Taking up Golf

[SpeckledJim]

mattnunn said:

taaffy said:

Fas1975 said:

To the people giving advice about having lessons. LISTEN TO THAT ADVICE! I started in June, played a couple of rounds, go practicing at the range at least 2 times a week, but I've continuously invested in lessons. I see people at the range, just turning up and hitting, and they're mediocre at best, and as someone just said, £15 on a lesson will pay much more dividends than 100's of balls fired at will downrange.

I'm now at a stage where my swing is consistent, and we're now dialling in some aspects of my swing. I'm now seeing consisten 120-140 yards, using range balls, with an 8 iron, and 200 yards + with a 6. This is all down to lessons. It's getting expensive, but I've invested in top end equipment, I want to get the best out of it.

Take lessons!

120-140 yards is not consistent. Consistency is 130 or 132 yards.
As for 200+ with a 6 iron and range balls ....find that difficult to believe.

Yep, that 20yds of accuracy in those second shots is the difference between a scratch golfer and a 12 handicap.

Interesting to hear Monty in commentary over the weekend, he was admitting hi average driver length now is down to under 250yds! I was shocked as I'm pretty sure on a good day I'd average that over 18 holes, but obviously I wouldn't challenge him to match play!

To the guy who's hitting 160+ and wanting advice, my advice would be to seriously think about how much time he wants to commit to this, because unless you 13 years old with a serious desire to be a good golfer you might want to think about a different hobby.

Was Monty talking about his average Driver length, or his average drive length? If you see the distinction?

And our 160 man needn't be disheartened. At his level huge strides are relatively simple with some improvements to technique and course management. Certainly with good advice and some effort he should be able to see sufficient improvements to be reassured that the game isn't beyond him.

With a good attitude and a little application, anyone with sufficient coordination to walk and chew gum simultaneously can shoot 120, IMO.

[mattnunn]

SpeckledJim said:

Was Monty talking about his average Driver length, or his average drive length? If you see the distinction?

And our 160 man needn't be disheartened. At his level huge strides are relatively simple with some improvements to technique and course management. Certainly with good advice and some effort he should be able to see sufficient improvements to be reassured that the game isn't beyond him.

With a good attitude and a little application, anyone with sufficient coordination to walk and chew gum simultaneously can shoot 120, IMO.

Yes I see, I assumed he was talking about his driver, maybe he just meant his average of the tee, I know Jimenez doesn't hit his driver much over 250yds as well.

I could spend all day looking at these stats, they never cease to amaze me just where the difference in the Pro Game is, it's certainly not in raw distance... The Tour average driving distance is only 289yds, I'd suspect the European tour will be lower, obviously they may be capable of hitting it further on occasion.

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/filter/?4

[SpeckledJim]

mattnunn said:

SpeckledJim said:

Was Monty talking about his average Driver length, or his average drive length? If you see the distinction?

And our 160 man needn't be disheartened. At his level huge strides are relatively simple with some improvements to technique and course management. Certainly with good advice and some effort he should be able to see sufficient improvements to be reassured that the game isn't beyond him.

With a good attitude and a little application, anyone with sufficient coordination to walk and chew gum simultaneously can shoot 120, IMO.

Yes I see, I assumed he was talking about his driver, maybe he just meant his average of the tee, I know Jimenez doesn't hit his driver much over 250yds as well.

I could spend all day looking at these stats, they never cease to amaze me just where the difference in the Pro Game is, it's certainly not in raw distance... The Tour average driving distance is only 289yds, I'd suspect the European tour will be lower, obviously they may be capable of hitting it further on occasion.

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/filter/?4

But the Tour courses are generally bloody tight. That 289 is down a pretty unforgiving fairway, by our 'mortal' standards. Given courses like the one we've had this week, there would be a lot more 'gripping and ripping' going on.

[mattnunn]

SpeckledJim said:

mattnunn said:

SpeckledJim said:

Was Monty talking about his average Driver length, or his average drive length? If you see the distinction?

And our 160 man needn't be disheartened. At his level huge strides are relatively simple with some improvements to technique and course management. Certainly with good advice and some effort he should be able to see sufficient improvements to be reassured that the game isn't beyond him.

With a good attitude and a little application, anyone with sufficient coordination to walk and chew gum simultaneously can shoot 120, IMO.

Yes I see, I assumed he was talking about his driver, maybe he just meant his average of the tee, I know Jimenez doesn't hit his driver much over 250yds as well.

I could spend all day looking at these stats, they never cease to amaze me just where the difference in the Pro Game is, it's certainly not in raw distance... The Tour average driving distance is only 289yds, I'd suspect the European tour will be lower, obviously they may be capable of hitting it further on occasion.

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/filter/?4

But the Tour courses are generally bloody tight. That 289 is down a pretty unforgiving fairway, by our 'mortal' standards. Given courses like the one we've had this week, there would be a lot more 'gripping and ripping' going on.

I suppose it's all relative, but you'll see the Tour average of fairways hit is only just above 60%.

And none of the top 5 driving accuracy names are in the top 5 driving distance, if fact Jim Furyk and Ben Curtis are near the bottom of the distance leagues under 280yds but near 70% accuracy.

I've no real point to make here, just like the stats. It give me a boost to think if I'm on a decent course and hit the fairway or make the green in regulation (I do every now and again!) then a decent percentage of the tour pros would have not done. (Statistically speaking) What they all would do is get up and down, where might struggle to.

[SpeckledJim]

mattnunn said:

SpeckledJim said:

mattnunn said:

SpeckledJim said:

Was Monty talking about his average Driver length, or his average drive length? If you see the distinction?

And our 160 man needn't be disheartened. At his level huge strides are relatively simple with some improvements to technique and course management. Certainly with good advice and some effort he should be able to see sufficient improvements to be reassured that the game isn't beyond him.

With a good attitude and a little application, anyone with sufficient coordination to walk and chew gum simultaneously can shoot 120, IMO.

Yes I see, I assumed he was talking about his driver, maybe he just meant his average of the tee, I know Jimenez doesn't hit his driver much over 250yds as well.

I could spend all day looking at these stats, they never cease to amaze me just where the difference in the Pro Game is, it's certainly not in raw distance... The Tour average driving distance is only 289yds, I'd suspect the European tour will be lower, obviously they may be capable of hitting it further on occasion.

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/

http://www.pgatour.com/r/stats/filter/?4

But the Tour courses are generally bloody tight. That 289 is down a pretty unforgiving fairway, by our 'mortal' standards. Given courses like the one we've had this week, there would be a lot more 'gripping and ripping' going on.

I suppose it's all relative, but you'll see the Tour average of fairways hit is only just above 60%.

And none of the top 5 driving accuracy names are in the top 5 driving distance, if fact Jim Furyk and Ben Curtis are near the bottom of the distance leagues under 280yds but near 70% accuracy.

I've no real point to make here, just like the stats. It give me a boost to think if I'm on a decent course and hit the fairway or make the green in regulation (I do every now and again!) then a decent percentage of the tour pros would have not done. (Statistically speaking) What they all would do is get up and down, where might struggle to.

But don't forget that they drove from somewhere 30-80 yards behind where you did, so the hole played very differently, and that extra length means they often 'need' to use the long stick to be in reasonable range for the second shot. That reduces their accuracy.

It isn't at all surprising that the longest aren't also the most accurate. Every additional mph of clubhead speed magnifies any errors of direction and spin on the ball.

You're right that touch around the greens is where they really earn their money, and distance themselves from us thwackers.

[marksx]

mattnunn said:

To the guy who's hitting 160+ and wanting advice, my advice would be to seriously think about how much time he wants to commit to this, because unless you 13 years old with a serious desire to be a good golfer you might want to think about a different hobby.

I'm not giving up yet!

I've only played three full 18s.

I have had lessons before but not one on one. Then I stopped for a few months and forgot how to swing! That's what annoys me, I used to be able to hit balls a damn sight better than I do now. I'm just getting back into it now and getting chance to play/practice more and more. I also have a chipping range set up behind work.

Once the car is sold I will be wadded and can play every week!

Thanks for the advice everyone. If I can I will try and get a vid of my swing the next time we are out.

[anonymous-user]

Skii said:

Fas1975 said:

and 200 yards + with a 6.

Thats some yardage there fella !

Doesnt say in which direction! But as the poster only took up the game and had a first lesson in June, Id be mightily impressed.

To be fair though, I hit my 6 190-200 on my "home" range, however that was with a slight downhill slope to the range, which made up for the loss of distance with range balls so it wasn't too far off my real world distances.

[anonymous-user]

marksx said:

Well I am getting worse at this sport!

I played 18 holes at Howley Hall if anyone knows it.

Sooo many toppped shots. I got round in 161. Eventually.

People watching my swing don't see a huge amount wrong with it. Maybe I am just trying to hit the ball too hard. Towards the end I really slowed my swing down and saw an improvement. But it was really slow.

As others have said, book a lesson, or for better value for money, a group beginners class. You wont have 1-2-1 tuition, but the pro will take you through the basics of grip, posture, stance, ball position.

[danneth]

Skii said:

Very nice, I'd love the Lob wedge to complete my set - a well known Pro ? do tell !

btw - I see the 1 Iron is looking very pristine..

I don't use all 4 irons, nor do I carry the 1 or 2 iron I'd like to say I'm a fairly decent golfer ( playing off 6 ) but theres just no need for them clubs trying to strike a shot with them clubs is not one of my strong points, would much rather use the snake eyes hybrid.



The pro is local to me ( Worksop ) and has recently moved to the USA, my uncle use to keep his pennies in order for him, guess I won't be getting any further cast off's

[danneth]

Fas1975 said:

To the people giving advice about having lessons. LISTEN TO THAT ADVICE! I started in June, played a couple of rounds, go practicing at the range at least 2 times a week, but I've continuously invested in lessons. I see people at the range, just turning up and hitting, and they're mediocre at best, and as someone just said, £15 on a lesson will pay much more dividends than 100's of balls fired at will downrange.

I'm now at a stage where my swing is consistent, and we're now dialling in some aspects of my swing. I'm now seeing consisten 120-140 yards, using range balls, with an 8 iron, and 200 yards + with a 6. This is all down to lessons. It's getting expensive, but I've invested in top end equipment, I want to get the best out of it.

Take lessons!

140 yards with a 8 Iron and then 200 yards + with a 6 iron? Something doesn't seem right there?

My 8 Iron is a solid 160yards, I know selecting a 6 Iron isn't going to add 60-70 yards to that

[SpeckledJim]

danneth said:

I don't use all 4 irons, nor do I carry the 1 or 2 iron I'd like to say I'm a fairly decent golfer ( playing off 6 ) but theres just no need for them clubs trying to strike a shot with them clubs is not one of my strong points, would much rather use the snake eyes hybrid.



The pro is local to me ( Worksop ) and has recently moved to the USA, my uncle use to keep his pennies in order for him, guess I won't be getting any further cast off's

Carry the 1-iron in case you get caught in a storm. Wave it over your head - not even god can hit a 1-iron.

(your uncle must have been busy - your mate the pro has an awful lot of pennies.)

[danneth]

SpeckledJim said:

Carry the 1-iron in case you get caught in a storm. Wave it over your head - not even god can hit a 1-iron.

(your uncle must have been busy - your mate the pro has an awful lot of pennies.)

I've watched various pro's try to hit the 1 iron some have a decent strike with it, others like me would rather leave it in the spare room lol

[simoid]

Typical PH... claiming an average driving distance of 280 odd yards isn't that large

290 is an incredible mean average.

Think about that.

They'll be hitting a fair number of drives below that, into wind, uphill, not a perfect strike and the like, so they're likely to be regularly hitting 300+ yard drives.




I'm quite a bit hitter for a club golfer, but not massive considering I'm a fit 23 year old. If I hit a 250 yard drive, on the flat in calm weather, I've hit a stonking drive. 290 for me requires a bounce on a path or some other divine intervention

Those on the PGA tour do have perfect fairways, it tends to be better weather and a bit firmer fairways etc, which may give them a few yards.

[Nardies]

danneth said:

140 yards with a 8 Iron and then 200 yards + with a 6 iron? Something doesn't seem right there?

My 8 Iron is a solid 160yards, I know selecting a 6 Iron isn't going to add 60-70 yards to that

I guess it depends what angle you are on the range too, I.e you're closer to some targets if the range bay are in an arc. 200+ with a 6 iron is pretty unbelievable really, I hit pretty big but only manage 180odd with a 5 iron.

[Sexual Chocolate]

danneth said:

140 yards with a 8 Iron and then 200 yards + with a 6 iron? Something doesn't seem right there?

My 8 Iron is a solid 160yards, I know selecting a 6 Iron isn't going to add 60-70 yards to that

I saw that and thought the same.

140 8 iron
170(ish) 7 iron
200+ 6 iron. Hmmm....
220 5 iron
240 4
260 3 iron/hybrid
300 3 wood
350 Driver.

So when you on tour?


There is a 189yrd hole on my local. I use either 5/6 and occasionally a 4 iron on it and my HC is 1.6

Sometimes its hard to work out just how far you have it. Usually a lot of people over estimate.

[fatpasty]

Sexual Chocolate said:

danneth said:

140 yards with a 8 Iron and then 200 yards + with a 6 iron? Something doesn't seem right there?

My 8 Iron is a solid 160yards, I know selecting a 6 Iron isn't going to add 60-70 yards to that

I saw that and thought the same.

140 8 iron
170(ish) 7 iron
200+ 6 iron. Hmmm....
220 5 iron
240 4
260 3 iron/hybrid
300 3 wood
350 Driver.

So when you on tour?


There is a 189yrd hole on my local. I use either 5/6 and occasionally a 4 iron on it and my HC is 1.6

Sometimes its hard to work out just how far you have it. Usually a lot of people over estimate.

When I was playing 3 times a week and had a 9 handicap I used to carry a 2 iron. I could get about 220 out of that roughly without much roll etc on a firm course.
Your yardages don't sound correct to me.

Well done to you if they are.

[Sexual Chocolate]

fatpasty said:

When I was playing 3 times a week and had a 9 handicap I used to carry a 2 iron. I could get about 220 out of that roughly without much roll etc on a firm course.
Your yardages don't sound correct to me.

Well done to you if they are.

They not my yardages. See quoted post.

Mine are roughly

Ws' 100 - 125 (52,56)
9 - 130/140
8 150/160
7 170/180
6 180/190
5 190/200
4 190/210
Hybrid 20deg 200/220
3 wood 220+
Driver - 250+


About normal I reckon.

[Rosscow]

Sexual Chocolate said:

They not my yardages. See quoted post.

Mine are roughly

Ws' 100 - 125 (52,56)
9 - 130/140
8 150/160
7 170/180
6 180/190
5 190/200
4 190/210
Hybrid 20deg 200/220
3 wood 220+
Driver - 250+


About normal I reckon.

I reckon that's pretty much spot on for me, too.

I'd add 60 yard for a full swing with my 60 degree wedge.

[anonymous-user]

This seems a pretty good offer to play any of the three courses at Gleneagles; http://www.gleneagles.com/offers/golf-offers/tee-t...

£201.40 Four Ball Offer

The PGA Centenary Course is the Host Venue for The 2014 Ryder Cup.

Between now and 30 April 2013, we’re delighted to offer a fourball on the Ryder Cup course, the PGA Centenary, for the fitting sum of £201.40. That’s only £50.35 per person, a saving of up to £109 each. The offer also applies to our two other championship courses, The King’s and Queen’s.

Valid from 1 October 2012 to 30 April 2013 and no handicap cert required to play any of the courses.

[SpeckledJim]

^^^That is an excellent deal indeed.