21st September 2010 Did not pick up a stick from last Wednesday until Saturday before Sunday’s Par competition, using a little bit of common sense having a respite from continuous practise and keeping the game in perspective. Winning the club “B” grade championship is an important goal, enjoying playing golf and not getting jaded is just as important. I had a few days away in Adelaide for a break, also the latest addition to my growing selection of iron’s had not arrived. With a couple of weeks break before championship matchplay rounds I am looking forward to the effect from the latest irons.
Not a new set but having since played a couple of rounds with them and finishing all square in 4th place Sunday the Wilson 1200 (under wave) blades felt good and certainly assisted some aspects of my game. Around the green with chipping and pitching concentrated on in practise this has been saving 2-4 strokes a round for me. Using the Wilson blades on Sunday the 7-PW irons were so effective in delivering accurate shots to the hole and felt so responsive in the hands. The 3-6 irons had the same ‘touch’ it is the best experience to hold a club and have it feel so comfortable in setting up and playing strokes.
I did manage to shape a few long iron shots and that added to my enjoyment of the round. This time I played to the new 19 handicap and have kept it a week later unlike the lst time this figure was reached. The fact is these Wilson’s are 15 years old and cost me $30 delivered after purchase on Ebay. They have the counter torque’ twisted’ shafts which look out of place at first glance. I now have 4 sets of irons two are peripheral weighted and two blades. This is an ongoing process towards finally choosing the correct new set for my golfing ability. The grand total for the two sets of blades is $90 and that is a cheap price to help decide upon the final choice to come.
Yesterday was a club working bee to core and sand the greens which had me working with the former 4 handicapper that offered some coaching a few weeks ago. We have arranged to catch up and he can let me know what is causing my current slight problem. Nothing major but serious enough to get fixed if I want to drop another 3-4 strokes. Fortunately this bloke is known as a particularly good iron player and if he was not going blind would still be on a single figure handicap and not 13 as he is at the minute. During a couple of rounds he had noticed the problem but had not offered any tips or advice to correct them at the time. Which is appreciated by myself and the rule book is also adhered too. Simply my swing is fine, grip is fine and my lining up to the target is not. I was aware of this and it is so much easier to actually have a half hour coaching session to correct it and establish the correct set up with a golfing pro or some one who has the same high level of ability to play and coach.
With the final draw for the championships now decided I do not play my semi final until the 10th of October. It is against a 15 handicapper and at my best I can play to 17. This may be good enough but with such a large gap of time available I can have a serious crack at improving two more strokes and have a better chance in the game. My current game is one of consistent bogey golf with pars and birdies thrown in to keep the scores at 87 to 94 off the stick. With the occaisional bad hole due to a wayward drive or second shot I cannot rely upon the “C” grade style where a round of bogeys will win a championship. Pars and birdies are a must to get a win in “B” grade and I am capable of that but the inconsistent lining up is costing me far too many added shots from missing greens 10-20m to the left. My putting has improved but is nowhere near good enough to get consistent “up and downs” in two with a pitch and putt from missed greens. I am certain that those of you reading that play off 16 or less would feel confident in a game of match play off the stick against me. Thankyou for your time and attention. Hit ‘em straight all.
, Geoff
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