teach you when you understand different swing planes and how they impact on the shape of shot. There is nothing wrong with being self taught.

If you want to experiment a little more on the range and bring that smile to your face with a draw then try this:

Next time you setup with the driver, pull your right foot back about 3 inches so that you are pointing slightly right of the target (a difficult concept for all slicers who prefer to aim left of target). This will give you more room to bring the club back on the inside path and produce a draw. By experimenting with the feet position and the amount of flatness in your swing plane you will arrive at what works best for you. When you start hooking the ball you know you've overcooked the correction

irish bloke

AldilaMan wrote: »

You've already eliminated alot of your slices (on the range) by swinging flatter.

I wouldn't agree with this as a fix to slicing the ball. A flat or upright swing does not determine if you will hook or slice the ball. In fact a flat swing gets the club too far behind you and can promote an over the top swing. This can lead to a duck hook or a slice.

AldilaMan wrote: »

Irrespect of whether you swing like Woods, Furyk or Darcy, the path of the club face for the last 12 inches before impact will determine whether the ball draws, cuts or goes straight.

I would agree with this. Get your hips turning first and let your arms follow. This is key to getting the club coming from the inside. If anything take the club away straight as takeaway from the inside promotes over the top also

FixdePitchmark

Have decided (about 90 %) to go for one. needs to be a good guy. Have not got time for a dodgy guy. North side Clontarf, St Annes, Portmarnock ranges ?

Will pay extra if good.

Up to bed, few wines in "me" head, and reading Seve to sleep.

Read a good idea in one of the Golf Monthly the other day. Think of 5 positive things in every round (I'll make it every session). The positive thing is not typical of me, but I'm opening my mind on this journey, whatever it takes.

1) Boards, Great Golfers and positive help online.
2) Hitting great irons, best of my life.
3) Best Equipment of my life
4) Have a plan (coming together), getting fitter.
5) A new positve attitude.

My Birthday is over a new day is dawning, God I'm doing me own head in now. Sorry think positive.

FixdePitchmark

Had a busy week with the kids and my dads birthday.

Went to the driving range twice. Working on set up after seeing a great tip from Luke Donald on here. I'm amazed to find my posture is a little off, I guess I'm looking at things I've never looked at before. When I changed my posture I started to draw / pull the ball.

Had about 200 puts into a cup on my dads carpet , I spent hours after hours as a child doing this. My sister was looking at me as if I'm gone mad. Perhaps I have. I had a few beers in me and was kissing my new Muzino Wedge 60 o. Funny.

Dying to get out and test myself. But Life is more important than breaking 80. Well, some things are important to people, some things make a person. I need to do this. But time and help is all around if you go and look for it.

I brought my nephew to the Grange drving range, he loved it. It is a hard thing to do, teach golf to somebody, I'm getting a bit better at it, as I understand my own swing and it's flaws a little more.

I was looking at all the equipment and the cost of it, Golfers are weak in the head. I'm weak in the head.

I'm reading SEVE, a lovely read, the guy was so confident. I'm understanding from reading it how this made him. And, perhaps I need to be a little more confident, can you make yourself confident ?

Only 39 days to the winter solstice, my favourite day of the year, a turn, a change , a new year, a new dream.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcJ66aCXNpk&feature=related

FixdePitchmark

Got out on St. Annes on Tuesday.

What a day for golf, cold, but still and clear. Sun low in the southern sky. Not too many days that still on the east coast. Someone on here, said they love winter golf, I’m seeing it clearer now. I must admit what a great autumn I’ve picked to play my first winter golf.
I was playing as a one ball, I like playing alone, but you are out of place and in the way. I’m good at working around and skipping groups when I need to, but with me needing to get scores to see where I am, I don’t like doing this anymore. Was held up by two nice gentlemen, who invited me to join them, the lads were about 80 , fair play , it reminds you how beautiful a game we play. I was paid a compliment by one of the lads, telling me I’m real golfer, with a nice smooth swing. He could not believe I was not a member of a club or of St. Annes, In a complimentary way. Nice.

There was a laddie’s competition on and I got kind of stuck on the course, this put me off a bit and I had my first bad shot on the par 4 5th , OB and a 7. I had been off the course for 3 weeks and not near a sub 80 player yet. Working on long game and making.
Back to the start , knew I should hit a four iron to start, so two four irons got me just off the par 5 green, this was a great start , I’ve been away for too long (family , life etc.). Ended up with a bogey 6, poor chip, 3 putt (Shocking). 2nd hole , 4 Iron down the middle, PW short, chip, 2 putts. 3rd 8Iron on green 3 putts (Shocking). 3rd hole, Pulled 3 Wood off tee, amazing 7 Iron, 2 putts for Par. 4th Under pressure as held up , so nearly holding up a group of laddies (Group ahead holding me up). Pulled a 3 w OB on 4th tee. Head dropped a bit. But did well to get a 7 (Would have been more before). And on and on. Ended up on 86, Not great, but playing great irons, improved drives, shocking from 100 yrds and short putts.

I would never have hit 4 irons off tees before, I hit a great 4 iron, but I love a drive, what a different round it would have been if I just hit a 4 iron of the 4th . As the round went on got a good run, but got a bit held up again on the 15th and 16th, used the space to practice putts (knew the sub 80 was well gone), On the 17th , a great hole, the group ahead had turned themselves to a 6 ball to beat the fading light, I hit 3 balls why not , 3 - 5 irons all on the green. It is a tough hole and this put a smile on my face, for an experiment, played all 3 balls and got one par, sums up my game now.

Library Diversion,

Left the SEVE book back to the Library this week , got a bit sad at the end as he became very bitter towards so many things, was this the start of his illness , I don’t know. But what a life, what a young player. Great book , but even in his mid life he was a bit paranoid, the local club, the Euro PGA, the US Tour, Spain, his wife, goes on and on. Maybe some are true, but can’t be all true.

The library, what a fantastic public service, only back at the library for the first time in 20 years. Got Hooked by Kevin Markham. I think I’ll be buying it now, what a great little (big) book, the work that went in is incomprehensible. Obviously I’d say the markings are subjective, but the little write up is fantastic, will be checking out his blog a bit more. Put a smile on my face to see my childhood course Corballis well marked. It is a course people love or hate, or even love to hate. I have not played Royal Dublin , but I’d say they are not too happy to be only two points ahead of Corballis.
The only thing about the book, is the value for money, paying over 100 euro for any round is not on (In my world). I can understand the logic, if something is that good, it is value ?

Anyway, this is about me breaking 80, a little bit of life thrown in.
I’ve asked myself why am I recording this on boards ? I’ve had a nightmare the last year with my family and the big C. But on the other side, I’ve found golf and writing a bit of a release. I’m not that great at either. But will give it a go. I have found Boards very helpful to hear opinions from others on my goal, my slice from my drive is almost gone, the 100 yds in thing is where I go to next.

As, I hit the 18th the sun had gone below the Dublin mountains, on the beach a child or adult was showing amazing skill with a remote control airplane on the beach, a middle aged man was showing average skill on the golf course, a drive, a short PW and a 2 put to finish, the child in the adult smiled to himself.

My life above 80 continues.

acejeff

a commendable and (given a recent post of which we will not mention) realistic target. Best of luck with it, keep up the good work and perservere.

FixdePitchmark

acejeff wrote: »

a commendable and (given a recent post of which we will not mention) realistic target. Best of luck with it, keep up the good work and perservere.

Peace to all, was stuck in the rough for a while.

hesker

As said before..

Lessons + Practice.

Way more practice than lessons. It takes time to get used to changes.

The first pro you try might not be the right pro for you. It takes a bit of knowledge to know when it's not working. Not so easy to do.

I was lucky. I had one lesson with a pro that showed me stuff that instantly made sense. I was able to make great progress on my own afterwards. I later went to another pro for one lesson and the stuff he was telling me made no sense so I ignored his advice. I worked on my own after that and made a lot more progress.

It will take time.

Good luck.

FixdePitchmark

Sometimes in life golf has to take a back seat. It is only a game. But , it never leaves the back of your mind. It is like a hole in a sock. My last game of 2011 was an 85, in wet conditions and soft ground. This seems a long way from sub 80. But a golfer knows when an 85 is a good 85 or a bad 85. It was a good one, if there is such a thing? 2012 is the year to do it. We live in hope , without hope life can take over your life. I've been laughed at with my poor poetry on here. So, I will sign off 2011 and start 2012 with a new one. Tongue in cheek of course.

What will the 2012 Golf Gods have in store ?


New Year

A New Year , a new life.
A new light, an old strife.
A hew hope, a new way,
A new club, a new day.

The game for ever, the only one,
The game that can be only played, not won.
My weak sliced drive, hope now gone.
Play the game like a child, just for fun.

A dream is there, a journey alone.
Some posters on boards are close to the bone.
Inner mind, the deep part of the soul.
An answer to life in a small little hole.



Poetry and golf, not a runner i think.

Have a great 2012, may a long putt go in, when it can not be explained.

FixdePitchmark

Can you burn yourself out with golf ?

When I woke up , I looked out the window and had images of a golf course with the wind on view.
I see an open Golf Monthly on the bed side locker, I look in my sock drawer and see socks designed for golf, oh the madness of King George.

I go the loo and open Golf Monthly, when I go for breakfast I find a few tees on the kitchen table , I turn on the tv and put on the Trilby Tour Golf 2011 review.

I'm looking at courses in travel suplements in places I will never play and dream of, The Bahamas, Mexico and parts of England.

What next, waiting outside golf shops and driving ranges (which I have done). A Golfaddict.

I log on, not facebook, not gmail, not BBC, Boards Golf first. A more calm approach is needed or a trip to The Priory.

FixdePitchmark

Got to the driving range twice this week, one round also. Have been researching the slice and looking back on the help I got here. There seems to be an industry on line on the slice. I hear it is the fault of 90 % of golfers (with a fault I guess). I always played with a left to right flight. I'm realising I had a flaw in my swing all my life. The left to right flight was grand, got to 12, but on bad shots went to slice and a lost ball. I can't live with this, if I want to break 80. Surgery required.

To a degree I was coming over the top, this is shown up in drives. Also when I hit the ball hard. By the way have 2 lessons lined up.

I had a moment when I viewed this. Knew this before , but was thinking that could not be me. Sometimes you can see flaws in others, but not yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nej8kaU15fk&feature=fvst


Got to the range and was even getting a draw into ball, big change.

Was happy leaving the range. Was testing a stiff shaft too and hands felt it after hitting 100 drives. I was thinking I should not be changing shaft and working swing, but I'm mad and golfers are mad too. Was happy that in one day could turn ball over to left.

Got out to Corballis yesterday ("The poor man's Portmarnock" Deco123).:). Good crowd out there getting away from the thud and mudd.

Was working from inside on downswing , but a new problem a push or a pull. I have efectively changed my iron swing to solve a driving problem . My irons were grand before , well slight left to right. Was very windy and enjoyed hitting that 2 extra clubs, ball back a bit in stance , then on hole 5 disaster, I hit a 4 iron off tee, then hit an 8 iron thinking of the wind, but the dunes on that hole had shielded the wind and ball went over back. As I went looking for ball, I fell over onto my arse and sprained an old soccer ankle. I looked like Ronaldo on a golf course going down, funny.

Disaster, could not walk for 4 or 5 minutes. A links is not a great place to be with a sprained ankle. Hit green in regulation on next two holes with injury, happy in pain. Got around and headed in at 13. tired and emotional. An injury, a new mixed up swing, a tired body and head.

I'm expecting too much too quick and could damage my game if I'm not careful, will talk to a pro. next week. I need to calm down a bit too, Corballis or Royal Portrush were not built in a day.

I see there are many threads like my own now on here, must become tiresome for all to read my ego filled spout from an average golfer.

Will put the damaged foot up and laugh at the idea of a golfer out with a sprained ankle, not the first , not the last.

Deco1983

Don't mind those other threads Fixdepitchmark...you are the original and the best

Make sure that game of yours don't get as damaged and your head though.;)

FixdePitchmark

The "look at me threads", have been disregarded recently on boards. I'm writing in a hesitant guarded manner for that reason. A man who talks about his ups and downs, on and off the course , the interchangeability of golf and life. Not the flavour of the month.

I've been reading The Greatest Game Ever Played (Mark Frost). This is one of the most beautifully written books I've ever come across. I've only got to page 100 and I don't want it to end, Harry Vardon what a man, but we all have our flaws too.

The "in to out" swing debate is going strong on boards. It is good for me, as I'm trying to come from inside on downswing now. I find when I swing hard doing new swing, I can actually nearly miss the ball / top it with driver. This is new for me and a bit scary, but I need to stick with it. Today hit 5 / 10 fairways, when I hit it easier with new swing. That is good for me. I feel I'm making progress. But this new swing for drive, has me in two minds over an iron, my irons were ok with a slight fade. I'm at a point where I have a new drive swing and old iron swing, at risk of messing up everything.


Driving to Corballis the sun projected God like rays over The Island, the links of the Gods. The Devil had other plans. Corballis was closed due to vandalism (See other thread). Where I live in Dublin you see these groups of hooded youths, about 15 years of age, they should be in school. The one place in Dublin that I feel away from all the craziness of a city in decay is on the links of Corballis, even that has been taken away now. The lads in Donabate were great at looking after the lost links boys. When a line of Corballis boys called in.

Had a poor front nine 45 and good back nine 42. But doing lots of testing with driver. So happy, but scoring poor, expect to go backwards for a while.

Harry Vardon overcame a difficult poor background to reach the top, I wish the hooded boys would read the book I'm reading.

link_2007

I do enjoy your posts/ramblings FixedPitchmark.

FixdePitchmark

The good wife, at ten o’clock last night said, would you not go for a game of golf in the morning, I’m like,” I Iove you”. The way to a golfer’s heart.

Looking at Met Eireann's web page last night, I was unsure, it didn’t look that bad, but If you want to play a good course and pay the money, you will take a look at the weather. I had decided that this winter was a winter of golf, In the past I would have stayed in bed. Perhaps gone out for a few pints last night instead. Read a paper in the morning and drink coffee copiously. I’d listen to Pat Kenny, little did I know a whole other life was taking place on the Links of North County Dublin.

As I was unsure of myself, the weather was uncertain of itself too. The eyes opened at 0700 hrs. Like a child at Christmas, what did the day have in store? I did not even know what golf course I would play. I had decided to treat myself this winter to Royal Dublin, Portmarnock Links, The Island and maybe (if a good boy) Portmarnock. I had not played any of these prior to this winter. I guess when you look at the green fee rates of over 100 euro, it has to be a once off kind of thing (well maybe twice).

Royal Dublin was looking like 75 euro and The Island was 55 euro , so The Island it had to be. I’d never even been through the gate. It was always a bit elusive to me, as a Corballis player in my youth. I know my game is not where it should be and certainly not even near a level where you play The Island. I found very friendly staff, but must admit, was a little disappointed to hear the fairways are not fully in play. It is a pity because after playing the course, you know to hit a fairway is what The Island is about. The inability to hit a ball from them, seems to interfere with the purity of the rare moment. Rare for me indeed.

The shear madness of playing the place was there to be seen when you stand up on the first, there is room, but the sheer size of the dunes is a forewarning of the roller-coaster ride ahead. I got a bit of a flash back to my teens when I spent a few weeks playing Enniscrone. In locations the dunes have an odd sulphurous Mars like feel to them, unearthly in a way.

I was in no rush, like the start of a good pint, so playing alone suited me in a way, it was a pure silent golf experience, only the noise of the sea and birds, the wind, a passing train, a swing, a click, that unique hollow bounce of the ball and club on a links mound.

I’ve been playing around with the swing, so went for a 4 iron on the first, wrong shot, I did not see till the second that I had left the driver in the car. Perhaps this is what all should do when playing The Island. The car park is at the back of the 5th (there is a temporary stunning par 3 at 4th at the moment), my off course driver damage was back on track by the 8th.

I’ve been carrying a bit of weight for too long and working on core strength and fitness; I’m trying to make sure my body holds up to the extra golf I’m playing. Even walking the cart path on The Island has its risks, little holes or damaged surface can easily have you falling over. Looking for a ball in the dunes is an injury waiting to happen, I don’t know how the members do it all their life, perhaps they keep it straight, the wisdom of age and playing links golf for life.

I absolutely loved the place, when I saw the 2nd Hole I was smiling, this is a golf course. I know that Links golf is not everybody’s cup of tea, hidden hollows and mounds are not always rewarding to a good shot. I love getting to know a links and the club and direction to hit, the grain of the green the flow of the land. I know this is not going to happen just turning up to a place like The Island, it is a life time relationship. At least 4 good shots ended up in bad places, bunkers, off the green, in the rough. But you also get good bounces too, the laws of averages dictate that over a life, it will all work out. A bit like life in a way.

I’ve played Portmarnock Links now and The Island, 2 down 2 to go. I’m a little worried that Royal Dublin and Portmarnock will not live up to The Island. It is the first course that I would jump at joining, but is 20km of a drive each way. Is this a runner these days ? Others have spoken about the drive to the course, on other threads here.

On 13 you stand on tee and can see one of the little gems of the north side. Malahide village is in full view, you can also see the ugly stains of the Celtic Tiger.
There are just so many great golf holes. 1, 2, Temp 4, Real 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17. 18. It just seems crazy to name 13 holes as great golf holes, but it is crazy good. I didn’t even get to play all the holes. I Played from the green tees , forward. Holes 5 and 6 are closed for work, 16 is a temp green.

I played some holes well, I had an amazing drive on 12 and 17. I hit a 340 yard drive on the 17th, wind behind, elevated tee and good bounce, still put a smile on my face , could tell by the sprinkler head as they are marked, always the sign of a great place to play golf. I was in trouble off the tee on holes 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 18. Hard to play good golf when you are in that much trouble. But loved it, even loved playing some of the rough. Some of the rough is not that bad, in other parts you are just gone.

I only had 5 pars, this is a shocker for me, but it was the most enjoyable day on a course in about 20 years. Shot a 92, which makes a joke of trying to break 80. I’m not a sub 80 player at the moment and played average to poor , mid 80s would be a great round of golf on The Island for most players. I only had 5 pars. I need to play it again, without the background swing work going on. But every golfer has an excuse if they look for one. I am the golfer I am, a poor one at the moment.

As the course went on:

As the back nine progressed it got better and better and said hello to the sea and Malahide Estuary. The course changes and has great variety in length and a great high dune dramatic finish. Would I pay over 100 euro ?, yes and will pick my day in the summer. I’ve spent over that in Temple Bar, but have not had as much fun on a course in nearly 20 years. Perhaps I’m being too upbeat with a bad game on a great course, perhaps if I play it again, it will be a different experience. Days like that when you feel like that don’t come too often, run with it. Off for a swim. A new day, a new way, a new life. My life above 90 will be short lived I hope;), but with a day like that, who cares.

No man is an Island, but The Island is not even an Island.
http://www.theislandgolfclub.com/home/Ranking

Tones69

Jees that sounds nice, gonna have a look now, gotta play it this year!!

link_2007

You're wasted on here FixedPitchmark.

GreeBo

link_2007 wrote: »

You're wasted on here FixedPitchmark.

Surely he's only had one or two shandies?

Nice review fdp.

FixdePitchmark

GreeBo wrote: »

Surely he's only had one or two shandies?

Nice review fdp.

Lol.

Yes , having a wine now to calm down. I would have scored ten shots better with two pints in me, like pool.

acejeff

A true poet fixdepitchmark! Good review of the Island. Personally I think it is disppointing that they don't allow play from the fairways during the winter (particularly given the fact that we have had a particularly dry winter) and one can hop accross the fence to play Corballis, on the same stretch of links land and with a far greater volume of traffic on the fairways these months, with no winter measures and for less than half the price.

Keep up the good work and the eloquent reviews, always a good read.