The Golf Thread - 2016!
Discussion
Pete-mojsh said:
I've been having a few lessons but not had much time at the range of late due to a house move, currently in a stop gap in Buckinghamshire until we can complete on our purchase back in central Bedfordshire so out of reach of my usual spots.
I used my American golf free voucher this morning at a course near to where we're living as the wife was going out, very slow play (over 4.5 hours is too much) and let frustration of having to wait for ages at every tee get to me a bit but parred the last two par 4 holes to finish with a 95, par of 69. Really struggled with irons off the tee and some inconsistency from hole to hole but otherwise quite pleased with the score and how I finished.
Not looking for a pat on the back here, I'm very aware of where I'm lacking at the moment, but is that a reasonable score for someone who has been playing for about 4 months? I've tried to get some lessons in so I know what to work on and limit the bad habits.
I'd say that is an excellent score for only having played 4 months, anything under 100 is definitely something to be proud of. I'd be especially proud of the two par's to finish, that can be a challenge no matter how long you've been playing! I used my American golf free voucher this morning at a course near to where we're living as the wife was going out, very slow play (over 4.5 hours is too much) and let frustration of having to wait for ages at every tee get to me a bit but parred the last two par 4 holes to finish with a 95, par of 69. Really struggled with irons off the tee and some inconsistency from hole to hole but otherwise quite pleased with the score and how I finished.
Not looking for a pat on the back here, I'm very aware of where I'm lacking at the moment, but is that a reasonable score for someone who has been playing for about 4 months? I've tried to get some lessons in so I know what to work on and limit the bad habits.
I tired the 1 iron theory in the weekly swindle on Sunday - came away with my joint best round of the year (75), 40 points and an extra £12 in my pocket. I'll probably still keep the 3 wood for when the swing isn't working so well (and probably treat myself to a new one in the process 
).
I then got home to the OH declaring that we are going to start going to the gym
I have kind of figured out that the only way I can tolerate something fairly tedious like the gym is to look on it as a way of improving my golf, so I was just wondering, does anyone have any tips for golf related workouts?
). I then got home to the OH declaring that we are going to start going to the gym
I have kind of figured out that the only way I can tolerate something fairly tedious like the gym is to look on it as a way of improving my golf, so I was just wondering, does anyone have any tips for golf related workouts? bodhi said:
I tired the 1 iron theory in the weekly swindle on Sunday - came away with my joint best round of the year (75), 40 points and an extra £12 in my pocket. I'll probably still keep the 3 wood for when the swing isn't working so well (and probably treat myself to a new one in the process ).
I then got home to the OH declaring that we are going to start going to the gym I have kind of figured out that the only way I can tolerate something fairly tedious like the gym is to look on it as a way of improving my golf, so I was just wondering, does anyone have any tips for golf related workouts?
). I then got home to the OH declaring that we are going to start going to the gym
I have kind of figured out that the only way I can tolerate something fairly tedious like the gym is to look on it as a way of improving my golf, so I was just wondering, does anyone have any tips for golf related workouts? 
I'd think good golf exercises are about twisting your core, and increasing strength and suppleness in your forearms and wrists, the better to generate lag.
For me, the best exercise I, and probably a lot of others, could probably do to improve my golf would be stretching.
I had a lesson last night, and it highlighted just how much I'd been manipulating my hands and wrists to create something resembling a full swing. The club was at 45 degrees to the ground before anything else has moved, and I never really achieved anything like a full shoulder turn.
When he got me to take the club away without breaking the wrists first, i realized how much my back is like a rod of iron. Getting my back to target was a challenge to say the least.
Anyone been watching the European tour at Crabs Montana in Switzerland? Bucket list course right there. Fantastic.
I had a lesson last night, and it highlighted just how much I'd been manipulating my hands and wrists to create something resembling a full swing. The club was at 45 degrees to the ground before anything else has moved, and I never really achieved anything like a full shoulder turn.
When he got me to take the club away without breaking the wrists first, i realized how much my back is like a rod of iron. Getting my back to target was a challenge to say the least.
Anyone been watching the European tour at Crabs Montana in Switzerland? Bucket list course right there. Fantastic.
HaplessBoyLard said:
For me, the best exercise I, and probably a lot of others, could probably do to improve my golf would be stretching.
I had a lesson last night, and it highlighted just how much I'd been manipulating my hands and wrists to create something resembling a full swing. The club was at 45 degrees to the ground before anything else has moved, and I never really achieved anything like a full shoulder turn.
When he got me to take the club away without breaking the wrists first, i realized how much my back is like a rod of iron. Getting my back to target was a challenge to say the least.
Anyone been watching the European tour at Crabs Montana in Switzerland? Bucket list course right there. Fantastic.
I wouldn't worry too much about getting a complete shoulder turn. Turn as far as you feel comfortable and work from there. I had a lesson last night, and it highlighted just how much I'd been manipulating my hands and wrists to create something resembling a full swing. The club was at 45 degrees to the ground before anything else has moved, and I never really achieved anything like a full shoulder turn.
When he got me to take the club away without breaking the wrists first, i realized how much my back is like a rod of iron. Getting my back to target was a challenge to say the least.
Anyone been watching the European tour at Crabs Montana in Switzerland? Bucket list course right there. Fantastic.
The Pro's have trainers, physios and massagers to aid their flexibility. Us mere mortals have to work with what we've got.
I would say a half turn with good resistance and technique beats a huge shoulder turn and oversewing any day.
Picked up my new 5 wood yesterday. Been struggling to find a replacement for my old Ping i20 5 wood, after the face cracked.
Got a Taylormade M2 5 wood with the Xstiff Reax shaft. Thing is a bloody monster. Its 3 wood long from the tee.
Edited by JamesNotJim on Friday 2nd September 19:33
JamesNotJim said:
I wouldn't worry too much about getting a complete shoulder turn. Turn as far as you feel comfortable and work from there.
The Pro's have trainers, physios and massagers to aid their flexibility. Us mere mortals have to work with what we've got.
I would say a half turn with good resistance and technique beats a huge shoulder turn and overswing any day.
I probably didn't phrase that last post particularly well. Before the lesson, I had hardly any shoulder turn, and made up for it by using my hands and wrists. To create speed in the swing and get good carry distances, I had to let the club head release and catch up quite quickly. It was all a bit hurried. I was doing that pretty well because my last 5 rounds I haven't scored worse that +9 and have been +7 twice from a HCP of 9.The Pro's have trainers, physios and massagers to aid their flexibility. Us mere mortals have to work with what we've got.
I would say a half turn with good resistance and technique beats a huge shoulder turn and overswing any day.
When I'm not playing as well, I am prone to fairly big mis
ts with my irons, so to simplify all of this, my instructor got me to take the wrist break out of the takeaway, and create width by turning my shoulders. This has created a more consistent strike. It's also made the ball fly higher and much straighter. I was playing with a big draw before these lessons. Carry distances are the same. I don't manage a full turn. My hands only get to shoulder height or just past, but I'm still carrying a 5 iron 180 yds. I could definitely feel the tension in my back and legs though, so I'm going to spend 15 minutes a night when SWMBO is watching soaps doing some stretching to try and make the whole thing a bit less effort. If I manage to loosen up over time and get a bigger turn in, then it might add distance. If it doesn't then I'm happy with what I've got as long as it's repeatable.
Edited by HaplessBoyLard on Friday 2nd September 20:09
My elderly head green keeper Finlay picked up his clubs for the first time in 3 years yesterday.
It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
cheddar said:
My elderly head green keeper Finlay picked up his clubs for the first time in 3 years yesterday.
It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
That's fantastic. It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
cheddar said:
My elderly head green keeper Finlay picked up his clubs for the first time in 3 years yesterday.
It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
Bandit for sure It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
Dan_1981 said:
Not heard of them, however I've noticed they do have a Nike Vapor Fly 5 Wood for around £50 less than American Golf are offering, which is useful, as I'm off to get fitted for one tomorrow. In other news, has anyone got the number for Rory's putting coach? He appears to have worked wonders....
HaplessBoyLard said:
cheddar said:
My elderly head green keeper Finlay picked up his clubs for the first time in 3 years yesterday.
It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
That's fantastic. It was the day of his retirement after 50 years in the industry and he thought he'd celebrate by playing the course he's made so beautiful
He's 70 years old, overweight, suffers with an awful wheezing lung condition and can only walk a few yards at a time, he rode in a golf cart and I wondered if he'd even make it round, so what happened?
He absolutely tore us apart, none of us got anywhere near his drives, one of them was measured at 274yds, his short game was wonderful and he putted like Speith
Off of an 11 handicap he carded 27 points in a 12 hole tournament and took the win, what way to end a career, bought a tear to my eye
Dan_1981 said:
They have a retail shop in Hereford which I have used a few times. The prices are very competitive and never had an issue with any of my purchases. I am yet to use their online services.rat840771 said:
Played Forrest Of Arden at the weekend. What a great course and amazing value.
£139 for 2 rounds ( 2 courses), overnight stay and evening meal and breakfast.
Outstanding value...do it
Played the Aylesford the other week for a charity day - it was OK but nothing special - Arden looked nicer. £139 for 2 rounds ( 2 courses), overnight stay and evening meal and breakfast.
Outstanding value...do it
Just back from 4 days in Devon - a cracking long weekend, and I'm absolutely knackered as a result (although that may have something to do with the amount of beer consumed in the evenings)..
Saunton East - best course we played, a delight. Everything about the course from layout to condition was simply superb.
Saunton West - a close second to its sister course and, to be fair, one that requires a bit more thought (and care) to navigate.
Royal North Devon - oldest course in England, a proper links and a clubhouse that is stocked like a golfing museum. Home of some of the widest fairways I've ever seen. The signature hole with the massive sleepered bunker in the middle of the fairway is quite a sight. First impression from the clubhouse was of an expanse of utter flatness. Other than the first couple of holes, that proved to be quite deceptive as there's a lot of ups, down and hillocks out there.
Ilfracombe - 'you can see the sea from every tee', they said. Well, we played on a misty / rainy day and couldn't see more than a wedge distance on some holes (must have been close to being shut down for safety reasons). A course for mountain goats with not a flat hole to be seen - 10 holes up hill, then a couple down, back up again, then a run back down to the clubhouse. Very good condition and I'm sure some wonderful views on a clear day. A few carries over cabbage but wide and open beyond 100 yards or so from each tee.
All in all, a great weekend away and on no course that I wouldn't be happy to play again.
Saunton East - best course we played, a delight. Everything about the course from layout to condition was simply superb.
Saunton West - a close second to its sister course and, to be fair, one that requires a bit more thought (and care) to navigate.
Royal North Devon - oldest course in England, a proper links and a clubhouse that is stocked like a golfing museum. Home of some of the widest fairways I've ever seen. The signature hole with the massive sleepered bunker in the middle of the fairway is quite a sight. First impression from the clubhouse was of an expanse of utter flatness. Other than the first couple of holes, that proved to be quite deceptive as there's a lot of ups, down and hillocks out there.
Ilfracombe - 'you can see the sea from every tee', they said. Well, we played on a misty / rainy day and couldn't see more than a wedge distance on some holes (must have been close to being shut down for safety reasons). A course for mountain goats with not a flat hole to be seen - 10 holes up hill, then a couple down, back up again, then a run back down to the clubhouse. Very good condition and I'm sure some wonderful views on a clear day. A few carries over cabbage but wide and open beyond 100 yards or so from each tee.
All in all, a great weekend away and on no course that I wouldn't be happy to play again.
Played in a work charity golf day at Pine Ridge on Wednesday and managed to score 29 points which I was happy with. Hit 19 on the way out, and then 10 on the way back as it started to fall apart and I didn't score on a couple of holes.
Plenty to work on but played some lovely shots at times, and the new Yes Victoria II putter I was given felt good on the greens.
Will certainly look to get some lessons in after my holidays to try and get some consistency.
Plenty to work on but played some lovely shots at times, and the new Yes Victoria II putter I was given felt good on the greens.
Will certainly look to get some lessons in after my holidays to try and get some consistency.
Challo said:
Played in a work charity golf day at Pine Ridge on Wednesday and managed to score 29 points which I was happy with. Hit 19 on the way out, and then 10 on the way back as it started to fall apart and I didn't score on a couple of holes.
Plenty to work on but played some lovely shots at times, and the new Yes Victoria II putter I was given felt good on the greens.
Will certainly look to get some lessons in after my holidays to try and get some consistency.
That's not too shabby at all - I find work events the hardest to score in for some reason, and anything around the 30 point mark I'm usually satisfied with.Plenty to work on but played some lovely shots at times, and the new Yes Victoria II putter I was given felt good on the greens.
Will certainly look to get some lessons in after my holidays to try and get some consistency.
Had a great experience with American Golf on Wednesday - popped into their Hagley Road store after work to look at a couple of new fairway woods. Had in my mind which model I was going for, but was completely open for ideas on the shaft. After spending about an hour and half with guys there, hitting balls with my old 3 wood, my 1 iron (to get an idea of gaps), and the two shaft options in the Vapor Fly, I walked out with
Nike Vapor Fly 3 and 5 Wood
Diamana Stiff Shafts
Golf Pride Multi-Compound grips with 3 extra layers of tape for the right hand
The guy there also discovered the issue with my inconsistency off the tee - I hit quite a few with 0 rpm side spin, but the odd one went up to 1200 - I was working with their PGA Pro, who noticed that my arms and body weren't entirely working as one all the time, and fetch a teaching aid that locked my arms together and told me to have a go - result, next 4 shots had 0 side spin. So I've bought myself one of those as well.
I'm also now looking for a Diamana shaft for my Covert driver - apparently they are £280 new, but there may be other ways of getting one - probably when the Nike Custom fit offerings wind down, as the fitting for the Vapor is the same as the Covert.
Brilliant service imo, and if you need clubs near Birmingham, would definitely recommend that particular branch of AG.
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff