My Life (Sub 2.5)

FixdePitchmark

I'm starting a thread - a blog, a whatever.

In the next 12 months, I'm going to get to, a handicap of 2.5 or under. :eek::rolleyes:

Yes - ridiculous,
Sad,
Pathetic.

I Know - I know , but at least I know this time.

But - the last time "the thread" worked. I got to my goal , met amazing people, played amazing courses and scored scores that made a very aged father proud. _ I'll be honest and say Boards was 100 % responsible.

I like making deadlines and numbers. Hard to explain , but put a target in front of me, and it forms a motivation that is hard to explain.

So - it is selfish in a way - I use Boards as a way to get to a goal. But feck it - it was fun and worked so far.


The Positives.

I have basically more time than any for practice - job and arrangements at home, help every aspect of golf - rare someone on here has the time - so feck it , I have time from 0800hrs to 1400 hrs that has no impact on home or real life. (rare)

I have found the coaches that work for me.

I'm a member of a club with great facilities and people.

I know what It takes from last time out.

I like writing - no other outlet, so let it flow.

I have a ridiculous ability to "stick at tedium", as per my final Year lecturer.

I think , I have people around me that are supportive - but unsure on that.

The Negatives

I'm getting older and swing speed reducing.

I need to get into better shape.

Body not up to stupid practice like banging a 1000 balls in one week.

It is not that important in the overall scale of things.

I'm a poor putter with a poor short game - not the type of ambition to be in to, if that is the case.

I lack confidence and positivity.

My ball flight is low and limited.

Goldenjohn

Well done on all achieved so far, Best of luck, dont forget to keep enjoying it. I'm still struggling to get to the single digits myself.

neckedit

[qdon't="FixdePitchmarconfidence49091"]I'm starting a thread - a blog, a whatever.

In the next 12 months, I'm going to get to, a handicap of 2.5 or under. :eek::rolleyes:

Yes - ridiculous,

Sad,
Pathetic.

I Know - I know , but at least I know this time.

But - the last time "the thread"I went worked. I got to my goal , met amazing people, played amazing courses and scored scores that made a very aged father proud. _ I'll be honest and say Boards was 100 % responsible.

I like making deadlines and numbers. Hard to explain , but put a target in front of me, and it forms a motivation that is hard to explain.

So - it is selfish in a way - I use Boards as a way to get to a goal. But feck it - it was fun and worked so far.


The Positives.

I have basically more time than any for practice - job and arrangements at home, help every aspect of golf - rare someone on here has the time - so feck it , I have time from 0800hrs to 1400 hrs that has no impact on home or real life. (rare)

I have found the coaches that work for me.

I'm a member of a club with great facilities and people.

I know what It takes from last time out.

I like writing - no other outlet, so let it flow.

I have a ridiculous ability to stick at tedium as per my College Final Year lecturer.

I think , I have people around me that are supportive - but unsure on that.

The Negatives

I'm getting older and swing speed reducing.

I need to get into better shape.

Body not up to stupid practice like banging a 1000 balls in one week.

It is not that important in the overall scale of things.

I'm a poor putter with a poor short game - not the type of ambition to be in to, if that is the case.

I lack confidence and positivity.

My ball flight is low and limited.[/quote]

I dont think you lack confidence or positivity, both these traits have got you this far/low. I find your posts, on the whole to be mostly very positive, somerimes annoyingly so, on this forum. My lowest was 1.6 before I took a few years away from the game, I found getting from 4/5 to 2 hard work I Went from 15-4 in 18 months and took ne 2 years for 4-2 .....For me it was 3 things in the end... Short game, Short Game and Short game. Im sure if anyone can Fixde can.

Best of luck.

neckedit

[qdon't="FixdePitchmarconfidence49091"]I'm starting a thread - a blog, a whatever.

In the next 12 months, I'm going to get to, a handicap of 2.5 or under. :eek::rolleyes:

Yes - ridiculous,

Sad,
Pathetic.

I Know - I know , but at least I know this time.

But - the last time "the thread"I went worked. I got to my goal , met amazing people, played amazing courses and scored scores that made a very aged father proud. _ I'll be honest and say Boards was 100 % responsible.

I like making deadlines and numbers. Hard to explain , but put a target in front of me, and it forms a motivation that is hard to explain.

So - it is selfish in a way - I use Boards as a way to get to a goal. But feck it - it was fun and worked so far.


The Positives.

I have basically more time than any for practice - job and arrangements at home, help every aspect of golf - rare someone on here has the time - so feck it , I have time from 0800hrs to 1400 hrs that has no impact on home or real life. (rare)

I have found the coaches that work for me.

I'm a member of a club with great facilities and people.

I know what It takes from last time out.

I like writing - no other outlet, so let it flow.

I have a ridiculous ability to stick at tedium as per my College Final Year lecturer.

I think , I have people around me that are supportive - but unsure on that.

The Negatives

I'm getting older and swing speed reducing.

I need to get into better shape.

Body not up to stupid practice like banging a 1000 balls in one week.

It is not that important in the overall scale of things.

I'm a poor putter with a poor short game - not the type of ambition to be in to, if that is the case.

I lack confidence and positivity.

My ball flight is low and limited.[/quote]

I dont think you lack confidence or positivity, both these traits have got you this far/low. I find your posts, on the whole to be mostly very positive, somerimes annoyingly so, on this forum. My lowest was 1.6 before I took a few years away from the game, I found getting from 4/5 to 2 hard work I Went from 15-4 in 18 months and took ne 2 years for 4-2 .....For me it was 3 things in the end... Short game, Short Game and Short game. Im sure if anyone can Fixde can.

Best of luck.

pinkdoubleeagle

What is your current handicap?

Kingswood Rover

Best of luck fixed, keeping it going, writing about it is a great motivational tool, it keeps you grounded, focused and offers real opportunity for reflection. I am on the wrong side of 50, just, but fit and have got myself within striking distance of single figs so i will using your blog for tips and motivation. As Gary Player famously said "the more i practice the luckier i get"

Russman

neckedit wrote: »

I found getting from 4/5 to 2 hard work I Went from 15-4 in 18 months and took ne 2 years for 4-2 .....For me it was 3 things in the end... Short game, Short Game and Short game.
Best of luck.

This ^^^^, a thousand times this !!
IMHO, once you get below 4/5 its mostly the few shots you save by getting up and down when previously you might not have, that make the real difference. That, and making your bad shots slightly better, ie missing in the light rough rather than the hay, or hitting the fringe leaving a handy chip rather than short siding in a bunker.

Good luck with it Fix.

HB2002

Congrats on getting so low and hopefully you will continue with the progress.

I'm striving to get to single figures.... currently 10.6 which is a personal best.
I just can't seem to stick 18 holes together.... I'll have 14 on the front and then 22 on the back.... after every round I keep saying to myself.... if I'd not scratched those 2 holes I'd have got cut.... but I invariably do scratch them holes!!!.

I know everyone says it's all about the short game and to a point I agree... but if you are going OB off the tee or from the middle of the fairway your short game isn't going to help.

What's the strongest part of your game?

I think the majority of golfers can get down to the 12 mark.... getting from 12 down to 8 or 9 is really difficult and I believe anyone getting down to 5 or lower means you're a top top golfer.

Few more weeks to try and get to 10 which was my initial goal for this year!

Seve OB

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

.............._ I'll be honest and say Boards was 100 % responsible.

I like making deadlines and numbers. Hard to explain , but put a target in front of me, and it forms a motivation that is hard to explain.

You target is to win your Jug match by the margin of 5&4. Better than that is acceptable, but failure is not an option

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I like writing - no other outlet, so let it flow.

A bit like my golf sometimes..... ugly but effective

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I think , I have people around me that are supportive - but unsure on that.

5&4.... Failure is not an option

Rikand

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

The Negatives

I'm getting older and swing speed reducing. - not that big a deal until you get at least towards 50 and you've got at least 10 years of that

I need to get into better shape. - Hasn;t affected Shane Lowry

Body not up to stupid practice like banging a 1000 balls in one week. - Not necessary, 2-300 balls a week would be plenty and spend most of it on your short game as your long game is already exemplary imo.

It is not that important in the overall scale of things. - It's pretty feckin important, lets be fair.

I'm a poor putter with a poor short game - not the type of ambition to be in to, if that is the case. -
This is all you need to practice. get a couple of lessons, get a style that works well and that you can use with multiple clubs.
xxxxxx
Profit.

I lack confidence and positivity. - No. No, you don't

My ball flight is low and limited. - Low is absolutely no problem. Also, can you hit the ball straight ? That's the only direction you really need to hit it.

Btw, I play golf regularly with a guy who is 55 years of age, plays off 2,He was on our Senior Cup team this year. I hit the ball the same distance as him and I'm not terribly long. We both hit the ball with the same level of accuracy, Practically 100% But when it comes to it, he's got two things over me. A better variety of shots to play around the green and he's a much more intelligent golfer.

The intelligence comes with experience, but the variety will come with practice.

Practice, Practice, Practice

My thoughts in colours above. take em or leave em

Rikand

pinkdoubleeagle wrote: »

What is your current handicap?

As hes probably out practicing for the next 4 hours, his current exact as per the handicap index is 4.5

FixdePitchmark

Thanks lads.
Still am thinking this is daft and boards has had enough of - I want to xxxxx

I'm off 4.7 and rising - not use to being this low at all. So that will be part of the initial battle.

To answer the question what is the best part of my game - I'd say hitting Greens in Regulation , when I did my first thread here, there was a battle of minds. I was of the opinion that I could break 80 by long game and GIR . I wanted to deal with the game from out to in , big problems first and then move to short. It worked for me. But made the journey torturous.

But, I'm glad I did that work now, as I have a more solid core to move forward.
I know I still have major swing flaws , OTT, delofting, overly aggressive swing.

But, I can now fix all that nearly myself and am honest about my limitations.

So with the big game I got to 8 , when I started taking on distance control , wedge control and putting - I got to 6. With a couple of lucky rounds I got to 4.5.

But still have the putting and the short game of a lad off 12 to 18.

So the plan.

Going to work on core swing and strength over winter
Going to do serious serious honest work on short game
Have to find a short game coach , master , friend.

Another positive.

I don't give up on a goal.

But a friend said to me lately - "you fear failure". You do not set your goals to a level you can fail.

Found that hard, and interesting.

This same guy wants world domination as a father, chemist and rock star.
That isn't even a joke.

FixdePitchmark

Ok enough of that.

Off to practice.


The wrong stuff.

OffalyMedic

Best of luck Fixde....going to use this thread as motivitation for myself try to get to 9 by end of year so 4weeks max and 5.4 by next year....going to do a lot of practise over winter!!

FixdePitchmark

shaunac93 wrote: »

Best of luck Fixde....going to use this thread as motivitation for myself try to get to 9 by end of year so 4weeks max and 5.4 by next year....going to do a lot of practise over winter!!

Joking .
But get your own thread.

Need a "womens" thread for a change.

Less egotism, and actual ability and content would be refreshing.

Seve OB

Hey Fix

Dream on

FixdePitchmark

Read that book first time around.

Was a bit of fun - his device was the book.

Mine has been boards.


Breaking par is one thing, it deserves respect.
But actually getting below 5 is another planet in my opinion.

You only see how hard and good these lads are when you get there. I know I'm miles from it now.

0.1 - per shot and a 1 shot buffer is a form of torture.


You go from a cut to a gain on 18.

Sort of, a form of cruelty.

Seve OB

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Breaking par is one thing, it deserves respect.
But actually getting below 5 is another planet in my opinion.

Couldn't agree more. And yes, getting there is on another planet... but as you say, staying there :eek:

Paul Dunne was +5.2 last time I looked, so he was not far off that when turning Pro. We can only dream:cool:

benny79

What happen to taking up the Guitar? :D:P

FixdePitchmark

benny79 wrote: »

What happen to taking up the Guitar? :D:P

Nailed Wonderwall struggled on Stairway to Heaven.

Decided loads of lads can play guitar at a party - golf another story.

lowelife

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Nailed Wonderwall struggled on Stairway to Heaven.

Decided loads of lads can play guitar at a party - golf another story.

This is true, I've never seen anyone play golf at a party.

Tell a lie....but it meant there was many a breakage

FixdePitchmark

Ok, so what have I done.

It isn't going to be an everyday thing this time, it will be a slow build.
With posts with real setbacks or real progress. I've learnt form the last time out, that improvement in golf is rarely dramatic, the steps can be very small, to an extent, it can almost be unnoticeable - till one day, you have a round you could never have imagined.

The last time I had to get worse about 4 or 5 times to get better. I know my swing still has weakness, OTT, a bit of a lunge, de-lofted club and very steep. - but I feel the changes will be minor. I think I will be tweaking what I have this time.

So - Today , I went. I'll do a little test to start off, I'm going to go out and play as many holes in 2 hours and see exactly where every part of my game is.

I ended up playing 10 holes (was held up) 3 over - 1 Bird - 4 bogies - 6 pars.

GIR 6/10
Putts (18) - (Would be 32 over 18) – 1, 3 putt from 15 feet.
Fairways 5/8 (driving holes)

So a typical situation I am finding myself in about 5/6 over for a round.
It sounds so close doesn't it - but we all know the truth about our own game.

• Every drive except 1 was fading or pulling.
• Every iron except 1 was pulling.
• Every wedge from 100 yards out left me outside 12 feet and one went off green.

It all adds up to a guy that will struggle off 5.

Was thinking during the round, at no stage did I hit 2 good shots in a row.
Now an observer with me would go, good stuff – great ball because I’m hitting greens. But I’m too far away from the hole – I’m adding pressure to myself when it should be a birdie putt.

Then on the greens I’m pulling putts . These putts are typically too far away anyway as my short game is leaving me too far away.

There seems to be a randomness to my performance , say I pull them wedges a little less, suddenly I’ve good birdie putts - the 3 putt is less likely.
That is all too negative.

The positives , could reach all the holes with ease. My power and iron striking gives me GIRs.
Of the mid irons and wedges I hit to greens, 6 were dead on pin high.

So it seems so close , but it isn’t really – we all know ourselves the truth about our games. You can fool yourself with a few rounds that putts drop. But to become a real low player , there is way more involved. There is a process , errors are few , pulling 5/6 irons is not part of the equation.

Pulling 5/6 irons on another day could be 12 to 15 over. Now that would be the real old Fix.

But after that – even if there was a pack of 4 useless green trousered swedes drinking extra Stout from a can holding me up (Idiots) – But leave them off, on holidays.

I enjoyed every minute of it and would have stayed out all day for the 18. Maybe 18 could tell a fuller story , but the truth was already there. You may get an odd bird , get to 3 or 4 over think you are a great lad.

But the truth is in the feel and the flight.

The truth is in your head when no one else knows.

The truth is in your head when you need to sleep.

The truth is your handicap.

slave1

Fix, tell us about the hole in one...

FixdePitchmark

slave1 wrote: »

Fix, tell us about the hole in one...

Not much to say.

156 yards - side wind , hit 8 at middle of green and said it would drift onto pin.

Landed exactly pin high middle - and spun at right angles right.

Spin was remarkable - hit flag dead middle.

Was class few seconds. But had to hold myself together to keep going for a nice cut.

Anyway - bigger fish to kill now.

Senecio

I wish you all the best Fixed. The level you're at now is level I've been at for the last 10 years. I've never managed to make that jump to get below 5. Like you it my short game that lets me down. I shot 77 last week with 4 x 3 putts!

Enjoyed your last thread as it reminded me of my journey. Looking forward to this one as hopefully I'll take some inspiration to take that next step.

FixdePitchmark

Senecio wrote: »

I wish you all the best Fixed. The level you're at now is level I've been at for the last 10 years. I've never managed to make that jump to get below 5. Like you it my short game that lets me down. I shot 77 last week with 4 x 3 putts!

Enjoyed your last thread as it reminded me of my journey. Looking forward to this one as hopefully I'll take some inspiration to take that next step.

Thanks Senecio.

I don't doubt the task I have set.

I've played with a good few guys who are say 6 or lower - and notice how hard it is to get a cut at all.

39 points - maybe 0.3.

It seems like a bit of a wall. To get down at all , you need to have a par round in you most times you go out. Not easy - not easy at all.

The Big Easy

Best of luck Fix

Think your friend may be right on the setting goals at a level where you can't fail though. Should have at least went for scratch

Or do you think you can squeeze another thread out of that journey

I want to win the Senior Open Championship :pac: Have 17 years to attain the required standard :pac::p

Seriously though our greatest limitation is usually our pattern of thinking and it's certainly the most destructive. You have already highlighted your positivity or lack thereof (although I would tend to agree with other posters that you are not as negative as you like to make out) as a potential stumbling block.

We can work on our thinking the same as we can work on our short game. It is probably the hardest part of the game and life (an extended game) to master or to at least exert some semblance of control over. Like work on the swing, feedback is not immediate and improvement can seem fleeting and serendipitous but sustained effort always pays off in the long run. Just most of us don't make it that far. What did Keynes say: "In the long run; we're all dead"

You've shot under par in a comfortable enough fashion, so the ability is obviously there. You have to trust that and not put a ceiling on your ability or what you can physically or mentally achieve.

So change the thread title to 'My life in the West of Ireland'

Either way I'm sure it'll be a good read

Seve OB

lowelife wrote: »

This is true, I've never seen anyone play golf at a party.

Tell a lie....but it meant there was many a breakage

Fix made up a great game of pub golf last Saturday night. There was even a ladies tee as for breakages....... We were lucky the ball didn't break

FixdePitchmark

The Big - thanks, there will be no room for serendipitous posting - as I haven't a notion what that means - and a very hard word to spell.

Spot the guy who was studying hard last year

Keynes - Gold Digger - class tune.

I hope and do believe, I am not picking a target that is too easy.
There is a wall at 4 that is very very hard to overcome - you will find out just before you go pro.

I've played with these lads in the 4 to 5 wall , they are fantastic golfers - all better than me, in particular putting and wedge play.

The round I had under was genuinely a freak and out of competition - I literally holed everything from everywhere.

I want to get to a stage where a low over par round is comfortable.

Having rounds around 75/74 , I genuinely feel like it is an outer body experience , I just don't have the experience, I'm surprising myself that I can play like that - It is just a terrible state of mind for a player at my handicap.

The time I've had great success on greens - I had confidence, I had played around the Rotella stuff and it definitely had a placebo period. I had also found something in technique that was wrong a few times.

At the end of all that - I know there is swing and path flaws in my short game. Putter and wedges. I've worked hard on this stuff and had limited results , it is 50 % better than it was , but needs to be 100 % , if we are giving numbers to it.

In the winter - I am going to find the right person to coach in this area.
I get a lot out of teaching , if it is the right person and the right chemistry.

I have the big swing and ways to fix that sorted. But just missing a key part of my plan - I think GUI academy will play a part.

I'm in a far better position now - as I have admitted to my short game issues - I've put my hands up and put the work in.

Knowing you have a problem is the first step.

When it comes to effort - I have a strength.

Off to play football with the young lad.

Russman

Fix, don't build it up into something that's an almost impossible dream.
Its not going to be easy, but it's certainly very, very doable.

You made an interesting comment going through your 10 holes above, about not hitting two good shots in a row. Funnily I was at a GUI coaching thing probably 15 or 20 years ago as a youth and Paul McGinley was there in some capacity and said "the secret to golf is hitting two good shots in a row", I'll never forget it.

I remember the same coach telling me an anecdote around 10 years later about a comment Tiger made when asked about Harrington, around the time Padraig became top class in the early 2000s, and he said the change in Harrington was that his "bad shots were now much better" - that stuck with me also.

Anyway, don't think you need perfection to play off 2 or 3, you certainly don't. I know when I made the jump from knocking around off 5/6 to 3, it wasn't anything spectacular, just consistency - a few less bad tee shots and a few more greens hit as a result.

FixdePitchmark

Great post Russman - points well made.

You are dead right, that last time out I made way too big a deal of it. Then that played way too big a part in the mental battle.

I agree far more subtlety and slow progress will be the approach - a calmness like a morning round, on an empty course.

Up to now, there has been a genuine novelty and enjoyment in the goals and reaching them.

Most low guys are from a golf club background, have been low a long time and the novelty is long lost.

There is an enjoyment in realising this is a first time. In most things in life.

Typically low guys are, quiet, thoughtful, stoic . Well that is my perception so far (could be miles off).

I'm a sentimental old fool. Not sure that goes with that calming of the brain, that seems to be part of, metronomic good golf.

Back to the 2 shots in a row - If I was with someone else, they would think , your man has hit a GIR and says he did not have two good shots in a row. But a pull is a pull, 130 yards out, ended in 3 putt.

The good news , most of the bad shots were pin high and on green, I suppose it is a positive now , I would consider a shot on the green a bad shot. It seems almost another planet from even 2 years ago.

So - I'm ironically already making a bigger deal of it.

But off my current handicap - I feel I am and have overreached / overachieved.

I feel like an overreacher reaching.

Out with mates to tell them tonight, only thing they care about is that I don't win our annual cup again - One of the lads is off 28 , he particularly keeps me grounded.

Russman

This has been posted before but it's one of the best reads I've seen on improving.....especially if you're in that place where a green hit is a bad shot !
http://www.golfwrx.com/82327/golfers-have-ridiculous-expectations/


This one is good too.....
http://montescheinblum.com/blog/2015/03/31/a-huge-reason-golfers-dont-get-better/

FixdePitchmark

Not sure my Ryder Jug captain will be happy with this.

But went for a lesson today.

First one in about 6 months. In that time - I've played my best golf.

But my plan was to stay clear from that stuff till season over. I don't think the changes will be as dramatic this time around. I hope .

People might go , your nuts - but as I said earlier - my swing is still poor, technically. You are never ready to ever see your swing on camera - and "jaysus" when you do see it - all your fake internal images of a swings like Luke Donald and Kaymer go out the window.
Terrible stuff - all arms , very poor shoulder turn and horrible steep.

Got into an interesting discussion about why I swing like that - is it a flexibility issue , this will have to be investigated in the winter.
As a result, ball is low and left , or OTT - very limited ball flight.

So what! - the score is all that counts isn't it - isn't it ?

Well - the problem with flaws that you are managing or adjusting clubface to correct is - they get you under pressure, they get you in a medal , they get you on a new surface, they get you in the end.

I guess - I have a natural curiosity in me , of how good a golfer I can be. Within reason.
I know I can work on things way quicker now, I'm starting from good posture - perfect grip - ok width on the way back, good speed and good hands, good ball position. Lots of good stuff there.

So - not doing anything big now - but just wanted to do today, to have a start of a plan.
I want to do a root and branch review of everything - put all in the mix and see what I will be able to do and what is of most value.

I have a contact for short game now too. Paddy Devine Royal Dublin - perfect for me and on real greens, I like.

People have also said - go out and just do the short game yourself - but from my own observations , and from something John Kelly said to me a few years ago ( I hardly believed him at the time) - if you have a flaw in your swing or path, it can catch you out in even your chipping and putting. :eek:

I seem to get more out of someone saying something to me about the game, than I can come up with myself , I normally go out to a short game area - get better , but then doubt my angle of attack , path , using bounce , shaft angles , grip - even someone with credibility going "cop on", "do this", "you can do it", works for me.

I guess even pros at the highest level need that - so a lad struggling off singles certainly needs it, I guess.

After all that - it was a stunning day on the East coast - with a wild wind. Went out and played 9, 3 over. Played well to score that in the conditions.

Everything in the mix again - some great shots - some very poor - some great up and downs and a few 6 footers missed.

Still enjoyed every second of the day. Nice to have another target

Back to real work for a week.

Will update in a few weeks.

FixdePitchmark

Was a strange time to start a challenge like this. Getting darker and colder and time and light are diminishing by the day.

But in reality, it is a year long challenge. I like that the challenge is difficult now, at this time - the course is changing - the temperature is changing - the clubs are changing (PW 115 yards today).

I made a big mistake last time out, of not controlling the pace of change - this time around - I'm more ready.

Have had much on in relation, to real work.
House work,
Golf Stuff,
Family Stuff,
Sport Stuff (Rugby and Football).

All a bit crazy and not sure how I am fitting it all in.

But - I'm enjoying it.

The weather we have had for the last few weeks has been amazing, Just getting out and playing say 6 in the hour I've had - has been a joy.

I can't believe I'm loving this game so much - still , when do you hit that wall - I'm not looking forward to that. The one positive of my golfing journey so far has been the enjoyment.

The people
The places
The opportunities
The courses
The days
The nights
The memories

I was also thinking about all that golfing goals we see here that seem to fade away.

I was also thinking about the flaws of my rotation and swing plane - the inconsistency of my ball striking , the weakness of my short stuff.

The 9 holes I have played - I'm just stuck - 2 to 3 over , lots of GIR , poor driving - not making much on greens (but pole forked).

But - I hit a 3 wood today 245 yards - that there is not a chance I could of dreamed of hitting 2 years ago.

If only we could replicate that feeling on demand. For some strange reason you have these moments , you see the shot , you have a plan , it hits the middle , the power is not forced.

This game is still a mystery - it is the dream that you will some day get that the secret to unravel that mystery - that drives us all on.

Next year is a leap year - I've one extra day.


But - for the moment , I'm enjoying the weather , the reality that it is just a game. But just so bloody enjoyable.

WheresMyPar

Searching for the perfect swing the Holy Grail
What is the perfect swing what some pro tells you at the range,
So many different swing types on tour,
Rory so called perfect swing
Bubba cant teach that swing
Jim Furyk what the Furyk
But it all works,
If you have the talent and put the work in you will reach your goal but never have the Perfect Swing

FixdePitchmark

Well that is the most frustrating round I've had in a long long time.
79 (8 over).

FIR 72%
GIR 56 %
Putts 31 (1 3 putt)

1 month ago - I had my lowest handicap - my first hole in one and couldn't miss a putt and was winning stuff.

1 month later - I've lost my driver - my handicap is going up and I can't hole anything or win anything.

But that is the problem with me and my game - the ups are too up and the downs are too down.

Was listening to Rotella in the car the other day , he was talking about creating a more moderate reaction to performance. This is a serious weakness in me. But your personality has to play some part in it too ?

But it is horrendously frustrating when on a day like today I had - a birdie putt on 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6 ,8 ,11,13,14,15,17,18

I made zero - no Birde in 13 efforts.

Of these 6 were good chance - 2 gilt-edged.

Of these most were on edge, but not exactly hitting cup.

Now - greens are almost recovered from pole forking are a bit too slow, it is nearly winter conditions - but still , very very very annoying.

But the positives - Not sure I will hit the ball much better - two bad holes were just irons that I creamed and got in bad trouble.

I do know my wedges are miles better than last year , but hit the odd thin one and they can improve much much more again, that would make some of the above birdie putts closer.

My 3 wood and Hybrid is a total new dimension to my game and - it is nice to have clubs in the 230 to 260 range that I never had, I have managed to flatten these clubs at impact and I'm loving this new part of the game.

It has been a lovely end of season (except greens) - still to gentle conditions the course is playing easy for the time of year.

It is a long process I have committed to and winter work is on the way.

I just know somewhere there is a day like today , where I will score a hatful of brides.

But, more work needed on game and mind.

Boskowski

Well thats golf for you. A friend of mine says no matter how well you play remember you only have a lend of it.

FixdePitchmark

Boskowski wrote: »

Well thats golf for you. A friend of mine says no matter how well you play remember you only have a lend of it.

I'm beginning to think there is some weird truth in that.
I mean, I've gone around in 2 to 5 over playing way way worse .

So you got to just ride out storms like this.

I guess If I was banging ball all over course it would be far more worrying.

Boskowski

Thats another thing. I remember playing what felt like I could hardly hit a half decent shot but strung together one par after another. Somehow I got it there. Then I had days where it felt like I hit it fantastic (by my standards) and went home with 28 points.

The Big Easy

79 Fix!

There was a time when that was your raison d'etre and shooting it was a cause for celebration

Smile and move on for tomorrow will always be better

FixdePitchmark

The Big Easy wrote: »

79 Fix!

There was a time when that was your raison d'etre and shooting it was a cause for celebration

Smile and move on for tomorrow will always be better

Agree The Big - exact idea went into my head around the 13th - Obvioulsy breaking 80 means nothing to me now , so a good sign.



Two of us thinking exactly the same again, like the time we were thinking it would be good to play golf night before Boards Outing, get a bus to Malahide , stay up 1/2 the night , and play Boards Outing next day - great minds ...................................

The Big Easy

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Agree The Big - exact idea went into my head around the 13th - Obvioulsy breaking 80 means nothing to me now , so a good sign.



Two of us thinking exactly the same again, like the time we were thinking it would be good to play golf night before Boards Outing, get a bus to Malahide , stay up 1/2 the night , and play Boards Outing next day - great minds ...................................

Haha, nealry ended up in Cavan that night.

Have to detach from outcomes, that's the secret. At least according to Deepak. Just read Golf for Enlightenment. Interesting but may be a step too far for some. Going through my spiritual phase at the moment so I was in the right place for it

Just a friendly reminder to watch out for injury. Last thing I was expecting but 8 days without holding a golf club for me and looking like at least another 8

Was sure I was too young for tendonitis but it must be creeping up on me

Another good reminder to keep the attitude in check is to be thankful you're are able to play at all no matter how bad

charlieIRL

It'll come right Fix, you definitely have the game for it.

BTW where did you get the Rotella audio book to listen to in the car? I really need to get my hands on it!!

Senecio

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Well that is the most frustrating round I've had in a long long time.
79 (8 over).

FIR 72%
GIR 56 %
Putts 31 (1 3 putt)

Interesting stats Fixed! My last 3 rounds in comparison for someone at a similar level

Round 1 (78 - 7 over)
FIR 46%
GIR 67%
Putts 34

Round 2 (77 - 6 over)
FIR 46%
GIR 67%
Putts 36

Round 3 (78 - 7 over)
FIR 46%
GIR 72%
Putts 35

Whilst my fairways hit is low, its obviously not the issue as I'm still in a position to hit greens. I'm just not making enough putts, be they for birdie or an up and down par.

I know what I'll be working on over the winter.

Best of luck with your challenge. As I said earlier in the thread I will be keeping a keen eye on your progress.

FixdePitchmark

Will send on to you Charlie.

I wouldn't be a big reader . Sounds a bit too intellectual for me the big. Was thinking of 2pak when you posted that, Internet is amazing.

Did read books charlie, but car idea a good one. Maybe on a trip to a golf outing.

They do work. But can be a short buzz of energy just after a read / listen.

There is a reality that you tend to drift back to yourself or natural state.

FixdePitchmark

What a mental week of golf – I am fully committed to the fact the thread will be calmer this time and will be taking a break for a few weeks with kids off etc, no harm an odd break, even if I love the ups and downs of the challenge.

So have been squeezing in as much as possible over the last week, firstly coming up to the jug. But also you can see late afternoon golf is going, going, gone.

I wanted to end season having a true feel of where my golf is, so have been recording stats too for a change. I guess your golf is where your handicap is – isn’t it? Well it is, but I’m in a period of a new low handicap and that is always a big transition for many golfers.

3 hours came free today, looked out and said, is cold, but would love to get a round in to get yesterday out of my system.

The day started on another major positive, with Boss Hole in One watch arriving- daughter wants to keep it . Got to listen to Rottella again and got great support on here for what is ahead.

Got to the course – only 7 people in sight, very end of ladies day – had 2 hr 30 m to sunset and set off with the intention to record stats and play as many holes as fast as possible, without impacting on score. It has been covered here also the risk with stats , particularly putting – when a missed GIR can leave you a very easy 1 putt on the way – this is a particular feature of links courses were a pin can be next to an apron, that is as good as a putting surface.

The great thing about playing half decent golf, is how much faster it can be – Drive – green – putt (with me 2nd putt) – but got 6th hole finished in 45 mins. Mental, but very enjoyable and actually a bit of a work out. You are going at such speed, you don’t have time to overthink, the hole, your swing, the hazards – you go into a zone. It is metronomic.

The greens again had been heavily sanded, so not a day to be even thinking about putting – funny enough, the sand keeps the ball straighter, but very hard to judge pace. I got some great lines from the laddies’ day marks earlier in the day.

I would have loved to have had perfect greens today – because again, basically hitting the ball as well as I think I will ever hit it. Hitting GIR (or just off green) seemed just easy, was cold and a noticeable distance of a club loss on most shots – 2 clubs lost into the wind. There is still a mental battle to hit a 6 iron when you were hitting an 8 to a hole in one only a month ago. Did I mention hole in one again ( :D)

On 10 a par 3, I hit a 6 iron, my best shot of the day – it was just the perfect club, perfect flight, very powerful into the wind to 7 feet – missed putt :rolleyes: – but was thinking at the time , everything about that shot was at a level I could only have dreamt of 2 years ago. Missing the putt was painful. I know, I know, 7 feet, sanded greens, pro stats, move on………………………… But – it deserved more.

Again – on about 13 I was thinking of what a few people have said on here, unrealistic expectations of golfers. I started to realise that 4/5/6 over on poor greens in near winter conditions is very very good golf. But at the same time, if I want to get to my goal – I am going to need to have an expectation of easy par rounds. The truth is, there is a big difference in par rounds and mid low handicap rounds. A big difference, bigger than the pure numerics.

I can still see the problems in my game – 80 to 50 yards I’m poor – thin or short, lacking any confidence and unsure on bounce, ball position and swing, is sad, as I end up in this place a good bit - and on every par 5 I’m in that zone. If I do hit a good one, it is 10 feet if good and it makes that putt that bit harder.

But today – I putted better – I has hitting at cup, lip or in. And on 5 after 48 holes of golf, got a bloody bird – thank feck, was actually a remarkable period of golf, easily had 20 chances (10 good).

I loved today and was going so fast, I seen I was going to get a full round in, again it was going to be another round, around 5 over – but one that could easily be par.

But – you can also fool yourself – 4/5 over is a long way from par.
It is better wedges, a little better on the greens.

On 18 I played my worse hole, awful OTT drive into deep right rough, was a poor enough lie , decided to swing all out and try a runner onto the green with 7 iron, creamed it to 45 foot.

The 45 footer, never looked like it as going anywhere else.
The worst hole I played – a bird (Lol)

Holes like that make this game the mystery we love.

Happy with my lot – a Reserve Rioja tonight – a qualifying comp in am. I'm a very lucky man.

Score 75 (4 over)

FIR 43 %
GIR 39 % (NB 72% yesterday ) (many on edge)
Srambling 45 %

Putting
29 Putts
1.61 per hole
1.71 per GIR

Unusual stat of day – Round time 2hr15min – Hilarious.

Thanks again to all - back in a few weeks - unless a dramatic cut or something.

Goldenjohn

Don't know if you are using a website for your stats but I changed from today's golfer handicap tracker to freegolftracker.com and find it very good. You have to enter some Irish course details yourself as it mainly has american course but only takes a couple of mins.
I like the fact you can track 9 holes as well as 18. Captures gir/fir/drives left or right/putts/penalties/up and downs/sand saves some other things like drive distance/1st putt distance/golf ball used are available but I don't use them myself...plenty of graphs and the like on it too. Best of all it's free...in case anyone is wondering I have no connection to the site I just find it very good.
Good luck with your goal fix hope this post helps ye

FixdePitchmark

So have had much stuff on - House work, work, real life and a U2 gig in the mix too - what a concert.

Still, have used whatever time I had, to hit range and play between 10 to 14 holes when I've got the time.

Played in Boards outing at weekend and was swinging like a "gorilla" as one of the lads said :D. Still had 31 pts, but was most inconsistent striking I have had in a year or so. Went from Thin , to fat, to OTT , to hook to slice. :eek::D

Got it together for last few and played them well enough, except on drive that was so out of time and path , I almost missed ball. :eek:

I can only put this down to the work I have been doing at range, I'm working on my width and rotation - I was looking at the club position at top of backswing and is so steep it is unreal



I would basically be on the right hand side of these 4 pictures.
So at range I'm working on more rotation and less arms. It is a major change for me - and feels very unnatural .

But - there is no doubting, I will struggle to be consistent with my current golf swing , so at another point, where I have to decide to work with what I have , or go for a big push at this over next 3 months.

I'll be honest and admit - it has been remarkable the scores I got and handicap I got to , with such poor fundamentals. I'm basically using my hands and arms all disconnected.

So played my own place 2 days this week. Was a strong cross wind and an empty course - basically 2 hours of light both days and was very very enjoyable.

It seems funny that with a cross wind - I can commit to one side of the course, this seems to get me working more from the inside and the ball even leaves the path heading right, rather than an ugly low pull.

On the first day I was 1 over for 10 holes - basically couldn't play any better,
On the second day I was 5 over for 14 holes - with another awful OTT swing.

So - I can live with the swing I have , but it is the uncertainty it threatens me with, is the real fear - because when I get into a run of disconnected OTT swings, anything - I mean anything, can happen.

So some thinking ahead - loved every minute of the golf I played this week.
But - I know there are choices ahead.

A qualifying competition this Friday - will be interesting , as CSS will be low.

But, off to get another U2 ticket first.

spacecoyote

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

So have had much stuff on - House work, work, real life and a U2 gig in the mix too - what a concert.

Still, have used whatever time I had, to hit range and play between 10 to 14 holes when I've got the time.

Played in Boards outing at weekend and was swinging like a "gorilla" as one of the lads said :D. Still had 31 pts, but was most inconsistent striking I have had in a year or so. Went from Thin , to fat, to OTT , to hook to slice. :eek::D

Got it together for last few and played them well enough, except on drive that was so out of time and path , I almost missed ball. :eek:

I can only put this down to the work I have been doing at range, I'm working on my width and rotation - I was looking at the club position at top of backswing and is so steep it is unreal



I would basically be on the right hand side of these 4 pictures.
So at range I'm working on more rotation and less arms. It is a major change for me - and feels very unnatural .

But - there is no doubting, I will struggle to be consistent with my current golf swing , so at another point, where I have to decide to work with what I have , or go for a big push at this over next 3 months.

I'll be honest and admit - it has been remarkable the scores I got and handicap I got to , with such poor fundamentals. I'm basically using my hands and arms all disconnected.

So played my own place 2 days this week. Was a strong cross wind and an empty course - basically 2 hours of light both days and was very very enjoyable.

It seems funny that with a cross wind - I can commit to one side of the course, this seems to get me working more from the inside and the ball even leaves the path heading right, rather than an ugly low pull.

On the first day I was 1 over for 10 holes - basically couldn't play any better,
On the second day I was 5 over for 14 holes - with another awful OTT swing.

So - I can live with the swing I have , but it is the uncertainty it threatens me with, is the real fear - because when I get into a run of disconnected OTT swings, anything - I mean anything, can happen.

So some thinking ahead - loved every minute of the golf I played this week.
But - I know there are choices ahead.

A qualifying competition this Friday - will be interesting , as CSS will be low.

But, off to get another U2 ticket first.

Ah here Fix, you have well & truly tumbled down the rabbit hole

FixdePitchmark

“About a 5 when everything goes very well!”

There was almost a request for forgiveness in the weather today. There was a stillness and warmth felt, that has not been, in what feels like months. The sea was loud and angry from the weeks of unrest, a mist was floating over Dublin Bay – stunning.

Maybe because conditions were too good – I birdied the first, then I start thinking about how easy this game is, then I hooked a 3 wood into water on 2 and the little man in the head, started talking to me about …………………… “you’re not really up to this ? ” , “are you ?”,…………. “go away little man”, “go away”………”you’re right little man”…………..

So a very strange piece of psychology to actually not have to deal with wind – jumping a 3 club change at once, in one day, is a welcome challenge, and to actually aim at the pin, is a new feeling.

It has been bits and pieces, but somehow managed to win a competition a few weeks ago, with just pure ignorance in awful wind. Again, a different sport to real golf – but a sort of strength I have. I’m not sure the ability to play in that wind is of that much value in the overall picture. My goal is to get to 2.5, not be good mid-winter, against a field struggling play in high winds.

In that last month ,I think I have come around to realising, that I will have to live with the flaws in my swing that are there - I can sort of play off 6 to 9 comfortably, with what I have. I know I will have days it falls apart due to my swing path issues. So, will never be a very steady low handicap player.

As my clubs get shorter – the steepness becomes more and more pronounced, My short cubs can be just powered through the turf , or can end being fat / thin. This then places me in two minds – is this going to be too steep, then I try be a little shallower and I hit them thin.

It just doesn’t sound like a player who could ever dream of getting down to 3.
So – I don’t need a total revamp – I can get the ball to good positions from very far away, I just have rounds were I can have 4/5 bad shots from 140 to 60 yards. It is horrible in a way – As I can play a round of perfect long game and walk away with an 80, or worse.

So people always give me the lecture on the short game – of course they are right, but there can be other fundamental flaws in your swing , that have nothing to do with the short game – yes the short game can get you up and down , I’m always thinking of the wedge that put me 20 yards away from 100 yards.

Considering the weather, the light, and considerable work I have on. I’ve done well to keep everything going. My main swing thoughts is get wide, drop and approach inside to ball if I can. If get inside too quick at the start, I’m normally OTT or sometimes I can be too much inside and a good bit of hook. So to sum up, inconsistent – but in the course in play / left of green (typically).
So – accepting your flaws, is a big part of this game too – I know I can put work into short game and putting – and made massive progress last season. But behind this, I fear that the fundamental flaws in my swing are my real limitation – I fear this limitation could place me at my current limits (about a 5) with hard hard work.

That is why I always struggle with accepting the game I have, I know the limitations of it. Yes there is power / distance, but there is very little finesse. There is limitations in ball flight, inconsistent strike.

But, “Jaysus” – I’m only an improving hacker having a bit of fun, I love playing golf – there is no point worrying too much about all that.
So a thoughtful day, have a sort of plan in my head – and will have a short game coach in January.

Joined up with 2 gents (about 70) for last 4 holes and had 4 pars with the dark descending. One of them turned to me and asked me am I off 3 or 4 – sometimes a little compliment like that is important in the head of an insecure low handicap player. Anything that helps that little man in your head have answers – when he inevitably comes back.

“you’re not up to this are you?” – “ I am, you ****er” .

FixdePitchmark

Was watching a very good documentary about Payne Stewart last night, much of the documentary was about him turning into the golfer he ended up, the prior failure, the uncertainty, the getting in his own way, the disappointment, and the doubt.

It is amazing how even at the highest level of golf, the mind is still one of the biggest parts of this game. I never knew that for certain before, I doubted it, but you learn that the hard way.

4 years ago now, I was off 12, in a society, wasn’t really a golfer – was just a Dad looking for something else, I knew I had something in me I needed to get out. The journey started. I’m not sure now the journey was just about golf. 4 years, and still working hard – Jesus this game is so hard, this game is so hard for most, but seems even harder for me.

It is only a game, a game we love, If you are enjoying this game, does it matter what you play off? I’ve seen young and old, skilful and not, enjoy golf as much as each other. There is nothing like it. You see lads off 28 with goals, maybe break 90 – there have been posts on here about first birdies, 2 birdies in a row, an eagle, lowest ever round. There is something special about that hope, that time you know when there are easy improvements, low hanging fruit. Then there are the days you play a level that is outside what you imagined was possible ……. They are the ones we never forget. You remember the day, the weather, the people, the course, the shots, the feeling. I’ve been lucky to have many of those days over the last 2 to 3 years. I hope there are more to come in 2016.

I often feared, when that glorious time, of easy handicap reductions and best days on a course, come to an end, when the goals are too hard, when is there is no longer low hanging fruit……………..Does the game become less of a joy – a loss of hope is a terrible thing.

But the good news for me– there are still easy shots out there, I’m seeing it now. There is much to be grateful, hopeful and optimistic about.
With the recent global warming, Christmas, work and life – it has been just 6 holes when I can, when the light will let. A bit of a flaw of mine still – I love to play the 6 holes and see the score, some days I’ll hit 1 ball as a test of real score. It was a tip I got on here from Space, break your (competition) rounds up, set small goals into parts of a round. I have found this useful overall, even practice, 6 holes level par, is a great target. 1 over is great golf, 2 over acceptable, 3 over recoverable, 4 over (you’re not great at this game are you).
So – in the 6 hole sets I’ve played, I have been 1 over, 3 over, 2 over, 1 over. It is good golf, but there seems to be a barrier to get to par or under. Is this barrier mental, physical or both? Am I being too hard? It is very soft in parts out there, not perfect greens, winter – “relax and keep enjoying your luck to play, you idiot!”.

I’m happy/delighted with most aspects of my game, but there is one bad shot that is always a factor , a fat wedge, it is a horrible shot, can go anyway between 50 % to 80 % of intended distance, horrendously bad, relative to everything else going on. The real painful aspect is, I’ve normally hit a great drive and am in perfect position – I’d almost prefer to be 130 yards out hitting a full PW. It seems to be my inability to control lower tempo and angle of attack. I sense club length plays a part, I’m working on ball position to help………..more work required.

Now, in fairness, it is mid-winter, I’m playing surfaces very soft (for a links), but that is not the point, I definitely sense in my mind when this shot is going to happen, it is a problem in my game, a problem if I can solve, would have a dramatic impact on scores, it is that level par 6 hole i’m looking for, maybe slipping under par with a little more ease.

But today, overall, I seen something very positive, I was level after 6 with 2 , yes 2 of “them wedges” from 100 yards or less, one, I scrambled a par and other a bogey. The rest of my game was about as perfect as I will ever get it.
Today I was lucky and played on to get 8 in, again, on last a horrible fat wedge. You could hide behind “winter conditions”, but this is far more serious issue, it needs to go.

But – I seen something today – that 1 over for 8 was easy, with 2/3 bad shots that hopefully can be solved. It is disappointing, But, I felt comfortable, within myself, in control at level par and under for a short while. I knew my distances, I was driving long and straight, putting well, hitting perfect mid-range shots, I hit a draw to a LHS pin on demand.

So – another happy day at the course. The light faded, but there is that hope and light there.