projectgolfpro

Tin_Cup

Hi guys,

I started up a blog back in September tracking my attempt to get my handicap down. If you get a chance please check it out. Any feedback appreciated.

Cheers,

Damien

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

PARlance

Tin_Cup wrote: »

Hi guys,

I started up a blog back in September tracking my attempt to get my handicap down. If you get a chance please check it out. Any feedback appreciated.

Cheers,

Damien

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Good luck with it Damien. Will say hi if I bump into you up at the Spawell.

Had a look at blog and fair play, wish you well. I couldn't see any video of your swing(on phone so I may have missed it).
It'd be interesting to track you swing changes through this process.

Tin_Cup

Thanks for the reply ajcurry123.

Will get some swing videos posted up. None up at the moment.

Dr_Colossus

Just starting to look through your blog, the topic itself is of interest as I'm similarly trying to get my handicap down. Dropped from 14 to 8 this year and next year hoping to get into category 1 although haven't set a precise target yet.

You've an impressive set of gear, regarding the wedges did you get those custom fitted with the same shafts as your irons? I thought the TaylorMade wedges came with KBS wedge flex shafts as standard but when changing people often seem go a flex lighter than their irons particularly in the lob wedge since they're rarely hit flat out.
I'm currently in the market for wedges and researching various options. I like the look of those ZTPs but they don't seem to be readily available in all lofts and bounces anymore having been replaced by the ATVs. Regarding the ATVs I'm unsure about the wedge flex shafts since the flex in my irons as also stiff so interested to hear your take on them.

One other question on "In the Bag", what's the large red tipped device in the driver slot. Perhaps some sort of weighted swing aid?

Keep up the good work and look forward to reading more of your blog.

Tin_Cup

Hi Dr,

Thanks for the reply and your question.

I have had the wedges in the bag since Sept 11 and really like them. However I have never hit them as consistent as my own irons. They always felt like I was flicking through the ball with them and launching way too high. Since changing over I have seen a huge improvement in the ball flight and control. They feel like an extension of my iron set rather then add ons (if that makes sense?) I have even found my chipping has improved with them.

On the ATV's I have only hit a few at a Demo day a good while back. I do like the shape of them but they felt very similar to my own (shaft wise). I think the sole is neat with the different grinds. Pretty sure TM will have some new wedges shortly (think I seen pics of RBladez version of ATV knocking around) so I there should be some good deals coming up on them.

The red pole in the bag is a Golf Stretching Pole I got as a prezzie last year (pic below:)



I thought it was a bit gimmicky at the start but I use it everyday to run through about 15mins of stretching and I feel it defo helps. Wouldn't spend out big money on one personally (I'm sure you could find something similar in Woodies for a lot cheaper)

Some more info on the pole here: http://www.perfectmygolf.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?REFPAGE=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2eperfectmygolf%2eco%2euk%2facatalog%2fToning_your_Golf_Muscles%2ehtml&WD=pole%20stretching&PN=Stretching_Pole_Tour%2ehtml%23a695#a695

Hope some of what I said was of some help and if you have any more questions please let me know.

hades

Good luck with it. I'm trying something similar, but instead of having the confidence (balls) to put it out there for everyone to see, i hide away and badger a certain ajcurry with my waffle.

Best of luck.

Tin_Cup

Thanks hades!

Hoping that by having the blog up it will help keep me on track! Just fingers x the handicap continues to fall next year!

the lawman

Great stuff Tin_Cup only seeing this now.

Dropping form 12 to 8 is some going and fair play. You should keep this thread updated to changes on the site so we can all keep up to date with the progress.

Hope you continue the progress at the same rate you've already done. Good luck.

gigawatt2007

Best of luck Damian. Great challenge and am sure you'll be down to Cat 1 by Summer. Are you tracking your scores/stats anywhere to show your improvement?

Tin_Cup

gigawatt2007 wrote: »

Best of luck Damian. Great challenge and am sure you'll be down to Cat 1 by Summer. Are you tracking your scores/stats anywhere to show your improvement?

Looking at using an app on my iphone to keep track of stats in 2013. Anyone any recommendations?

Keano

Tin_Cup wrote: »

Looking at using an app on my iphone to keep track of stats in 2013. Anyone any recommendations?

Probably the best app around http://golfshot.com/

Tin_Cup

Keano A Legend wrote: »

Probably the best app around http://golfshot.com/

Thanks Keano. Downloaded the free version the other day and having a look at it now. Wondering is it worth paying out for the full version?

Keano

Tin_Cup wrote: »

Thanks Keano. Downloaded the free version the other day and having a look at it now. Wondering is it worth paying out for the full version?

I don't use it as I'm crap at keeping stats but I've no doubt for what you are trying to achieve the full version would be worth it.

Kace

Free version is fine for what you'll need over the next while. I have been collecting round stats on this app for about 2 years now. It only takes about 5 mins to enter in after every round when you're at home on the couch.

Tin_Cup

Hey guys,

If your in the golf club this weekend pick up your free copy of Golfing Magazine. I did an article with my coach Gillian which starts on page 35.

Will be posting the article on the blog next week or you can check it online also at:

http://www.golfing.ie/55/files/html5/index.html

Tin_Cup

Hi all,

Latest blog update now online:

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

Ben1977

Far play to you keep up the good work. Getting the weight down will help you on so many levels, it will become part of your life.

Tin_Cup

First blog update of 2013 now online!

www.projectgolfpro.com

hades

Yikes, the must've been a sore fall on your back.

I tried your short game drills from the magazine last wednesday night and found them great. Changing the targets and trying to get as many of the balls within a 3 ft radius. I kept score of how i was getting on aswell, so i can track improvement (hopefully)

It'll be interesting to see how you get on with the contacts. I'm a fellow 4 eyes on the course, and my buddy who's a low single digit golfer has been onto me to get contacts for a while. He uses them himself and finds them great and a marked improvement.

Tin_Cup

Was sore but just glad I don't do any serious damage.

Great to hear the drills are of use. Great way to be competitive while practicing. Stops you just belting balls to see how quickly you can empty a bucket.

Just picked up contacts this morning so looking forward to trying them out. Hopefully no more foggy or rain covered views of the course.

D Hayes

Tin_Cup wrote: »

Just picked up contacts this morning so looking forward to trying them out. Hopefully no more foggy or rain covered views of the course.

I started using contacts last year for golf - makes some difference. Once you get used to putting them in, you'll be flying. Can be very frustrating putting them in at the start, especially when you're under pressure to make a tee-time!

By the way, I highly recommend this site for purchasing your lenses - daysoftcontactlenses.com. Less than half the price of Specsavers. You specify what brand/type of lenses you use, and they match it to their brand/type.

matt-dublin

i found a huge difference after the laser eye surgery and definitly believe it was responsible for my big cuts last year.

i find it easier to read putts and judge distances.

charlieIRL

matt-dublin wrote: »

i found a huge difference after the laser eye surgery and definitly believe it was responsible for my big cuts last year.

i find it easier to read putts and judge distances.

I got laser surgery done 6 years ago - never "looked" back:D

hasn't helped with my golf though!!!

Tin_Cup

Priced up the laser surgery but unfortanitly due to one of my eyes having very poor sight it cost an absolute fortune. Would love to get it done as it would take 20mins done and dusted.

Soft lenses also weren't a runner due to a few problems but the hard lenses I have just picked up are my only other option at the min. I have better vision now in my bad eye with my lenses than my glasses so looking forward to trying them.

Tin_Cup

New update now online www.projectgolfpro.com

Tin_Cup

New update now online folks www.projectgolfpro.com

Tin_Cup

New Blog update now online. Includes info on my trip to the Taylor-Made Fitting Centre at the Darren Clarke Golf School!

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Tin_Cup

New blog now online. Info on my trip to Kerry and new coach. Have given the site a bit of a re-design also so should be a bit easier to read. Thanks for the feedback and messages.

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

uptheroyals

The blog is great, whats the final target handicap wise scratch?

Tin_Cup

Thanks uptheroyals. The initial goal was to reach 4 and then to re-asses with revised goals. Want to try become the best possible player I can so just keep going!

Tin_Cup

Hi all,

Latest blog update now online:

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

uptheroyals

looks like good progress!! how many shots away are you now?

levitronix

What would be interesting if you broke down your week, practice routine/gym and rounds played

Tin_Cup

Thanks for the messages lads!

My goal had been to get to 4 to try the PGA playing ability test as my final. My goal setting at the start of the year was to reach 5 so little ahead of schedule. Lot of work still to do to get to 4 so unless things fall into place quickly might be asking a lot to make the September one.

At present my week runs roughly as follows
Mon: Work until 6pm - Day Of Rest
Tues: Work until 6pm - range & short game 2hs
Wed: midweek open & short game
Thur & Fri work - range & short game before or after depends on shift
Sat & Sun - normally work one day than play club comp on day off. Normally play early than in for lunch than back to range / short game / course to work on what was weak.

The week does change depending on what days I'm working and the days are pretty flexible so can change to play certin events. Helps that I am working at the course so commute time etc is not an issue

For the moment I have the gym on the long finger as want to get as much practice as possible in the great weather. I did a lot of work in the winter to lose weight so keep an eye to make sure it not slipping back on. I have the spare room setup to be able to run through my TPI routine which I try do every day but realistically manage to do 4/5 times a week before leaving the house in the morning.

I do spend time with the family also! Promise!

Tin_Cup

Hi all,

Latest blog update now online:

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

Tin_Cup

New update now online:

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

m r c

Glad to see the renewed passion for the game mate, I find that in life golf tends to be last on the list and it can be very hard to maintain the commitment needed esp at your level.

I've been following your blog for a right while and had met your mate J when he worked in Sligo and I think he mentioned the blog or that it was starting or something. Not sure tbh but I knew ye were mad about the game anyway I'm glad to see it's still as strong. I'm sure '14 will bring the cut good luck.

Tin_Cup

Cheers for message m r c. Spot on and J still in great form !

Tin_Cup

Latest blog update now online!

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

Tin_Cup

Latest blog update now online! includes visits to the Docs & Foregolf plus 2013 video review

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

Dr_Colossus

Fair play, I have to admire your commitment and analytic approach to your game, practice and equipment and fitting it all around commuting, working and living a busy life.

Interested to learn what Foregolf suggested adjusting in your current equipment? Was it a case of the irons being slightly too flat resulting in the toe not being sufficiently off the ground on set up with the result being your bad shots leaking/pushed to the right? I notice you’ve changed your irons recently enough and are now playing the TM Rocketbladz irons and wedges from the previous TM MC irons and ATV wedges, was this club change following the trip to the Darren Clarke Golf School and were the clubs/shafts fitted for you there? Hopefully there’s no drastic changes required/suggested now such as changing the shafts.

Anyway keep up the good work, you’ve certainly invested a lot of time and money with top class equipment and different teaching and fitness coaches so good to see the improvements reflected in the ever decreasing handicap.

PARlance

Great stuff Tin_Cup and nice to bump into you yesterday, I'll give you a free lesson the next time we're up at the range

sydneybound

Always enjoy reading your blogs, keep up the good work fella and hope you get down to the required handicap and pass the playability test next year if that's what your going for, you've got it in ya.

FixdePitchmark

Nice entry. Best of luck with your health first of all.

Also - what would your Target handicap by in next few months Tin Cup ?

And then in say 12 months ?
I know you said it at some stage - just how do you fell about it now ?

Tin_Cup

Hey apologies for the delayed reply! Few gremlins with the internet! Thanks a mil for the comments and good to meet up PARLANCE enjoyed the chat!

On the clubs I visited the Taylormade fitting centre and was fitted with the standard rocketbladez irons with KBS Tour shafts which are longer than standard. Always found the heads a little too chunky for my liking and I got the chance to pick up a set of rocketbladez tour with the same specs a few weeks back. The big issue with irons is when the shafts are extended they lose their stiffness and are able to twist easier. This means for me that the club opens slightly on impact and I catch the right hand side of the clubface. By having the right shaft the strike shifts into the centre of the clubface. My shots became much more accurate as a result. Thankfully just new shafts needed. Keeps the cost down.

Goal over the winter is to get my game in shape for the PGA Playing Ability Test. Schedule should be released shortly for 2014. I need to get the handicap down to 4 (currently 4.7) to launch the application. If all goes to plan will be saying bye bye to handicaps if I can pass!

Tin_Cup

Hi all,

Latest blog update now online includes trips to the K Club and Killeen Castle plus a bit too much Turkey and Ham at Christmas!

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

Tin_Cup

Hi all,

Latest blog update now online. Not my cheeriest update so far

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

Tones69

Great thread. Did something similar myself 2 yrs ago soon after i took up golf. Set goal to get from 18 to 9 in a very short space of time, and did it with a few months to spare. 90% of the peeps on here told me I was dreaming, ul get doubters but if you know you can do it then you will!
Currently at 8.8 from last year. Didnt golf from may to august last year with a broken bone in my hand so really gonna try to get down to 5 this year. Best of luck with the whole thing, it can be very time consuming but itl be an amazing feeling if you achieve your goal

Edit: Just followed you on twitter there to follow the updates

PARlance

Tones69 wrote: »

Great thread. Did something similar myself 2 yrs ago soon after i took up golf. Set goal to get from 18 to 9 in a very short space of time, and did it with a few months to spare. 90% of the peeps on here told me I was dreaming, ul get doubters but if you know you can do it then you will!
Currently at 8.8 from last year. Didnt golf from may to august last year with a broken bone in my hand so really gonna try to get down to 5 this year. Best of luck with the whole thing, it can be very time consuming but itl be an amazing feeling if you achieve your goal

Edit: Just followed you on twitter there to follow the updates

You'll never get to 5!!!

Not the nicest update to read TinCup but hope it all works out.
Where there's a will there's a way... you certainly have the will so I have no doubt you'll get it sorted and will achieve your goals.

Enjoying following your journey.

yettie1701

Tin_Cup wrote: »

Hi all,

Latest blog update now online. Not my cheeriest update so far

http://www.projectgolfpro.com

Or you can follow the updates at:

https://www.facebook.com/ProjectGolfPro

https://twitter.com/DamienConnolly

Hi there. Just read your blog for the first time. Really sorry to hear things are not going so good on the financial side of things. A lot of people are unfortunately in the same position. You can only do what you can do regarding finance. Try and make golf a positive experience and an escape from the pressure that you find yourself in. I know it's not easy and money pressure is one of the worst kind. But if possible try and make the golf course a place away from that. What's the story with moyvalley? Why is it closed? Keep up the great work and there are lots of people out there rooting for you.

FixdePitchmark

Tones69 wrote: »

Great thread. Did something similar myself 2 yrs ago soon after i took up golf. Set goal to get from 18 to 9 in a very short space of time, and did it with a few months to spare. 90% of the peeps on here told me I was dreaming, ul get doubters but if you know you can do it then you will!
Currently at 8.8 from last year. Didnt golf from may to august last year with a broken bone in my hand so really gonna try to get down to 5 this year. Best of luck with the whole thing, it can be very time consuming but itl be an amazing feeling if you achieve your goal

Edit: Just followed you on twitter there to follow the updates

Yes those thread are a pain in the hole :D

Joking, hope to get to 5 too - floating between 9 and 12 at the moment. Big ask - but you never know.

Damien - best of luck. Following you too.

Have you considered a way to do core work - or gym work outside of a gym ?
You may find something you enjoy - gyms are not for all.