Golfing goals for 2021

jamfer · 01-01-2021 1:06pm #1

2020 was a year I wanted to "improve my game". I had joined a club in 2018 and was just getting into playing regularly. By 2019 I had gotten a couple of lessons, I was working on flexibility and I was playing as much as possible. Getting off the tee wasn't great. But 130 to 90 yards shots to the greens were ok, and putting isn't too bad, rarely 3 put. Schotscope V3 attests. Then lockdown. And that was the year. Just getting into the swing of things and then interruptions again.

2021 then.

1 lessons from the club pro

2 continue to stretch and work on flexibility

3 slowing down my swing

4 building from the preceding 3 a drop in my handicap.

Kiith · 01-01-2021 1:48pm

2020 was a funny year. Played more golf then i'd ever played in the first few months, and then get out as much as i could during the various lockdowns. Never really felt like i got a good run leading up to the 2nd lockdown though, and didn't feel like i improved much after that. Few lessons in early 21 will get me on the right track though.

Single digit handicap. Currently 10.8, and want to get my WTS down to single digits. It will take a fair bit of work, but i'm confident i can do it.
Play more clubs again this year. Will be joining Dooks, and want to play all the great looking courses down that neck of the woods.
Win another competition, to show my first in 2020 wasn't a fluke.
Play some match play. Never played it, and i'd really like to try it
Make the Ryder Jug team (hopefully the Boards society can restart with a but more normality)
Improve the amount of shots i have in the bag. I generally play the same shot regardless of conditions (usually quite high). I need to be able to draw/fade when i want, and to be able to play lower shots when needed (which will be a lot out west).
Top 3 in my Enniscrone society this year, and be fighting for the trophy on the last day. Won cat 2 last year, so will be tough, but doable i think.

slave1 · 01-01-2021 3:10pm

Last year I said play more, I went from mid 60's rounds to 11 so this year nothing fancy, just play golf and let whatever happens with my quality of the game happen

kippy · 01-01-2021 3:18pm

Rejoined a local club in September till this time next year.
I had been a member in 2016 (first year of playing) and have played very sporadicilly in the intervening period.
There are a group of us now signed up for the next 12 months.
Previous played off 18 but entered very few competitions. Young kids and a busy life have limited my golf over the past few years and I generally only every get out for 9 holes. Awaiting my handicap at the moment. I probably don't take it serious enough to improve enough as I enjoy getting out for the walk and the chat with whomever am playing with.

My kids have been given sets of clubs for Xmas.

Goals for the year:
-Get out with the kids to the local par 3 once a month - just to get them into it!
-Play 9 holes at least once a week when courses re-open, ramping up to 27 or 36 holes a week as we come into longer evenings/better weather.
-Improve my 18 hole scores on the course (currently up on 112 shots (yeah - poor I know but would love to knock 12 shots off by end of year) - I know I can do better.
-Play the odd competition or three to help improve.

the lawman · 01-01-2021 5:24pm

I won Scratch Cup in 2020 at my club Castlewarden. I got down to single figure again with the new WHS with a 9.1.

This year:

Maintain 9.1 and lower.
Cross off a few more links from our Project Links goal (play every links in Ireland)
Win another major
Top 3 at the SMLinks in August
Stay safe!

MorganIRL · 01-01-2021 6:09pm

Had big plans for 2020 as I was only back due to work and young family and couldn't commit to even 1 rd a wk b4 2020

2021 I have joined Enniscrone, links course (it's where I was a member 8 yrs ago) so plan to get 36 holes a week and ramp it up for summer when the courses re open

• Get HC when course reopen
• Get a lesson with an instructor
• expect 18-20 HC, so plan to get it into low tens by end of yr.
• try and play a new course every few months
• Be competitive/win society capts prize ( big jump but gotta have a challenge)

bustercherry · 01-01-2021 6:31pm

Get out for a round. Everything else is a bonus after that.

dan_ep82 · 01-01-2021 6:41pm

I had no goals last year and it was probably the way to go. Like most it was the least amount of golf I've played since I started playing.Still I got cut and played a few good rounds in some quality courses so surely this year can be better.

Play more team comps with my brothers

Play at least two new courses during my May week off for golf

Stay within two shots of current HC (11.4) , 16 last year.

Lesson , more lessons

redzerdrog · 01-01-2021 10:54pm

My goal for this year is to play 20 rounds of golf!

Between child number 4 due in a few weeks and the pandemic I will keep the goals simple

artanevilla · 02-01-2021 12:04am

Shoot under 100 for at least 3 rounds in 2021.

the lawman · 02-01-2021 12:13am

redzerdrog wrote: »

My goal for this year is to play 20 rounds of golf!

Between child number 4 due in a few weeks and the pandemic I will keep the goals simple

Good luck with new baba. My little brother just had quads....he won’t be playing for several years...!

higster · 02-01-2021 12:55pm

1. Continue with lessons until at least April (about 1 per month, 2 done in Nov/Dec)). Wish I did this 3 years ago when started.

2. Consistently have rounds in with no scratch (only happened a couple times in 2020).

3. Drop at least 3 shots off handicap to HCI of 20 (was drop of 1 off old system in 2020’and got that).

4. Sub 90 scores consistently by backend of year (was sub 100 for 2020 and got there).

5. One eagle, just one would do (none 2020)

6. In top 3 of a comp (didn’t happen in 2020)

7. Get 65 9/18 hole rounds in (about 55 in 2020)

8. Win upside down claret jug (comp me and 3 buddies do every year)...again ðŸ˜႒. The is is the most important one.

9. Golf trip in Spain or Portugal before year end.

10. Play Doonbeg, Adare, Tralee, Old Head, Ballybunion and Lahinch without breaking the bank account (got 3 of these in 2020, would be happy enough to get 3 in again).

FixdePitchmark · 02-01-2021 8:11pm

Suppose. We have to be somewhat realistic under the circumstances.

I've enjoyed the few breaks and it seems to have done my game good. Back really enjoying it and playing a little better. I haven't played well for a good 2 years now.

1) i don't think I'm playing well enough. But I would like to win the little winter matchplay a few here play, from the golf society.

2) id like to get a level par round. I can shoot mid 70s , but have to have the day of my life. I've too many wild shots to go low. But you never know . I'm putting well so could happen this year.

3) made great progress on North West links and can start thinking of finally playing every Links course in Ireland over say next 3/4 years. Prices are lower and they need our business (you would imagine)

4) id like to play golf from a ferry in UK . Maybe Liverpool area . But this is possibly getting too ambitious.

5) On swing and coaching - Same as every year . Hit wedges better. The 72 would be no problem if I could do this.

That's about it. I'd love a few social nights around the majors . But that isn't going to happen.

I'm not even thinking about a flight 2021.

On positive side. I'm fairly lucky and well set up for covid . So I can take the hit on golf front when I consider i don't have any real worries. If there is no golf for parts of this year ..I'll take Jan/ Feb on the chin.

slingerz · 02-01-2021 11:36pm

Golfing goals for me are up in the air this year. Atmosphere at my club soured for me last year so interclub is no longer a consideration and winning club majors not motivating as it should.

The WHS has me a bit confused as well in terms as setting a handicap target.

I think my goal is going to be to play every weekend with my regular 3 ball, have the craic and if I play well and win a comp or two all the better

rickis tache · 03-01-2021 12:01am

Everything I had down for 2020 is now for 2021.
A new club this year but the main outlook will be to enjoy playing with family once again.

Mean Laqueefa · 03-01-2021 7:35pm

I want to hit in the 40's on my local par 3, got very close this year with a 51

Want to get a few lessons

Just play anywhere anytime as much as i can

get better at putting

Dunfyy · 03-01-2021 8:00pm

My handicap is 69 but I want to get it to 67
Usually I play for money but non of my friends will play as they are 78

rickis tache · 03-01-2021 8:48pm

Deporhostia · 04-01-2021 1:23am

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Suppose. We have to be somewhat realistic under the circumstances.

I've enjoyed the few breaks and it seems to have done my game good. Back really enjoying it and playing a little better. I haven't played well for a good 2 years now.

1) i don't think I'm playing well enough. But I would like to win the little winter matchplay a few here play, from the golf society.

2) id like to get a level par round. I can shoot mid 70s , but have to have the day of my life. I've too many wild shots to go low. But you never know . I'm putting well so could happen this year.

3) made great progress on North West links and can start thinking of finally playing every Links course in Ireland over say next 3/4 years. Prices are lower and they need our business (you would imagine)

4) id like to play golf from a ferry in UK . Maybe Liverpool area . But this is possibly getting too ambitious.

5) On swing and coaching - Same as every year . Hit wedges better. The 72 would be no problem if I could do this.

That's about it. I'd love a few social nights around the majors . But that isn't going to happen.

I'm not even thinking about a flight 2021.

On positive side. I'm fairly lucky and well set up for covid . So I can take the hit on golf front when I consider i don't have any real worries. If there is no golf for parts of this year ..I'll take Jan/ Feb on the chin.

Hi fix

If you do end up planning a ferry trip, I’m not sure where in Ireland you’re based but one option to consider is going from Ballycastle in NI, to Campbeltown in Mull of Kintyre. Then you’re at the doorstep of Machrihanish and Machrihanish Dunes, 2 excellent courses. You could even get another ferry over to Islay and play The Machrie, another excellent course. (Ardfin also close by to Machrie but super exclusive).

Dunaverty is another course on the same part of land as the 2 Machs, and is meant to be fun although not in the same league as the others.

These courses would usually have opens as well as other offers, which would reduce the price considerably if you could time it right. Although for the quality, there not that expensive anyway, especially if you compare with Liverpool. I’ve played the 3 first ones I mentioned (albeit the Machrie before the recent renovations) and I would absolutely recommend. Good value to be had there, and the scenery is outstanding. Plus whisky tours if you like that sort of thing!

Frisbee · 04-01-2021 11:54am

I only really started playing in 2020, played a little bit in my teens and then would maybe play twice a year since then. So will keep it simple:

Shoot in and around 90 consistently. Constantly shooting 95-98. Would love to break 90 at least once.

Handicap I'd be happy as long as it doesn't get any higher. When I got mine in June it was 23. Got it down to 20.2. Then when WHS came in got cut again to 17.2. If I could finish the year staying at 17.2 I'd consider that an achievement. Particularly given Goal #1 above.

Play Enniscrone & Carne.

blue note · 04-01-2021 1:38pm

Hmm, very hard to say for 2021. My firstborn is due in March, so I suspect that will affect my golf. Also, God knows what impact the pandemic will have. But, I still think there was enough good golf in me in my last few rounds that I can get my handicap down a few shots. I'm off 17 at the moment and haven't put in a really good 18, but I've had good runs in my last few rounds. In my last 6 rounds....

level par for a run of 9 holes
+4 for a twelve hole round
-1 on a 5 hole run
no particularly good run on two rounds in a row
level par on the front 9

I think I'm putting enough good shots / holes together to put in a couple of scores, so I'll hope to get down to 14.

opinionated3 · 04-01-2021 2:01pm

Got down from 10 handicap to 8.3 now so would like to continue that route. Would love to make the Bruen team this year (was in great form in 2020 but flopped during the trials so consistency is seriously required here). Would love to win a monthly medal for the first time but that's a very hard thing to do in our club, off my handicap.
But most of all just want to play a lot of golf when we are allowed back ( I'm guessing march) and keep improving ( specifically from 100yds in).

Whiplash85 · 04-01-2021 2:34pm

Play a game of golf

willabur · 04-01-2021 3:47pm

Goals for this year.

1: Get to single figures, stay at single figures. I think there is a 7/8 handicapper in there somewhere
2: Win a medal comp
3: Play inter-clubs again (by far and away the highlight of the year)

I do realise that if I am successful at 1 it will make it difficult to achieve 3

trigger26 · 04-01-2021 8:24pm

Goals for 2021

Get new ping driver fitted, the old g30 is ready for a well earned rest

Actually do some strength training instead of watching YouTube videos on the subject

Win a gross, get me wedges right and this is doable

Win a team medal, that’s the big one ☝️

FixdePitchmark · 05-01-2021 1:26am

Deporhostia wrote: »

Hi fix

If you do end up planning a ferry trip, I’m not sure where in Ireland you’re based but one option to consider is going from Ballycastle in NI, to Campbeltown in Mull of Kintyre. Then you’re at the doorstep of Machrihanish and Machrihanish Dunes, 2 excellent courses. You could even get another ferry over to Islay and play The Machrie, another excellent course. (Ardfin also close by to Machrie but super exclusive).

Dunaverty is another course on the same part of land as the 2 Machs, and is meant to be fun although not in the same league as the others.

These courses would usually have opens as well as other offers, which would reduce the price considerably if you could time it right. Although for the quality, there not that expensive anyway, especially if you compare with Liverpool. I’ve played the 3 first ones I mentioned (albeit the Machrie before the recent renovations) and I would absolutely recommend. Good value to be had there, and the scenery is outstanding. Plus whisky tours if you like that sort of thing!

That sounds amazing - and have not ruled anything out. Will definitely do Scotland again. I just have a bit of a connection with Liverpool - musically and from a soccer perspective.

You are right - the prices in England have gone a bit crazy to be honest. Royal Birkdale is now £250 at a sensible time of year - that is 280 euro for one round of golf - in a place that could have rough enough weather.

Never really understood England to be honest - or it seems to have changed a good bit. There used to be a sort of British pride in not gouging people , but maybe England has changed. It seems to be a sort of, flash place now - the have and the have nots.

Agree - Scotland seems to have a more sensible attitude to all this.

Rikand · 05-01-2021 1:37am

I think if i manage to keep to single figures, I will have done well

kippy · 05-01-2021 12:42pm

There's some serious golfers in here - fair play to ye! I feel out of place!

Deporhostia · 05-01-2021 9:05pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

That sounds amazing - and have not ruled anything out. Will definitely do Scotland again. I just have a bit of a connection with Liverpool - musically and from a soccer perspective.

You are right - the prices in England have gone a bit crazy to be honest. Royal Birkdale is now £250 at a sensible time of year - that is 280 euro for one round of golf - in a place that could have rough enough weather.

Never really understood England to be honest - or it seems to have changed a good bit. There used to be a sort of British pride in not gouging people , but maybe England has changed. It seems to be a sort of, flash place now - the have and the have nots.

Agree - Scotland seems to have a more sensible attitude to all this.

I’ve always found England to have that difference between the have and have nots (I’m 45 and originally from there). Much bigger differentiation in class than here in Ireland. And golf is more a sport for the wealthy there thanks it is here.

I think the prices depend more on how far away you are from a large metropolis, whether it’s England or Scotland. You’ll pay £200-300 for the top courses in Scotland as well, the ones anywhere near Edinburgh or Glasgow anyway. St Andrews is probably the only one that doesn’t just up its price because it can.

If you want value for excellent courses in England, you need to go to places like Cornwall (St Enodoc would be the best), Woodhall Spa in Northamptonshire, or the northern border regions (esp Silloth) because they are a big drive from anywhere, much the same as Machrihanish is from Glasgow.

But green fee prices for the top courses are the same over here in the SW or near Dublin and Belfast.

CorkBoyInDub · 06-01-2021 10:46am

Shoot a round in the 70's and get down to around 12.0 - currently 15.3

DuckSlice · 06-01-2021 11:16am

3 Goals for me - if we can actually get out and play.

1. Get handicap from 8.7 to 6.5ish. anywhere in the 6's and I would be happy.
2. Improve scoring on Par3's at my home course. Looking at my stats for each hole the par3's are what i score the worst on. Need to hit the green more.
3. Beat my best round of 74(+3).

purdy1984 · 06-01-2021 11:29am

Well after a rocky 2020 biggest goal is just to play golf saying that we need something to aim for so here goes.

Maintain my new WHS of 17.4 - going to be hard as 5 of 8 my best scores were 20 months ago so will fall have the calculation in April (expect a big jump up in the index (i think)

Want to break 90 4 times this year (only done it 4 times ever)

Play 9 holes in level par

Play a round with no double bogies or worse.

Bill Ponderosa · 06-01-2021 11:52am

Long term goals still remain:

Get the index to single figures, currently 14.5
Break 80 in qualifying.
Develop a decent short game.
Improve course management.
Improve putting, too many left short
Play more links courses.
Enjoy it more.

FixdePitchmark · 06-01-2021 1:09pm

Deporhostia wrote: »

I’ve always found England to have that difference between the have and have nots (I’m 45 and originally from there). Much bigger differentiation in class than here in Ireland. And golf is more a sport for the wealthy there thanks it is here.

I think the prices depend more on how far away you are from a large metropolis, whether it’s England or Scotland. You’ll pay £200-300 for the top courses in Scotland as well, the ones anywhere near Edinburgh or Glasgow anyway. St Andrews is probably the only one that doesn’t just up its price because it can.

If you want value for excellent courses in England, you need to go to places like Cornwall (St Enodoc would be the best), Woodhall Spa in Northamptonshire, or the northern border regions (esp Silloth) because they are a big drive from anywhere, much the same as Machrihanish is from Glasgow.

But green fee prices for the top courses are the same over here in the SW or near Dublin and Belfast.

Sorry - I've probably drifted this thread off topic. But where you want to play in the next year always come up here.

As Irish we typically go

1) Some top Links in Ireland or Northern Ireland
2) Spain or Portugal
3) St Andrews.
4) Some other Open Course

Playing golf in England - seems to be a massive gap in Irish golfers' heads. We probably view it as too similar to golf here. But the variety and quality of golf in England is probably far superior. Well I'm not sure on that - but definitely of equal measure with greater quantity and variety.

To get further off topic - England has done it slef no favours anyway as a place that people would consider viviting from a tourist perspective

frink · 06-01-2021 5:44pm

Golfing goals this year different this year as I have to take a year of absence from my club for a variety of reasons, I hope to join a club as a distance member in an attempt to keep by WHS handicap. Therefore goals this year:

1. Try play once a month (on average)
2. Maintain handicap index of 3.5
3. Play at least 4 new courses this year
4. Enjoy every the game more and not put to much pressure on myself to play well every time
5. Stretch target of shooting a 72 (regardless of course par)

pinkdoubleeagle · 06-01-2021 5:53pm

Scotland for me when the world opens up again. Having watched the No Laying up Boys on tour there, I am dying to get over and play a few of them. Especially North Berwick and Nairn

Stacksey · 06-01-2021 6:05pm

Last year I had 3 goals, to get down to single figures, to break 80 and to win a medal, happily I accomplished all 3, now I can just relax and enjoy golf whenever that me be

billy3sheets · 06-01-2021 6:56pm

I find it hard to set SMART golf goals, mostly because it's just unpredictable how a round will go on any given day. Overall, I just plan to play better more often. So, here's what I got:

1. Play in as many "majors" as I can in 2021.
2. Play all my 8 society outings in 2021.
3. Play lots of casual golf with my son and his mates.
4. Go on my postponed golf trip to Portugal in October.
5. Reduce my HI by 3 shots by June 30th.

I got 3 shots on my handicap at my home course with the new WHS, mainly as I had a complete collapse in my short game from August and my 8 best scores were awful. I had fixed this in the few games I played between lockdowns and had changed my driver, developing a nice draw with it, so I'm optimistic for my overall game.

I have 3 specific things to focus on in my game:
1. Turn my hips fully in pitches and chips to improve commitment.
2. Keep my right leg flexed, not straight in the back swing to keep me more stable.
3. Swing my driver about 20 degrees to the right to promote a gentle draw.

The Aul Switcharoo · 06-01-2021 11:29pm

Got from 11 to 5.9WHS this year and hoping to continue

Goal no. 1 - Handicap of 4.0whs which would mean to play off 6 in home course. Currently off 7

2. Find a shot shape. I honestly don't know where the ball is going to go most of the time when I'm hitting over 180 yards. Hence I'll generally aim to a spot where I won't lose a ball or short sight myself e.g trouble left, I'll aim for right rough. If I hook it a bit, it'll be grand. If I slice it I'll find it and do something with it. A guy I sometimes play with says he's never seen a guy hit it so far offline as a single handicap and still have a decent score. I take that as a compliment

3. Shoot level par or better

CorkBoyInDub · 07-01-2021 12:31pm

Should have added play more links golf to my post above. I've only been playing for about 2 years, and I've only played one links course, Dooks.

Based in Cork too, so if the Old Head do an Open Day again this year I'm definitely getting involved. Might try Tralee for an Open too.

mk7775 · 08-01-2021 10:23am

My golf goals for 2021:
• Break 100 consistently
• Break 90 once at least
• Play a round loosing less than 3 balls
• Get an eagle
• Continue to get lessons and do regular structured practice
• Be able to remove one side of the course – only hit draws
• Play 3 of Carne, Lahinch, Enniscrone, The Island, Ballyliffin, Co. Sligo, Tralee, Waterville
• Join a club and get a handicap
• Enjoy every round!

FixdePitchmark · 12-01-2021 11:14pm

mk7775 wrote: »

My golf goals for 2021:
• Break 100 consistently
• Break 90 once at least
• Play a round loosing less than 3 balls
• Get an eagle
• Continue to get lessons and do regular structured practice
• Be able to remove one side of the course – only hit draws
• Play 3 of Carne, Lahinch, Enniscrone, The Island, Ballyliffin, Co. Sligo, Tralee, Waterville
• Join a club and get a handicap
• Enjoy every round!

Great targets.

If you don't mind me asking - has your course an eagle chance. I love lofty challenges - but would an eagle not be a bit unrealistic if you trying to break 90.

An eagle is maybe in 1 in 5 year event for a person at your handicap - unless your course has a very short layout ?

coillcam · 13-01-2021 3:15pm

Get assessed for yardages
Get more lessons
Be more comfortable with 5i/6i and 3w from deck
Arrive earlier for practice before tee times
Break 90 (Hopefully early in year, had 45 on front 9 before xmas)
Make 2+ birdies in a round
Place in a club competition
Place in work society competition
Practice short game every week
Play 10+ new courses
Play abroad
Have fun and socialize more

mk7775 · 13-01-2021 3:23pm

I play in Donabate quite a bit which is fairly short, so there are reachable par 5's for me, I carry my driver about 240/250 yards on average, and up to 300 total on a good day, so I have the power / distance to reach, just my consistency (big banana slice, tops, duffs etc) is my issue with my bad scores.

I've only had two eagle putts that I can remember in the last three years, so definitely a challenge - also to make me go for it more on driveable par 4's / go for the green in two (even if its not always the sensible option, its more fun!!!)

FixdePitchmark · 13-01-2021 11:59pm

mk7775 wrote: »

I play in Donabate quite a bit which is fairly short, so there are reachable par 5's for me, I carry my driver about 240/250 yards on average, and up to 300 total on a good day, so I have the power / distance to reach, just my consistency (big banana slice, tops, duffs etc) is my issue with my bad scores.

I've only had two eagle putts that I can remember in the last three years, so definitely a challenge - also to make me go for it more on driveable par 4's / go for the green in two (even if its not always the sensible option, its more fun!!!)

To be honest - to get lower scores - what you have said , you kind of have to not go for things. It is about taking on the shot that you can do 80 % of the time.
Going for eagles and trying to shot lower scores off your handicap is not particularly compatible.

But again depends what you want - lower scores or fun high scores.

willabur · 14-01-2021 1:05am

mk7775 wrote: »

I play in Donabate quite a bit which is fairly short, so there are reachable par 5's for me, I carry my driver about 240/250 yards on average, and up to 300 total on a good day, so I have the power / distance to reach, just my consistency (big banana slice, tops, duffs etc) is my issue with my bad scores.

I've only had two eagle putts that I can remember in the last three years, so definitely a challenge - also to make me go for it more on driveable par 4's / go for the green in two (even if its not always the sensible option, its more fun!!!)

a predictable big banana slice is a hell of a lot of fun to play with!!

If you can hit a ball in the mid200+ then you clearly have the athletic ability to play the long game, my advice is get to know your miss. If you have a slice one day then play with your slice, aim for the fat part of the fairways and greens, concentrate on pace of your putting rather than the line and you'll improve massively

mk7775 · 14-01-2021 10:49am

I'm getting lessons at the moment and doing loads of range practice (well in between lockdowns) and slowing but surely getting to being able to hit a draw consistently and being able to remove the right had side of the course for the big miss.

I appreciate taking the safe option every time will usually lead to better scores, but its still fun to try and go for green every so often!

I also got a putt out matt & putt trainer during one of the lockdowns, I definitely think it has help my consistency with my stroke, just need to work on my green reading / pace on the green.

Can't wait to get back out on the course!

GreeBo · 14-01-2021 10:53am

WHS has totally blown my goals out of the water, got 2.8 so I guess my goal is to try to maintain that?!

tracker_1 · 14-01-2021 8:14pm

Golfing goal for me will be to do a weekend of links golf in difficult playing conditions.. Makes you think which in turn energises the mind ! Bliss.

slingerz · 15-01-2021 9:58am

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Sorry - I've probably drifted this thread off topic. But where you want to play in the next year always come up here.

As Irish we typically go

1) Some top Links in Ireland or Northern Ireland
2) Spain or Portugal
3) St Andrews.
4) Some other Open Course

Playing golf in England - seems to be a massive gap in Irish golfers' heads. We probably view it as too similar to golf here. But the variety and quality of golf in England is probably far superior. Well I'm not sure on that - but definitely of equal measure with greater quantity and variety.

To get further off topic - England has done it slef no favours anyway as a place that people would consider viviting from a tourist perspective

I’d agree. The Belfrey or Celtic Manor are great spots for a golf holiday

blue note · 15-01-2021 10:32am

mk7775 wrote: »

I play in Donabate quite a bit which is fairly short, so there are reachable par 5's for me, I carry my driver about 240/250 yards on average, and up to 300 total on a good day, so I have the power / distance to reach, just my consistency (big banana slice, tops, duffs etc) is my issue with my bad scores.

I've only had two eagle putts that I can remember in the last three years, so definitely a challenge - also to make me go for it more on driveable par 4's / go for the green in two (even if its not always the sensible option, its more fun!!!)

I actually think not going for the driveable par 4s and possibly the reachable par 5s could be the quicker route to the Eagle. When you go for it, I'd imagine the amount of times you end up with a mad slice is huge. And the problem with that is that you can then write off the bad shot to "ah, I really wound up for that one." whereas if your primary objective with your drive is to hit the fairway, you my have excuses when you miss. You also won't actually lose much distance either. When people try to nail a drive, if it goes well they usually just get an extra 10 yards or so out of it. The idea that you can just swing harder and get an extra 30 yards is fanciful.

But if you can start consistently driving the ball where you want to and then start going for the green from the tee, your chances of making it will be far higher. But they're still hard to come by! I was playing from a handicap of between 11 and 16 for 12 years, had plenty of eagle putts but the one eagle I had was when I pitched in on a par 5 from 60 yards. And the hole was even reachable in two. They're hard things to force.

Golfing goals for 2021

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