First Round (for real)

Finally got out for my firat 18 holes yesterday.

Didn't have a calculator so there is no score available

Even lost track of the amount of balls i lost.

All in all a positive experience. I will definitely get my own clubs and start working on getting better.

Even though I was hitting what I thought were fairly good 3W's on the range I couldn't hit anything, woods that is, off the tee.

I didn't suck completely with the irons and could get on the green in 2 on some of the par 3's and in 4 on one of the par 4's.

Getting on the green only served to point out my next weakness.....PUTTING!

I really enjoyed the game and look forward to getting better and you all can look forward to a lot more questions.

JohnV

John,

It's a 3 step program. Practice at home: putting, mirror work, and chiping/short pitches in the yard. On the range: everything, just like a good workout inthe gym keeping a journal is a good habit to get into. Sometimes you don't see your progress until you write it down. On the course: Course management, hitting off non flat lies, hitting targets and the thinking process of the game.

I do things and experiment to get better sometimes in little steps sometimes revelations that change big things. The better you get you try to shave one or two strokes here and there.

John,

For putting I found a little gizmo kit on ebay that has some cheap peices you put together with a pen laser. I tried it out and it works well to train your eyes and get a good pendulum swing. You can also practice it in the comfort of your home over the winter. By spring you will be putting lights out.

Just some suggestions,

GolfBald

__________________
The guy in the white hat!

Welcome to wonderful world of real golf. I felt exactly like you do about 15 months ago when I stepped (rather allowed to step) on to the course!

I used to feel pretty elated scoring around 120 and quickly brought the score down to 100. I am around that range for sometime now and my 28 handicap is due for a revision anytime as I even won the second place in a monthly medal.

The reality of the actual course as against the artificial range is a significant shock but it fades slowly as you start learning to play within your limits.

This site has provided me with invaluable tips that helped improve my game. I only feel sad that it has taken me 49 years to recognise one of the most fascinating games I can imagine

Best of luck.

Thanks for the reply tnsekar.

I agree with you about the help ot be had on this site and I am very happy I found it.

I hate to think what i would have done on the first round if I hadn't gotten some of the basics from here.

JohnV

John

About a week ago, I was thinking of leaving the website. I didn't think anyone was reading posts, trying things, getting anything out of it. I guess I was wrong. If I had this website when I started, I think I would be farther along in the golf experience for it. I guess when your on the posting end of this golf website thing you wonder if anyone is listening. Thanks for teaching me a lesson!!!

GolfBald

Golfbald

I not only read responses to what I write but make it a point to read all postings which are of interest to me. And anything which I think can help me, I try

My latest attempt is to keep the butt of the club on the target line as long as possible before I swing through the ball. I did notice a sudden increase in the distance on iron shots but seem to be having a problem with my woods. May be I am tentative.

I am particularly having problems off the tee where my drives are resulting in slices. I was hitting pretty decent straight shots till now. As I said in my earlier posting, I started the game late in my life and hence feel that any suggestion to increase the distance is worth a try.

Help please

What is your normal distance with you driver? And what flex shaft do you have in it?

GolfBald

Hi there,

My drives normally average just about 200 yds off the tee and I use regular flex shafts

tnsekhar

I can send you a photo lesson if you send me a regular email address. I and doing a study on distance as it relates to a. grip, posture and setup and b. how much distance if any related to height, weight and age. If you want to participate, just send a pm.

GolfBald

I started this golf game at 57, and I love it, I read this site as though it was the golf bible, my first yr. and Im slowly getting better, thanks for all the help

I go along with all that has been said about this great site.

About ten years ago I had a flirtation with golf but became frustrated because I couldnt achieve much in the way of improvement and gave it up.
Then six months ago my son talked me into starting again and this time I was determined to give it my best shot. I started with a first round of 136. The old frustrations came back. Then I found this site and I have systematically gone through the tutorials and three weeks ago broke my hundred for the first time with a 99.

The pleasing thing is is that I am now so confident when I play and actually look like a fairly competent golfer some of the time. I know that it will only be a matter of time before I break the 90.

My grateful thanks to Greg and all the other Pros and contributors of the site. You have been a Godsend to me and countless others.

Regards Jimmy

Hey,
I'm 18 years young, and have been playing a year with no significant improvement. After joining this site, it only took about one month of practice of what I'd read off posts, and I finally beat my mate, to his absolute shock, as he normally finishes 15 or so shots ahead.

Thanks!

Hey, your well ahead of me.
Im still shy about going onto the Range.
I had a play with a club on the side today, trying to remeber what I read about Grip, Stance and so on.... Managed to get one or 2 good shots off.
One was a top ripper, scuttering along the ground and dropping into the ditch.... oops.

Right now, I just have my 7 Iron.
Next on the list is a cheap Putter, and I can practice my putting at home.
The 7I is a trip to the local school field for an hour before dusk.

I figure I need a Driver 'cause my course has a few 350+ yard holes and a SandWedge... 'cause I know how many bunkers there are.