8/2/12 Wednesday. A later than usual entry this week. The writing time was taken up in other club duties. One activity that comes with being a golf club member is being a volunteer to get jobs done. This achieves a few things, besides getting work completed it also develops club pride and belonging in members. As well as the fiscal benefit of saving money and improving the viability of the club. A less obvious benefit is the improved knowledge of golf club and course operation among members. Golfers are players of the game, it is not our area of employment or expertise in expressing the modest appraisal we have of our ability in the game. Knowing how a golf club operates is very different from the view point of a golfer who just plays, to a golfer who volunteers and does some of the work that keeps a club going.
After the previous week of good golf on the course Saturday’s round at Kingston was a total collapse of any game ability during the first 14 holes. I was not able to establish any consistency while playing each hole, a good drive would be followed by an off target second, or inaccurate chip shot. The biggest failing was the disappearance of any form on the green with the putter. Given that 24 hours earlier I went around 9 holes for 18 stableford points and a 43 off the stick to say that I was a little bemused is an understatement. Then I began to claw some form back on the last 4 holes with some pars. It was a draining battle all day, feeling physically uncomfortable and any focus during shots could not be maintained. The final tally was 95 Gross for a Nett 83 with 36 putts.
Initially I was shell shocked that the round was devoid of the consistency that had been established from the last 6 weeks of practise and coaching. None of that “golf can be like that” adage could apply to this score. The conditions were great for golf, the range practise before driving to Kingston was good and the first couple of holes apart from a little stiffness I felt fine and accepted the bogies without really paying much attention to the second shots both being fat and short of the green. After driving home and sitting down to diner the cause of the bad game was becoming apparent as the pain medication I took earlier in the day began to wear off. Of late it had became an almost unconscious action to take a Tramadol tablet in the morning. Yes I do have chronic pain from motor vehicle accident injuries, that is why the script is provided. Usually if the pain begins to affect movement and comfort all that is needed is a Bowen Therapy treatment or even a therapeutic massage and all is fine again.
This time the oversight on my part was caused from concentrating on the coaching and practise program. Not paying attention that this was a lot more than the usual effort and body activity that can be comfortably maintained. Taking medication is a masking effect not a pain management technique, although increasing the comfort during the flare up of injury it has to be used as a stop gap between treatments.
Returned home now from having a Bowen therapy treatment and booked in for next week as a follow up. Already the discomfort is minimal and free fluid movement has returned to the everyday actions of standing sitting and walking. I am fortunate that from years of maintaining a regular therapy program and being aware of the limitations of my body that the bad times like these are recovered from rapidly. That said the booking in for another treatment next week is a guarantee that recovery is complete. It will not be until later in the golf season that I will have an increased practise routine and that will be nowhere near as imposing as this one has been. Taking in to account that my stance and associated movement in my swing is radically different, having removed the adjustments that accommodated the injuries but reduced golfing effectiveness.
The positive latitude and belief in my ability to play well in the coming tournament did not reduce whilst putting up with the discomfort of the past few days. It was not an unknown experience and once identified all it took was to follow the proven repair methods and all is well again. Golf may be a game of new action and results each time you step out on the course. Prepare well and don’t leave it to imaginary good fortune and luck and that will increase your ability to play better golf and get winning results. Thankyou for your rime and attention. “Hit ‘em straight all.” Geoff
Showing posts with label golf bridgestone J33 combo cavity back blade fairways driver putting irons greens open jason day tiger woods us Robe Village kingston open summer 2010 ambrose british australian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label golf bridgestone J33 combo cavity back blade fairways driver putting irons greens open jason day tiger woods us Robe Village kingston open summer 2010 ambrose british australian. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Luck has nothing to do with it...
24/12/11 Saturday. Doing nothing more than casual social nine hole rounds the past week has been enjoyable and refreshing. A modicum of a semi holiday from the golf course after being a greedy guts of late. Since the arm has improved and out making up for lost time was perhaps a little over done but still well worth the effort even if by the end I had nothing left in the tank. Having played myself out in two weeks it only took two days off the golf course to bounce back and be able to play 9 holes comfortably and efficiently again.
This is all part of developing the change in how I play a round of golf, no longer can a competition round be one of playing within myself for 2/3 rds of the holes then having a charge on the last 6 holes. Although my handicap of 12 still gives me strokes on 2/3rds of the holes it is now a matter of getting pars as the standard and setting up as many birdie chances as possible in a round. This is why the coming coaching sessions in January are important. It is vital that my game is now one of getting greens in regulation, which means drives on the fairway, not with recovery shots to get a clear shot at the green. Second shot accuracy for par 4 greens must be improved. Up and down if missing the green with the approach shot has to be perfected more. Last but not least, one putting has to become a regular feature, dropping birdie putts after GIR’s is a must.
Pushing myself to the limit is something that I avoid at all times with only one allowance, golfing. Excess is not a regular feature of my training or playing strategy. Since 2009 and the return to playing the game pushing my limit, has always been undertaken at varying intervals and for increasing durations. In the practise schedule that has worked for me in this time for improving the handicap and competing in championship or club open events, preparation has always included a burst of going marginally beyond comfortable physical limits.
Hindsight is 20/20 after the fact, relying upon hindsight has never been a consideration for my golfing. Certainly there has been moments of revelation from hindsight through the last 3 seasons. It would be disapointing to have not had those blessed unexpected insights which lift a persons motivation, knowledge and enjoyment of the game. In the main though my golf is calculated and works to a schedule, that importantly is flexible to deal with interruptions like injury. Be assured there is not a single successful golfer at the highest levels who can stand up and say that getting to their standard of play has been the result of an unexpected revelation. Look at the most effective advice given to golfers inquiring about what is needed to get better at the game or have a crack at professional qualifications. Practise, practice... is the mantra given by all as the mainstay of improvement.
This past week of casual 9 hole rounds has returned 41-43 round scores , easily getting the required 3-4 pars per round. Setting up 1-2 birdie putts in each nine was not difficult, going straight to the course with no warm up and still playing an adequate game was fun. The point was to be relaxed no competition pressure and the desire to enjoy golf had precedence over the result. There is no way I would go out in a competition round with this attitude. It works fine for fun but the winning edge is not honed with this mindset, in fact the edge is not even in play. How often have you had a great social round and then followed up with an attempt to use that relaxed mindset in a competition round? Only to not get the improved or even an equivelent round as before. Why? The ‘edge’ to go for a winning putt is not in balance with the casual carefree approach of play you are trying to emulate. There is for me definite aspects of the casual golf taken into competitive rounds. The two game styles are totally different, except that one is a good training routine for the other.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
This is all part of developing the change in how I play a round of golf, no longer can a competition round be one of playing within myself for 2/3 rds of the holes then having a charge on the last 6 holes. Although my handicap of 12 still gives me strokes on 2/3rds of the holes it is now a matter of getting pars as the standard and setting up as many birdie chances as possible in a round. This is why the coming coaching sessions in January are important. It is vital that my game is now one of getting greens in regulation, which means drives on the fairway, not with recovery shots to get a clear shot at the green. Second shot accuracy for par 4 greens must be improved. Up and down if missing the green with the approach shot has to be perfected more. Last but not least, one putting has to become a regular feature, dropping birdie putts after GIR’s is a must.
Pushing myself to the limit is something that I avoid at all times with only one allowance, golfing. Excess is not a regular feature of my training or playing strategy. Since 2009 and the return to playing the game pushing my limit, has always been undertaken at varying intervals and for increasing durations. In the practise schedule that has worked for me in this time for improving the handicap and competing in championship or club open events, preparation has always included a burst of going marginally beyond comfortable physical limits.
Hindsight is 20/20 after the fact, relying upon hindsight has never been a consideration for my golfing. Certainly there has been moments of revelation from hindsight through the last 3 seasons. It would be disapointing to have not had those blessed unexpected insights which lift a persons motivation, knowledge and enjoyment of the game. In the main though my golf is calculated and works to a schedule, that importantly is flexible to deal with interruptions like injury. Be assured there is not a single successful golfer at the highest levels who can stand up and say that getting to their standard of play has been the result of an unexpected revelation. Look at the most effective advice given to golfers inquiring about what is needed to get better at the game or have a crack at professional qualifications. Practise, practice... is the mantra given by all as the mainstay of improvement.
This past week of casual 9 hole rounds has returned 41-43 round scores , easily getting the required 3-4 pars per round. Setting up 1-2 birdie putts in each nine was not difficult, going straight to the course with no warm up and still playing an adequate game was fun. The point was to be relaxed no competition pressure and the desire to enjoy golf had precedence over the result. There is no way I would go out in a competition round with this attitude. It works fine for fun but the winning edge is not honed with this mindset, in fact the edge is not even in play. How often have you had a great social round and then followed up with an attempt to use that relaxed mindset in a competition round? Only to not get the improved or even an equivelent round as before. Why? The ‘edge’ to go for a winning putt is not in balance with the casual carefree approach of play you are trying to emulate. There is for me definite aspects of the casual golf taken into competitive rounds. The two game styles are totally different, except that one is a good training routine for the other.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Monday, October 17, 2011
Club Championship playoff...
17/10/11 Monday. I have stiff spots on the stiff spots, in the past three seasons there are some vague recollections of feeling stiff after early rounds and practise. Today after yesterdays 32 holes played out of the 36 in the Club Championship final my body is doing everything except creaking like a door that needs oil. Coming second, yes I was defeated and to have made the final itself was a highlight of the season for me. Threw everything I had into the game and even hit the lead in the first 18 for a couple of holes. Could not maintain the standard over the second 18 holes and slowly fell behind the winner.
Had chances to get back into the game when my opponent made mistakes and when I called upon my body to deliver the tank was empty. Not a modest person by nature nor a quitter and to lose was not a result that caused any angst for me, simply because I had nothing left to put into the game. As I sit here now working my way through a tube of Deep Heat today it is with total satisfaction in accepting a loss. I had not even considered the need to physically train and raise my fitness for this competition.What was acceptable in B and C grade for me, failed at the highest club level. The effort it took to hold a pen last night and scrawl in the diary, “Fitness training is a must.” better be acted on if I want to improve.
The game itself was played in very good spirit and a sporting manner. It was important to have an enjoyable game and the ledger is now balanced with the Handicap Championship win for me in 2009 and my opponent defeating me in the Club Championship in 2011. Learnt a lot about my game and what is needed to go the next step to single figures from this experience. It still resounds that the fitness level has been a failing of mine in recent months yet I had not paid any notice to it. All my focus had been on improving skills and consistency and none on the body that has to make the golf happen. Hindsight is 20/20 when it comes to looking back, slapping the forehead in exclamation in realising the patently obvious.
Of course I was not fit enough. Writing off the fading in rounds during the last 3-4 holes as concentration lapses. A litany of reasons for not recognising this can be churned out that are lame and nothing to do with reality. Truth is when returning to the game in 2009 I played 3 x 9 hole rounds and 2 x 18 hole rounds most weeks. These days I spend more time on the practise fairways training to hit the ball better with the clubs. I can wander out and break 90 easily each week, going out and playing to my handicap is a different matter. The fluctuating scores of late have nothing to do with golf ability. After a season of big improvement and pushing myself hard in competition since January, after ten months the realisation has gone off with ringing bells on the course. Time to stop playing for a few weeks and give my body time to recover. My next competition is going to be the club Open on the 6th of November. That should give enough time for the “golfer’s elbow” (right and left) to recover and get in some quality push bike riding. Have been planning on playing in “The Race to Cypress Lakes” South Australian rounds at The Vines, Friday 2 December and Mt Osmond, Sunday 15 January 2012. The first at Flagstaff Hills clashes with the club open and will be missed. These will be a good trial for my build up to the 2012 Southern Ports Tournament. Going to be interesting, after 2nd place in 2010, “C” Grade and 2nd in 2011 “B” Grade while making the documentary “Another Crack at the Title” I am going to extend the filming schedule to 2012 as I have a crack at the “A” Grade Title over the three days. Handicap section of course, can’t see me getting down to the 1-5 handicap level that the off the stick winner coes from in this tournament. I am an optimist with reality not fantasy in my goal setting.
Well the Deep Heat is soothing the aches. Time to stand up and see if the early hobbling gait is now replaced with a fluid walk this morning. Thankyou for your time and attention. “Hit ‘em Straight all” Geoff
Had chances to get back into the game when my opponent made mistakes and when I called upon my body to deliver the tank was empty. Not a modest person by nature nor a quitter and to lose was not a result that caused any angst for me, simply because I had nothing left to put into the game. As I sit here now working my way through a tube of Deep Heat today it is with total satisfaction in accepting a loss. I had not even considered the need to physically train and raise my fitness for this competition.What was acceptable in B and C grade for me, failed at the highest club level. The effort it took to hold a pen last night and scrawl in the diary, “Fitness training is a must.” better be acted on if I want to improve.
The game itself was played in very good spirit and a sporting manner. It was important to have an enjoyable game and the ledger is now balanced with the Handicap Championship win for me in 2009 and my opponent defeating me in the Club Championship in 2011. Learnt a lot about my game and what is needed to go the next step to single figures from this experience. It still resounds that the fitness level has been a failing of mine in recent months yet I had not paid any notice to it. All my focus had been on improving skills and consistency and none on the body that has to make the golf happen. Hindsight is 20/20 when it comes to looking back, slapping the forehead in exclamation in realising the patently obvious.
Of course I was not fit enough. Writing off the fading in rounds during the last 3-4 holes as concentration lapses. A litany of reasons for not recognising this can be churned out that are lame and nothing to do with reality. Truth is when returning to the game in 2009 I played 3 x 9 hole rounds and 2 x 18 hole rounds most weeks. These days I spend more time on the practise fairways training to hit the ball better with the clubs. I can wander out and break 90 easily each week, going out and playing to my handicap is a different matter. The fluctuating scores of late have nothing to do with golf ability. After a season of big improvement and pushing myself hard in competition since January, after ten months the realisation has gone off with ringing bells on the course. Time to stop playing for a few weeks and give my body time to recover. My next competition is going to be the club Open on the 6th of November. That should give enough time for the “golfer’s elbow” (right and left) to recover and get in some quality push bike riding. Have been planning on playing in “The Race to Cypress Lakes” South Australian rounds at The Vines, Friday 2 December and Mt Osmond, Sunday 15 January 2012. The first at Flagstaff Hills clashes with the club open and will be missed. These will be a good trial for my build up to the 2012 Southern Ports Tournament. Going to be interesting, after 2nd place in 2010, “C” Grade and 2nd in 2011 “B” Grade while making the documentary “Another Crack at the Title” I am going to extend the filming schedule to 2012 as I have a crack at the “A” Grade Title over the three days. Handicap section of course, can’t see me getting down to the 1-5 handicap level that the off the stick winner coes from in this tournament. I am an optimist with reality not fantasy in my goal setting.
Well the Deep Heat is soothing the aches. Time to stand up and see if the early hobbling gait is now replaced with a fluid walk this morning. Thankyou for your time and attention. “Hit ‘em Straight all” Geoff
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Back in form....
8/10/11 Saturday, with a few days rest this week and maintaining the injury rehab with heat and cold with a bit of arm massage and wearing a brace seems to have the healing on track. Went out for 9 holes Friday and this morning and the results show the improvement. Friday was a struggle no short game to rely upon and very poor putting. The tee shots and second off the fairways though were travelling well and it was frustrating to be so inhibited when it came to getting on the green and putting.
Then with another nights rest and having a better feel for the injury healing progress, out I went for 9 holes returning 6 pars, 2 bogies and a double bogie. Very happy with the result, hitting 4 greens in regulation and putting on cored surfaces was a good effort. The Driver was particularly good using the 420cc regular flex for the second day and benefiting from distance and accurate strokes. The shots for the GIR (5 out of 9 holes) were a revelation deliberate choice of 1-2 clubs more than usual in deference to the injury paid off. Short game returned as well, still a struggle yet the PW for chipping helped. Putting not easy on the cored and sanded green but good enough result for me to be happy.
With an extra 2-3 days before playing the Semi Final now that the opponent is away Sunday is a bonus. Hopefully will get a good 18 holes under the belt tomorrow and then a couple of days tuning up the short game I will have a better opportunity in the match play.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Then with another nights rest and having a better feel for the injury healing progress, out I went for 9 holes returning 6 pars, 2 bogies and a double bogie. Very happy with the result, hitting 4 greens in regulation and putting on cored surfaces was a good effort. The Driver was particularly good using the 420cc regular flex for the second day and benefiting from distance and accurate strokes. The shots for the GIR (5 out of 9 holes) were a revelation deliberate choice of 1-2 clubs more than usual in deference to the injury paid off. Short game returned as well, still a struggle yet the PW for chipping helped. Putting not easy on the cored and sanded green but good enough result for me to be happy.
With an extra 2-3 days before playing the Semi Final now that the opponent is away Sunday is a bonus. Hopefully will get a good 18 holes under the belt tomorrow and then a couple of days tuning up the short game I will have a better opportunity in the match play.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Monday, October 03, 2011
A little improvement is better than none...
/10/11 Instead of cracking the sh!ts, complaining, ranting about how golf is a bitch, my reaction is one of good humour and acceptance of the limitations to playing at the minute. Wearing an arm brace yesterday on the front nine (47) and removing it for the last nine (50) had no major difference score wise. Not being able to chip well and drop the putts was frustrating. Especially after driving off the tee so well and hitting greens in regulation or just off target. Accepting the current circumstances as unusual and having to wear it for now is not fun, yet my mantra of “getting the positives out of the negatives” is working. Finishing with 97 Gross, 85 Nett with 35 putts was not a gut wrenching failure simply the best currently possible.
At the minute I have “no short game”. Having to dig deep this week into the patience reservoir, the “Golfers Elbow” injury is affecting my game at the core of scoring. The cliche’ of having a good short game is a key to getting low scores is true. After putting in the work to develop one, having it stymied with an injury has been a challenge to my character. Five of my past 7 rounds have been 90 or higher off the stick the other two rounds being an 80 and an 87. This time last year, albeit when on a 19-20 handicap my scores were in the same range, so it is still fresh in my memory of this being me playing at the best I could. Kinda cool though to be sitting here and realising how much improvement in my golf has came about from making the effort and practising properly with a plan.
This morning it is back to the cold and heat treatment of the injured part and wondering when I should get on the course for a chip and putt. Contrary to what the name suggests, you do not have to play golf to develop this condition. In fact, golfers elbow is more commonly seen in non-golf players than in golf players. Patients typically develop this condition due to activities involving repetitive wrist flexion against resistance or forceful or repetitive gripping of the hand.
Golfers Elbow Exercises
Along with keeping up with the stretching, the 3rd physio gave me a list of exercises to do twice a day. The regime was this:
■Heat the elbow with a wheat bag for 10 minutes
■With an empty dumbbell bar (weights 1.5kg) do 10 palm up wrist curls, with back of forearm resting on your leg and hand jutting out past your knee.
■Reverse the hand so palm is down, and do 10 reverse wrist curls i.e. back of hand is raised, again forearm rests on leg.
■Keep the arm resting on your lef, grasp the dumbbell bar at one end, and tilt the bar back and forth from the horizontal on the left, through 180 degrees, to the horizontal on the right, and return. Do that 10 times.
■Setting the dumbbell bar aside, form a circle with the tips of your fingers (make your hand like a claw) and wrap an elastic band around the outside of your finger tips. Now try to stretch the elastic band by spreading your fingers out wide, maintaining the circular shape. Do this 10 times.
■End by cooling the elbow with an ice cube.
There is a little pressure as it is my semi-final in the club championship matchplay on the coming Sunday. Yet having practised diligently for so long and kept a record of the routines and program, gives me total confidence in having the grounding to get myself in form. I can say that the performance off the tee especially yesterday was a continuation of last week, there as not a single penalty stroke in the round. The four three putts all cost me par scores on the holes, so many first putts were short of the hole. I really tried to correct it and had no ‘feel’ for the stroke all day. Never getting close to hitting the right distance or accurate enough either.
The chipping was the same, short all day. No bladed or fat shots, again without any ability to measure the strength needed to play the shot. In this instance perhaps as most fell short I could have changed back to using the pitching wedge for chipping as I have in the past. Instead I chose to keep using the 60 degree wedge, which previously was only used rarely, as a sand wedge. I know that the past two weeks of beginning to use this club for chipping is going to be a major benefit in the future. I know that many golfers have always used a lob or gap wedge for chipping, for me it was a club not carried. It is now a must to be able to chip and have the ball not run on so far, as happens with the pitching wedge in my game. No matter the week to come will have me back into better form.
Today the greens are being cored and I will have to give the working be a miss this year, making up for it tomorrow at the Junior Golf Clinic. A five hour stint helping out with the days running is not a problem in this case. With PGA Tour player Gary Simpson and Professional Michael Justin doing the golf coaching the juniors will get some very effective guidance. Gary Simpson has a preliminary win of the SA OOM finishing with a six point lead over previous SA OOM winner Brent McCullough. The SA OOM will be finalised officially at the end of the OOM season being 31st October 2011. The successful experience with the local primary school coaching clinic last month and a follow up so soon hopefully is going to give the club a good base to develop a regular junior golfing program at the club.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
At the minute I have “no short game”. Having to dig deep this week into the patience reservoir, the “Golfers Elbow” injury is affecting my game at the core of scoring. The cliche’ of having a good short game is a key to getting low scores is true. After putting in the work to develop one, having it stymied with an injury has been a challenge to my character. Five of my past 7 rounds have been 90 or higher off the stick the other two rounds being an 80 and an 87. This time last year, albeit when on a 19-20 handicap my scores were in the same range, so it is still fresh in my memory of this being me playing at the best I could. Kinda cool though to be sitting here and realising how much improvement in my golf has came about from making the effort and practising properly with a plan.
This morning it is back to the cold and heat treatment of the injured part and wondering when I should get on the course for a chip and putt. Contrary to what the name suggests, you do not have to play golf to develop this condition. In fact, golfers elbow is more commonly seen in non-golf players than in golf players. Patients typically develop this condition due to activities involving repetitive wrist flexion against resistance or forceful or repetitive gripping of the hand.
Golfers Elbow Exercises
Along with keeping up with the stretching, the 3rd physio gave me a list of exercises to do twice a day. The regime was this:
■Heat the elbow with a wheat bag for 10 minutes
■With an empty dumbbell bar (weights 1.5kg) do 10 palm up wrist curls, with back of forearm resting on your leg and hand jutting out past your knee.
■Reverse the hand so palm is down, and do 10 reverse wrist curls i.e. back of hand is raised, again forearm rests on leg.
■Keep the arm resting on your lef, grasp the dumbbell bar at one end, and tilt the bar back and forth from the horizontal on the left, through 180 degrees, to the horizontal on the right, and return. Do that 10 times.
■Setting the dumbbell bar aside, form a circle with the tips of your fingers (make your hand like a claw) and wrap an elastic band around the outside of your finger tips. Now try to stretch the elastic band by spreading your fingers out wide, maintaining the circular shape. Do this 10 times.
■End by cooling the elbow with an ice cube.
There is a little pressure as it is my semi-final in the club championship matchplay on the coming Sunday. Yet having practised diligently for so long and kept a record of the routines and program, gives me total confidence in having the grounding to get myself in form. I can say that the performance off the tee especially yesterday was a continuation of last week, there as not a single penalty stroke in the round. The four three putts all cost me par scores on the holes, so many first putts were short of the hole. I really tried to correct it and had no ‘feel’ for the stroke all day. Never getting close to hitting the right distance or accurate enough either.
The chipping was the same, short all day. No bladed or fat shots, again without any ability to measure the strength needed to play the shot. In this instance perhaps as most fell short I could have changed back to using the pitching wedge for chipping as I have in the past. Instead I chose to keep using the 60 degree wedge, which previously was only used rarely, as a sand wedge. I know that the past two weeks of beginning to use this club for chipping is going to be a major benefit in the future. I know that many golfers have always used a lob or gap wedge for chipping, for me it was a club not carried. It is now a must to be able to chip and have the ball not run on so far, as happens with the pitching wedge in my game. No matter the week to come will have me back into better form.
Today the greens are being cored and I will have to give the working be a miss this year, making up for it tomorrow at the Junior Golf Clinic. A five hour stint helping out with the days running is not a problem in this case. With PGA Tour player Gary Simpson and Professional Michael Justin doing the golf coaching the juniors will get some very effective guidance. Gary Simpson has a preliminary win of the SA OOM finishing with a six point lead over previous SA OOM winner Brent McCullough. The SA OOM will be finalised officially at the end of the OOM season being 31st October 2011. The successful experience with the local primary school coaching clinic last month and a follow up so soon hopefully is going to give the club a good base to develop a regular junior golfing program at the club.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Always look on the bright side of Golf, don't dwell on the negatives...
26/9/11 Sunday’s competition was a touch and go decision to enter. Carrying the “Golfer’s Elbow” the last week has been painful and disruptive in more than just hitting golf balls. It is tender all of the time and the disabling effects are in use that is mundane. Picking things up and reaching feel the strain with sharp stabbing pain then a hot buzz of discomfort while it abates. Swinging golf sticks is not fun after a very short time. Purchased an arm brace to assist with relieving the discomfort which definitely helped. Went out and played a poor scoring round 23 points in Stableford Comp. Was ready to pull the pin after the front nine but as feeling good about the fairway accuracy, finished with 11 fairway hits and won a ball on the day.
Had no short game whatsoever, could not chip or putt well and the injury was the fault. This was frustrating, being able to hit the long ball shots well without any discomfort. Short chipping and approach shots were the poorest quality in a long time. The chipping and putting was at the most damaging with the in close shots, could not swing smooth and easy or keep the strokes consistent, blading the ball or hitting little bunny hops. The longer shots from 25-100m were a problem with the distance being hit a shot in the dark, going long and short all day. No consistent error to try and correct just the numbness of the arm in the brace. Playing with out the brace would have been more damaging long term to the existing injury so I was happy to play out the round as it went.
Reflecting on the day and the score returned from playing to a 26 handicap was not a bad thing. It was only a couple of years ago that I was on that handicap. Playing like that again showed me how little difference there was in playing to a 25 to 20 handicap in the day. Although on Sunday it was the result of an injury, all that needed to happen was a 2-3 chips that bunny hopped forward to have been hit well and made the green saving a second chip shot. Then 4-5 putts not falling short or rocketing past the hole and the score would have been much improved. The 37 putt total on the day showed how much I struggled on the day considering the average putting total is 25 for me from 1/8/2011 to the end of September. Golf is a fickle game good and bad results happen, not letting the crap days disrupt your enjoyment of playing and also your playing partners is never acceptable.
On the second bad round day in recent weeks I copped a bit of sledging, and still had the good humour to fire back. It could have easily been a DNF card for the day. After nine holes the soreness was not going to abate, the round was not going to improve, I kept going because I thought that I was a chance for the Most Fairways hit on the day. A very small goal and a enough to lift me to do the best possible off the tee. It was a good choice and a valuable victory. Hitting fairways off the tee was the reason for changing drivers through the season now with a 400cc Big Stick that is delivering the results and getting that extra 20-30m more that the 380cc Driver. Unfortunately my next upgrade the 420cc Driver is going to have to sit out the coming weeks of competition golf while the injury recuperates. Which is a hurdle in my planning having already practised several times at the range with this stick and getting another 20-30m off the tee in distance easily. That was a calculation I had been estimating would be the result and with the accuracy give me a step up against the single figure players in the match play of club championships. It may not be all lost though as the warmer weather is already delivering longer ball flight and run putting me within 7-9 iron range of greens on par fours. These are irons that my accuracy is better than 50% unlike the 3-6 irons down to the 35% accuracy statistic for GIR.
Going to rest up this coming week working on being 100% for the Matchplay semifinal on the 9th of October. Thankyou for your time and attention all, “Hit ‘em straight”
Geoff
Had no short game whatsoever, could not chip or putt well and the injury was the fault. This was frustrating, being able to hit the long ball shots well without any discomfort. Short chipping and approach shots were the poorest quality in a long time. The chipping and putting was at the most damaging with the in close shots, could not swing smooth and easy or keep the strokes consistent, blading the ball or hitting little bunny hops. The longer shots from 25-100m were a problem with the distance being hit a shot in the dark, going long and short all day. No consistent error to try and correct just the numbness of the arm in the brace. Playing with out the brace would have been more damaging long term to the existing injury so I was happy to play out the round as it went.
Reflecting on the day and the score returned from playing to a 26 handicap was not a bad thing. It was only a couple of years ago that I was on that handicap. Playing like that again showed me how little difference there was in playing to a 25 to 20 handicap in the day. Although on Sunday it was the result of an injury, all that needed to happen was a 2-3 chips that bunny hopped forward to have been hit well and made the green saving a second chip shot. Then 4-5 putts not falling short or rocketing past the hole and the score would have been much improved. The 37 putt total on the day showed how much I struggled on the day considering the average putting total is 25 for me from 1/8/2011 to the end of September. Golf is a fickle game good and bad results happen, not letting the crap days disrupt your enjoyment of playing and also your playing partners is never acceptable.
On the second bad round day in recent weeks I copped a bit of sledging, and still had the good humour to fire back. It could have easily been a DNF card for the day. After nine holes the soreness was not going to abate, the round was not going to improve, I kept going because I thought that I was a chance for the Most Fairways hit on the day. A very small goal and a enough to lift me to do the best possible off the tee. It was a good choice and a valuable victory. Hitting fairways off the tee was the reason for changing drivers through the season now with a 400cc Big Stick that is delivering the results and getting that extra 20-30m more that the 380cc Driver. Unfortunately my next upgrade the 420cc Driver is going to have to sit out the coming weeks of competition golf while the injury recuperates. Which is a hurdle in my planning having already practised several times at the range with this stick and getting another 20-30m off the tee in distance easily. That was a calculation I had been estimating would be the result and with the accuracy give me a step up against the single figure players in the match play of club championships. It may not be all lost though as the warmer weather is already delivering longer ball flight and run putting me within 7-9 iron range of greens on par fours. These are irons that my accuracy is better than 50% unlike the 3-6 irons down to the 35% accuracy statistic for GIR.
Going to rest up this coming week working on being 100% for the Matchplay semifinal on the 9th of October. Thankyou for your time and attention all, “Hit ‘em straight”
Geoff
Monday, September 19, 2011
Back in the race....
18/9/11 The Junior Golf Clinic on Friday was an unexpected success. The amount of interest in playing golf at the school was totally unknown to the club. The coaching was done by a member from another regional club who had found that his own club which was struggling for golfers, at the same time there were junior members who played at the club but not in the competitions. Since getting the junior coaching clinics at the local schools running now 40 plus Juniors are developing a golf interest and playing at the club.
Back in the hunt for the club championship after the 2nd Qualifying round, not a spectacular effort returning an 87 gross, 74 nett with 28 putts. Good enough for third place in the weekly competition, winning the putting and a nearest the pin also today. Recovered from the wrist injury which was damaging last week, combined with returning to the 400cc driver the game teetered on a handicap breaking result.
With a 42 on the front nine the next four holes was a par and three 7’s from two lost balls and a couple of bad putting efforts. Even with that I chose to attack hard and 3x Pars and 2 Bogies on the last 5 holes were testament to not giving in and having faith in my ability. Finishing with a 45 on the back nine which was a result of dropping some very good putts. It would have been very easy to pass last week off as an ‘injury’ affected round. Instead I did rehab on the injury and worked on my putting which was 34 (I think) the week before. In fact I had began to make a technical error in my set up that was totally giving a false reading for the direction the ball would go. Still one more concern on putting, for some reason misreading the green speed is becoming a fault that leaves 2-3 puts well short of the hole each round.
Returning to the 400c driver was marked with accuracy and no strain on the injured wrist. With a lighter shaft and more flex compared to the 420cc driver the fine weather circumvented the loss of 20-40m off the tee. This has been a part of my game that has been accepted as a fact of my limitations due to technical errors with the driver. Now that I have improved the swing plane the driver is now a game strength and reliable in my hands. Unfortunately my irons from 7 to PW are accurate yet my drives are generally in the 3-6iron distance from par 4 greens, whilst using the 400cc driver. Need the GIR to start and improving the long irons is happening slowly, it is much easier to have the driver getting the ball within 7-PW range to get the GIR’s.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Back in the hunt for the club championship after the 2nd Qualifying round, not a spectacular effort returning an 87 gross, 74 nett with 28 putts. Good enough for third place in the weekly competition, winning the putting and a nearest the pin also today. Recovered from the wrist injury which was damaging last week, combined with returning to the 400cc driver the game teetered on a handicap breaking result.
With a 42 on the front nine the next four holes was a par and three 7’s from two lost balls and a couple of bad putting efforts. Even with that I chose to attack hard and 3x Pars and 2 Bogies on the last 5 holes were testament to not giving in and having faith in my ability. Finishing with a 45 on the back nine which was a result of dropping some very good putts. It would have been very easy to pass last week off as an ‘injury’ affected round. Instead I did rehab on the injury and worked on my putting which was 34 (I think) the week before. In fact I had began to make a technical error in my set up that was totally giving a false reading for the direction the ball would go. Still one more concern on putting, for some reason misreading the green speed is becoming a fault that leaves 2-3 puts well short of the hole each round.
Returning to the 400c driver was marked with accuracy and no strain on the injured wrist. With a lighter shaft and more flex compared to the 420cc driver the fine weather circumvented the loss of 20-40m off the tee. This has been a part of my game that has been accepted as a fact of my limitations due to technical errors with the driver. Now that I have improved the swing plane the driver is now a game strength and reliable in my hands. Unfortunately my irons from 7 to PW are accurate yet my drives are generally in the 3-6iron distance from par 4 greens, whilst using the 400cc driver. Need the GIR to start and improving the long irons is happening slowly, it is much easier to have the driver getting the ball within 7-PW range to get the GIR’s.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Jumior Golf Clinic tomorrow....
15/9/2011 The weeks rest has been a good thing enjoyed sharpening up with the putter and getting the method a little better. Wrist is still a little tender and changing back to the 400cc driver with the ultra lite shaft will be a smart move Sunday.
Tomorrow on the volunteer trail with 20 Juniors from the primary school coming to the course for a coaching clinic. A bit of serendipity this unplanned (from the local club) junior golf event. The region golf body is running it sending the coach and in the first week of October holiday there is another Junior clinic with PGA golfers at the club. Having discussed doing this a couple of months ago with the club captain, the lack of time to organise it has been covered by these two bodies.
This and membership drives were my stated aims when going on committee this season, which was circumvented by taking on the secretary role when the last one stood down. This coming season I am standing down from secretary, staying on committee puerley to fulfill the membership drive aim and junor golf development. Already in this my different approach is bearing fruit.
Yes selling and marketing is a strength of mine, together with promotion. The 20 students at the clinic tomorrow will be leaving with a “showbag” of info inviting them to the 4th of October clinic, 1/2 price Junior membership offer.Plus the details of a junior program throughout summer holidays. Local press coverage done and more to follow. Also some relevant reading on golf as Excerise, a Family activity and Employment career."Benefits of Golf Exercise and Fitness In 2009, Australian Bureau of Statistics released the figures that 600,000 (approx. 25 percent) of children and adolescents in Australia are overweight. The physical and emotional issues that can result from childhood obesity are as staggering as the number itself. Twenty years ago, golf and fitness were rarely uttered in the same sentence, but thanks to a new generation of golf professionals, strength, conditioning and nutrition are a significant part of golf instruction programs. Would you rather have your son or daughter immersed in the latest video game or walking nine holes of golf? As schools are reducing the time spent on physical fitness, it is crucial that kids avoid becoming couch potatoes when they are not in school. Golf is a great low-impact way to develop the cardio activity, core stability, balance and focus that is necessary to function effectively from day-to-day and reduce the risk of health concerns. Importantly injuries from playing golf are minimal and you do not need to be an athlete to be a champion golfer. Golfers can play at their best level world wide for years.
Family time When was the last time you played a game of football with your son or netball with your daughter? Golf is a game that families can learn and play together. And because of the handicap system that was created to determine a golfer’s playing ability and potential, mums and dads can actually compete with their children even if they play from different tee boxes or at significantly different skill levels. You have a game that everyone can enjoy together as a family for years and years.
Teachings of the Game We all want our kids to develop into responsible adults. The game of golf has at its core a standard of behaviour that lends itself to positive development. Personal skills such as honesty, integrity, courtesy and respect are all present in golf, regardless of the level of competition. Golf teaches kids to use good judgment and be responsible for their actions. It also encourages the highest level of sportsmanship. What other sport allows you to call a penalty on yourself with examples of this very thing being demonstrated on the biggest stages of the game? Golf is included in the Olympic games in 2016."
A start to getting the kids whose numbers over the past two years have been growing at the club come and try golf days. The golf club is not a creche though and with the kids will come the parents. Very happy to be ‘doing’ something hands on with the club using my particular special skills, away from the bar work or competition starting.
Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Tomorrow on the volunteer trail with 20 Juniors from the primary school coming to the course for a coaching clinic. A bit of serendipity this unplanned (from the local club) junior golf event. The region golf body is running it sending the coach and in the first week of October holiday there is another Junior clinic with PGA golfers at the club. Having discussed doing this a couple of months ago with the club captain, the lack of time to organise it has been covered by these two bodies.
This and membership drives were my stated aims when going on committee this season, which was circumvented by taking on the secretary role when the last one stood down. This coming season I am standing down from secretary, staying on committee puerley to fulfill the membership drive aim and junor golf development. Already in this my different approach is bearing fruit.
Yes selling and marketing is a strength of mine, together with promotion. The 20 students at the clinic tomorrow will be leaving with a “showbag” of info inviting them to the 4th of October clinic, 1/2 price Junior membership offer.Plus the details of a junior program throughout summer holidays. Local press coverage done and more to follow. Also some relevant reading on golf as Excerise, a Family activity and Employment career."Benefits of Golf Exercise and Fitness In 2009, Australian Bureau of Statistics released the figures that 600,000 (approx. 25 percent) of children and adolescents in Australia are overweight. The physical and emotional issues that can result from childhood obesity are as staggering as the number itself. Twenty years ago, golf and fitness were rarely uttered in the same sentence, but thanks to a new generation of golf professionals, strength, conditioning and nutrition are a significant part of golf instruction programs. Would you rather have your son or daughter immersed in the latest video game or walking nine holes of golf? As schools are reducing the time spent on physical fitness, it is crucial that kids avoid becoming couch potatoes when they are not in school. Golf is a great low-impact way to develop the cardio activity, core stability, balance and focus that is necessary to function effectively from day-to-day and reduce the risk of health concerns. Importantly injuries from playing golf are minimal and you do not need to be an athlete to be a champion golfer. Golfers can play at their best level world wide for years.
Family time When was the last time you played a game of football with your son or netball with your daughter? Golf is a game that families can learn and play together. And because of the handicap system that was created to determine a golfer’s playing ability and potential, mums and dads can actually compete with their children even if they play from different tee boxes or at significantly different skill levels. You have a game that everyone can enjoy together as a family for years and years.
Teachings of the Game We all want our kids to develop into responsible adults. The game of golf has at its core a standard of behaviour that lends itself to positive development. Personal skills such as honesty, integrity, courtesy and respect are all present in golf, regardless of the level of competition. Golf teaches kids to use good judgment and be responsible for their actions. It also encourages the highest level of sportsmanship. What other sport allows you to call a penalty on yourself with examples of this very thing being demonstrated on the biggest stages of the game? Golf is included in the Olympic games in 2016."
A start to getting the kids whose numbers over the past two years have been growing at the club come and try golf days. The golf club is not a creche though and with the kids will come the parents. Very happy to be ‘doing’ something hands on with the club using my particular special skills, away from the bar work or competition starting.
Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Icebergs ahead! Too late..
13/9/11 The first round of qualifying for the club championships is best likened to the maiden voyage of the Titanic, when it comes to my result. In the build up over the past weeks all has been running sweetly in competition and practise, the addition to my bag of a slightly larger driver (420cc) was an added bonus in the week. After gradually building up from 380cc to 400cc the pick up of the 420cc driver was one of opportunity, the right place at the right time. On the driving range and in a couple of practise rounds another 20-30m was added off the tee with a slight increase in missing fairways, which will soon be rectified.
This had a little to do with the poor round on Sunday, 102 gross Nett 89 and 34 putts. The damage was caused by something totally unexpected, a wrist injury on the first tee. There was no pulling out of the round and hindsight is always 20/20 in that if using the smaller 400 cc Driver the injury may have not been so severe and not as damaging to my round afterwards. I have been carrying a niggle in the right wrist that gives a sharp twinge at the height of my backswing off the tee. The new driver has a heavier shaft and club head weight and with the first hit the injury ripped through my wrist. The recent coaching has established changes to my driver swing plane and effectively began to final elimination of the slice/fade off the tee that has been a definite game killer for me in the past. Unfortunately there may be some residual weakness in the r/wrist from a broken arm in a past motor vehicle accident. Would not be surprised and that would explain why I favour the wrist in other activities.
Water under the bridge now, the problem is that as the matchplay draw stands I would be first up against last years club champion. Playing off against a 6 handicapper on my 13 in off the stick matchplay will have me making a quick exit. No chance of getting under his guard either, defeated him in the handicap matchplay championship two years ago. Make no bones about it squaring up on me for that defeat would make him very happy. Must get out on the coming Sunday and get myself into a better position, anything less than an 86 should get me out of danger. Went for a hit today and only lasted 4 holes so going to rest up this week, let the injury heal. Only light practise putting and a bit of chipping until Thursday when I will walk and have a light hit for 18 holes simply for a new member to get a card in and qualify for a handicap and be able to play in the championships. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
This had a little to do with the poor round on Sunday, 102 gross Nett 89 and 34 putts. The damage was caused by something totally unexpected, a wrist injury on the first tee. There was no pulling out of the round and hindsight is always 20/20 in that if using the smaller 400 cc Driver the injury may have not been so severe and not as damaging to my round afterwards. I have been carrying a niggle in the right wrist that gives a sharp twinge at the height of my backswing off the tee. The new driver has a heavier shaft and club head weight and with the first hit the injury ripped through my wrist. The recent coaching has established changes to my driver swing plane and effectively began to final elimination of the slice/fade off the tee that has been a definite game killer for me in the past. Unfortunately there may be some residual weakness in the r/wrist from a broken arm in a past motor vehicle accident. Would not be surprised and that would explain why I favour the wrist in other activities.
Water under the bridge now, the problem is that as the matchplay draw stands I would be first up against last years club champion. Playing off against a 6 handicapper on my 13 in off the stick matchplay will have me making a quick exit. No chance of getting under his guard either, defeated him in the handicap matchplay championship two years ago. Make no bones about it squaring up on me for that defeat would make him very happy. Must get out on the coming Sunday and get myself into a better position, anything less than an 86 should get me out of danger. Went for a hit today and only lasted 4 holes so going to rest up this week, let the injury heal. Only light practise putting and a bit of chipping until Thursday when I will walk and have a light hit for 18 holes simply for a new member to get a card in and qualify for a handicap and be able to play in the championships. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Book publishing... new driver and putter
Early start in Adelaide this morning off shopping for domestic necessities and had to go past Golf Clearance store on South Rd. Dropped in for a look as you do and now have a 420cc Infinity CBG35 driver $25 and a new putter $30.
Can put both purchases down to bonuses for the good results from this week. Have almost finalised the publishing of golf books that I completed in 2009 and 2010. The self published sales were promising and I have been updating them since then. The next two months are going to be head down and plough through to get them finished and ready for re-release in November 2011. I am fortunate in arranging life to be on top of most projects on the go that if there is an unexpected deadline thrown in making it is not too difficult.
The 10.5 degree driver I understand buying at that price from the clearance bin with a reg flex shaft, a bargain to experiment with another size up. Now have 380, 400 and 420 cc Drivers since finding that my game is better without the 460cc off the tee. This one I liken to the similar smaller size Titleist Drivers. There was also a Dynacast 9.5 deg. 425cc Driver Ultra light shaft, it was not forged nor titanium and would not have lasted long in my hands.
Was on the way to the Drummond Driving range anyway so it got a good work out. Distance is better than the 400cc, feels a lot more direct and explosive when hitting the ball. Going to take a bit of work to use accuracy was very poor compared to the 400cc. May swap shafts though and see if I can pick up some distance with the smaller driver head that way.
The Tour Sonic putter on the other hand I have no reason for getting apart from it was cheap. Similar to the Wilson 100 I use at the minute except with an insert in the face it is slightly lighter. May add a little more finesse to my putting which has been effective for several months and for practise will not be as tiring to use for extended periods.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Can put both purchases down to bonuses for the good results from this week. Have almost finalised the publishing of golf books that I completed in 2009 and 2010. The self published sales were promising and I have been updating them since then. The next two months are going to be head down and plough through to get them finished and ready for re-release in November 2011. I am fortunate in arranging life to be on top of most projects on the go that if there is an unexpected deadline thrown in making it is not too difficult.
The 10.5 degree driver I understand buying at that price from the clearance bin with a reg flex shaft, a bargain to experiment with another size up. Now have 380, 400 and 420 cc Drivers since finding that my game is better without the 460cc off the tee. This one I liken to the similar smaller size Titleist Drivers. There was also a Dynacast 9.5 deg. 425cc Driver Ultra light shaft, it was not forged nor titanium and would not have lasted long in my hands.
Was on the way to the Drummond Driving range anyway so it got a good work out. Distance is better than the 400cc, feels a lot more direct and explosive when hitting the ball. Going to take a bit of work to use accuracy was very poor compared to the 400cc. May swap shafts though and see if I can pick up some distance with the smaller driver head that way.
The Tour Sonic putter on the other hand I have no reason for getting apart from it was cheap. Similar to the Wilson 100 I use at the minute except with an insert in the face it is slightly lighter. May add a little more finesse to my putting which has been effective for several months and for practise will not be as tiring to use for extended periods.
Thankyou for your time and attention, Geoff
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
On the road again...
Up in Adelaide for a couple of days, doing some research for work and enjoying some time with g/f. Arrived early today and had a couple of hours to spare so headed down to the Drummond Range on Tapleys Hill road and hit 65 balls. Had my travelling sticks in the car plus the Cobra S9.1 460cc driver. Hit the irons particularly well this is a result from the coaching received here 6 weeks ago, only used the #3,#4,#5 clubs. These are the 30yr old Ping Karsten copies with reg flex shafts which served me so well in 2011.
Wanted to get some range hitting in after the bad weather yesterday.
Managed to hit 20 balls in the wind and rain, hard work but had to get out there in preparation for the qualfying round Sunday. If the weather is crap on Sunday I will get on the course and play to at least get myself into the playoffs.
The #3 Metal does for a driver as well in this travelling set, a Shark XLT with a larger head good for up to 200m off the tee and on the fairways. The Cobra was deliberately packed, been a long time since I have had a hit with a max. size driver. It went well, still has that extra 20-40m on the shots off the tee. Feels awkward through the air, compared to the 400cc driver currently in the bag. In the search for a little more distance an experiment is brewing with a stiff shaft replacing the current ultralight R flex in the 400cc.
The big driver was not too bad and if I can continue with the swing improvement will be a welcome addition to the bag again. That extra distance is going to be a must have if my handicap is going to travel down through the single digits. Not a certainty that the maximum size driver is getting the spot, 380 then 400 cc have all worked well. Have my eye on a few 420/430cc drivers at the minute. The shaft flex is the important matter to resolve first though.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Wanted to get some range hitting in after the bad weather yesterday.
Managed to hit 20 balls in the wind and rain, hard work but had to get out there in preparation for the qualfying round Sunday. If the weather is crap on Sunday I will get on the course and play to at least get myself into the playoffs.
The #3 Metal does for a driver as well in this travelling set, a Shark XLT with a larger head good for up to 200m off the tee and on the fairways. The Cobra was deliberately packed, been a long time since I have had a hit with a max. size driver. It went well, still has that extra 20-40m on the shots off the tee. Feels awkward through the air, compared to the 400cc driver currently in the bag. In the search for a little more distance an experiment is brewing with a stiff shaft replacing the current ultralight R flex in the 400cc.
The big driver was not too bad and if I can continue with the swing improvement will be a welcome addition to the bag again. That extra distance is going to be a must have if my handicap is going to travel down through the single digits. Not a certainty that the maximum size driver is getting the spot, 380 then 400 cc have all worked well. Have my eye on a few 420/430cc drivers at the minute. The shaft flex is the important matter to resolve first though.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Monday, September 05, 2011
Best score ever in a competition...
5/9/11 Without any planning or intent in the past 4 weeks I have played a lot more golf in a period of time than for a couple of years. In 2009 when returning to the game to get some exercise and golf form it was an alternating 9 holes, 18 holes, 9 holes, 18 holes at least each week. During 2010 that changed to accommodate the need to practise more ‘range’ work for want of a description. Putting in 30-60 minute sessions chipping, putting and swinging irons and drivers establishing a better technique. Also pacing myself to prevent my body from not being able to maintain the effort.
This year I have been even more organised training wise, using the 4 month routine developed to prepare for the Southern Ports Tournament. With the season syllabus outlining the various club trophy rounds, and regional opens it was possible to continue the higher practise commitment with a competition focus. It did take a little personal awareness to not overdo it and have managed to get through to September and the beginning of the club championship qualifying rounds next Sunday, with my best ever stroke round score in a competition yesterday.
All golfers have had those rounds of, “if only a couple of putts had dropped the score would have been a ripper.” Yesterday this happened to me not once but three times. First time a ‘Texas wedge’ 2 metres off the green, a total 6 metres to the hole and the ball gently rolled in to rattle down the pin to the bottom of the cup for a birdie. Second on the number one rated hole a 4m uphill putt. Ball ringed a full 360 degrees around the lip and popped out a couple of cm on the high side and stopped, as I walked up to take the second putt rolled into the hole. On the second last hole a 6m putt along a ridge was almost perfectly weighted and lagged to the left alongside the cup and stopped. We all were laughing at how close it finished and wisecracking, then the ball dropped again to rattle the bottom of the cup. Gobsmacked is the least I can say about my reaction, was great to have got over that hurdle of the past few weeks where my putting has faltered on the last 5-6 holes.
Sitting here right now it is incredible to know that what is to follow is this. I had three other shots that were just off target. Good grief to have had an 80 played to a 9hcp, four strokes better than my official one yet to have been millimetres away from dropping more putts almost seems greedy. This was not luck as a result it all came from 8 months of practise and planning to get myself into form for this time of the season. Even so to have achieved this in the fickle sport of golf and still realise that only 12 months ago I was a 20 handicapper. The feeling of satisfaction, confidence and yes, pride is all well earnt from my season efforts. Yet as most golfers exhibit, the humility is still there knowing that my golf game has a lot to improve upon.
My golfing week since Thursday went 18 holes social round 85 gross, Friday ‘Chicken Run’, 9 hole stableford 14 points (playing off 9hcp), Saturday ‘Bordertown Open’, 94 Gross (true hcp 13) and yesterday 80 Gross, nett 67 and 27 putts. Surprised to look back a year ago and I had the same score at Bordertown except I was playing off 20 then. Chuffed to see that seven strokes have been whittled off the handicap in that time. The Sunday round has retained the Caledonian Inn Trophy in my name from last season, and has me in good form for the coming championships.
Absolutely no illusions about my potential to win the section I am in, 14 or less is “A” grade at Robe and coming up against 5 previous winners on 4 to 10 handicaps is going to be a very tough ask to win. To make it through to the final pairing and play off is honestly the best I can expect. The Club’s championship format is two qualifying stroke rounds and matchplay from the top 8 in each grade to deliver the champion. Be assured that I will be playing 100% to win against any opponent, the past winners with 4-10 handicaps though have the lead on me experience and ability wise.
Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
This year I have been even more organised training wise, using the 4 month routine developed to prepare for the Southern Ports Tournament. With the season syllabus outlining the various club trophy rounds, and regional opens it was possible to continue the higher practise commitment with a competition focus. It did take a little personal awareness to not overdo it and have managed to get through to September and the beginning of the club championship qualifying rounds next Sunday, with my best ever stroke round score in a competition yesterday.
All golfers have had those rounds of, “if only a couple of putts had dropped the score would have been a ripper.” Yesterday this happened to me not once but three times. First time a ‘Texas wedge’ 2 metres off the green, a total 6 metres to the hole and the ball gently rolled in to rattle down the pin to the bottom of the cup for a birdie. Second on the number one rated hole a 4m uphill putt. Ball ringed a full 360 degrees around the lip and popped out a couple of cm on the high side and stopped, as I walked up to take the second putt rolled into the hole. On the second last hole a 6m putt along a ridge was almost perfectly weighted and lagged to the left alongside the cup and stopped. We all were laughing at how close it finished and wisecracking, then the ball dropped again to rattle the bottom of the cup. Gobsmacked is the least I can say about my reaction, was great to have got over that hurdle of the past few weeks where my putting has faltered on the last 5-6 holes.
Sitting here right now it is incredible to know that what is to follow is this. I had three other shots that were just off target. Good grief to have had an 80 played to a 9hcp, four strokes better than my official one yet to have been millimetres away from dropping more putts almost seems greedy. This was not luck as a result it all came from 8 months of practise and planning to get myself into form for this time of the season. Even so to have achieved this in the fickle sport of golf and still realise that only 12 months ago I was a 20 handicapper. The feeling of satisfaction, confidence and yes, pride is all well earnt from my season efforts. Yet as most golfers exhibit, the humility is still there knowing that my golf game has a lot to improve upon.
My golfing week since Thursday went 18 holes social round 85 gross, Friday ‘Chicken Run’, 9 hole stableford 14 points (playing off 9hcp), Saturday ‘Bordertown Open’, 94 Gross (true hcp 13) and yesterday 80 Gross, nett 67 and 27 putts. Surprised to look back a year ago and I had the same score at Bordertown except I was playing off 20 then. Chuffed to see that seven strokes have been whittled off the handicap in that time. The Sunday round has retained the Caledonian Inn Trophy in my name from last season, and has me in good form for the coming championships.
Absolutely no illusions about my potential to win the section I am in, 14 or less is “A” grade at Robe and coming up against 5 previous winners on 4 to 10 handicaps is going to be a very tough ask to win. To make it through to the final pairing and play off is honestly the best I can expect. The Club’s championship format is two qualifying stroke rounds and matchplay from the top 8 in each grade to deliver the champion. Be assured that I will be playing 100% to win against any opponent, the past winners with 4-10 handicaps though have the lead on me experience and ability wise.
Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all” Geoff
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
One more coaching change...
31/8/11 Sluggish start to the week, body went into shut down from Sunday to Tuesday morning after playing two rounds and 770 km travelling in four days. Irritating to have to put up with the after effects yet recovered in full today after a Bowen treatment, that was booked last week in expectation of overdoing the effort. Once again another 31 points from 18 holes and a round that stuttered with 5 holes to go. Having mused over it since and got over finishing fourth, accepting I was close enough to the winner on 37 points considering that again there was nothing left in the tank. The frustration came from playing in the same group as the winner and getting 1 point in front after 12 holes and wiped the 13th. Then to have the joy of two putts on 14th and 16th holes stop rolling and be hanging over the hole, I laughed during the game and that is the best way to accept the fickle nature of golf.
I do like to win and with club championship qualifying coming up this past weekend was a good experience in hindsight. Not to forget that the current club champion was a DNF on the day his score was that bad. Mine was acceptable considering that apart from two wiped holes my game was okay. Putting aside from the two short ones was affected by that same malaise at Glenelg, changing strokes during shots. fact is that I am playing my best golf ever at the minute, so how the hell can that not be enjoyed. Pretty minor problem in the scale of the game, the real problem was the inability to chip consistently within 2m or less of the pin. This is added to the practise with the grip change this week. Having used the interlocking grip since grade 6 the change is being made to the overlapping grip at the minute. Another part of the coaching changes from 6 weeks ago improving my game.
The Overlapping grip has given a better control over accuracy, a part of correcting the fault of holding the club in the palm and not my fingers previously. Changing the grip was not really necessary except that the interlocking grip related to the club in the palm not fingers so the change is cosmetic in a way. All that matters is it works, taking no time at all to adjust and improving my iron play from the beginning. The Driver was an instant fit into what has became a game strength lately of accuracy off the tee. Still on track for a good crack at qualifying during September, after that my challenge may not last long but there is plenty of golf left in the season yet.
Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all”, Geoff
I do like to win and with club championship qualifying coming up this past weekend was a good experience in hindsight. Not to forget that the current club champion was a DNF on the day his score was that bad. Mine was acceptable considering that apart from two wiped holes my game was okay. Putting aside from the two short ones was affected by that same malaise at Glenelg, changing strokes during shots. fact is that I am playing my best golf ever at the minute, so how the hell can that not be enjoyed. Pretty minor problem in the scale of the game, the real problem was the inability to chip consistently within 2m or less of the pin. This is added to the practise with the grip change this week. Having used the interlocking grip since grade 6 the change is being made to the overlapping grip at the minute. Another part of the coaching changes from 6 weeks ago improving my game.
The Overlapping grip has given a better control over accuracy, a part of correcting the fault of holding the club in the palm and not my fingers previously. Changing the grip was not really necessary except that the interlocking grip related to the club in the palm not fingers so the change is cosmetic in a way. All that matters is it works, taking no time at all to adjust and improving my iron play from the beginning. The Driver was an instant fit into what has became a game strength lately of accuracy off the tee. Still on track for a good crack at qualifying during September, after that my challenge may not last long but there is plenty of golf left in the season yet.
Thankyou for your time and attention “Hit ‘em straight all”, Geoff
Monday, August 22, 2011
How much is too much?
This is no excuse after all I still came second and had my chances to go one better on the day. Have began to lift the training/exercise routines up again with the club championships and various season trophy rounds beginning from now on into September and October. I played with last seasons club champion on Sunday (6 handicapper) After the front 9, I had a good result of 42 (13 handicap), he had a bad one with 43 off the stick. That is the best example of the gap between us as golfers, reality is that I will be in the “A” grade of our club championships competing against these golfers in matchplay. As much as I will play to win and never give up, My target is to qualify for the final and at best finish 2nd, this may change in the coming month if the current practise does get me to scores of 77-79.
The results from the last coaching session are encouraging, the swing plane, follow through and grip changes in effect now have increased consistency, accuracy and confidence with all shots. The new equipment in Irons and Driver have also combined with the better technique for more improvement. The changed mental attitude is gradually becoming the a comfortable state of game play thanks to the former improvements. Now for the downside of my ability, there is only two. One is my short game it going to take time and that is running short. Chipping is not quite there and getting these shots to drop or finish within ‘gimme’ distance of he hole is a must. The increased GIR in rounds is helping, yet I do not get many birdie putts and end up with scoring easy par. Fine in stroke rounds and general competition, in matchplay I must drop the birdie putts to have any chance against the single figure handicap opponents.
Second downside is a definite ‘shot in the dark’ to not affect my golf. It is not a fitness or training issue per se’, as a result of a motor vehicle accident in the 1980’s my body is pretty well stuffed at times. Generally I can maintain the disabling periods to a bearable level in pain and mobility effect. When returning to golf in 2009 approx. 3 months were lost to injury recovery and not able to play or practise. In 2010 no games were missed and practise was regulated to let the body recuperate. So far in 2011 no rounds missed with injury, using the same practise regulation. Lasting 36 holes though in a day without some injury flare ups, is beyond my physical ability. Yesterday was prime example of what happens when the body screams out, “Enough!” Playing through the pain barrier is nothing unusual to me but once the injuries physically hamper movement, the precision to play good shots cannot remain consistent. That can be covered with handicap allowances in ‘A’ grade, I will be up against guys who are adept at playing with no handicap allowance for most holes (two thirds or less in 18 holes).
The upside is that this is a major motivation for me, c’mon I am a bloke who has the ingrained belief of “nothing is impossible”. What is the worst thing that can happen? Lose a game of golf, that is nothing in the scale of disasters and past things that have affected my life. So look out pain barrier, once again the voices in my head have decided that it is time to push the boundaries again. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Friday, August 19, 2011
Better equipment is not the key to better golf...
Throughout all of this experimentation with clubs my handicap kept dropping, during the weeks of practise I would deliberately use different irons in practise. Not once in 3 seasons did I have a bad round caused by the equipment. Many golfers have the first hand experience or anecdote passed on by a mate similar to this, “A golfer goes to the club pro and asks if he has the “Insert latest Club design breakthrough” which will fix his “lack of distance/slice/hook”. The club pro says, “No.” Then grabs a persimmon #1 Wood or 20 year old Iron and proceeds to show he can hit is as well as the latest wizz bang design.
Whilst I have now settled on a set of irons my experimentation with drivers and hybrids is still continuing. After the trip to Adelaide this week I called in to the Golf Clearance warehouse for a browse on the travels and picked a Dynacast Fastrax 400cc 10 deg reg. flex Driver and an Acer XPS201, 120cc 17 deg reg. flex Hybrid @ $25 each out of the bargain bin. This is to test out if the change to regular flex in the irons is applicable to my other clubs in the bag. So far this week the driver has definitely been a plus on that level. Admittedly it is 20cc larger than the one it replaced but it certainly feels better in the hands so far, seems to have added distance off the tee in practise as well. The regular flex hybrid has a significantly heavier club head and so far in practise has been okay and on par with the stiff flex hybrid. It was the club head weight that made me choose it as it is similar to the Cobra Bafflers that I have checked out a few times. The regular flex shafts have made me work on my swing rythym and shot playing technique, whilst no longer having to work on getting the swing speed that the stiff shafts needed to be effective. This has made practise and playing a lot more enjoyable. Putting effort now into the ‘art’ of playing that smooth technically correct swing that has distance, accuracy and ease of effort in its execution.
These changes in equipment are all motivated to combine with the changes in my grip and swing from the last coaching session. In the last moth I have built on the coaching with some reading of Steve Elkington’s book “The Five Fundamentals”. From this I have added some more grip drills and knowledge to the direction from the coach. Again the key is to incorporate changes to my golf and still play well. This time though the focus is totally on my technique and gain better accuracy and consistency to be able to drop the 3-4 strokes needed to reach 10hcp. Thankyou for your time and attention all, “Hit ‘em straight” Geoff
Friday, August 12, 2011
New iron setup works well from the start...
12/8/11 The post delivered my new set of Titleist AP2 710’s yesterday which helped give the day a bit of a lift. Have been under the influence of a coughing, sneezing cold for the past 3 days, cannot even recall the last time I had a cold in fact. “Free plug for Flu shots flaming good value.” It is not that bad, more of an irritation than debilitating illness. Even so that disgusting four letter word... “WORK” had me inside until 2pm before I could get out and have a hit with the irons.
First off a bit of a whack on the practise fairway with 40 balls to get a feel for the ‘fitted’ sticks. The stiff flex Bridgestone J33’s have gone to a new home in WA and I have had the AP2 set supplied with R300 Dynamic Gold shafts, + 1 inch in length. As the fitting said was better suited for me. As I do with all of my iron sets, a throw back to when I began playing golf, then followed 9 holes with irons only. Front 9 and a 44 off the stick and 2 bad putts and a thin hit 7 iron cost a 41-42. It was a windy day and a real effort on 4 holes hitting into a strong wind with a #3iron off the tee, 155m to 165m were the longest drives. The R300 flex shafts though made the shots possible with ease and are definitely better for my 76-80 mph swing speed.
Noticeable changes on the course, the shorter irons 8-PW have all picked up some distance, will take a little adjusting to from 50-100m range. Used the 3-5 irons and one 7 iron, in the nine holes and again the distance hit was not the real import it was the ease of hitting the ball that mattered. The putter has to get a mention after the experience on the scrapes last week. After the first three holes I was back into the putting groove, but had added 2 extra shots on the score. Final result was 4 pars, 2 bogies and 3 double bogies.
Now for the bit that has me going to purgatory... The AP2’s are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) irons from the manufacturer in China. Make no mistake this purchase was well researched, even so it was a calculated risk on my part. With that knowledge behind me I was confident that no matter what, for the price negotiated the irons are copies. The irons I have purchased do have serial numbers, the quality of the iron heads is okay and the expected product labelling is perfect. My AP2’s have “Made in USA” DG R300 stickers on the shafts.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”, Geoff
First off a bit of a whack on the practise fairway with 40 balls to get a feel for the ‘fitted’ sticks. The stiff flex Bridgestone J33’s have gone to a new home in WA and I have had the AP2 set supplied with R300 Dynamic Gold shafts, + 1 inch in length. As the fitting said was better suited for me. As I do with all of my iron sets, a throw back to when I began playing golf, then followed 9 holes with irons only. Front 9 and a 44 off the stick and 2 bad putts and a thin hit 7 iron cost a 41-42. It was a windy day and a real effort on 4 holes hitting into a strong wind with a #3iron off the tee, 155m to 165m were the longest drives. The R300 flex shafts though made the shots possible with ease and are definitely better for my 76-80 mph swing speed.
Noticeable changes on the course, the shorter irons 8-PW have all picked up some distance, will take a little adjusting to from 50-100m range. Used the 3-5 irons and one 7 iron, in the nine holes and again the distance hit was not the real import it was the ease of hitting the ball that mattered. The putter has to get a mention after the experience on the scrapes last week. After the first three holes I was back into the putting groove, but had added 2 extra shots on the score. Final result was 4 pars, 2 bogies and 3 double bogies.
Now for the bit that has me going to purgatory... The AP2’s are OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) irons from the manufacturer in China. Make no mistake this purchase was well researched, even so it was a calculated risk on my part. With that knowledge behind me I was confident that no matter what, for the price negotiated the irons are copies. The irons I have purchased do have serial numbers, the quality of the iron heads is okay and the expected product labelling is perfect. My AP2’s have “Made in USA” DG R300 stickers on the shafts.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”, Geoff
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
JAK Tournament weekend
A 9 hole course with 18 tee blocks, the lay of the land at the Eudunda course is a good variation of up and down hill fairways and greens. Well ‘blacks’ in truth as the course has scrapes for the putting surface on each hole. This was the downfall for my Sunday round, although on the Saturday I dropped a few birdie putts in the Ambrose Competition. Playing up and down hills and across gullies was very enjoyable. The weather on the Sunday was not too much wind, rain and hail for my liking on the course, matched with the 2 hour drive to get there and play my energy level was not at its best.
Perhaps the most interesting revelation was my reaction to the crowded field on the Sunday. On the previous day it was not a concern waiting on the tee for groups in front to play on. In the 18 hole stroke competition my demeanour was impatient and ramped up into the usual tournament attitude. The continuous waiting on the tee and on the fairway for 5-10 minutes at a time had me completely frazzled. Then it started to hail after 7 or so holes, which fortunately we avoided by making a run for the clubhouse and an early lunch when the black clouds began to build.
During lunch I decided that the day was not going to be fun if I attempted to maintain the ‘tourney playing’ attitude. So once back out on the course it became one of hit and have fun trying out shots that would usually not be attempted in a comp. This worked and I finished the day happy and laughing and with some bonuses in my stroke play. This week though the first thing will be to get on the putting green and get some form. The scrapes were a total waste of time for me to experience, to be honest I had more fun putting on them unscraped and with all the bumps and ridges left in place. Slow and with the ball pulling up rapidly it worked best for me just belting the ball at the hole and then tapping in.
The weekend did have a high though, after the winning result in the Ambrose Competition, from a countback in a 3 way tie at 5 under. Particularly satisfying as it got the name of my mate whose father is whom the JAK weekend and trophy is named after on the winners shield. For all the competitiveness in golf the heart of the game is in the socialising and people I play with and meet.
This week is going to be broken up with another trip to Adelaide Thursday then back Friday for a meeting, got out yesterday for a hit with 60 balls. Went well in fact some good distance and accuracy especially pleased with that and the putting can get a run this arvo. This weekend is the Monthly Medal and 1st round of the Gallerie Trophy should be fun as long as it does not rain. Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all”
Geoff
Thursday, August 04, 2011
Reshafted 60 degree wedge...
4/8/11 Sitting in the house as it rains up in the Adelaide hills about to head off to Angaston for a couple of days with G/f then work and golf gig. Have decided to stay another day and return to Eudunda on the Sunday to play the second day of the comp. after the Ambrose on the Saturday.
Did slip down to the driving range this morning and put in an hour and a half chipping, bunker practise and irons and drivers. It is relaxing not having to pick up all the balls after having a hit. Gave the “new” addition to the bag a good work out to and very impressed.
Have had a 60 degree wedge for a while that never felt good in the hands, so it stayed in the dust gathering corner. Last week pulled the shaft and replaced it with a 6 iron shaft (short one about 33.5”) Now it is in the bag the extra length suits me just right in stance and accuacy is where I want it to be. Great out of the sand bunkers too so this is a bonus club my bag needed.
Should be fit enough and have an idea after the round what the course is like to have a crack. Ambrose is a great social way to wander around the course and get a good look at it with out being buried in playing the game.
Have a great weekend all, Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight”
Geoff
Did slip down to the driving range this morning and put in an hour and a half chipping, bunker practise and irons and drivers. It is relaxing not having to pick up all the balls after having a hit. Gave the “new” addition to the bag a good work out to and very impressed.
Have had a 60 degree wedge for a while that never felt good in the hands, so it stayed in the dust gathering corner. Last week pulled the shaft and replaced it with a 6 iron shaft (short one about 33.5”) Now it is in the bag the extra length suits me just right in stance and accuacy is where I want it to be. Great out of the sand bunkers too so this is a bonus club my bag needed.
Should be fit enough and have an idea after the round what the course is like to have a crack. Ambrose is a great social way to wander around the course and get a good look at it with out being buried in playing the game.
Have a great weekend all, Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight”
Geoff
Monday, August 01, 2011
Disaster avoided in the Kingston Open...
1/8/11 The weather was a gem for the Kingston SE Open event on Sunday, sunshine and enough wind to make the game a little more interesting in club and shot selection. The course was in fine condition as well the Kingston members have been working long and hard the past three years in redeveloping the layout and there is only one new laid green left to be brought into action. The addition of mounds on the fairways has been a very effective playing condition adjustment for golfers. Players have to plan their shots and take into account the various hazards of mounds and grass bunkers. It takes some intelligent play and for golfers the challenge is enjoyable.
Some holes give the option of playing over doglegs to the hole or take a safer path it is all up to a players choice and ability. Myself, the confidence to attack to that level is not quite there, it was a definite consideration on a couple of holes yesterday. Playing with another 14 hcp, a 9 and 10 hcp it was a good social group and ability wise mix. The other 14 handicapper had a 38 on the front 9 where as I could not get my game into a steady rythym for the second week in a row. Finishing with a 47 on the front 9 started with a (+3) 7 on the first it was head down to get that back and a +2 on the 3rd did not help the come back. Even so I was firing on all cylinders and looking good until the 9th hole. Hit the green with my second, distance of 140 m and saw the ball bounce up from the surface and felt good even though at a guess it was likely to have rolled through. The green itself was not veiwable, being a sunken one. Very disapointed to get there and see the plug mark at the front and the ball 40 m further on in trees and rough, hard greens do make GIR difficult work and the hole was another 6 (+2) in the end. Did think that a par was goingto come from the 9th and set my charge on the back 9.
After lunch and seeing the 38 by the other 14 handicapper for the first time I recall deciding to chase another players score. Dropped all the conservative ideas and went for the gold. Was not the perfect round possible made a few mistakes, only one clanger, for a 42 and a gross 89 Nett 75. The putting was hard work all day, fast greens and did not have any three putts. Was pleased to finally end the round and let the brain have a rest. Quick greens that do not break until the ball has almost stopped can be very tricky, broke the group 9 handicapper’s game wide open with 4 three putts. On my part playing away from the home track in 2010 has educated me in playing on faster greens, the benefits are helping me this season.
In retrospect the round was a definitive example of getting over the hurdles that can obstruct success. It would have been simple to have just gone through the motions on the last nine holes and enjoyed the day. Instead I attacked at every opportunity, from that attitude came the birdie on the 11th hole. The end result was the facts, fantasy is the several near miss putts that out numbered the clanger putts 4 to 1. After the first hole and the third, my shots off the tee were all fairway bound and to position. A couple of chips did not carry or went too far, due to the change from the blade (Bridgestone J33’s) to the heavier cavity backs. Was not too far off the pace either (in handicap results) at the end of the competition in A grade either.By the time the AP2 turn up I will have played another few rounds with the old clubs before making the final change in equipment.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all.”, Geoff
Some holes give the option of playing over doglegs to the hole or take a safer path it is all up to a players choice and ability. Myself, the confidence to attack to that level is not quite there, it was a definite consideration on a couple of holes yesterday. Playing with another 14 hcp, a 9 and 10 hcp it was a good social group and ability wise mix. The other 14 handicapper had a 38 on the front 9 where as I could not get my game into a steady rythym for the second week in a row. Finishing with a 47 on the front 9 started with a (+3) 7 on the first it was head down to get that back and a +2 on the 3rd did not help the come back. Even so I was firing on all cylinders and looking good until the 9th hole. Hit the green with my second, distance of 140 m and saw the ball bounce up from the surface and felt good even though at a guess it was likely to have rolled through. The green itself was not veiwable, being a sunken one. Very disapointed to get there and see the plug mark at the front and the ball 40 m further on in trees and rough, hard greens do make GIR difficult work and the hole was another 6 (+2) in the end. Did think that a par was goingto come from the 9th and set my charge on the back 9.
After lunch and seeing the 38 by the other 14 handicapper for the first time I recall deciding to chase another players score. Dropped all the conservative ideas and went for the gold. Was not the perfect round possible made a few mistakes, only one clanger, for a 42 and a gross 89 Nett 75. The putting was hard work all day, fast greens and did not have any three putts. Was pleased to finally end the round and let the brain have a rest. Quick greens that do not break until the ball has almost stopped can be very tricky, broke the group 9 handicapper’s game wide open with 4 three putts. On my part playing away from the home track in 2010 has educated me in playing on faster greens, the benefits are helping me this season.
In retrospect the round was a definitive example of getting over the hurdles that can obstruct success. It would have been simple to have just gone through the motions on the last nine holes and enjoyed the day. Instead I attacked at every opportunity, from that attitude came the birdie on the 11th hole. The end result was the facts, fantasy is the several near miss putts that out numbered the clanger putts 4 to 1. After the first hole and the third, my shots off the tee were all fairway bound and to position. A couple of chips did not carry or went too far, due to the change from the blade (Bridgestone J33’s) to the heavier cavity backs. Was not too far off the pace either (in handicap results) at the end of the competition in A grade either.By the time the AP2 turn up I will have played another few rounds with the old clubs before making the final change in equipment.
Thankyou for your time and attention, “Hit ‘em straight all.”, Geoff
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Slow steady progress in the week..
30/7/11 Have maintained the 9 hole rounds through the week just gone getting in 4 sessions playing the course instead of range practise. The downside is only the amount of time it takes to play 9 holes as opposed to hitting balls on the practise fairway. Fortunately my longer irons and drivers have a good quality about them at the minute thanks to the practise so far this season. I put in a lot more time with the short game as this is going to take the most adjustment while using the old set until the AP2’s turn up. The Bridgestone J33’s have been given a final clean and are now on the market. Unfortunately the MB pitching wedge in the set is very different from the Karsten look a like and it took a lot of practise to get some touch back by Friday.
"Golf Ethos". We all have one that is created from our experience in the game. Some people have a parrot fashion recital of a PGA Champions words, others have a short statement on the game and many have an unspoken opus in the mind every time the clubs are touched or the game is thought about.
Mine is simple to me as I have lived it and written it, yet to speak it is not a brief dialogue. The short version is , "I am not the best golfer, I am the best I can be."
In addition to the short game practise a lot of time was put into the exercise routines given in the coaching session last week. Spent some time on Monday making a short (1m) club to do the swing plane and wrist rotation exercise. Did this routine daily, as well as the hip rotation and leg follow through exercise. Created a few stiff spots on the ribs, the body was not used to the pure extension of the various muscles so often.
The return is in the game though and playing in the Friday, “Chicken Run” off a 10 hcp as opposed to my official 14, went out a stroke after the Lucindale CavPower Open last weekend. Finished with 18 points with 40 gross strokes and wiped one hole. I will take that score any day and being a very enjoyable social comp is an added bonus. The day was won by our club President who is in his 70’s (years) and played off single figures for 50 of them. At the minute off 13 he came in with 21 points. Playing in the same group it was a fun round and was a little surprised at the end to be complimented on the quality of my short game.
This got me thinking. There is a fault that can ruin many a golfers game, “blurring the line between expectations and capability”. In retrospect the very different feel of the old PW and the J33 PW distracted me from seeing the actual quality of chip shots played. Five were 2 m or less from the hole, no birdies in the round but some very good up and downs for par made easy with short putts. In essence the shots were very good, yet in a strange way I was so focussed on how the club felt in my hands than the shot results were lost on me. I did make some mistakes early in the round though that had my attention so narrow in its focus to avoid making them again.
I am still coming to terms with the change to an attacking game strategy from playing the percentage game strategy. Made one mistake in this transition which very nearly caused another wiped hole. Playing a 2nd shot from tight under a tree, tried for distance instead of clear and onto the fairway. Nearly an airy and topped the ball just enough to have a clear swing for the 3rd which made the green and a long putt for par. The wiped hole was on the 2nd one played and again tried too hard for the pin instead of making the green while under trees. Hit the ball thin and shot across the green like a rocket. It is very hard making the transition as I have not yet found my comfort zone with being aware of the best shot to play. attacking golf is about being clever not trying to shoot the lights out of every hole.
Out and hitting some balls later today, tuning up for the Kingston Open tomorrow morning. Thankyou for your time and attention. “Hit ‘em straight all”, Geoff
"Golf Ethos". We all have one that is created from our experience in the game. Some people have a parrot fashion recital of a PGA Champions words, others have a short statement on the game and many have an unspoken opus in the mind every time the clubs are touched or the game is thought about.
Mine is simple to me as I have lived it and written it, yet to speak it is not a brief dialogue. The short version is , "I am not the best golfer, I am the best I can be."
In addition to the short game practise a lot of time was put into the exercise routines given in the coaching session last week. Spent some time on Monday making a short (1m) club to do the swing plane and wrist rotation exercise. Did this routine daily, as well as the hip rotation and leg follow through exercise. Created a few stiff spots on the ribs, the body was not used to the pure extension of the various muscles so often.
The return is in the game though and playing in the Friday, “Chicken Run” off a 10 hcp as opposed to my official 14, went out a stroke after the Lucindale CavPower Open last weekend. Finished with 18 points with 40 gross strokes and wiped one hole. I will take that score any day and being a very enjoyable social comp is an added bonus. The day was won by our club President who is in his 70’s (years) and played off single figures for 50 of them. At the minute off 13 he came in with 21 points. Playing in the same group it was a fun round and was a little surprised at the end to be complimented on the quality of my short game.
This got me thinking. There is a fault that can ruin many a golfers game, “blurring the line between expectations and capability”. In retrospect the very different feel of the old PW and the J33 PW distracted me from seeing the actual quality of chip shots played. Five were 2 m or less from the hole, no birdies in the round but some very good up and downs for par made easy with short putts. In essence the shots were very good, yet in a strange way I was so focussed on how the club felt in my hands than the shot results were lost on me. I did make some mistakes early in the round though that had my attention so narrow in its focus to avoid making them again.
I am still coming to terms with the change to an attacking game strategy from playing the percentage game strategy. Made one mistake in this transition which very nearly caused another wiped hole. Playing a 2nd shot from tight under a tree, tried for distance instead of clear and onto the fairway. Nearly an airy and topped the ball just enough to have a clear swing for the 3rd which made the green and a long putt for par. The wiped hole was on the 2nd one played and again tried too hard for the pin instead of making the green while under trees. Hit the ball thin and shot across the green like a rocket. It is very hard making the transition as I have not yet found my comfort zone with being aware of the best shot to play. attacking golf is about being clever not trying to shoot the lights out of every hole.
Out and hitting some balls later today, tuning up for the Kingston Open tomorrow morning. Thankyou for your time and attention. “Hit ‘em straight all”, Geoff
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