How Hard Do You Find Golf ?

FixdePitchmark

This is not a positive thread - or negative thread - but let us say, a realistic thread.

I follow most peoples progress here - I also use the place for motivation for my game, strange as that sounds - it works for me. I like targets.

But was thinking lately - I have plenty of time to put into game and have put a big big effort into my game - for what, nearly 4 years now.
I did 1/2 my handicap - but so what in a way, you think you would get places quicker in this game if you put the work in ?

I came from a very poor swing position - so perhaps change and improvement was very hard for me. (It was).

So what I'm asking is.

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?
Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?
Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?
Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?


By the way - no way I'm throwing towel in - just wanted a feel for what the goals of people are - or do you even care about improving at all - it is only a game - a hobby after all.

Norfolk Enchants_

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

This is not a positive thread - or negative thread - but let us say, a realistic thread.

I follow most peoples progress here - I also use the place for motivation for my game, strange as that sounds - it works for me. I like targets.

But was thinking lately - I have plenty of time to put into game and have put a big big effort into my game - for what, nearly 4 years now.
I did 1/2 my handicap - but so what in a way, you think you would get places quicker in this game if you put the work in ?

I came from a very poor swing position - so perhaps change and improvement was very hard for me. (It was).

So what I'm asking is.

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?
Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?
Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?
Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?


By the way - no way I'm throwing towel in - just wanted a feel for what the goals of people are - or do you even care about improving at all - it is only a game - a hobby after all.

Ah Fixy wixy, have you had an auld bad day at the office or wha?:pac::pac:

Seriously though to answer your questions

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ? Probably.
Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ? No, because then you stand still and inevitably go backwards.
Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ? Yes probably if your sole objective is prizes, otherwise you play to beat your previous best score, now that's real golf.
Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ? No, if you aim for the stars you might touch the ceiling, aim for the ceiling you won't get off the ground!.

Rikand

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?

Nope

Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?

Nope

Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?

Nope

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?

Nope

PARlance

Probably harder, but not by a massive amount, than most other sports. The thing with golf is that a lot of people take it up when they're older and that can make it harder to pick up.
It's unlikely you would reach a high standard in any sport if you take it up late in life.

Unlike other sports though, there are a lot of things to over complicate or hinder improvement in golf imo.
An endless stream of instructions, so many "manufactured" excuses... Manufacturers coming out new equipment every year that just offers the golfer a reason to avoid reality.

I can see myself aggressively trying to get my handicap down for the next 10 years. I get enjoyment from that at present. I hope that doesn't last to be honest. I would like to get to a stage when I'm happy that I've probably peaked and after that, I would like to go out and just play my best and enjoy it as just a round of golf, with no burning ambition/pressure to get better. I'm guessing I won't be able to do that, and I'll probably be a very frustrated golfer in later years.

slave1

I play to enjoy and I enjoy to play, when that stops I'm done, simple as...

PARlance

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?
Yes

Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?
Nope as that means having a few shots up your sleeve to me.

Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?
Similar to above but Yes, if you're real with yourself and that's near your peak.

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?
Yes, but that doesn't mean that you'll reach your limit quickly. It will come eventually.

alxmorgan

I think it is the hardest game I've ever played and harder than most.
Granted I took it up late but the main reason I think it is harder is the static nature of it. Most other games are more dynamic giving you less time to think and are therefore more reactive.

You have so much time to think and overthink in this game that the mental game is huge and so difficult to master.

Also the ability of one shot/hole to have such a huge impact on the outcome differentiate it from other static sports such as snooker. An OOB ball and a 12 on the first hole can destroy your round whereas there really is no equivalent in snooker for example

Rikand

How Hard Do You Find Golf ?

If golf was easy, I think you'd lose interest very quickly. I find golf tough, but that's why I keep coming back. Its the challenge that keeps me interested and constantly trying to make myself a better player. If I played off scratch within a year of taking up the game, I'd be like, well that was easy, what can I do next ?

That's why I answered Nope to all the questions above.

I dont think we need to be more realistic about the game. I think everyone knows its a tough game, but it's that challenge that makes it interesting.

I did pick a point when I was younger. I said 6.... that's the handicap I want and the handicap I'll be comfortable reaching. Upon reaching it I fell into freefall. My handicap slipped out, my game dropped, I hit what I wanted and my game suffered. Constantly trying to be a better player makes you a better player, so nope, you should never pick a place to be comfortable.

I'd be a very good 6 handicapper. I'd be dangerous in Jimmy Bruen. but I wouldn't be happy. I want to be the best Rikand I can be! I cant understand anyone who doesn't think the same way.

There are no limits. There's always room to improve. You just gotta work at it

PARlance

alxmorgan wrote: »

I think it is the hardest game I've ever played and harder than most.
Granted I took it up late but the main reason I think it is harder is the static nature of it. Most other games are more dynamic giving you less time to think and are therefore more reactive.

You have so much time to think and overthink in this game that the mental game is huge and so difficult to master.

Also the ability of one shot/hole to have such a huge impact on the outcome differentiate it from other static sports such as snooker. An OOB ball and a 12 on the first hole can destroy your round whereas there really is no equivalent in snooker for example

I was thinking about snooker myself, I would probably say that it's harder than golf.
It's an incredibly hard game to get good at imo, I spent a lot of my childhood in pubs playing pool, even had a 6*3 snooker table as well, so the hours clocked up aren't worth considering... but I would struggle to put a decent break together on a full size table.

It's hard to compare them, but to counter the OOB scenario, in Snooker there is very little margin for error... not only do you have to pot the ball but you also have to be very accurate to set up your next shot, and you also have to be conscious of the next few shots while your at it. With golf, you only need to be accurate with 18 shots in any round, the 18 the go in the hole. There's a lot of room to recovery from bad ones elsewhere. You don't really get that on a full size table.

FixdePitchmark

I find there are just so many aspects of the game.

I can get good to very good at different parts (almost all parts) - but say I didn't practice a bunker shot for a few weeks - that feel goes - I could end up leaving ball in bunker and look a tool - yet , at times, I can be a very good bunker player at my level.

Even look at all the different types of chips you can play. To get the aspects of the game, all in synch at the one time - is next to impossible. But, perhaps - like life , you learn it is about managing the imperfections.

I was playing with a lad in 70s recently - he was playing fabulous golf, so relaxed.
I asked him what was his lowest handicap - he told me - straight out 9.8. I was shocked he had not been lower - ( I told him) , his reaction was the fascinating thing - you could see and hear his regret, when he told me he never got to 9 or lower.

So what I'm getting at is - if you do have a peak , and a problem or even as other have suggested - the fascinating thing is - you don't know when that is.

I think I want a moment on a course - when I know, that is my best round ever and I won't beat it.

I can play level par golf for long sections - say 8 to 12 holes. But - for this, I feel, I'm at my total limits - at the edge - playing out of my skin. Sort of, 1 in 50 round.

Maybe you get use to playing like that - I don't know yet.

But at the same time - I feel, I could play like that one day - and pick up an eagle - or a few putts drop. Then - all of a sudden, like an anticlimax (I'm sure it will be) - you have an under par round.

Maybe that is a bit dreamy - but the worry - not a worry , but the interesting thing is - you may only have a small window to do that.

And after all that - so what, in a way.

Nobody ever stands over a grave and says - "he had a 71 once"

I think the only person that would care - is me and my Dad

kiers47

alxmorgan wrote: »

I think it is the hardest game I've ever played and harder than most.
Granted I took it up late but the main reason I think it is harder is the static nature of it. Most other games are more dynamic giving you less time to think and are therefore more reactive.

You have so much time to think and overthink in this game that the mental game is huge and so difficult to master.

Also the ability of one shot/hole to have such a huge impact on the outcome differentiate it from other static sports such as snooker. An OOB ball and a 12 on the first hole can destroy your round whereas there really is no equivalent in snooker for example

I'd have to disagree with you. While it might be harder to master I think it's probably easier to be an average golfer than an average gaa player or rugby player for example. Almost any joe soap could pick up the game and be playing off a handicap in the mid teens within a year or 2 with a decent amount of hours put in. No chance could anyone do the same with the same hours put in and expect to make any half decent intermediate club team.

But I suspect my views are alone. :-)

Tbh like slave I enjoy the game. I don't practice to much and enjoy playing all rounds whether I shoot 100 or 80. Not to bothered by the results they tend to look after themselves.

galwaylad14

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

)
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Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?
Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?
Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?
Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?

1. I don't think anybody thinks golf is easy, everyone is realistic enough to know that to improve you have to put the time into it.

2. Absolutely not. For me, if I reach that point I'm going to make that the day I retire from the game. For me anyway, golf is all about trying to get better, trying to get that handicap down as low as possible. Trying to drive the ball that bit better than the last day, trying to hit more greens, trying to scramble better etc.

3. No. But as I say the thing I enjoy most about golf is trying to get better, at the moment I'm off 4 and my goal is to get to scratch, but when (if!) I get to scratch then that'll just be forgotten and I'll focus on getting to +1. For me anyway I wouldnt enjoy golf if I was just treading water, I have to be constantly trying to improve.

4. Well obviously not everyone has the talent to be say a tour player so therefore people do have limits to what they can acheive. I do believe though that most people don't get near these limits, probably for a few reasons: they don't play enough (often through no fault of their own), they don't take lessons, they don't take the time to practice what they're weak at

FixdePitchmark

I think PARlance's point is interesting about age.

I was involved in lots of sports when younger - and got good at them fairly easy.

When you are trying to get better at golf - you are older (typically)

Kiers point is good - I've introduced my friends to golf - and with little or no effort - they are all hitting ball - improved at putting and getting pars and birdies - in saying that , does coming from other sports help - must.

But - I think getting to say 12 to 15 is one thing.

I've seen guys who love their golf - play a good bit - practice - do the right things - but not making any progress towards say 9. In fact, doing all the right things, some of these lads are going up :eek:

Now - that is a nightmare about this game.

whosyourcaddy

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?
Nope, almost everyone who plays the game appreciates how difficult it is.

Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?
Nope. I read somewhere before that for a handicap to be correct for a player you should only beat your handicap 1 time in 7. Therefore anyone that is 'comfortable' with their handicap and is playing to / beating their handicap say 3 r 4 times in 7 rounds needs to seriously look in the mirror. Obviously this stat does not take into account the improving player especially juniors whose handicaps normally shoot down during the summer when they are off school.

Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?
Nope. I may be a little hard on myself but after every round I've every played I've always felt disappointed because I missed a putt here, hit a bad shot there etc. This includes rounds where I've been lucky enough to win a prize / beat my handicap. This disappointment ironically is what makes the game enjoyable for me because I'm always striving to play that perfect round, it makes me want to come back for more.

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?
Yeah. If we didn't have a limit we would be teeing it up on the 2nd playoff hole with Paddy last weekend - scratch that - we would have beaten him before the playoff. The difficulty is that we can never know where our limit is and this adds to the enjoyment/frustration of the game.

levitronix

I find i get in my own way to much, most people who know me tell me i swing way to hard on my driver and it kills me, i cant help it its a subconscious thing i do.
In the range i hit the ball great with the driver just cant bottle my tempo on the course
my last two rounds with a score card have been 79 and 77
the 79 i only hit 4 fairways every other part of the game was solid
the 77 i had 4 penalty drops from crappy drives

golf will always be hard always chasing to get better because all of us can be better and have been once before

ForeRight

I find that people who were "good" at sports are generally good at golf when they pick up the game.

You know the guys that are just decent at all games they try their hand at no matter if it's their first time or not.

These people just seem to be naturally athletic. The golf swing and action of twisting your body to square up the club face is a very athletic movement. These guys instinctively have the ability to grasp these movements very quickly.

Guys that have played sports and even take up golf late in life tend to be stronger golfers than the lads who just took up golf with no sports background. I think that's just down to these lads having a competitive streak in them and wanting to win.


These are just my observations at my club.

Webbs

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?

Absolutely we do, you said its a game and maybe its a Freudian slip but for me games should be enjoyed whilst still pushing yourself. I always was an average rugby player, still gave my all in a match, but knew my limitations I wasnt going to try a sextonesque crossfield kick as a flanker. I think in golf we have to think similarly. (maybe TV has a lot to answer for here)

Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?

GalwayLad for example says absolutely not and will retire from the game and that golf is all about trying to get better, trying to get that handicap down as low as possible.
This is where the demographics of golf come into it and why golf is great for all ages and abilitites. I dont know how old GalwayLad is but I would hazard a guess at under 40. So when he hits 50, 60, and his handicap starts to drift as he physically cant do what he used to will he then pack up the game as he says? (sorry to use you as an example GalwayLad)

Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?

I think you will reach the limit of your ability depending on loads of factors maybe the biggest being how much time can you put into the game. That limit will fluctuate over the years for lots of reasons but I think you have to keep pushing your limits regardless whilst keep a sense of realism as to your circumstances.

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?

Guess I answered this above

Russman

Fix, what have you started ?? Jaysus man !!:D:D

Do we need to be more realistic ?
Absolutely. Golf isn't a penance. For the vast, vast majority of us, its "supposed" to be what we do to enjoy ourselves in our free time. I've posted this link before but I think it sums it up far better than I ever could:
http://www.golfwrx.com/82327/golfers-have-ridiculous-expectations/

Do you think you should pick a point and say "I'm comfortable" ?
I guess that depends on the individual. Some people are driven to improve, some people couldn't give a f--k and just want to get out for a 4 hour walk. Neither is right or wrong. In the last few years I've been down to 3 handicap, lost my game and gone up to 9 and found some of it again and back down to 5. I could have easily relaxed at 9 and been a ridiculous Metro player but that's not me - others might be different.

Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok, this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?
Probably, but it depends on the individual. I know one guy who was a plus handicap and had ambitions/thoughts of trying his hand at the tour. But, he wasn't really putting in the performances he felt he was capable of etc. Eventually he decided against the professional route and his game transformed, he became far better than he'd been before purely because he didn't have the subconscious pressure of the goal of getting to the Tour.
I think there's a good chance the guy who relaxes and is happy at 12 will soon find he's down to 9 or 10 because he has relaxed and is playing with less pressure.

Do you think we all have a limit - accept it and move on ?
I think we all have a limit somewhere, but finding it and knowing you've found it are the difficult things. I don't think you'll ever reach a point when you say "that's it, that's the best I have" - at least I hope that doesn't happen to me ! The thing is, you can shoot a real good score for an amateur, say, 68, and have actually played fairly averagely, likewise you can shoot 75 and feel like you played great. Golf is so varied its hard to say there are definite limits, in theory an 80 on a tough course in a hurricane could be a better round that a 70 on another course in different conditions.

Maybe golf is a journey with no destination.......?

BigChap1759

levitronix wrote: »

I find i get in my own way to much, most people who know me tell me i swing way to hard on my driver and it kills me, i cant help it its a subconscious thing i do.
In the range i hit the ball great with the driver just cant bottle my tempo on the course
my last two rounds with a score card have been 79 and 77
the 79 i only hit 4 fairways every other part of the game was solid
the 77 i had 4 penalty drops from crappy drives

golf will always be hard always chasing to get better because all of us can be better and have been once before

Thought about getting a new driver? :P:P:P

BigChap1759

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?

Possibly but then I think part of this is what fuels my desire to improve - I know I can hit all the shots, I just can hit them all consistently which is where some of the frustration can creep in


Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?

Absolutely not, the striving for improvement and then seeing improvement is what it's all about for me.


Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?

No, I enjoy my game when I see real improvements from the practice I've put in

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?

You will never improve if you think like this.

benny79

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?

I think we all are in a certain way! Most of us know we will never get to scratch but yet all strive for it or at least dream of it


Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?

Absolutely not, Golf to me is about me against the course regardless of who you're playing or what competition you're in. And like in all sports or games you're always trying to win or get better or just play well! like a computer game you're always trying to get to the next level..


Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?

Ha, I'll let you know when I get there! No seriously I've yet to drop in HC but I know/hope I will & when I do it will bring a smile to my face & all round good feeling as its a personal achievement or reward for my hard work in a hobby I love so you're always trying to improve which to me makes the game great!

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?

I'm sure we all do but do we know what it is? and do we accept it? In my mind no & we'd never accept it as we all think we are better than we are so in effect we are chasing a limit that we may never reach, but we will keep trying! Like a dog chasing around in circles after his tail

BOB81

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?
Yes absolutely its bloody hard but it can be so rewarding, for me its that absolutely “pured” iron shot or drive that makes you keep coming back for more and makes you say hang on, I can actually play this game, or when you step back from a shot and say to yourself I could not have hit that any better…..doesn’t happen often enough!

On the realism angle in summer I might play 4 full rounds a month, along with 9 holes some evenings/trip to the driving range/short game area mid-week and yet I still place unrealistic expectations on myself – is that amount of effort really enough to improve my handicap to single figures (from14)? Thinking about it that’s maybe 8 times a month (in the peak of the season)where I’m actually holding a golf club and hitting shots (excluding anybackyard chipping practice), I’ve no right to have high expectations in reality. The mindset I want to get into is once the ball hits the clubface I’ve accepted the result whatever it might be (I’ve read the Bob Rotella books but its easier said than done!), getting too hard on yourself for hitting a bad shot (which might have been a millimetre away from being a good one!) is such a waste of energy and I am slowly learning this.

Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?
I can see how this could happen – particularly in light of the comments on age demographics put forward above – played against a 74 year old in a fourball matchplay a couple of years ago, he had been off 5 for 30/40 years but his handicap had gone out to 12 in recent years, still he hit every tee shot straight as an arrow but his handicap was probably an accurate reflection of his ability (cliché I know but he had a demon short gameas well!), time will catch up with us all. For myself I want to get as low as possible for as long as I am able – but can accept that there will be a peak – and as someone already said you won’t know when that is you just have to keep plugging away.


Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'mhappy at 12 ?
No – got to keep trying to get better, the pursuit of perfection is the attraction of the game – but the ambition to improve should be tempered withrealism – what you put in you will get out.

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?
No, there is always scope to get better but ultimately it requires time and plenty of it, which we don’t always have…

mike12

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?
Yes

Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?
Think it happens wither we like it or not there will come a time when you feel that no matter how much you put in the improvments are not happening, mainly age related as well.

Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?
For me almost yes got to 7.8 want to get to 5 or less, changed my chipping and things went into reverse as i let the rest of my game slide and the chipping got worse rather than better. Was embarrising when i got to 12 and played the first 5 holes in even par hitting 280 plus drives and hitting every green guys looking at you like you are a huge bandit then duffing 3 chips on the next 3 holes.Now 5 years later off 14 i go out to play to enjoy myself. IF the chipping ever comes back i know i will get back to single figures but not as driven for that to happen.

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?
Yes, but think everyone can get close to single figures at some stage.

FixdePitchmark

@ Russman - yes I'm good at starting things - but like my golf game, can't finish
Jaysus - you must have got some looks when your handicap went up to 9 ?

@ Mike
Jaysus - mike, that sounds chronic. You obviously tried everything - but did you just go to an 8 iron or 9 iron for chipping ? Weight forward play like a putt - is a lazy way out - but hard to go wrong ?

To answer my own questions

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?

I think some guys do need to be - As others have said, playing twice a week - is not going to get (95%) of lads to single figures.
It is up to 3 games a week - with 3-4 hours practice extra .
Also when you go to a club or range - lads are just banging balls - the putting green and short game areas are empty.
With what most lads are doing, 12 - is a very good handicap. And good and enjoyable golf. It is a game after all - and whilst on boards and on posts here, we go on about improving getting to the best you can be. I'm not sure Boards here is the typical golfer. (imo).

This going out and buying clubs and shafts - is a cod too. But we all fall for it.

Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?

An interesting one. Maybe it is a personality thing - not being bothered. But lads that are very competitive, maybe from other sports - it is almost in their nature - to push push push. But other people are just not like that.
I've struggled to get low and am at my limits all the time. I wouldn't be comfortable on my handicap - so I have to push myself to get to say 36 points. It means I'm not competitive - unless hard conditions with bad wind.
At times - I meet lads who tell me straight up - get to a handicap your are comfortable at ("a 40 in you) - so I can see how this is a natural progression in mindset (for some).

I don't think I'm built that way - but can see how people go that way.

Prizes can be big in golf - so can see why people chase them. It is a sad part of the game for me , as I came from sports were if you try very very hard - you can win. I've found golf a bit strange to be honest. New to competitive golf.

This may be a bit controversial - but I think I'd rather a type of golf, that was not handicapped :eek:

Handicap golf is fun - but not what I understand competition as. I've been in lots of other sports and like - one on one same level.

Or perhaps - scratch cups would be what I would be more into - again , this is all new to me - so only getting my head around this.

I play my best golf - when playing with someone I am at the same level - and flat out to hold them.


Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?

I think it is (for the majority)

Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ?

- jaysus - these question are not great - almost all the same

But - I think we have , If you put in a serious effort like I have said in part 1. After about 2 to 3 years , you reach a point you see your limitations.
I think you can ruin the game for yourself if you push it too far.
I've seen my limit - all out trying everything - it is about 5. A poor 5.

The funny thing is, when you get there (haven't got there) - you still don't feel a great golfer.
So - in a way , that can be a little depressing - but it is as others have said , what makes this game so amazing.

You never get there.

Dublin Spur

its a very difficult sport - end of story

even the top pros on the planet can have +10 shot differentials just 24-hrs apart

Playing to my handicap (5) is definitely a stretch for me, I usually fall short, but beating my handicap in a competition gives me a long lasting buzz and that's what keeps me going.

Ciaranra

Fix you forgot to mention maybe i should stick to cavity irons

alxmorgan

PARlance wrote: »

I was thinking about snooker myself, I would probably say that it's harder than golf.
It's an incredibly hard game to get good at imo, I spent a lot of my childhood in pubs playing pool, even had a 6*3 snooker table as well, so the hours clocked up aren't worth considering... but I would struggle to put a decent break together on a full size table.

It's hard to compare them, but to counter the OOB scenario, in Snooker there is very little margin for error... not only do you have to pot the ball but you also have to be very accurate to set up your next shot, and you also have to be conscious of the next few shots while your at it. With golf, you only need to be accurate with 18 shots in any round, the 18 the go in the hole. There's a lot of room to recovery from bad ones elsewhere. You don't really get that on a full size table.

I take your point and I accept snooker is very difficult. But a poor frame in snooker does not rule you out where one hole in golf can.

And the step up from 6 x 3 to full size may be the equivalent of us going from our normal courses to a PGA setup. I reckon I'd have no hope of playing to my handicap on a tour setup.

Anyway I'm (relatively) ****e at both so what do I know

alxmorgan

kiers47 wrote: »

I'd have to disagree with you. While it might be harder to master I think it's probably easier to be an average golfer than an average gaa player or rugby player for example. Almost any joe soap could pick up the game and be playing off a handicap in the mid teens within a year or 2 with a decent amount of hours put in. No chance could anyone do the same with the same hours put in and expect to make any half decent intermediate club team.

But I suspect my views are alone. :-)

Tbh like slave I enjoy the game. I don't practice to much and enjoy playing all rounds whether I shoot 100 or 80. Not to bothered by the results they tend to look after themselves.

You may have a point but would a joe soap who never played any sport be able to do it ? I doubt it

And likewise I played my first ever competitive football match in a minor championship (they were short) and scored a goal and laid on two others. I was standing around in the goal mouth before the game with no idea I was about to play. I was only able to do this as had played soccer all my life. I guess what I am saying is there's a lot of variables at play here.

levitronix

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

@ Russman - yes I'm good at starting things - but like my golf game, can't finish
Jaysus - you must have got some looks when your handicap went up to 9 ?

@ Mike
Jaysus - mike, that sounds chronic. You obviously tried everything - but did you just go to an 8 iron or 9 iron for chipping ? Weight forward play like a putt - is a lazy way out - but hard to go wrong ?

To answer my own questions

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?

I think some guys do need to be - As others have said, playing twice a week - is not going to get (95%) of lads to single figures.
It is up to 3 games a week - with 3-4 hours practice extra .
Also when you go to a club or range - lads are just banging balls - the putting green and short game areas are empty.

Think for most short game is the hardest part to practice, golf takes way to long to play 6-7 hours days away from family.
I do 3 range sessions a week no short game work ! have no time for it, i can go the range at 8:30 in the evening,
i only play once a week most weeks, and if i can i get 10 mins putting and 10 mins chipping , im realistic i dont expect a good game, never get up and down bunkers any more, but id like to hit more fairways since i practice a lot

Letree

I did a lot of work on my swing last year and now i am playing well with it. I just get up and swing and that's working great... for now! I know when things start to go wrong and i start to think about my mechanics i will play bad again. That seems to be the pattern with me.

Slicemeister

Do you think we need to be more realistic about the game ?

I honestly think I can hit a great shot standing over every ball. Mightnt happen but that doesn't stop me thinking he same on the next shot regardless of how great or crap the previous shot was. If I were not to think this way I'm not giving myself any advantage over a shot situation so I'm not being realistic to myself.


Do you think you should pick a point and say - I'm comfortable ?

No. Never. To me complacency is the start of the slippery slope.


Do you think the game is enjoyed more - when you go - ok this is me - I'm happy at 12 ?

My battle with this game is against my handicap so no.


Do you think - we all have a limit - accept it, move on ? I'm not 100% sure each individual golfer could get to scratch talent-wise, but definitely low numbers are achievable for every golfer through dogged practice hours and willing.

I don't think any golfer should set any limit for himself, our bodies wear/tear injuries and age will take care of those limitations.

All imo.

Milkers

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

This may be a bit controversial - but I think I'd rather a type of golf, that was not handicapped :eek:

Handicap golf is fun - but not what I understand competition as. I've been in lots of other sports and like - one on one same level.

Hopefully not to get off topic but I feel the same way Fix. People say one of the great things about golf is the handicap system so everyone can be competitive with each other. That's a pure mind-cod. Yes and you could also be competitive with Usain Bolt if you started on the 50m line, whatever helps you sleep at night!

FixdePitchmark

Milkers wrote: »

Hopefully not to get off topic but I feel the same way Fix. People say one of the great things about golf is the handicap system so everyone can be competitive with each other. That's a pure mind-cod. Yes and you could also be competitive with Usain Bolt if you started on the 50m line, whatever helps you sleep at night!