Getting back into golf after a long break

I used to play golf several times a week, but for whatever reason about 5 or 6 years ago I just completely fell out of the habit and have barely played since bar the odd attempt at hitting the driving range, mostly with terrible results. I really want to start playing again, but I'd say my game is completely gone at this point (I had a handicap of 13 at one stage, not brilliant obviously but could find my way around the course).

So just wondering if anyone has done this successfully, whether lessons would be the best way, or just start playing again and hope it comes back? Any advice at all?

Keano

If you were off 13 then you were a pretty decent golfer. Grab the clubs and hit a course nearby and welcome back

TheDoc

Aydin Sour Stepladder wrote: »

I used to play golf several times a week, but for whatever reason about 5 or 6 years ago I just completely fell out of the habit and have barely played since bar the odd attempt at hitting the driving range, mostly with terrible results. I really want to start playing again, but I'd say my game is completely gone at this point (I had a handicap of 13 at one stage, not brilliant obviously but could find my way around the course).

So just wondering if anyone has done this successfully, whether lessons would be the best way, or just start playing again and hope it comes back? Any advice at all?

I've recited this story many times so I'll cut it down. I was mad into golf, starting when I was 10 years old. I got down to 6 at about 16 and then after a normal winter break my game just went from me, never been able to get it back. I dtarted drifting out and at 18 I was playing off 12, and I just packed it in entirely.

Two years ago, I was off work for a week and my Da spun around and told me to throw on my gear and we go out for 18 holes. I was horrendous on the front 9, and then decided to use my Dad's club for the backnine. I had a +3 backnine and was hitting the ball lovely, and all of a sudden had a bit of a golf bug.

I joined back the club in January, and over the next 18 months replaced all my clubs for newer technology. I completely re-worked my swing, taking it as a second chance nearly starting fresh. I got down to 6 last summer and have drifted out to 8, but good work the last month paid dividens this weekend past and I feel my game is heading in the right direction ahead of the big summer events.

I'd say just get back out playing. Your older and wiser and you might appreciate the time you took off and look at golf in a new way. I know I do, I don't take my ability for granted anymore, and am doing REALLY efficent practice midweek.

I find myself spending a lot of free time reading about golf, equipment and bits and bobs and hanging around here more often. I'm at the point where I am REALLY annoyed I didn't stick through the tough spell and stick with golf. I threw like six years of playing down the tube. So now I feel like I need to make up for it

Thanks for the reply. I guess you're right and this is a bit of a pointless thread, I really just need to go play. Went to the range last night and hit my first golf balls in probably about a year or more, for the first 30 or so every second shot was a shank but got out of it quickly and actually made some really nice contacts. I'll just have to stick with it. Also annoyed at myself that I stopped playing for so long and even that I let most of the summer go by without playing, but sure nothing to be done for that now.

TheDoc

Aydin Sour Stepladder wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I guess you're right and this is a bit of a pointless thread, I really just need to go play. Went to the range last night and hit my first golf balls in probably about a year or more, for the first 30 or so every second shot was a shank but got out of it quickly and actually made some really nice contacts. I'll just have to stick with it. Also annoyed at myself that I stopped playing for so long and even that I let most of the summer go by without playing, but sure nothing to be done for that now.

Definitly not a pointless thread, I'm sure there are plenty of guys and gals who drift in and out of the game. I'd say maybe anyone who watched the open recently and had stopped playing golf might have gotten the bug again.

I think coming back a bit older, gives you the appreciate that this is a gmae you'll play for life. And unlike other sports that have a short window for you to be at the peak of your powers, argueably you can be at the peak of your game for 20-25 years in golf. That's a long time.

It also gives a long time to improve, learn and get better. Depends of course what you want out of the game. Someguys are happy just to be out, someguys arnt happy when they are playing poor golf. I'd be the latter.

But I know I've slowed down changes, and realising now that I've years and years to make changes and improve, I'm taking little things, working at them vigeriosly for months, and then next season take something else.

Already I have down for next year, to improve my fitness ( its horrible) and to work on my lower body movement through the swing.

This year was working on improving my irons, which is paying dividends, but only as of rounds from last week. The two months before that I was hapless.

This evening I'm going to play on an actual golf course for the first time in an age, really looking forward to it. Have been to the range a few times with very mixed results. I probably need new irons but that's going to have to wait a while.

Rippeditup

I am back this year after 7 years out and my best advice is get lessons at the start to sort out the habits as you have a golden opportunity to get rid of the old bad habits. I am loving being back but finding it hard to make time but nothing better during these sunny evenings.

genuine leather

Aydin Sour Stepladder wrote: »

I used to play golf several times a week, but for whatever reason about 5 or 6 years ago I just completely fell out of the habit and have barely played since bar the odd attempt at hitting the driving range, mostly with terrible results. I really want to start playing again, but I'd say my game is completely gone at this point (I had a handicap of 13 at one stage, not brilliant obviously but could find my way around the course).

So just wondering if anyone has done this successfully, whether lessons would be the best way, or just start playing again and hope it comes back? Any advice at all?

This was a similar situation for me until last friday Aydin Sour Stepladder.Its 5 years since i have played a game and 10+ years since i played regularly,for various reasons. The course, Rathsallagh in Wicklow, i have to say, was in really super condition considering the heat the last few weeks,and boy was it hot on friday:cool:.

Fortunately the format was scramble so that certainly helped i feel with dipping my toe back into the game. Standing on the 9th tee, four balls already carved into the woods, not looking good and not much fun TBH, my thoughts were this is a kind of s... or get off the pot moment( the high stool awaits to drown my golfing woes). Unbelievably, i could not hit a shot wrong for the last ten holes, what a buzz. Crikey golf is a humbleing game. I think it was Gary Player that once said golf is 10% physical and 90% mental( i nearly went mental)

There was a fine line between putting the clubs back in the corner to gather dust once again or getting back into playing, im glad it was the latter.
I may even be tempted after some game time to put my name down for a boards society outing:D
As an added bonus we came fourth after and got four green fees for Tulfaris:)

Played 9 holes today. Had absolutely no feel for the greens in my chipping or putting, long game was surprisingly reasonable. Anyway really enjoyed it, trying not to get annoyed with myself for giving it up for so long, and will definitely keep with it.