Improving scores v improving as a golfer

ManwitaPlan

Just interested to get peoples thoughts on the trade off between getting better as a golfer and shooting better scores.

Sounds funny but here's what I mean. I started recently and at first I was using a full swing. I've got some lessons and when I execute the full swing correctly I am told I have a good swing (far of the tee, few moving parts)...my problem is I am so inconsistent with it. If I use a full swing on the course I might hit 1 in 4 straight but the other three could go anywhere....hook, slice ...anything.

So recently I started dialling things down a bit and "shortening my backswing"....I find it works...my scores are falling even though I am playing like a little girl...playing the course 150 yards at a time with a 5 iron off most tees and a short backswing.

My question is will this be detrimental to my development as a golfer...Sure I am improving now but will I eventually hit a wall?

Just interested to know how others approach this trade off or if a trade off even exists???

Seves Three Iron

Depends what level what you want to get to really. You could be a very good mid handicapper with that approach, shooting 33-38 points regularly I'd imagine. But I'd be surprised if you don't get cheesed off with playing conservatively all the time. It's not really why anyone takes up the game, to play five irons off the tee, is it? Would take a very determined mind to keep hitting rescues and five irons all the time too when your competitors/pals are all hitting woods and drivers.

I would say the bottom line is that there's a wee flaw in your swing that needs attention, whatever it is. A lesson or two would put that right. When you get it going you will be in a far better position to get your handicap down or, more importantly, to actually feel fulfilled by playing.

GreeBo

When you are playing a "scoring" round then you should (90% of the time) be hitting the club that gives you the best chance of having a good score relative to your handicap. Some days thats the driver, some days its a rescue, others its a 5 iron. Its stupid to keep hitting a club thats putting you in trouble in a competitive round.

Bear in mind that there is nothing stopping you from hitting whatever clubs you want at the driving range, practice rounds and/or taking lessons.

The purpose of golf is to hit the least amount of shots. No one will remember that you only hit 2 drivers on the day you shoot a 65. Your partners will think you are an idiot if you spend 4 hours whacking a driver OB and into trees and coming in with a 105.

There is nothing as ridiculous as watching someone who usually shoots in the 90's hack their way around trying to hit 3 woods out of the rough and 3 irons over water from downhill lies. If its not happening its not happening. Part of what makes good golfers good is that they can bring in an ok score on the days they are not hitting the ball well.

m r c

I'm a high handicapper 24 new to the game here's what I think.
No offence intended but I wasn't too long golfing when I noticed the older members played golf a little differently. Not too long off the tee but usually poker straight normally a wood next( par 4's) chip on and 1/2 putts. These guys kicked ass in comps playing off 15-18 etc.
I call it old man golf but that's how I play when I want to shoot as low as I can. Avoid trying to out drive everyone else and play cute.

I think "cute" golf is how to score at my level and a good few playing partners have said the same.

leedslunatic

m r c wrote: »

I'm a high handicapper 24 new to the game here's what I think.
No offence intended but I wasn't too long golfing when I noticed the older members played golf a little differently. Not too long off the tee but usually poker straight normally a wood next( par 4's) chip on and 1/2 putts. These guys kicked ass in comps playing off 15-18 etc.
I call it old man golf but that's how I play when I want to shoot as low as I can. Avoid trying to out drive everyone else and play cute.

I think "cute" golf is how to score at my level and a good few playing partners have said the same.

I'd call it clever golf. I learned this the hard way, but soon copped on. Too many times I'd chase after the low percentage shot eg. 3 wood from 220 out, only to make a complete mess of it, and be left with a difficult approach, which i would then fluff because of the previous shot. Bad shots tend to lead to bad shots.

I'd rather hit two lovely short irons and keep my score as low as possible without recklessly trying to force something spectacular which, I have little chance of pulling off.

The key is to know your strengths and weaknesses and discipline yourself... and put that 64 degree wedge back in the bag!!