The Golf Thread - 2015

[DuncanM]

kentlad said:

Rosscow said:

Right boys, haven't done this for a while! Let's see if you can pick holes in my swing

This is a 3 wood off the deck. Bad shot for me at the moment will be a pull to the left (very occasionally a hook), and at the moment I occasionally hit it out of the heel of the club (which I think I did on this shot).

Apologies for the poor light and video (iPhone 6+ slow motion).

Looking at it myself I seem to be stretching slightly at address, I'd rather my arms were hanging down straighter.

Please don't take the piss too much

not bad at all...a little 'flat' for me, but other than that...there doesn't look like there is a lot wrong to be honest. what handicap are you mate?

Mate that is a great golf swing, really good!

Struggling to think of anything to say other than keep it up

What do you play off and do you take lessons?

Looks a bit Robert Rock which is a good thing

[DuncanM]

If we're being brave, here is my recent effort.

Working hard to improve, just had an akle Op that's halted things for a while!

http://youtu.be/HuftQ__4HHo

[Rosscow]

DuncanM said:

Mate that is a great golf swing, really good!

Struggling to think of anything to say other than keep it up

What do you play off and do you take lessons?

Looks a bit Robert Rock which is a good thing

Thanks, Duncan!

I didn't used to have this much hair, and then I went to the barbers with a picture of RR about a year ago and asked for hair like his and hey presto, everyone now says I look like him!

Even some of the boys at the club call me 'Rock' as my nick name now

Play off 17 at the moment, but really with a good year this year I'm looking at getting down to 12 or 13. I just need to iron a few things out and be more consistent.
I played to 13 a couple of times last year, and managed to shoot 39 for the back 9 a few weeks back so hopefully I'll continue to improve.

And yes, I do have lessons. I had probably half a dozen hour sessions last year, and I'm looking to have 1 a month covering all aspects of the game this year. They make such a difference.

[DuncanM]

Rosscow said:

DuncanM said:

Mate that is a great golf swing, really good!

Struggling to think of anything to say other than keep it up

What do you play off and do you take lessons?

Looks a bit Robert Rock which is a good thing

Thanks, Duncan!

I didn't used to have this much hair, and then I went to the barbers with a picture of RR about a year ago and asked for hair like his and hey presto, everyone now says I look like him!

Even some of the boys at the club call me 'Rock' as my nick name now

Play off 17 at the moment, but really with a good year this year I'm looking at getting down to 12 or 13. I just need to iron a few things out and be more consistent.
I played to 13 a couple of times last year, and managed to shoot 39 for the back 9 a few weeks back so hopefully I'll continue to improve.

And yes, I do have lessons. I had probably half a dozen hour sessions last year, and I'm looking to have 1 a month covering all aspects of the game this year. They make such a difference.

Mate your swing is better than 17hc, should deffo get down this year.

I'd be interested in your Golfshot stats once the season starts. I am going to use it too for practice rounds, maybe we can compare notes in a couple of months time.

I really like your swing, very simple and on plane, not too much to go wrong.

[Rosscow]

DuncanM said:

If we're being brave, here is my recent effort.

Working hard to improve, just had an akle Op that's halted things for a while!

http://youtu.be/HuftQ__4HHo

What is your handicap, mate? I used to do what you do, where your left leg straightens on the back swing .

I've tried really hard to cut that movement out, keep the rear leg (my right, your left) more flexed and 'quiet' through the back swing (basically trying to copy the pro's).

I've found this improves my balance and also my rhythm/tempo through the swing.

It's a decent looking swing though!

Edited by Rosscow on Friday 20th February 12:15

[Rosscow]

DuncanM said:

Mate your swing is better than 17hc, should deffo get down this year.

I'd be interested in your Golfshot stats once the season starts. I am going to use it too for practice rounds, maybe we can compare notes in a couple of months time.

I really like your swing, very simple and on plane, not too much to go wrong.

Yeah, if I'm honest I think I'm better than 17 as well. Just need to cut the bad holes out!

I'm going to delete all of the GolfShot stats that my phone has stored and start afresh soon, too much crap on there from before my swing changes. But yeah, it will be interesting to compare!

Thanks, it's always nice to have an independent view

[DuncanM]

Rosscow said:

DuncanM said:

If we're being brave, here is my recent effort.

Working hard to improve, just had an akle Op that's halted things for a while!

http://youtu.be/HuftQ__4HHo

What is your handicap, mate? I used to do what you do, where your left leg straightens on the back swing .

I've tried really hard to cut that movement out, keep the rear leg (my right, your left) more flexed and 'quiet' through the back swing (basically trying to copy the pro's).

I've found this improves my balance and also my rhythm/tempo through the swing.

It's a decent looking swing though!

Edited by Rosscow on Friday 20th February 12:15

Also 17 although I flatter myself that I should be better having played off 12 in the past.

In defense of my straight left leg, it's actually part of the Stack and Tilt pattern that I'm working on. But more importantly on that, I suffer from 'footballers ankle'/Osteoarthritis in both ankles which reduces my flexibility. This makes the leg action ideal for me.

We should compare notes in a couple of months, seems we are at a similar level, looking to improve

[boxsey]

DuncanM said:

If we're being brave, here is my recent effort.

Working hard to improve, just had an akle Op that's halted things for a while!

http://youtu.be/HuftQ__4HHo

Which ankle? The reason for asking is that you are lifting your right heel off the ground on the backswing and then planting it back down at impact (almost Bubba Watson style!). This could lead to inconsistency in your strikes. Ideally you want your heel to remain on the ground for most of the swing. We're not all flexible enough to keep the leading foot firmly planted during the swing but it's OK for it to roll backwards and forwards during weight transfer as long as most of the foot keeps in contact with the ground.

[DuncanM]

boxsey said:

DuncanM said:

If we're being brave, here is my recent effort.

Working hard to improve, just had an akle Op that's halted things for a while!

http://youtu.be/HuftQ__4HHo

Which ankle? The reason for asking is that you are lifting your right heel off the ground on the backswing and then planting it back down at impact (almost Bubba Watson style!). This could lead to inconsistency in your strikes. Ideally you want your heel to remain on the ground for most of the swing. We're not all flexible enough to keep the leading foot firmly planted during the swing but it's OK for it to roll backwards and forwards during weight transfer as long as most of the foot keeps in contact with the ground.

Both unfortunately, just had an Op on my left but my right is actually stiffer. I will be having another Op on the right next year, 10 years after the first.

I'm an F'ing cripple tbh, I cannae play any other sport anymore but I refuse to give up golf despite the pain .

Lifting the front foot isn't ideal, I will work on it but most of what you see is due to lack of flexibility, I can't go much more than 90deg with either foot!

[PatrickOUFC]

Skycaddie TOUCH. Best rangefinder on the market in my opinion

[Rosscow]

PatrickOUFC said:

Skycaddie TOUCH. Best rangefinder on the market in my opinion

Yes, I like the look of the Touch. I may have to pull the trigger at some point this year

[boxsey]

DuncanM said:

Both unfortunately, just had an Op on my left but my right is actually stiffer. I will be having another Op on the right next year, 10 years after the first.

I'm an F'ing cripple tbh, I cannae play any other sport anymore but I refuse to give up golf despite the pain .

Lifting the front foot isn't ideal, I will work on it but most of what you see is due to lack of flexibility, I can't go much more than 90deg with either foot!

I hear ya! Just thought I'd point it out in case you didn't know you were doing it. I find it pretty easy to spot other people's faults but can't fix my own as most of the time I can't see them. It's been pointed out that a major fault of mine is losing height (dipping) on the down swing which leads to fatted or pushed shots. I'm currently working on starting the down swing with my hips which is giving me better clearance of the left side and counteracts the dipping.

[DuncanM]

boxsey said:

DuncanM said:

Both unfortunately, just had an Op on my left but my right is actually stiffer. I will be having another Op on the right next year, 10 years after the first.

I'm an F'ing cripple tbh, I cannae play any other sport anymore but I refuse to give up golf despite the pain .

Lifting the front foot isn't ideal, I will work on it but most of what you see is due to lack of flexibility, I can't go much more than 90deg with either foot!

I hear ya! Just thought I'd point it out in case you didn't know you were doing it. I find it pretty easy to spot other people's faults but can't fix my own as most of the time I can't see them. It's been pointed out that a major fault of mine is losing height (dipping) on the down swing which leads to fatted or pushed shots. I'm currently working on starting the down swing with my hips which is giving me better clearance of the left side and counteracts the dipping.

Good stuff, although all the best players lower on the downswing, from Hogan to Tiger so don't worry too much

I guess it's worth pointing out that I'm working on Stack and Tilt so the leg work is very much what they subscribe to .

[kentlad]

Rosscow - do you struggle to Hold greens if you hit them? with a swing like that i'd imagine you do occasionally?

.... i.e. you don't get a great amount of spin with your irons? great for drives, but not for holding greens?

Maybe something to chat about with your Pro?

At the end of the day (I've done it too, quite recently & am not saying there's anything wrong with it...might even do it again over the weekend ) we all post our swings up to see what out peers think...when realistically the best person for advice is the pro you have lessons with...although it is nice to get an outside perspective, we are all amateurs (i think) and any advice on here might be best to be spoken about with your Pro before implementing?

I really do believe once you get below an 18 handicap you'll save most shots on/around the greens...maybe leave your swing as it is & work on your scrambling/putting or even course management? I know i can hit 9/18 GIR on any day, yet i still play to a 13...that's purely down to having a rubbish shortgame as i don't miss the fairways that often...think my last round was 50% fairways hit, which considering my length, i'm quite happy with!

[kentlad]

DuncanM said:

If we're being brave, here is my recent effort.

Working hard to improve, just had an akle Op that's halted things for a while!

http://youtu.be/HuftQ__4HHo

i could watch that swing for hours....i actually really like how 'quiet' your bottom half is mate...really nice to see..not surprised you've played off 12 and i dare say with that swing you could be down to single digits with some slight tweaks. how are you getting on with stack and tilt?

Would definitely like to see the difference in progress between you and rosscow over say 3/4 months if you both had a lesson or two a month. could make for some interesting results with how individuals can improve from lessons! might even convince a few more on this forum to get stuck in and book a few themselves!

[Rosscow]

kentlad said:

Rosscow - do you struggle to Hold greens if you hit them? with a swing like that i'd imagine you do occasionally?

.... i.e. you don't get a great amount of spin with your irons? great for drives, but not for holding greens?

Maybe something to chat about with your Pro?

At the end of the day (I've done it too, quite recently & am not saying there's anything wrong with it...might even do it again over the weekend ) we all post our swings up to see what out peers think...when realistically the best person for advice is the pro you have lessons with...although it is nice to get an outside perspective, we are all amateurs (i think) and any advice on here might be best to be spoken about with your Pro before implementing?

I really do believe once you get below an 18 handicap you'll save most shots on/around the greens...maybe leave your swing as it is & work on your scrambling/putting or even course management? I know i can hit 9/18 GIR on any day, yet i still play to a 13...that's purely down to having a rubbish shortgame as i don't miss the fairways that often...think my last round was 50% fairways hit, which considering my length, i'm quite happy with!

Actually, no I don't. Or at least I don't think I do!

Bear in mind that the swing in the video was a 3 wood off the deck. Kind of a sweeping swing rather than attacking the back of the ball like I would do a short iron.

Next time I'm at the range I'll get someone to record a 7 iron or something.

I'm due a lesson in a week or so, he'll let me know!

[kentlad]

Rosscow said:

Actually, no I don't. Or at least I don't think I do!

Bear in mind that the swing in the video was a 3 wood off the deck. Kind of a sweeping swing rather than attacking the back of the ball like I would do a short iron.

Next time I'm at the range I'll get someone to record a 7 iron or something.

I'm due a lesson in a week or so, he'll let me know!

Ah, didn't really think about that, that will make a difference! Get a 7 or 8 iron swing posted when you can!

Where do you lose most of your shots when you play? I.E. do you make double or bogeys because you've hit a wayward tee-shot and don't recover well? Or is it more along the lines of shoving it just off the green, chipping and two/three putting?

[Rosscow]

kentlad said:

Rosscow said:

Actually, no I don't. Or at least I don't think I do!

Bear in mind that the swing in the video was a 3 wood off the deck. Kind of a sweeping swing rather than attacking the back of the ball like I would do a short iron.

Next time I'm at the range I'll get someone to record a 7 iron or something.

I'm due a lesson in a week or so, he'll let me know!

Ah, didn't really think about that, that will make a difference! Get a 7 or 8 iron swing posted when you can!

Where do you lose most of your shots when you play? I.E. do you make double or bogeys because you've hit a wayward tee-shot and don't recover well? Or is it more along the lines of shoving it just off the green, chipping and two/three putting?

Generally speaking, a bad hole for me is normally from a poor tee shot.

Obviously I have the odd 3 putt, duffed chip shot or st approach. But I would say 8 times out of 10 if I blob a hole it'll be from the tee shot.

However, this has definitely improved over the last 8 weeks.

[DuncanM]

kentlad said:

DuncanM said:

If we're being brave, here is my recent effort.

Working hard to improve, just had an akle Op that's halted things for a while!

http://youtu.be/HuftQ__4HHo

i could watch that swing for hours....i actually really like how 'quiet' your bottom half is mate...really nice to see..not surprised you've played off 12 and i dare say with that swing you could be down to single digits with some slight tweaks. how are you getting on with stack and tilt?

Would definitely like to see the difference in progress between you and rosscow over say 3/4 months if you both had a lesson or two a month. could make for some interesting results with how individuals can improve from lessons! might even convince a few more on this forum to get stuck in and book a few themselves!

Thanks for the kind words Kentlad, it's really nice to get positive feedback

Stack and Tilt is an excellent book, and an excellent system for beginners and higher handicappers I really recommend it.

It can be learnt from the book so even people who don't want lessons can progress with it.

I am lucky to have a great Pro, who I get on with and am hoping to get back down to 12 or under this year.

I've gotta put the scores in though! Last year all my best scores (couple of 80's) were in friendly games.

[MrAdaam]

Must of been tired when I ordered my clubs. Turn up today, think something was off and they've turned up left handed! Fortunately very good cust service from Amazon to rectify.

Ended up going with the Strata's but also was able to pick up some irons second hand from a friend which are Callaway Big Bertha's and got a very good deal on them so should get my the driver, wood, hybrid and bag sorted which is all I was really needing.