Is golf just not for me?

GrewUS

Right.... Playing golf the past 3 years and still have a 28 handicap, I play about once a week usually in a compettion. But I just seem to be getting worse don't know what to do at his stage.

Wichita Lineman

Patience, patience, patience oh and practice too.

GrewUS

Andy Dunne11 wrote: »

Patience, patience, patience oh and practice too.

Think I need to create a practice schedule...
I always think I am playing well during a round but at the end still just don't cut it points wise

John Divney

You can guarantee your current swing is not for golf after 3 years and no results.

But, you can change, as Hogan said about so called 'natural swings....There is nothing natural about the golf swing'.

Get a camera, do research, and get working.

You could probably change a boatload on set up alone to help yourself.

hidinginthebush

When you're playing, do you play the smart shot, or always try to go for glory? Aim for the fairway instead of trying to cut a dogleg or clear a water hazard. I'm like yourself, but after realising that on a low index hole, I've two extra shots on the par to still get 2 points. So if I've duffed a few shots on a par 5, sitting 4 in front of the green, I've still got 3 shots to get a point. Try to play to your handicap, not someone else's, and it's much more enjoyable.

Have you ever taken a lesson? They definitely help.

spacecoyote

As above, have you ever considered or taken a lesson?

One of my regular playing partners was in this scenario, started at 28 & stuck there for about 4-5 years. Playing once a week & not much more.

This year he's upped his playing time betting 2-3 games a week in & he's dropped 4 shots so far this year.

Played with a low guy previously, his thoughts were if you put in 1 day a week to your golf you'll go backwards, 2 days go relatively sideways, 3 or more & you'll go down

Kace

As well as your single game per week - carve out committed time to spend an hour chipping and putting twice a week.

3-4 weeks later you will have dropped a shot or two.

First Up

GrewUS wrote: »

Right.... Playing golf the past 3 years and still have a 28 handicap, I play about once a week usually in a compettion. But I just seem to be getting worse don't know what to do at his stage.

I assume you like the game so two suggestions:
Play a few rounds out of competition. Have a bit of fun -being constantly confronted by your relatively poor scores is poison.
Get a few lessons. Any teaching pro will give you a few quick hits that will get you motivated and believing it can be done.

blue note

You've been playing for 3 years. If you enjoy it it's for you, if not tick it off as something you've tried.

dan_ep82

More info would be better, what you think is the reason for your current hc for example

For me I started scoring better by putting in more time on the course and the range.
I've yet to play a comp but I can imagine its very similar to playing for your cards. Every shot counts etc. It leaves very little room (if you have no range time or casual rounds) to change even the smallest thing with your game.

Why not play some casual rounds ( even a match play where score counts for far less) and work on identifying where your weak area's are. Then find an instructor, explain it to him and foucs on that area.

bigtimecharlie

I felt like you 18 months ago, never broke 100.

Got a lesson deal and found out I was doing alot of things right, just needed to change 2 thing of major importance and my game has improved especially off the tee.

Now need to work on putting.

Never forget the social aspect of the game, its great just being out in fresh air with friends.

mister gullible

Have you taken lessons? If not don't bother with any advice on boards, in books or on video. If you play off 28 you need a few lessons- it doesn't cost much for a few group lessons. Make sure the pro helps you with grip, stance, alignment and tempo (rhythm).

Norfolk Enchants_

I'd say if you have to ask then yes it probably isn't.

superhooper

GrewUS wrote: »

Right.... Playing golf the past 3 years and still have a 28 handicap, I play about once a week usually in a compettion. But I just seem to be getting worse don't know what to do at his stage.

Nearly started this thread 3 or 4 times in the last 4 months. After today's practice session on the course I'm still in the same boat so will have to give a lot of thought to the game over the next few days as my spare time is too precious for me not to be enjoying. I seem to be just so inconsistent and unable to put a round together. My card could have a par,par then scratch,scratch bogey, double bogey, par, bogey, scratch,scratch........................
Had 4 lessons recently and was he changed the swing a good bit though since that I just can't keep it consistent off the tee really. Am staying out of comps as game is that bad. What's annoying is that I had played social golf for years (odd society, work stuff) and fairly much enjoyed it. Now I'd dread those outings. Ignorance was probably bliss....

Montgolfier

superhooper wrote: »

Nearly started this thread 3 or 4 times in the last 4 months. After today's practice session on the course I'm still in the same boat so will have to give a lot of thought to the game over the next few days as my spare time is too precious for me not to be enjoying. I seem to be just so inconsistent and unable to put a round together. My card could have a par,par then scratch,scratch bogey, double bogey, par, bogey, scratch,scratch........................
Had 4 lessons recently and was he changed the swing a good bit though since that I just can't keep it consistent off the tee really. Am staying out of comps as game is that bad. What's annoying is that I had played social golf for years (odd society, work stuff) and fairly much enjoyed it. Now I'd dread those outings. Ignorance was probably bliss....

Sounds like my round today I put a lot of my bad rounds to playing with random people (that I don't feel comfortable around). On the second hole I was told to tuck my shirt in and that he was on the comittee. Which is fair enough I suppose but I didn't settle myself for ages.
If I had a regular partner I'm sure I'd play better.

m r c

Montgolfier wrote: »

Sounds like my round today I put a lot of my bad rounds to playing with random people (that I don't feel comfortable around). On the second hole I was told to tuck my shirt in and that he was on the comittee. Which is fair enough I suppose but I didn't settle myself for ages.
If I had a regular partner I'm sure I'd play better.

"Told to tuck your shirt in" the fn bollox

Were you dressed appropriately ie golf top and golf pants collar etc????

If you were I hope you told him to get knotted


The regular partner thing is a big issue though.

I'm 3 years in a club and while people are really sound genuine guys, I'm not in any groups as it were. I joined the club not knowing hardly anyone out there and I find lads that are like me will stay that way until some of their mates take up the game and kind of make their own four ball.

It's annoying weekly wondering if anyone will join your line or if there any free spaces. You'd know you are welcome and made to feel welcome with the lads but you'd always feel gooseberry.

Another thing is the age gap. I'm in my very early 30's :-) with a family and I would'nt have that in common with 95 percent of the members.

Montgolfier

m r c wrote: »

"Told to tuck your shirt in" the fn bollox

Were you dressed appropriately ie golf top and golf pants collar etc????

If you were I hope you told him to get knotted


The regular partner thing is a big issue though.

I'm 3 years in a club and while people are really sound genuine guys, I'm not in any groups as it were. I joined the club not knowing hardly anyone out there and I find lads that are like me will stay that way until some of their mates take up the game and kind of make their own four ball.

It's annoying weekly wondering if anyone will join your line or if there any free spaces. You'd know you are welcome and made to feel welcome with the lads but you'd always feel gooseberry.

Another thing is the age gap. I'm in my very early 30's :-) with a family and I would'nt have that in common with 95 percent of the members.

Yeah I had golf shirt and golf trousers he said it was course etiquette and don't take offence. So I didn't in fairness but it was a bit of effort to try not break anymore codes on the round.

I'm like you 30's young kids and newish to the club. It's a real pain arse getting mates to take up golf.

dan_ep82

Montgolfier wrote: »

Yeah I had golf shirt and golf trousers he said it was course etiquette and don't take offence. So I didn't in fairness but it was a bit of effort to try not break anymore codes on the round.

I'm like you 30's young kids and newish to the club. It's a real pain arse getting mates to take up golf.

Unless you had on something that resembled a nightie I can't see the reason for it, and even then. Its funny that you could go out wearing illumines green clothes as long as they're tucked in:pac:

I was playing with the manager for the Barton cup and a scratch golf during a casual round the other day and felt a bit of pressure. Made two mistakes, tow I wasn't even aware of before he pointed them out. I was standing behind him on the tee box which he said wasn't allowed as it can put people off. Then when I was getting a look at my putt, at a closeish angle to his own, he told me I should wait so it doesn't look like I'm getting the line off his putt.

I started back late last year, since then I've got my two brothers to start (27 & 15) and another (28) but he wouldn't be out as much.

I'm just waiting for my handicap to come through then I'm going to start sticking my name beside random people

@OP Perhaps a playing lesson could help (pro goes around with you for a few holes) so he can identify where the most work is needed?

Panrich

dan_ep82 wrote: »

Unless you had on something that resembled a nightie I can't see the reason for it, and even then. Its funny that you could go out wearing illumines green clothes as long as they're tucked in:pac:

I was playing with the manager for the Barton cup and a scratch golf during a casual round the other day and felt a bit of pressure. Made two mistakes, tow I wasn't even aware of before he pointed them out. I was standing behind him on the tee box which he said wasn't allowed as it can put people off. Then when I was getting a look at my putt, at a closeish angle to his own, he told me I should wait so it doesn't look like I'm getting the line off his putt.

I started back late last year, since then I've got my two brothers to start (27 & 15) and another (28) but he wouldn't be out as much.

I'm just waiting for my handicap to come through then I'm going to start sticking my name beside random people

@OP Perhaps a playing lesson could help (pro goes around with you for a few holes) so he can identify where the most work is needed?

He sounds like a proper charmer.

superhooper

A excerpt from a book called "How to Quit Golf" by Craig Brass

"Most of the time brilliant shots will occur over the final three holes of a round, and therefore will be fresh in the golfer’s mind as he leaves the course.
Given that there’s no difference between the score of 103 and the 101 that is the result of the brilliant shot, it can be concluded that these shots happen for the sole purpose of golfer retention. So therefore, not only do the golf gods oversee the game, they are the enablers of the game. Pushers if you will.

They use brilliant shots as an opiate, and prey on the central nervous system of naïve golfers. If you’ve ever bent a shaft across your head and asked, “Why do I continue to play this stupid game?” now you know—you’re a junkie. As with all addictions there are health risks that come with golf. After long-term exposure to these sporadic shots, the problem golfer’s nerve cells begin to degenerate. This results in the golfer becoming physically dependent on an external supply of these shots.

The problem golfer will spend more and more time on the practice range. She’ll pound ball after ball attempting to develop the skills believed necessary to hit brilliant shots of her own fruition on the course. She will become proficient at hitting almost any shot she can envision while on the range, but under no circumstances will she ever be able to duplicate on the course what she does on the practice tee.

Long-term dependency on these brilliant shots can turn into a physical illness and central nervous system disorder. Many can recall seeing a fellow golfer out on the practice range after dark, grinding away, trying to find it. As a cart boy leads her back to the clubhouse, she’s seen twitching and talking to herself: “I’ve got to hold parallel at the top. Parallel at the top, pointed down the line. Parallel at the top, pointed down the line. At the top, down the line.” At this stage her family doesn't even want her."

http://howtoquitgolf.com/excerpt2.html

dan_ep82

Panrich wrote: »

He sounds like a proper charmer.

Ah no he was quite nice, just both of those things I've never had an issue with before when playing with anyone else.

Gumbo

http://golf.justtreats.com/deal/dublin/karlkellyjune

GrewUS

Well thanks for all the advice. When I began golfing in my current club I took a number of lessons with the pro. Didn't improve much. Took one last December now I'm hitting much better shots but just not making the points. I'm going to try get another lesson soon and practice as much as I can. I do enjoy playing but when your playing off 28 after 3 years something is sure wrong! I would be a younger golfer compared to most in the club (early 30's).

GrewUS

Also going to play the more sensible shot and remember I have the extra shots to pick up the points. Just going to take it nice and easy! Try stay out of trouble and if I end up in trouble get out quick and remember I'm not tiger.

rrpc

GrewUS wrote: »

Also going to play the more sensible shot and remember I have the extra shots to pick up the points. Just going to take it nice and easy! Try stay out of trouble and if I end up in trouble get out quick and remember I'm not tiger.

That's the spirit

Just keep in mind that an 18 handicapper has an extra shot to get on the green. That means that if you can hit one of your clubs around 150 yards straight, it's a lot better than the 200+ yard shot that could go anywhere and invariably does. Once you're in trouble off the fairway, it just compounds and you start to panic and play shots under pressure and start forgetting technique.

Most high handicappers will have a club or two in the bag that they can always depend on to hit straight. What usually happens is that the bad shots with the less comfortable clubs will start to eat into your confidence and affect all your shots whereas a well struck 9 iron (or whatever) will build confidence and give you the opportunity with the other clubs because you'll be on the fairway with a good lie.

I was playing with my son at the weekend and on one hole (a downhill par 5; about 490 yards) he teed off with a pitching wedge! He could hit his driver over 240 yards but there's so much trouble on that tee shot that a slightly wayward shot would be most likely in trouble and probably lost. So he hit the pitching wedge 175 yards (I measured it with GPS) and followed up with a lob wedge and an eight iron to put him two yards left of the green, pin high. He parred the hole without using a wood or even a long iron.

Once you have a couple of clubs you're confident with, you can add to your repertoire and always have the banker clubs to fall back on if things go awry.