First round in the 70s

Yup, shot a 79 today and still left a few shots out there but can't really complain. The greens are in much better shape than they were a few weeks ago so I sank a few today and only three putted once. Also got up and down from the fringe and a greenside bunker a couple of times so the short game was working really well.

Generally though I'm hitting the ball really well at the moment. I've realised that I was standing a little too close to the ball and adjusting by getting a bit too upright at address so my ball striking was inconsistent. I now stand further away with much more relaxed shoulders and it definitely promotes that inside-square-inside swing path and a powerful release.

I seemed to recall mentioning that I was going to treat myself to some new irons once I shot a round in the 70s but following Darryl's advice I think the MP-32s can wait a while yet.

Anyway, just want to thank all you guys for your help and advice, couldn't have done it without you.

Cheers

Paul

Congrats Paul! Breaking 80 is a big mental block to overcome. Once you clear that hurdle, it's smooth sailing for a while. Keep up the good work!!!

Congratulations!

With a 3 putt that is really good. You must of had a lot of 1 putts mixed in as well.

Nice shooting. I better be breaking 80 consistently by the end of the season.

The golf was just really steady, not spectacular, which is why I'm confident I can repeat it. I just played solidly for a good stretch of the round and was -1 between holes 8 and 16. I did make good par saves on 13, 14 and 15 though.

Well Done PH!!! It's great to have a new target to beat, it certainly focuses the mind on the game.


Its the ones you save rather than the ones you pick up that makes a low round. Of the two 68's and half dozen or so 69's I have had I think only one of them had more than 2 birdies in them. Theres a lot of guys capable of breaking 90,80,70 whatever if they played to a score rather than as low as they can. I find playing to level 4's (72) is a great way to keep yourself in the right mindset. Playing to par is an intimidating thing and once one or two bogeys have popped in it can become a snowball effect. For example a 3 on a par 3 is just a par but on level fours its a birdie and allows you a 5 at a par 4 to stay level. If you are standing on the difficult 15th tee for example ( I just use it cos the 15th at ours is a long par 4 with tough bunkers at 270 and a small raised green) and have a score of 2 or 3 over 4's going with a par 3 to come then you know that a 5 isnt a bad score. Trying to par it might result in a nasty result. It eases the pressure a little bit knowing you have an easy birdie following (which is actually a par).

It sounds a little complex but it does help. Try it next time out.

D.

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Well done,Paul.

80 is a great barrier and like this "all in the mind game" once you have achieved this it only gets easier to do it again.

Short game and steady thinking.................wow


Well done again



Ian.