Thursday 31st March 2011
Returned home today after a very satisfying trip to Adelaide. Most important was the very positive reception the Golf Documentary in production received during the meeting at SA Film Corp. As an independent film maker with my background in live performance getting a response in a comedy gig obviously laughs means that the job is being done right. Making a movie is a long drawn out process and honestly the mechanics of it are bloody boring to the onlooker. This meeting where I did a lot of answering questions, ended up with me being told that I was doing the mechanics of film production very well. It was a great motivating boost and will inspire me on when buried in the long tedious editing process in coming months.
On the way to town I called in and played the front 9 at Mount Lofty, great fun and will be a regular stopover on my regular visits to Adelaide. Next trip will play the back 9 with much gusto. Was fortunate the unseasonal rains have greened up the hills already in the year and that is much better than playing in dusty conditions. It was particularly beneficial for my preparation to the Masters games having a hitout at a new course and exercise my ‘game’ brain.
The rehab. exercise routine has done the job on the groin and hamstring strains carried over from Sundays round. This has been a weakness in my body that as been affecting my golf as well as daily life since the beginning of March. Not even a twinge while traipsing up and down the hills at Mt Lofty. Hit 90 balls at the Drummonds driving range on Wednesday and again no twinges and a very good workout on my irons and drivers for the Masters this weekend as well.
Friday will be tune up the pitching, chipping and putting and that will be all in the final preparations. My hit off time is 12.30pm on the 10th tee, seeing that I have played the back nine better in both my previous rounds at Naracoorte that is a little positive boost before hitting a ball.
Naracoorte Golf Club
10th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 363m Ladies 346m
Ranked the toughest hole on the course. Tricks players into attacking off the tee, but best to hit your most trusted club from the tee and onto the fairway. The further you drive the more difficult it is to keep your ball on the fairway due to a narrowing, doglegging fairway with the trees impeding the further you hit. The most difficult task on this hole is sticking your approach on the tiny green which slopes deceptively from right to left. Any approach landing short will stay there and any ball landing past the middle of the green will be out the back door with a devilish shot back.
11th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 323m Ladies 301m
An interesting hole calling for position off the tee at about 220m avoiding the gums on the left hand corner and avoiding running through the fairway. The 2nd shot calls for precision to a two tiered green which doesn’t see much daylight due to the magnificent array of trees aligning both sides of the hole. Some long hitters have been known to nearly drive the green, but it requires a perfect shot with zero margin of error. Good luck to those who try.
12th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 154m Ladies 145m
A simple par three played slightly uphill to a generous green protected on the left by a small bunker and on the right by a thick grass bunker. Putting can be a challenge here as your ball will always move as it loses pace. Take your par gladly and move on to the next.
13th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 346m Ladies 343m
An interesting hole which doglegs right, challenging the player to bite off as much as they can. A real risk and reward hole coming at a pivotal time in the round. Best to once again hit the fairway with your most trusted club as the 2nd shot doesn’t throw up to many tricks as the only protection around the green is a bunker located well short and to the right. Green slopes back to front and left to right.
14th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 477m Ladies 435m
A hole which throws up more eagles and birdies than any other on the course but beware as it also has more double figure scores than all the others combined. Big hitters can carry the corner shortening the hole but the scrub on the left can often lead to lost balls. Whilst talking of lost balls avoid the right hand rough and trees as this is the most punishing around. Once on the fairway the only concern is avoiding a fairway bunker located 100 metres from the green and the deep greenside traps on a generous green which slopes back to front.
15th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 334m Ladies 327m
A difficult par 4 played uphill requiring a pinpoint drive which will be thrown to the right with the slope whilst the hole slides around a gentle left dogleg adding to the difficulty. Once on the fairway your problems have only started as the approach needs to be struck with pinpoint distance control as this green is a monster if you find the wrong portion. Two small bunkers left and one on the right protect the green but it is the green that throws up the biggest threats, leave yourself an uphill putt if possible. This is one hole that you can’t escape with an ordinary shot.
16th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 157m Ladies 140m
A tricky downhill par 3 made so by the exposure to whatever wind is around and a two tiered green which sits unusually across you. The green is protected left and right front by 2 bunkers. There is a steep fall away off the back of the green filled with thick grass, best to miss this green short as it requires a first class pitch from behind the green to secure par.
17th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 376m Ladies 311m
Our longest par 4 requires a drive to be shaped left to right around the dogleg as a straight shot will run through the fairway. Once on the fairway a middle iron to a smallish green protected on the right by a bunker is all that is needed. A flattish green holds no fears as it is the drive which holds the key to this hole.
18th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 438m Ladies 382m
A chance to finish in glory on this relative easy par 5. The drive must skirt the right hand side of a narrow shute. Ideally the drive needs to move left to right for the second hole in a row to avoid running through the fairway and if you avoid the blind fairway bunker on the right you then have a good line into the green surrounded by bunkers short left and on the right. The green doesn’t throw up to many challenges so tap in for birdie and enjoy a celebration in the clubhouse.
Thankyou for your time and attention, "Hit 'em Straight all."Geoff
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Carlton V Richmond "Footyhead" Round 1 returns season 2011
"Footyhead" returns for AFL season 2011 Carlton start the season off with a 20 point win against Richmond.
Still as one eyed as ever. GO YOU BLUES
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Primed and ready to play...
YOUTUBE Golf Movie Trailer "Another Crack at the Title"
Thursday 24/3/11
One of the draw backs of my work is the seemingly endless hours of 'inactivity' in between doing anything. Which may be the reason why golf is a popular and do-able activity for the group of people loosely lumped together as 'entertainers'. As March draws to a close my extended golfing holiday is also reaching its demise.
Which is to say that instead of playing a lot of golf I will be talking golf as the interviews will begin in April. First set done will be with the golfers who have played and won the "A" grade Title of the Southern Ports Tournament. This includes some very talented people who have more to their achievements than single figure handicaps.
Next will be the professional golfers some who have played and won the title as amateurs, before starting their careers. Others are touring Professionals and club professionals who have a connection with the region and the golf played there still.
This will take the production through to May 2011, the schedule then has some more entertaining aspects for the film. In the prelude will be some technical preparations to begin the editing process of the footage already shot. A job that for several hours of film 'in the can' translates to multiple hours of sitting and looking at the vision in the editing suite.
Hence I have no guilt at all that playing golf has continued being a very dedicated pursuit for the rest of March to include the Masters Games. Initially the entry in the event was in case something unexpected affected my ability to play in the Southern Ports Tournament. I can say now that after the second round the next morning I soon discovered that my left hamstring and groin had 'gone', after taking the first steps out of bed.
It was a "bugga" moment as there was no way I could get a treatment that would be able to fix it until after the tournament was ended. Fortunately after many years as a crock and having to carry injury it was not a major drama. Sadly, it also was not an unexpected happening. Still managed to get through a partial practise round at Beachport on the lay day.
I was confident that my training would at the very least keep me in contention. Which it did and to lose in a playoff for first place and still come second in the "B" gross and nett (handicap) was very satisfying. Having finally got the required treatment on Monday just gone I am now much better in walking and flexibility and should be fine to get through the two consecutive days at Naracoorte.
In the mean time this week I am laying up again this week, pacing myself to be fresh. "Less is more" has worked before and is being used this week especially. Keeping the practise to hitting golf balls through the clubs in the bag. The Front 9 holes played at Naracoorte on Tuesday were terrific, the 42 off the stick has set me for the following week there. That is enough walking around except for picking up balls on the range, the rest is short game practise and no strain.
This weekend is the first qualifying round for the club handicap championships, which is my only chance to register in. The next round is during the Masters weekend and I am already omitted. Then into the dreaded four letter word - Work
Thankyou for your time and attention, "Hit 'em Straight all."Geoff
Thursday 24/3/11
One of the draw backs of my work is the seemingly endless hours of 'inactivity' in between doing anything. Which may be the reason why golf is a popular and do-able activity for the group of people loosely lumped together as 'entertainers'. As March draws to a close my extended golfing holiday is also reaching its demise.
Which is to say that instead of playing a lot of golf I will be talking golf as the interviews will begin in April. First set done will be with the golfers who have played and won the "A" grade Title of the Southern Ports Tournament. This includes some very talented people who have more to their achievements than single figure handicaps.
Next will be the professional golfers some who have played and won the title as amateurs, before starting their careers. Others are touring Professionals and club professionals who have a connection with the region and the golf played there still.
This will take the production through to May 2011, the schedule then has some more entertaining aspects for the film. In the prelude will be some technical preparations to begin the editing process of the footage already shot. A job that for several hours of film 'in the can' translates to multiple hours of sitting and looking at the vision in the editing suite.
Hence I have no guilt at all that playing golf has continued being a very dedicated pursuit for the rest of March to include the Masters Games. Initially the entry in the event was in case something unexpected affected my ability to play in the Southern Ports Tournament. I can say now that after the second round the next morning I soon discovered that my left hamstring and groin had 'gone', after taking the first steps out of bed.
It was a "bugga" moment as there was no way I could get a treatment that would be able to fix it until after the tournament was ended. Fortunately after many years as a crock and having to carry injury it was not a major drama. Sadly, it also was not an unexpected happening. Still managed to get through a partial practise round at Beachport on the lay day.
I was confident that my training would at the very least keep me in contention. Which it did and to lose in a playoff for first place and still come second in the "B" gross and nett (handicap) was very satisfying. Having finally got the required treatment on Monday just gone I am now much better in walking and flexibility and should be fine to get through the two consecutive days at Naracoorte.
In the mean time this week I am laying up again this week, pacing myself to be fresh. "Less is more" has worked before and is being used this week especially. Keeping the practise to hitting golf balls through the clubs in the bag. The Front 9 holes played at Naracoorte on Tuesday were terrific, the 42 off the stick has set me for the following week there. That is enough walking around except for picking up balls on the range, the rest is short game practise and no strain.
This weekend is the first qualifying round for the club handicap championships, which is my only chance to register in. The next round is during the Masters weekend and I am already omitted. Then into the dreaded four letter word - Work
Thankyou for your time and attention, "Hit 'em Straight all."Geoff
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Practise and 660 km to get it right........
Made the trip to Naracoorte on Tuesday, tied in a work trip (golf documentary) and played the front 9, putting to rest the concerns I have in playing there for the Masters Games. Three trips in two weeks for a total of 660 km has been the dedication to attempt to play as well as possible on the course. Even surprising myself at the commitment (lol obsession)to do the best possible in the event. Made easier with the previous effort for March’s, Southern Ports Tournament it has felt impossible to stop practising and playing of late.
The two 18 hole rounds had both included disastrous front 9’s as described previously, getting to the track and playing an unhurried front nine was a must. This was the right idea after yesterday and a 42 with 16 putts was the score compared to the 51 and 46 scored before. It was interesting to note that my driver control has improved markedly since playing Naracoorte. This combined with being a lot more familiar with the new iron configeration of blades and graphite shafts delivered the results. Putted significantly better, and the shots that went into the bunkers were no problem in recovering from. The greens were in the best condition of all in the three visits thanks to the steady rain fall since Saturday night. Softer surface for the ball to land on and lusher grass covering had them playing much better for my game.
Naracoorte Golf Club does have a description of the holes on their website. Which I have copied and pasted as follows;
1st Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 342m
Good opening hole to give the driver a rip, as the wide fairway shapes to the right with the only trick being the tee aiming in to the left hand trees. The approach shot is from slightly downhill to a green sloping back to front. Trouble over the back and to the right of the green with quite a steep fall away. The back left hand bunker doesn’t get much business but the front right hand bunker is a popular spot.
2nd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 318m Ladies 272m
The big decision is what club to use off the tee. The fairway narrows down dramatically 50 metres from the green. The further you drive the narrower the approach. The smart player lays up off the tee leaving about 120 metres into a long narrow green with no hazards surrounding the green. The fairway is wide at this point and is easy to hit. Downwind the long hitter can gamble and drive up through the neck of the distinctive gums and pines and set up an easy birdie, but watch out if you miss the fairway. No tricks on a smooth putting surface which is only 9 metres wide.
3rd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 312m Ladies 264m
Another hole with the key emphasis on the tee shot. The drive must travel 225 metres to get a look at the green of this dogleg left hole, shorter hitters need to drive right to get a look at the green but beware as both the fairway and the green slope from left to right throwing your ball further from the hole. After safely driving to the corner you will only be left with a short approach to the green. Once on the green the action isn’t over as it deceptively slopes front to back and left to right.
4th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 283m
A blind tee shot to a generous fairway which slopes from left to right. The difficulty arises with the 2nd shot played to a green both sloping and angled left to right. The green is guarded by a bunker right and punishing grassy mounds on the left which often tricks the golfer as it looks the preferred side to miss. Putts always turn left to right and towards the bunker on the low side.
5th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 175m Ladies 163m
The most difficult par three due to its length and deep bunkers surrounding a slightly domed green which is rather small for its length and difficulty. Only safe miss is short leaving a easy approach. Many comps go by without the nearest the pin being threatened. The wind is difficult to judge on this tee and plays havoc with many a well struck shot.
6th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 503m Ladies 396m
Our longest par 5 and the wide fairway tends to lull you into a false sense of security. In reality you need to drive down the right opening up the second shot. Balls struck left of centre demand a lay up to the corner or a brave shot to take on the corner. Once the green is in sight the only problems are a bunker protecting the left hand side and a green sloping from back to front.
7th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 140m Ladies 125m
An innocent looking hole which claims an amazing amount of victims with its tricky features. Bunkers guard the left and front of the green and 2 gums 50 metres short catch anyone who curves the ball. The green is small sloping severely back to front and left to right. If you miss the green it had better be short as any where else demands nothing short of a perfect recovery to have a chance of saving your par.
8th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 458m Ladies 447m
A good chance to improve your score as although the drive is blind it is a wide and inviting fairway which throws your ball downhill and from the left. A great view awaits as you approach your drive and look down the wide green fairway to a flat green surrounded by deep bunkers short left and to the back and to the right. The green is shaped from left to right and is beautifully framed by a magnificent group of gums behind the green.
9th Hole – Par 4 - Mens 319m Ladies 268m
A Choice awaits you on the tee to the closing hole on the outward 9. A smallish green which sometimes is difficult to hit even with a short iron, tricks you into trying to get your drive as close to the green as possible. A hidden quarry awaits at 250 metres on the left and the fairway throws your ball from left to right and the fairway narrows down at quarry length. Best to hit your most trusty club on this shortish hole to the wide part of the fairway and trust your ability to nail your 2nd shot at the pin. The narrow green is guarded left and right by shallow bunkers and slopes slightly uphill.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
The two 18 hole rounds had both included disastrous front 9’s as described previously, getting to the track and playing an unhurried front nine was a must. This was the right idea after yesterday and a 42 with 16 putts was the score compared to the 51 and 46 scored before. It was interesting to note that my driver control has improved markedly since playing Naracoorte. This combined with being a lot more familiar with the new iron configeration of blades and graphite shafts delivered the results. Putted significantly better, and the shots that went into the bunkers were no problem in recovering from. The greens were in the best condition of all in the three visits thanks to the steady rain fall since Saturday night. Softer surface for the ball to land on and lusher grass covering had them playing much better for my game.
Naracoorte Golf Club does have a description of the holes on their website. Which I have copied and pasted as follows;
1st Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 342m
Good opening hole to give the driver a rip, as the wide fairway shapes to the right with the only trick being the tee aiming in to the left hand trees. The approach shot is from slightly downhill to a green sloping back to front. Trouble over the back and to the right of the green with quite a steep fall away. The back left hand bunker doesn’t get much business but the front right hand bunker is a popular spot.
2nd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 318m Ladies 272m
The big decision is what club to use off the tee. The fairway narrows down dramatically 50 metres from the green. The further you drive the narrower the approach. The smart player lays up off the tee leaving about 120 metres into a long narrow green with no hazards surrounding the green. The fairway is wide at this point and is easy to hit. Downwind the long hitter can gamble and drive up through the neck of the distinctive gums and pines and set up an easy birdie, but watch out if you miss the fairway. No tricks on a smooth putting surface which is only 9 metres wide.
3rd Hole – Par 4 – Mens 312m Ladies 264m
Another hole with the key emphasis on the tee shot. The drive must travel 225 metres to get a look at the green of this dogleg left hole, shorter hitters need to drive right to get a look at the green but beware as both the fairway and the green slope from left to right throwing your ball further from the hole. After safely driving to the corner you will only be left with a short approach to the green. Once on the green the action isn’t over as it deceptively slopes front to back and left to right.
4th Hole – Par 4 – Mens 358m Ladies 283m
A blind tee shot to a generous fairway which slopes from left to right. The difficulty arises with the 2nd shot played to a green both sloping and angled left to right. The green is guarded by a bunker right and punishing grassy mounds on the left which often tricks the golfer as it looks the preferred side to miss. Putts always turn left to right and towards the bunker on the low side.
5th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 175m Ladies 163m
The most difficult par three due to its length and deep bunkers surrounding a slightly domed green which is rather small for its length and difficulty. Only safe miss is short leaving a easy approach. Many comps go by without the nearest the pin being threatened. The wind is difficult to judge on this tee and plays havoc with many a well struck shot.
6th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 503m Ladies 396m
Our longest par 5 and the wide fairway tends to lull you into a false sense of security. In reality you need to drive down the right opening up the second shot. Balls struck left of centre demand a lay up to the corner or a brave shot to take on the corner. Once the green is in sight the only problems are a bunker protecting the left hand side and a green sloping from back to front.
7th Hole – Par 3 – Mens 140m Ladies 125m
An innocent looking hole which claims an amazing amount of victims with its tricky features. Bunkers guard the left and front of the green and 2 gums 50 metres short catch anyone who curves the ball. The green is small sloping severely back to front and left to right. If you miss the green it had better be short as any where else demands nothing short of a perfect recovery to have a chance of saving your par.
8th Hole – Par 5 – Mens 458m Ladies 447m
A good chance to improve your score as although the drive is blind it is a wide and inviting fairway which throws your ball downhill and from the left. A great view awaits as you approach your drive and look down the wide green fairway to a flat green surrounded by deep bunkers short left and to the back and to the right. The green is shaped from left to right and is beautifully framed by a magnificent group of gums behind the green.
9th Hole – Par 4 - Mens 319m Ladies 268m
A Choice awaits you on the tee to the closing hole on the outward 9. A smallish green which sometimes is difficult to hit even with a short iron, tricks you into trying to get your drive as close to the green as possible. A hidden quarry awaits at 250 metres on the left and the fairway throws your ball from left to right and the fairway narrows down at quarry length. Best to hit your most trusty club on this shortish hole to the wide part of the fairway and trust your ability to nail your 2nd shot at the pin. The narrow green is guarded left and right by shallow bunkers and slopes slightly uphill.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Monday, March 21, 2011
Best score in a competition so far...
Monday 21/3/11 The past few weeks since the end of Southern Ports my scorecards have not been that good. The two trips to Naracoorte in particular had returned the worst scores in some time. Even though this was competitive competition, playing at Naracoorte is effectively to familiarise myself with a new track for the Masters games. As stated in my last post the benefit that has came from playing other courses always has been a refreshing of my approach to the home track at Robe.
This weekend was no exception to this, as I played on Sunday in the home competition after the poor score the day before. This was to see how well I could front up on two consecutive days of competition golf. This second day of golf resulted in my best ever score off the stick in a competition game. Finishing the day with a Front 9 - 40, Back 9 - 41, a Gross 81 with 30 putts. This score was good enough for third place on the day, that was a bonus. To have played this well and still have a 2-3 shot improvement possible is so satisfying after feeling a little despondent and considering a two to three day golf break to freshen up on recent results. Using the Handicap Predictor on Golf Link my handicap is going to drop 1 stroke to a 14.
The break is still an option for the start of this week. In the meantime replaying the shots that yesterday brought home the score and how much these are a result from the experiences at Naracoorte. Without the doglegs and being able to play long off the tee with out endangering my ability to play a clear second shot, I was off to a flying start. First benefit from Naracoorte in the shot playing, was the improved accuracy with the driver, the best in recent memory that can compare to my best practise sessions. Second shots were hitting the green in regulation and four chip shots in particular landed literally on the target spot chosen for the green. Putting was a revelation and in part a concern possibly, 15 on each nine and the reading of the greens was so easy with the familiar home course.
Today the sticks can be cleaned and no swings will happen at all. In the afternoon I have a Bowen Therapy appointment to fix up some muscle strains and realign my back. Tomorrow I am considering a trip to Naracoorte just to play the front 9. The rounds there have been away to good starts on the first four holes and then breaking down. Ambling around by myself I can take my time and get a definite sighting of the last five fairways and derive a playing strategy for them. At the minute the reshafted blades are proof that the choice was correct, having scored 82,83 and an 84 with the previous iron set in recent weeks, this new set have gone straight on with the job so they are definitely not a hindrance. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”Geoff
This weekend was no exception to this, as I played on Sunday in the home competition after the poor score the day before. This was to see how well I could front up on two consecutive days of competition golf. This second day of golf resulted in my best ever score off the stick in a competition game. Finishing the day with a Front 9 - 40, Back 9 - 41, a Gross 81 with 30 putts. This score was good enough for third place on the day, that was a bonus. To have played this well and still have a 2-3 shot improvement possible is so satisfying after feeling a little despondent and considering a two to three day golf break to freshen up on recent results. Using the Handicap Predictor on Golf Link my handicap is going to drop 1 stroke to a 14.
The break is still an option for the start of this week. In the meantime replaying the shots that yesterday brought home the score and how much these are a result from the experiences at Naracoorte. Without the doglegs and being able to play long off the tee with out endangering my ability to play a clear second shot, I was off to a flying start. First benefit from Naracoorte in the shot playing, was the improved accuracy with the driver, the best in recent memory that can compare to my best practise sessions. Second shots were hitting the green in regulation and four chip shots in particular landed literally on the target spot chosen for the green. Putting was a revelation and in part a concern possibly, 15 on each nine and the reading of the greens was so easy with the familiar home course.
Today the sticks can be cleaned and no swings will happen at all. In the afternoon I have a Bowen Therapy appointment to fix up some muscle strains and realign my back. Tomorrow I am considering a trip to Naracoorte just to play the front 9. The rounds there have been away to good starts on the first four holes and then breaking down. Ambling around by myself I can take my time and get a definite sighting of the last five fairways and derive a playing strategy for them. At the minute the reshafted blades are proof that the choice was correct, having scored 82,83 and an 84 with the previous iron set in recent weeks, this new set have gone straight on with the job so they are definitely not a hindrance. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”Geoff
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Second Round at Naracoorte
I am not a self taught golfer, having taken a few very valuable lessons. The practise which is my biggest assist in the game is all derived from the club professional lessons, reading coaching guides and developing a structure from them to use as a routine. What is now becoming apparent is the ‘strategic’ game I am begining to prepare before playing a round. It was obvious with the Southern Ports preparation how I studied and played the courses, and noticable was the worst score was at my home course. The Naracoorte Course is similar to many around the region and there are often winners and place-getters from this club in various Opens. My game is one that struggles at these ‘inland’ tracks. The factors that affect me most are 1) The Gum trees, they are high and thick between fairways, 2) Undulating fairways and not able to see the greens from the tee block. (Both these are not features at the home track.) 3) Greens are very different course to course, that is part of golf and I can deal with that.
The previous may seem to be a long preamble to the result, another poor one, yet better than the week before. this time a Stableford round; Front 9- 11 points and Back nine- 16 (only one three putt) for a total of 27 points with three wipes and 5- 1 point holes. As with the weeek before the front 9 took me to the wall. After the first 2 holes; 4 points, then a wipe followed by a 3 pointer, having 7 points after 4 holes I was in a good position. Then to get only 4 points from the next 5 holes was a disaster, score wise. This was the result of the same errors the week before, just could not stay on the fairway off the tee. The course has several par 4 and 5 doglegs that are 160-200 m from the tee to the turn. High gum trees of course mean that shooting accross the corner is beyond the ability of most 15 Hcp golfers. The best % is to shoot to the turn and play from there and that is my approach.
The fairways are a bit tight and I have again gone too long or to the left or right into the trees and had to play sideways out on to the fairways. My accuracy off the tee here has been very poor, on the back 9 same as the week before I threw caution to the wind and unshackled my game. It does not yet make sense as to “why” for the past two weeks my game becomes constipated on the Front 9 here and how on the Back 9 I can make a conscious decision to release the shot playing, attack the holes and improve!?
The rounds at Naracoorte two weeks in succession are part of the preparation for the Masters Games golf competition played at the beginning of April. This is the first time that making a significant change in my playing style due to a course is needed. It had became obvious that after playing at Kingston and Beachport that my game on the home course had became lazy as well. The saying ‘Familiarity breeds contempt’ is an apt turn of phrase for this. After playing away it was like having blinkers removed at the Robe course seeing how my shot selection was almost blase’. This has resulted in playing shots that had lower % of success and blowout double bogie scores are becoming a regular feature on the scorecard.
Today fronting up to play 18 holes at Robe, again as a trial for the Masters, am I up to playing two serious competitive rounds in two days. More comfortable with the new graphite shafted blades after a week and will test the distances that I can now achieve with them without any experimenting. Did do a few trials at Naracoorte yesterday but that was irrelevant to the bad scoring. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Friday, March 18, 2011
Another step forward....
Friday 18/3/11 Sometimes Golf seems to bring out the 'inner parking inspector' in people. There is something in this game which releases an officious know all gene in some people. It is a matter of not being put off and if there is a dispute raise it in the club house at the end of the round and get a match committee ruling on it before signing your card.
Unfortunately the incident and its ramifications must be sorted as soon as possible. Allowing the rest of the round to be completed, with a semblance of harmony. I have never had to play a round of golf which has been affected by a ruling dispute or an irritating player. Yet it is sure to happen one day, that is the law of averages lol. Generally speaking playing partners are not a distraction to me I try to be as civil as possible whilst buried in that 'GOLF WORLD' in my mind as the round unfolds.
Being a conversant and chatty playing partner can be a major task for me at times, my brain is wired in that way. Always make the effort to join in with the group, of late though in winding down from Southern Ports my game has been very erratic. Practise has been very good technically and result wise. As a person an effort has been made to relax and not dwell on the result. The future beckons, starting with getting used to the graphite shafted blades that have been in the bag this week.
Performance wise, adjusting to the longer distance and retaining the accuracy that had became the norm with my last iron set is paramount. The short game around the green is still good, the short irons from 50m - 150m has been altered dramatically. Never been a long hitter with my irons compared to many of my peers. Wedge from 50m was a big call now I am using it effectively out to 70-80 m. This increase has been transferred through my irons out to the #5.
The #3 and #4 irons are still in the same effective distances 160-190m that is no problem and depending on the conditions and hole being played the #3 and #5 Woods come into consideration with these distances. As I played only with irons in 2009 I have no favourites and use them all happily. The recent changes including better swing technique, fitness and consistency are complimented with benefits from the better 'touch' of the blades with graphite shafts. It is like having 20 clubs in the bag with the flexibility available from this latest club configuration.This month is looming as another that will deliver some more moments of note in the golf adventure. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Unfortunately the incident and its ramifications must be sorted as soon as possible. Allowing the rest of the round to be completed, with a semblance of harmony. I have never had to play a round of golf which has been affected by a ruling dispute or an irritating player. Yet it is sure to happen one day, that is the law of averages lol. Generally speaking playing partners are not a distraction to me I try to be as civil as possible whilst buried in that 'GOLF WORLD' in my mind as the round unfolds.
Being a conversant and chatty playing partner can be a major task for me at times, my brain is wired in that way. Always make the effort to join in with the group, of late though in winding down from Southern Ports my game has been very erratic. Practise has been very good technically and result wise. As a person an effort has been made to relax and not dwell on the result. The future beckons, starting with getting used to the graphite shafted blades that have been in the bag this week.
Performance wise, adjusting to the longer distance and retaining the accuracy that had became the norm with my last iron set is paramount. The short game around the green is still good, the short irons from 50m - 150m has been altered dramatically. Never been a long hitter with my irons compared to many of my peers. Wedge from 50m was a big call now I am using it effectively out to 70-80 m. This increase has been transferred through my irons out to the #5.
The #3 and #4 irons are still in the same effective distances 160-190m that is no problem and depending on the conditions and hole being played the #3 and #5 Woods come into consideration with these distances. As I played only with irons in 2009 I have no favourites and use them all happily. The recent changes including better swing technique, fitness and consistency are complimented with benefits from the better 'touch' of the blades with graphite shafts. It is like having 20 clubs in the bag with the flexibility available from this latest club configuration.This month is looming as another that will deliver some more moments of note in the golf adventure. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Thursday, March 17, 2011
New Shafts on old Blades
The greens were not what was expected , finding out afterwards that this was the 4th consecutive day of competition on the course being the reason. Unfortunately my body was also not travelling well either. A flare up of accident injuries took their toll on the scorecard as well. All things considered the score was bad but the experience was not without merit. As part of my preparation for the Masters Games played on this course in April, it was good trial. At this stage another Naracoorte trip will be on for me Saturday, must admit that my pride has been a little dented with the first experience and I am out for a rematch with the course.
This coming round will be my first with the latest set of irons to grace my bag. Picked up a set of Nike Stiff Flex Graphite shafts from ebay and have fitted them to an old set of Keith Knox blades purchased last year. Previously the shafts were too short and as much as I enjoyed practising with them they were unacceptable for serious competition. Was tempted to take them to Naracoorte last week but the glue needed another day to cure. Since Monday they have been given a thorough trial on the course and in practise, proving very satisfactory. My ball striking has improved significantly and the transition to blades is now beginning. Tomorrow I will play 9 holes of serious social golf with a regular sparring partner (off 13) only two strokes separate us now, a long way from thedays when I was on 27+. Has always been a benefit for my game having serious practise rounds with this fella. Tomorrow will be the last chance to have a hit as he is returning to Tasmania.
It is a delight to hit 20 balls and see them fly straight and true to a target area ranging from 50 to 150 metres. The choice of graphite shafts came from trialing a set of 2010 Taylor Made Burner irons. The ball left the club face so well and the distance was a surprise for the lack of effort used to play shots. The same applies to the Knox blades and graphite shaft combination. The lightness of the irons in total together with the touch and accuracy is a marked improvement on the previous set. It is still a particular pleasure to experience the improved shot making skills in my game now. Even with the erratic putting which will improve over time with practise. Seems like yesterday when I used to spray balls left/right, topped or hit them fat with iron shots.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Friday, March 11, 2011
Runner-up Twice a double loser? :)
Wednesday 9/3/11 Giving playing in the season opener a miss on Sunday the 13th, after a week of golf during Southern Ports. A trip to Adelaide to check out the entertainment at the Fringe festival with my girlfriend and get back into the real world. Was a little flat in the heat on arrival and after a 5 am start did catch a very funny show, “The half naked Chef”. It only went for 20 minutes in the Garden of Unearthly Delights, always a pleasure seeing a comic working an audience and laughing at the results. This was a particular treat, having missed out seeing these 15-20 min shows in the mini-tents the last couple of Fringes. There is a professional interest as well from my standpoint that was satisfied as well.
The last Southern Ports duty I had was to man the bar during the presentation dinner on Saturday Night. It was good to have a final chance to meet up with people I had met and played golf with during the week. One of the particular strengths of the Tournament is the social atmosphere among the (440) players during the week. The level of competitiveness is commensurate with the level of ability in the three grades. The 14 and lower handicappers in “A” grade play the game to the highest level on the courses and are the most convivial socialisers at the end of their rounds, staying on well after the daily presentations. “B” and “C” grade golfers stay for the social side of the game after their rounds, largely due to the more relaxed level of competitiveness do not tend to let off as much steam. Which does not preclude the golfers in these two grades from having many late nights enjoying the restaurants and wines of the region. It is also great BBQ and beer times as well which combined does blunt the performance of the hearty partiers on course.
For my part the experience was fun and well worth the effort. Putting in 3-4 months of training paid off in my result, as well as improving my golf to the best level ever. Tieing for the gross and losing the playoff on the second hole was a bonus to the experience. Coming second to the same golfer as well in the Nett section of the ”B” was the biggest surprise. I had not even considered that I would be in the running for the Nett section being on a low handicap. To finish runner-up two times in “B” Grade compared to runner-up once in “C” Grade the year before is an improvement. I see the funny side as well, perhaps I am twice the loser instead.
Refreshed after a couple of days away, I have got back into practising just to maintain my level as best I can for the next three weeks. With the Masters Games on the first weekend of April being the motivation I would like to improve my Driver off the tee and #3 Wood a little more in the accuracy area. Having never played at Naracoorte before I am heading there this Saturday for a tournament to get an idea of what it is like first hand. Thankyou for your time and attention. “Hit ‘em Straight all”Geoff
The last Southern Ports duty I had was to man the bar during the presentation dinner on Saturday Night. It was good to have a final chance to meet up with people I had met and played golf with during the week. One of the particular strengths of the Tournament is the social atmosphere among the (440) players during the week. The level of competitiveness is commensurate with the level of ability in the three grades. The 14 and lower handicappers in “A” grade play the game to the highest level on the courses and are the most convivial socialisers at the end of their rounds, staying on well after the daily presentations. “B” and “C” grade golfers stay for the social side of the game after their rounds, largely due to the more relaxed level of competitiveness do not tend to let off as much steam. Which does not preclude the golfers in these two grades from having many late nights enjoying the restaurants and wines of the region. It is also great BBQ and beer times as well which combined does blunt the performance of the hearty partiers on course.
For my part the experience was fun and well worth the effort. Putting in 3-4 months of training paid off in my result, as well as improving my golf to the best level ever. Tieing for the gross and losing the playoff on the second hole was a bonus to the experience. Coming second to the same golfer as well in the Nett section of the ”B” was the biggest surprise. I had not even considered that I would be in the running for the Nett section being on a low handicap. To finish runner-up two times in “B” Grade compared to runner-up once in “C” Grade the year before is an improvement. I see the funny side as well, perhaps I am twice the loser instead.
Refreshed after a couple of days away, I have got back into practising just to maintain my level as best I can for the next three weeks. With the Masters Games on the first weekend of April being the motivation I would like to improve my Driver off the tee and #3 Wood a little more in the accuracy area. Having never played at Naracoorte before I am heading there this Saturday for a tournament to get an idea of what it is like first hand. Thankyou for your time and attention. “Hit ‘em Straight all”Geoff
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Final round - The Result is....
The proof is in the final result, went from playing in “C” Grade in 2010 off a 22 hcp, finishing runner up in the Southern Ports tournament. In 2011 played off 16 to begin and dropped a stroke to 15 after the second round. After 54 holes had a gross score of 260 and tied for first place with a “bolter” from another golfer who had a 74 gross (played to a 6 hcp while on 18) nett 56 in the final round. That is a sensational score and in the play off I lost on the second hole Par 3 when my shot went left to just off the green and my opponent put his a metre from the pin. Birdie beats a par every time and for the second year in a row I have came runner up in my grade for the Southern Ports Tournament.
It is with a lot of happiness that I can say all of the effort was well worth the time put into it. Winning would have been nice and considering that I was producing a documentary on the Tournament anything less than a top two placing would have been a bit of a let down. It was interesting to receive some critique after the first round 93 that I had been “heading for a fall” because of talking up having a crack for so long prior to the tournament. That is something that I cannot understand, my confidence and self belief in how I was going to perform was totally focussed. None of it was from an ego driven basis, all of the belief came from having put in the time preparing to play at my best in a given time frame. The only addition to my practising from the previous years was a much better short game routine and a smaller target area for the long irons on the range. There was no performance anxiety affecting my game, (if anything and this is not an excuse) unexpectedly having to start the field and going from hitting off in the first group to the last group is the only thing which outside of playing golf influenced my mind set. On the mental side which was non existent in my game previously, now a 100% believer in the “Picture the balls flight and landing on a target”. Imagination is a vital part of my career, that it actually works in playing golf as well has been pointed out countless times. It was not a conscious effort, this just happened during the round at Kingston, even as I write this at the minute the feeling of satisfaction from the memory of the first few “Pictured” shots is a pleasure.
Tonight is the presentation dinner and I am on bar duty and will be getting the final film footage for the documentary as well. It will also be great fun having the final chats and laughs with the many golfers who are new friends after playing with and among them during the Tournament. That is another of the reasons why this tournament had 440 players in its 36th year. The camaraderie is one that only other golfers can imagine, a competitive sport that is as cruel as it is wonderful nurtures this bond of unity in a common cause. Thankyou for your time and attention. “Hit ‘em Straight all”Geoff
Friday, March 04, 2011
Third round Southern Ports ....
Friday 4/3/11 Starting today refreshed and full of beans after an early night and a fitful sleep. Did have to field one phone call with a bit of diplomacy when asked to be a spotter at the Robe course prior to heading off to Beachport and playing in the final round. Generally helping out at the club is not a problem with me, and if it must be done then that is okay to volunteer. In this case though being in 2nd place and after 3 months of preparation for this tournament I really don’t need to add a distraction to my pre-game focus. There is a part of me that can see this as being a bit ‘precious’ yet with the years of live performances behind me I know how much establishing and sticking with a sensible routine without distractions prior to doing a gig works.
Not like there is a sheep station riding on the result, mostly pride and satisfaction, not to forget I am also producing the documentary on the tournment this week as well. Already a winner this week picking up two pair of Greg Norman golf pants for $25 each at the Pro Shop clearance, so I even look like a half decent golfer on the course now. The prize for winning the Nett at Kingston (67) on Wednesday was a new wallet. Considering that my old one was falling apart and should have been replaced a year ago, I am a very happy fella at the minute.
Hit around 7 holes at Beachport yesterday and worked on a game strategy for today. Again trying out the greens alone made the trip well worth it. Definite change in their pace from a month ago, they will be cut again for today an opportunity for putting disaster has been forewarned. The Beachport greens are quite rough and bouncy not the smooth surface of most courses in the region. So a 2 m putt can be a challenge and going for the hole is usually the best approach. Being faster now and a little smoother in my experience yesterday, softer lagging putts are going to be my tactic on the first 3-4 holes. Playing with caution and setting up a good round at the start.
Time for some sensible percertage golf is all, no need to open the gates and risk blowing out the numbers. The weather is a cooler day than Kingston, the course is closer tro the sea and the air is going to be heavy. Which as I found out yesterday playing a club up from Kingston to get the same distance is needed. Being only one stroke behind the leader myself and 6 of us on 175-181 gross, today will be a hoot of a challenge.
Fair dinkum this serious golf game preparation gives me a brain ache dear readers. Had great fun with the whole experience of Southern Ports from starting training in November to now. Thankfully I do not have to do this every week to put food on the table, if I did two minute noodles would be my staple diet for certain lol. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Not like there is a sheep station riding on the result, mostly pride and satisfaction, not to forget I am also producing the documentary on the tournment this week as well. Already a winner this week picking up two pair of Greg Norman golf pants for $25 each at the Pro Shop clearance, so I even look like a half decent golfer on the course now. The prize for winning the Nett at Kingston (67) on Wednesday was a new wallet. Considering that my old one was falling apart and should have been replaced a year ago, I am a very happy fella at the minute.
Hit around 7 holes at Beachport yesterday and worked on a game strategy for today. Again trying out the greens alone made the trip well worth it. Definite change in their pace from a month ago, they will be cut again for today an opportunity for putting disaster has been forewarned. The Beachport greens are quite rough and bouncy not the smooth surface of most courses in the region. So a 2 m putt can be a challenge and going for the hole is usually the best approach. Being faster now and a little smoother in my experience yesterday, softer lagging putts are going to be my tactic on the first 3-4 holes. Playing with caution and setting up a good round at the start.
Time for some sensible percertage golf is all, no need to open the gates and risk blowing out the numbers. The weather is a cooler day than Kingston, the course is closer tro the sea and the air is going to be heavy. Which as I found out yesterday playing a club up from Kingston to get the same distance is needed. Being only one stroke behind the leader myself and 6 of us on 175-181 gross, today will be a hoot of a challenge.
Fair dinkum this serious golf game preparation gives me a brain ache dear readers. Had great fun with the whole experience of Southern Ports from starting training in November to now. Thankfully I do not have to do this every week to put food on the table, if I did two minute noodles would be my staple diet for certain lol. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Thursday, March 03, 2011
2nd Round Southern Ports - On Target....
Thursday 3/3/11 Played the second Southern Ports “B” grade round at Kingston SE yesterday, getting my score back on target. A benign day weather wise, the wind dropped from the practise nine a day before. The putting experience on Kingston’s greens was a definite bonus for Wednesday and was the deciding factor in the improvement. Finished with an 83 off the stick and 30 putts for the day, second place in the gross and first place in the nett by one stroke respectively. The result yesterday took a stroke of my handicap, now on a playing handicap of 15. A total of 3 strokes reduction since the preparation began in November 2010. As all the advice given on improving golfing ability refers to, it is practising the skills not knowing about them that makes the difference.
With one round to go on Friday at Beachport the leader board has the top 6 ranging from 175 to 181 gross. The top 12 score range goes out to 183 and even with an eight stroke variance seeming improbable to be made up the variables that can affect the end result can be significant. First is the weather, this is a coastal region and if the wind does come up the influence on the play is significant. Playing on another different course, whose greens are markedly different to the previous two is the second easily identifiable influence. In my case having played on all the courses, still not leaving anything to chance, going to Beachport and playing 9 holes today. Last trip up the greenkeeper was considering cutting the greens lower and having spoken with a couple of Beachport golfers this week that has happened and it is very different to a month ago.
Yesterday I made a particular club choice change using the Sand wedge for in close pitching instead of a Pitching Wedge. This was a successful decision wit the ball pulling up well and not running off the green as happened to several times to my playing partners. That club choice was the result of the practise round the day before. Also considered playing the #3 Wood and no driver if the wind was too strong which did not happen. The other significant benefit of the day before round was in my club choice for second shots on par 4’s especially. The course played a lot shorter for me than previously, using a 7 and 8 instead of a 5 or 6 on the par 4’s (and 5’s) this would not have happened until after several holes had been blown out otherwise.
Being a happy club hacker is my usual nature in golfing experience, even with the competitive nature of my game that exists always. Having put all the effort in again for this year’s Tournament is delivering results and luck has little to do with my current placing. I have relied upon the improvement gained out of practise to get this far and had a hoot. Friday will be the same and apart from doing the best I can as a golfer swinging his sticks and researching the course and conditions, luck is not even being considered as a significant factor. Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all”Geoff
With one round to go on Friday at Beachport the leader board has the top 6 ranging from 175 to 181 gross. The top 12 score range goes out to 183 and even with an eight stroke variance seeming improbable to be made up the variables that can affect the end result can be significant. First is the weather, this is a coastal region and if the wind does come up the influence on the play is significant. Playing on another different course, whose greens are markedly different to the previous two is the second easily identifiable influence. In my case having played on all the courses, still not leaving anything to chance, going to Beachport and playing 9 holes today. Last trip up the greenkeeper was considering cutting the greens lower and having spoken with a couple of Beachport golfers this week that has happened and it is very different to a month ago.
Yesterday I made a particular club choice change using the Sand wedge for in close pitching instead of a Pitching Wedge. This was a successful decision wit the ball pulling up well and not running off the green as happened to several times to my playing partners. That club choice was the result of the practise round the day before. Also considered playing the #3 Wood and no driver if the wind was too strong which did not happen. The other significant benefit of the day before round was in my club choice for second shots on par 4’s especially. The course played a lot shorter for me than previously, using a 7 and 8 instead of a 5 or 6 on the par 4’s (and 5’s) this would not have happened until after several holes had been blown out otherwise.
Being a happy club hacker is my usual nature in golfing experience, even with the competitive nature of my game that exists always. Having put all the effort in again for this year’s Tournament is delivering results and luck has little to do with my current placing. I have relied upon the improvement gained out of practise to get this far and had a hoot. Friday will be the same and apart from doing the best I can as a golfer swinging his sticks and researching the course and conditions, luck is not even being considered as a significant factor. Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all”Geoff
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
2011 First Round Southern Ports played at Robe...
Tuesday 1/3/11 Got myself around the course in a reasonable state at the end of the days play. After sending off all of the groups for the day I finally got to start my round at the end of the field. It was not my expected tee off time nor doing the starters duties which did distract me a little. Finishing the day with a gross 93 for a nett 77 with 35 putts was not the planned result going for an 88-90 was the target. Four bad drives added an extra 4 shots to my score. That said the errors were very small and the choice to use the driver and not the #3 off the tee was correct the wind would have ben a distraction and trying to hit too hard would have been the rsult. The opportunities were there to make them up and unfortunately my putting was so close yet a miss is a miss. Golf is not a game of “if only” for me and the score is not a disaster, Robe being the course that can destroy a golfers chances was reasonably benign on the day for me.
Played with last years winner and we tied at the end of the day and the 2010 runner up is 3 shots behind us. The winning score of 85 for a net 66 (19 hcp) was a good effort from a golfer on his home course, second with 90 (20hcp), 3rd on 91 (20hcp) and fourth 90 (19 hcp) shows that the gap can be made up in the next two rounds. Not easy of course but what better way to play than with a challenge to urge me on, while testing my limits.
The weather has taken a turn for the worse today with the wind stronger than Monday, which was for Robe almost enjoyable being out in a round of golf being played. Kingston and Beachport are courses I play with confidence on and as always enjoy walking around. Went to Kingston SE today and played the Front 9 to get accustomed to the greens and refresh my memory for the club and shot selections. With a score on the board now it is possible to set down the targets and see if I can deliver.
=====================================
Monday 28/2/11 Southern Ports Tournament begins for me today, 440 golfers are registered for the week to play in the various events. Saturday and Sunday my practise was limited to an hour each day. With social commitments getting precedence over golf for a change, the break has been very refreshing. Yes golf is fun and relaxation for me not a be all and end all of a sporting obsession. Added to the fun is that the Handicap winner of 2010 (runner up by one stroke in the gross also) is my old cricket captain and he had some fun sledging me at dinner Saturday.
Make no mistake it was all very serious he is one competitive champion to come up against, instead of being on the same team this time. It is almost a case of teacher and pupil meeting on the sporting field, after playing in 3 consecutive cricket premiership teams under his leadership taught me a lot about playing to win. His first sledge thrown was, “he asked to play in the same group as me but the organisers said I had asked not to be grouped with him.” followed by “last few weeks of practising have ended up with throwing clubs around it was so bad.” Which means to me he has been practising, and the look in his eyes when telling me that “he missed winning the gross championship by one stroke in 2010” has not been forgotten.
Over the period of dedicated practise, the B grade status of my game by handicap is confirmed. That is not a disapointing it is the reality of the standard my game has improved to over 12 months. Enjoying golf for me is playing 3-4 times per week, practising pitching regularly and the rest iregularly. How little time I dedicate to practising usually shows in that the past 3 months has given me blisters and callouses on my fingers. Today is the beginning to see if I can get value from the practise in another competition. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
======================================
Wednesday 23/2/11 Golfers come in to play the game with different attitudes depending on personal choices. Some are purely social in their approach, enjoying the walk, camaraderie and the competitive challenge is not a major influence on their game. Others are committed to the competition aspect of the game being part of the pleasure derived from being on the course as well as the social aspect. For me the ability to travel and play in Club Opens as well as club championship, monthly medals is a definite part of my golfing enjoyment.
If it was not for competitive golf, there is no way I would have gone through the dedicated periods of practise to improve my game. The improvements have now made me realise that a decision is soon going to be required on “how much more golfing can I do?” Writing my golf diary yesterday was the first time this thought has came to my attention. This time last year having reached a 22 handicap and played a couple of 17 hcp rounds, the reality was that my golf was very basic ability. Today my 16 handicap and having played to 12 a couple of time and broken 80 in a social round recently the improvement is at a level of a competent average golfer.
This recent improvement has came from 3 months of preparation for next weeks Southern Ports Tournament. I have done this twice in the past two seasons and had major handicap drops as part of the goal to play better golf. By listening to other golfers and other research (okay I am an obsessed golfer) After this tournament I am going to have to look seriously at how much time I can dedicate to practise in the future. It is not about lack of time available, more so to get myself a grounded approach and not start floating off with the clouds. Ambition, desire, dreams, ability and capability are all topics that need to be defined and acted upon. This week I caught up with a guy from primary school days who is now a successful professional golfer, twenty odd years since last catching up and yes we talked golf. I remember the amount of practise it took him and the commitment, and yes I did wish I had the same support to chase the golf dream. Which is partly why now I have the time and ability to play golf again I am so dedicated.
Fortunately I have a career which allows me to incorporate golf into my creative output and performing. Which is far better than when I used to do the same with beer and partying in my performing. Even so there is a limit and that is better off being considered in the near future than letting it slide until a crisis point is reached. The key is for me to use what I have observed among other golfers and picked up from reading to be aware of the realistic standard I can reach as a golfer. My off the cuff comment 3 years ago to my friends was, “be happy to reach 15 and I would like to get 10 hcp”. Having now arrived at an entry point to the first target, making the plan for the future is now due.
Today while putting in the hour with irons and #3 Woods, keeping tuned up and maintaining the standard reached of late, the #1 Driver was given a try for the first time in 3 weeks. Satisfied to play without the Driver next week in light of recent great scores without it in the bag. That is no reason to discount using a club that gives me 30-35m extra off the tee. The results from 15 balls hit was 10 in the target area, will persist during the week and if the standard improves will be looking at the Driver going back in the bag. Working on the “less is best” principle and only using the driver 5-6 times in a round off the tee at the minute. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em Straight all”
Geoff
Played with last years winner and we tied at the end of the day and the 2010 runner up is 3 shots behind us. The winning score of 85 for a net 66 (19 hcp) was a good effort from a golfer on his home course, second with 90 (20hcp), 3rd on 91 (20hcp) and fourth 90 (19 hcp) shows that the gap can be made up in the next two rounds. Not easy of course but what better way to play than with a challenge to urge me on, while testing my limits.
The weather has taken a turn for the worse today with the wind stronger than Monday, which was for Robe almost enjoyable being out in a round of golf being played. Kingston and Beachport are courses I play with confidence on and as always enjoy walking around. Went to Kingston SE today and played the Front 9 to get accustomed to the greens and refresh my memory for the club and shot selections. With a score on the board now it is possible to set down the targets and see if I can deliver.
=====================================
Monday 28/2/11 Southern Ports Tournament begins for me today, 440 golfers are registered for the week to play in the various events. Saturday and Sunday my practise was limited to an hour each day. With social commitments getting precedence over golf for a change, the break has been very refreshing. Yes golf is fun and relaxation for me not a be all and end all of a sporting obsession. Added to the fun is that the Handicap winner of 2010 (runner up by one stroke in the gross also) is my old cricket captain and he had some fun sledging me at dinner Saturday.
Make no mistake it was all very serious he is one competitive champion to come up against, instead of being on the same team this time. It is almost a case of teacher and pupil meeting on the sporting field, after playing in 3 consecutive cricket premiership teams under his leadership taught me a lot about playing to win. His first sledge thrown was, “he asked to play in the same group as me but the organisers said I had asked not to be grouped with him.” followed by “last few weeks of practising have ended up with throwing clubs around it was so bad.” Which means to me he has been practising, and the look in his eyes when telling me that “he missed winning the gross championship by one stroke in 2010” has not been forgotten.
Over the period of dedicated practise, the B grade status of my game by handicap is confirmed. That is not a disapointing it is the reality of the standard my game has improved to over 12 months. Enjoying golf for me is playing 3-4 times per week, practising pitching regularly and the rest iregularly. How little time I dedicate to practising usually shows in that the past 3 months has given me blisters and callouses on my fingers. Today is the beginning to see if I can get value from the practise in another competition. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
======================================
Wednesday 23/2/11 Golfers come in to play the game with different attitudes depending on personal choices. Some are purely social in their approach, enjoying the walk, camaraderie and the competitive challenge is not a major influence on their game. Others are committed to the competition aspect of the game being part of the pleasure derived from being on the course as well as the social aspect. For me the ability to travel and play in Club Opens as well as club championship, monthly medals is a definite part of my golfing enjoyment.
If it was not for competitive golf, there is no way I would have gone through the dedicated periods of practise to improve my game. The improvements have now made me realise that a decision is soon going to be required on “how much more golfing can I do?” Writing my golf diary yesterday was the first time this thought has came to my attention. This time last year having reached a 22 handicap and played a couple of 17 hcp rounds, the reality was that my golf was very basic ability. Today my 16 handicap and having played to 12 a couple of time and broken 80 in a social round recently the improvement is at a level of a competent average golfer.
This recent improvement has came from 3 months of preparation for next weeks Southern Ports Tournament. I have done this twice in the past two seasons and had major handicap drops as part of the goal to play better golf. By listening to other golfers and other research (okay I am an obsessed golfer) After this tournament I am going to have to look seriously at how much time I can dedicate to practise in the future. It is not about lack of time available, more so to get myself a grounded approach and not start floating off with the clouds. Ambition, desire, dreams, ability and capability are all topics that need to be defined and acted upon. This week I caught up with a guy from primary school days who is now a successful professional golfer, twenty odd years since last catching up and yes we talked golf. I remember the amount of practise it took him and the commitment, and yes I did wish I had the same support to chase the golf dream. Which is partly why now I have the time and ability to play golf again I am so dedicated.
Fortunately I have a career which allows me to incorporate golf into my creative output and performing. Which is far better than when I used to do the same with beer and partying in my performing. Even so there is a limit and that is better off being considered in the near future than letting it slide until a crisis point is reached. The key is for me to use what I have observed among other golfers and picked up from reading to be aware of the realistic standard I can reach as a golfer. My off the cuff comment 3 years ago to my friends was, “be happy to reach 15 and I would like to get 10 hcp”. Having now arrived at an entry point to the first target, making the plan for the future is now due.
Today while putting in the hour with irons and #3 Woods, keeping tuned up and maintaining the standard reached of late, the #1 Driver was given a try for the first time in 3 weeks. Satisfied to play without the Driver next week in light of recent great scores without it in the bag. That is no reason to discount using a club that gives me 30-35m extra off the tee. The results from 15 balls hit was 10 in the target area, will persist during the week and if the standard improves will be looking at the Driver going back in the bag. Working on the “less is best” principle and only using the driver 5-6 times in a round off the tee at the minute. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em Straight all”
Geoff
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