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
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Training for the last week...
Tuesday 22/2/11 Back from Adelaide late yesterday, after leaving straight from the course on Sunday afternoon. Not the usual way to leave the course without having some socialising after a round but no choice this time around. Was well worth the hurry with the two meetings in Adelaide very productive for the production of the golf documentary in 2011. Important for several reasons not the least to have less mental distractions during next weeks Tournament and filming schedule.
The decision to use the smaller Prosimmon irons with the stiff shafts was well warranted. The accuracy and distance obtained, also the control in what was the strongest wind played in for 3-4 months was very effective. Only carried #3 Metals (Cobra and Shark) on the day leaving the 9.5 degree driver out as well. Over the past ten rounds, seven have been under 90 (from 82 to 88) my confidence is established for the 3 round tournament next week. The score was 31 points with three wipes and two 1 point holes on Sunday playing to 23 off a 16 hcp, similar to the last full round played before the 2010 tournament I had a blow out then as well. The three costly wipes came from 4 putting one green, a poor pitch and a lost ball while using the Cobra #3 to tee off on the 17th. At that stage of the round I was playing well with 16 points from 7 holes on the back nine. The tee shot was a strong draw into trees and the ball was unable to be found.
Having kept the record of my pre-Tournament preparation last year has been a great reference point, it has a lot to do with my satisfaction at the minute. I do practise often but never to such a planned routine as I have for 3 months in the lead up to Southern Ports. It is not possible to do this always and it does take some motivating factor to make the extra effort (and sacrifice) and commit to the routine. I am only an amateur mid range golfer with a realistic view of my capability and ability in golf. Yes, my dedication and commitment is more than some and less than others and that is what gets the results for my standard of late. Improvement takes time and the proof in my approach, is that in the last two years at the same time with the same practise I have dropped 3strokes twice, doing the same routine.
This week is all about honing the strokes with all clubs to a consistent standard of accuracy and distance. Split into Drivers, Irons, Pitching/Chipping and Putting. Spending up to 3 hours a day (daylight saving (pays off at last) with most focus on Putting that is a definite area needing improvement. With the two #3 Metals already I have improved on them in two sessions. First was a lapse in concentration and trying to hit too hard was making my front foot lift, making the shots erratic. Now sorted and 30 balls to 200 m in a 15 m radius from the target is good enough for me with the Shark XLT Club.
The Cobra was a totally different matter, only had it for a week and not really given it a dedicated work out. Having been a slicer for so long with Woods this club had been good distance wise but the draw on it was what caused the wipe on the 17th hole, Sunday. After a concentrated session today it became obvious that I have to line up the shots with this club allowing for a draw every time. I had thought it was just my fault and poor playing yet setting up the same for both clubs the Cobra was 10 – 20 m left of the target every time compared to the Shark. Finally did the thing I never expected to do and aimed deliberately to the right and watched 10 balls draw onto the target zone.
This afternoon will be putting and pitching drills and this is the weeks routine, for Tuesday- Friday. Will play nine holes Friday and Sunday to put the practise to some field testing. Then it is down to the way the rounds unfold in the competition. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em Straight All”
Geoff
The decision to use the smaller Prosimmon irons with the stiff shafts was well warranted. The accuracy and distance obtained, also the control in what was the strongest wind played in for 3-4 months was very effective. Only carried #3 Metals (Cobra and Shark) on the day leaving the 9.5 degree driver out as well. Over the past ten rounds, seven have been under 90 (from 82 to 88) my confidence is established for the 3 round tournament next week. The score was 31 points with three wipes and two 1 point holes on Sunday playing to 23 off a 16 hcp, similar to the last full round played before the 2010 tournament I had a blow out then as well. The three costly wipes came from 4 putting one green, a poor pitch and a lost ball while using the Cobra #3 to tee off on the 17th. At that stage of the round I was playing well with 16 points from 7 holes on the back nine. The tee shot was a strong draw into trees and the ball was unable to be found.
Having kept the record of my pre-Tournament preparation last year has been a great reference point, it has a lot to do with my satisfaction at the minute. I do practise often but never to such a planned routine as I have for 3 months in the lead up to Southern Ports. It is not possible to do this always and it does take some motivating factor to make the extra effort (and sacrifice) and commit to the routine. I am only an amateur mid range golfer with a realistic view of my capability and ability in golf. Yes, my dedication and commitment is more than some and less than others and that is what gets the results for my standard of late. Improvement takes time and the proof in my approach, is that in the last two years at the same time with the same practise I have dropped 3strokes twice, doing the same routine.
This week is all about honing the strokes with all clubs to a consistent standard of accuracy and distance. Split into Drivers, Irons, Pitching/Chipping and Putting. Spending up to 3 hours a day (daylight saving (pays off at last) with most focus on Putting that is a definite area needing improvement. With the two #3 Metals already I have improved on them in two sessions. First was a lapse in concentration and trying to hit too hard was making my front foot lift, making the shots erratic. Now sorted and 30 balls to 200 m in a 15 m radius from the target is good enough for me with the Shark XLT Club.
The Cobra was a totally different matter, only had it for a week and not really given it a dedicated work out. Having been a slicer for so long with Woods this club had been good distance wise but the draw on it was what caused the wipe on the 17th hole, Sunday. After a concentrated session today it became obvious that I have to line up the shots with this club allowing for a draw every time. I had thought it was just my fault and poor playing yet setting up the same for both clubs the Cobra was 10 – 20 m left of the target every time compared to the Shark. Finally did the thing I never expected to do and aimed deliberately to the right and watched 10 balls draw onto the target zone.
This afternoon will be putting and pitching drills and this is the weeks routine, for Tuesday- Friday. Will play nine holes Friday and Sunday to put the practise to some field testing. Then it is down to the way the rounds unfold in the competition. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em Straight All”
Geoff
Sunday, February 20, 2011
One week to go...
"Another Crack At The Title" Movie Trailer
Sunday 20/2/11 Beginning the last week prior to the Southern Ports Tournament starting on Monday 28th February, feeling satisfied with my preparation. The one hurdle that arose was a back injury on the 9th of January which has been sorted in a good way. The recent competition results have all been encouraging earning a 16 handicap one above the minimum for “B” grade since November from the practise and training regime followed. Last year my hcp was 22 in the “C” grade section and it was a struggle through May to October for me on the course.
Some of the difficulty was self inflicted while using the period to experiment with different irons and focus on specific skill development. This week I decided to get the stiff flex irons out for a Thursday social round and was pleasantly surprised at how much improvement was delivered. Hitting most greens in regulation with a club less that usual, so I took then out to play 9 holes in the Friday chicken run comp. The weather was lousy a drenching rain and windy the total opposite of what has been the easy playing conditions the past 6 weeks. One lost ball and still came in with 17 points and a 45 off the stick. Not one to live in the world of what might have been, yesterday I went out in dry windy conditions played the same 9 and scored 42 off the stick. Hitting these irons crisply and the ball is travelling accurate and long when needed. today I will try them out over 18 in very gusty wind conditions and if the score is good will definitely has them in the bag for the Tournament.
Received the draw with my tee times Friday and the first two are 1 pm and the third I am in the last group of the day. So good to have got this far since last year and for the first time in a while I can say that I am excited. Filming the documentary at the same time will be no problem either, the routine of practise over past months has my mental focus at a peak. Many could think “woop de doo” about my commitment to this effort and tournament, that is fine, it is not the OZ PGA but the closest my golfing standard will ever come to playing a three day tournament. Great fun and the challenge to win amongst such a field of golfers is inspirational.
Next week I will be winding the practise back to mostly driving range itron and driver shots and most practise will be putting and pitching. The short game is vital to success and my putting is ready for a little tune up. Not walking the courses much to preserve my body, my limits have increased since 2009 but with all my broken bits a little conservation will be apt caution. The Film has been given some much appreciated support from the local print and television media, even though it i s12 months away fromrelease the work being put in now is what delivers the end result. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
When the clubs are passe'
Wednesday 16/2/11 Since 2009 I have purchased several sets of clubs to use on the course. The first being a new set of SHARK XLT cavity back irons and metal drivers. The game improvement aspect of these irons began to have a negative effect in my game play after travelling from 32 hcp to a 22 hcp. During 2010 my game was at a hiatus compared to the large degree of improvement previously, dropping 3 strokes to be playing off 19 hcp in December.
This was not an unexpected result, having noticed many other golfers struggle in that period of transition through the ‘teens’, handicap wise. It was also caused in part due to my series of experiences using different irons, preparing the way for purchasing the ‘right’ set when the appropriate handicap figure is reached. The figure is 10 and I have played to 12 twice in recent weeks. Trying out blades and peripheral weighted irons and cavity backs has been an interesting experience, particularly as my swing changed a lot during the season. Thanks to ebay, picking up 2 x $30 sets to use was a major bonus to explore club suitability.
Now well into 2011 and I have dropped to a 16 handicap after a concerted practise regime in preparing for the Southern Ports Tournament since late 2010, it is coming to decision time for club choice. The irons will be easy enough to establish during a fitting session. For me anyway, the professional may find it a little difficult as I have a definite process for choosing. It is not going to be a matter of Club A and getting the measurements. I am not a Brand Fan person I have decided that there are several types of clubs that will be suitable and it is not going to be a walk in and purchase in a day matter.
Currently my problem is with the Driver, a club that admittedly is used less frequently off the tee of late. In my last round of 82 gross, was not even in the bag. There was a time when the Cobra 9.5 degree club was a very handy part of my club selection .Yet even prior to the back injury that was caused during a tee shot with the driver in January I was putting in way to much effort trying to get consistency with it. Having now tried several other drivers that are not 460cc but less, I am aware that one of the results of my improved swing may be affecting the Driver. The 380-400cc drivers give equivalent distance off the tee and yet I can definitely work the ball with a very good draw that is not apparent with the bigger club head. Also the smaller drivers do not spray left and right compared to the larger. Obviously this is not unique to me and many other golfers have been down the path, summer time means the #3 Metal is fine to use. Come Autumn and Winter and I will have to be settled and resupplied with a Driver in the bag.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em Straight all”
Geoff
This was not an unexpected result, having noticed many other golfers struggle in that period of transition through the ‘teens’, handicap wise. It was also caused in part due to my series of experiences using different irons, preparing the way for purchasing the ‘right’ set when the appropriate handicap figure is reached. The figure is 10 and I have played to 12 twice in recent weeks. Trying out blades and peripheral weighted irons and cavity backs has been an interesting experience, particularly as my swing changed a lot during the season. Thanks to ebay, picking up 2 x $30 sets to use was a major bonus to explore club suitability.
Now well into 2011 and I have dropped to a 16 handicap after a concerted practise regime in preparing for the Southern Ports Tournament since late 2010, it is coming to decision time for club choice. The irons will be easy enough to establish during a fitting session. For me anyway, the professional may find it a little difficult as I have a definite process for choosing. It is not going to be a matter of Club A and getting the measurements. I am not a Brand Fan person I have decided that there are several types of clubs that will be suitable and it is not going to be a walk in and purchase in a day matter.
Currently my problem is with the Driver, a club that admittedly is used less frequently off the tee of late. In my last round of 82 gross, was not even in the bag. There was a time when the Cobra 9.5 degree club was a very handy part of my club selection .Yet even prior to the back injury that was caused during a tee shot with the driver in January I was putting in way to much effort trying to get consistency with it. Having now tried several other drivers that are not 460cc but less, I am aware that one of the results of my improved swing may be affecting the Driver. The 380-400cc drivers give equivalent distance off the tee and yet I can definitely work the ball with a very good draw that is not apparent with the bigger club head. Also the smaller drivers do not spray left and right compared to the larger. Obviously this is not unique to me and many other golfers have been down the path, summer time means the #3 Metal is fine to use. Come Autumn and Winter and I will have to be settled and resupplied with a Driver in the bag.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em Straight all”
Geoff
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