Discussion
Just a quick note to say that the shortening of the G425 driver seems to have worked for me, it feels like a much more comfortable length now and although it's going to need time to get fully accustomed to it the old mixture of duck hooks and blocks didn't happen in yesterday's round. Also there was no loss of shot length which was a nice bonus.
48Valves said:
That’s not too far from me. I live about 20 minutes away.
I’m a member at St Ives.
I'm not that far away so interested in what is St Ives like as a course? How does it play in winter or should I wait for the warmer months?I’m a member at St Ives.
For anyone in the South Cambridgeshire area, if you even need a playable course when yours is closed due to flooding/boggy, Royston is always open. Although they do seem to put the prices up by about £5 when they are the only playable course at this time of year.
If I was looking to join a course, of the ones I have played in the area it would be Royston. Playable all year round although it gets fiery in the summer.
Blackpuddin said:
Just a quick note to say that the shortening of the G425 driver seems to have worked for me, it feels like a much more comfortable length now and although it's going to need time to get fully accustomed to it the old mixture of duck hooks and blocks didn't happen in yesterday's round. Also there was no loss of shot length which was a nice bonus.
What did you cut it down to?Out of interest, Mizuno drivers are about 3/4" shorter than most other brands (think the Ping is 45 3/4" compared to 45" for the Mizuno).
When getting fit for it this came up in discussion - apparently very few pro's have drivers as long as 45 3/4".
Rosscow said:
What did you cut it down to?
Out of interest, Mizuno drivers are about 3/4" shorter than most other brands (think the Ping is 45 3/4" compared to 45" for the Mizuno).
When getting fit for it this came up in discussion - apparently very few pro's have drivers as long as 45 3/4".
Similar with Titleist, they offer 45.5" as standard, with options to vary that. Out of interest, Mizuno drivers are about 3/4" shorter than most other brands (think the Ping is 45 3/4" compared to 45" for the Mizuno).
When getting fit for it this came up in discussion - apparently very few pro's have drivers as long as 45 3/4".
I stuck with that, as it seemed during the fitting with the TS4 I couldn't miss - and pleasingly, that's still the case a year later.
Ashfordian said:
48Valves said:
That’s not too far from me. I live about 20 minutes away.
I’m a member at St Ives.
I'm not that far away so interested in what is St Ives like as a course? How does it play in winter or should I wait for the warmer months?I’m a member at St Ives.
For anyone in the South Cambridgeshire area, if you even need a playable course when yours is closed due to flooding/boggy, Royston is always open. Although they do seem to put the prices up by about £5 when they are the only playable course at this time of year.
If I was looking to join a course, of the ones I have played in the area it would be Royston. Playable all year round although it gets fiery in the summer.
It’s long, always windy, gets firm and fast in the summer and has rough that makes the British Open rough look tame. It looks like it should be fairly straightforward to play and there are not many trees, but it’s not.
It holds up pretty well in winter as it’s been designed to drain into marshy areas and ponds on the course. That said, given how low lying it is, it does get wet in places. But, we don’t have any temporary tees or greens.
We do however have a load of crows that are digging the course up
.When there is a bit more light in the evenings I’ll show you round if you want?
Rosscow said:
Blackpuddin said:
Just a quick note to say that the shortening of the G425 driver seems to have worked for me, it feels like a much more comfortable length now and although it's going to need time to get fully accustomed to it the old mixture of duck hooks and blocks didn't happen in yesterday's round. Also there was no loss of shot length which was a nice bonus.
What did you cut it down to?Out of interest, Mizuno drivers are about 3/4" shorter than most other brands (think the Ping is 45 3/4" compared to 45" for the Mizuno).
When getting fit for it this came up in discussion - apparently very few pro's have drivers as long as 45 3/4".
Edited by Blackpuddin on Friday 21st January 15:46
Played my first competition today. Hit the ball pretty well, chipped v poorly and didn’t score great. Got 30 points.
Not sure how I feel about it. Main thing it took so bloody long with everyone putting out. We had a 2 ball behind us so we held them up which I hate. I don’t know if you call groups through if everyone is in the competition. Just felt I needed to hurry it along but no-one else seemed bothered but it definately affected my game.
Guys were nice but I didn’t know them so there wasn’t a load of piss taking as in a friendly game. Going to give it another go - but all seemed a bit too serious to me.
Not sure how I feel about it. Main thing it took so bloody long with everyone putting out. We had a 2 ball behind us so we held them up which I hate. I don’t know if you call groups through if everyone is in the competition. Just felt I needed to hurry it along but no-one else seemed bothered but it definately affected my game.
Guys were nice but I didn’t know them so there wasn’t a load of piss taking as in a friendly game. Going to give it another go - but all seemed a bit too serious to me.
Greenie said:
Played my first competition today. Hit the ball pretty well, chipped v poorly and didn’t score great. Got 30 points.
Not sure how I feel about it. Main thing it took so bloody long with everyone putting out. We had a 2 ball behind us so we held them up which I hate. I don’t know if you call groups through if everyone is in the competition. Just felt I needed to hurry it along but no-one else seemed bothered but it definately affected my game.
Guys were nice but I didn’t know them so there wasn’t a load of piss taking as in a friendly game. Going to give it another go - but all seemed a bit too serious to me.
I know what you mean, but you just need to go with the flow. I've only played maybe 10 competition rounds but I do quite like the change of pace, everybody's in the same boat and nobody's rushing anywhere. Personally if you're all in the comp then I wouldn't be calling people through especially as you should be keeping pace with the group in front (you were, weren't you?).Not sure how I feel about it. Main thing it took so bloody long with everyone putting out. We had a 2 ball behind us so we held them up which I hate. I don’t know if you call groups through if everyone is in the competition. Just felt I needed to hurry it along but no-one else seemed bothered but it definately affected my game.
Guys were nice but I didn’t know them so there wasn’t a load of piss taking as in a friendly game. Going to give it another go - but all seemed a bit too serious to me.
Most of my rounds are social so I find the competitions to be a good test. In particular I like being forced to actually play to the rules and not just drop on in the fairway when I lose a ball, or re-take a duffed chip, as it keeps my scores honest
Greenie said:
Played my first competition today. Hit the ball pretty well, chipped v poorly and didn’t score great. Got 30 points.
Not sure how I feel about it. Main thing it took so bloody long with everyone putting out. We had a 2 ball behind us so we held them up which I hate. I don’t know if you call groups through if everyone is in the competition. Just felt I needed to hurry it along but no-one else seemed bothered but it definately affected my game.
Guys were nice but I didn’t know them so there wasn’t a load of piss taking as in a friendly game. Going to give it another go - but all seemed a bit too serious to me.
Some good advice already.Not sure how I feel about it. Main thing it took so bloody long with everyone putting out. We had a 2 ball behind us so we held them up which I hate. I don’t know if you call groups through if everyone is in the competition. Just felt I needed to hurry it along but no-one else seemed bothered but it definately affected my game.
Guys were nice but I didn’t know them so there wasn’t a load of piss taking as in a friendly game. Going to give it another go - but all seemed a bit too serious to me.
Personally, 30 points is a good score and is my marker line. You are not meant to hit your hcp every round and it should be good golf that achieves it, although with the updated system and trend in changes this does seem to be a bit of an old fashioned view!
Yep, it is correct not letting the 2-ball through. In effect the course is closed while the competition plays through (it's a benefit of being a member).
The putting out has to happen, yes some people show their weaknesses and have to mark and go through their routine for all their 2 foot putts, but you cannot have gimmies.
I would not consider piss taking in a competition unless you know the people really well. It is meant to be serious as you should be trying your best.
Wait until a medal competition comes along, that to me is the purest competition in golf, where every shot counts.
At the age of 57 I took a big step and joined a club in its ‘get into golf’ programme!
At a young age I was prompted by my grandfather to play the ‘wonderful game’ (he was a pro in the 50’s -70’s, had a regular column in ‘golf monthly and caddied for Henry Cotton, so I was told). Back in the day he made me my own clubs which included REAL woods and whilst I would happily play casually, the game never caught my imagination ( the love of kicking a football was far greater). But now my son in his 30’s is playing off a handicap of 8, I’ve been spurred on to give him a game!
I’ve learnt recently that golf is far more accessible than it was in my youth, technology has made the game come a long way (my son knows exactly how far he’ll hit a ball with each club). Lessons are happily given to someone who has no idea on how to hold a club and equally to someone who has been playing for years and is just trying to improve their game. YouTube has a wealth of info to show me where I’m going wrong and how the latest club really is the best thing to have in your grip.
I’ve also learnt that the slice I had as a young lad still remains to this day (YouTube also taught me that I’m actually ‘going over the top’ and how to remedy it).
So kitted out with some nice TaylorMade sticks (yes I was convinced by YouTube my old ‘woods’ were passed their sell buy date and I needed the latest and greatest), I’ve embarked upon an unknown journey of lost balls, frustration and despair. BUT what I have learnt in the last month or so is that I am wholly looking forward to some time away from my stressful work environment and spending time with my son in our search for the wholly grail of the perfect round (where I at least try and keep up with his 300 yard drives).
Who knows, this time next year I may be able to report that using a driver off the 1st tee doesn’t mean a lost ball.
Good luck to all new and existing golfers for the coming year.
At a young age I was prompted by my grandfather to play the ‘wonderful game’ (he was a pro in the 50’s -70’s, had a regular column in ‘golf monthly and caddied for Henry Cotton, so I was told). Back in the day he made me my own clubs which included REAL woods and whilst I would happily play casually, the game never caught my imagination ( the love of kicking a football was far greater). But now my son in his 30’s is playing off a handicap of 8, I’ve been spurred on to give him a game!
I’ve learnt recently that golf is far more accessible than it was in my youth, technology has made the game come a long way (my son knows exactly how far he’ll hit a ball with each club). Lessons are happily given to someone who has no idea on how to hold a club and equally to someone who has been playing for years and is just trying to improve their game. YouTube has a wealth of info to show me where I’m going wrong and how the latest club really is the best thing to have in your grip.
I’ve also learnt that the slice I had as a young lad still remains to this day (YouTube also taught me that I’m actually ‘going over the top’ and how to remedy it).
So kitted out with some nice TaylorMade sticks (yes I was convinced by YouTube my old ‘woods’ were passed their sell buy date and I needed the latest and greatest), I’ve embarked upon an unknown journey of lost balls, frustration and despair. BUT what I have learnt in the last month or so is that I am wholly looking forward to some time away from my stressful work environment and spending time with my son in our search for the wholly grail of the perfect round (where I at least try and keep up with his 300 yard drives).
Who knows, this time next year I may be able to report that using a driver off the 1st tee doesn’t mean a lost ball.
Good luck to all new and existing golfers for the coming year.
Ashfordian said:
Yep, it is correct not letting the 2-ball through. In effect the course is closed while the competition plays through (it's a benefit of being a member).
No, no and no again. A single has as much standing on a course as a 4 ball.
Pace of play is simple, if your keeping up with the group ahead then all is good. If your group isn’t keeping up, speed up (play ready golf, no honours on tee’s and generally being ready to go).
If in your example if a 2 ball is behind a 4 ball and they are pushing you, don’t take it as a insult to your ego, consider letting them play through. They will be twice as quick and will out of sight with a hole or less.
Misaps said:
At the age of 57 I took a big step and joined a club in its ‘get into golf’ programme!
At a young age I was prompted by my grandfather to play the ‘wonderful game’ (he was a pro in the 50’s -70’s, had a regular column in ‘golf monthly and caddied for Henry Cotton, so I was told). Back in the day he made me my own clubs which included REAL woods and whilst I would happily play casually, the game never caught my imagination ( the love of kicking a football was far greater). But now my son in his 30’s is playing off a handicap of 8, I’ve been spurred on to give him a game!
I’ve learnt recently that golf is far more accessible than it was in my youth, technology has made the game come a long way (my son knows exactly how far he’ll hit a ball with each club). Lessons are happily given to someone who has no idea on how to hold a club and equally to someone who has been playing for years and is just trying to improve their game. YouTube has a wealth of info to show me where I’m going wrong and how the latest club really is the best thing to have in your grip.
I’ve also learnt that the slice I had as a young lad still remains to this day (YouTube also taught me that I’m actually ‘going over the top’ and how to remedy it).
So kitted out with some nice TaylorMade sticks (yes I was convinced by YouTube my old ‘woods’ were passed their sell buy date and I needed the latest and greatest), I’ve embarked upon an unknown journey of lost balls, frustration and despair. BUT what I have learnt in the last month or so is that I am wholly looking forward to some time away from my stressful work environment and spending time with my son in our search for the wholly grail of the perfect round (where I at least try and keep up with his 300 yard drives).
Who knows, this time next year I may be able to report that using a driver off the 1st tee doesn’t mean a lost ball.
Good luck to all new and existing golfers for the coming year.
Great you can get out with your son for some quality time.At a young age I was prompted by my grandfather to play the ‘wonderful game’ (he was a pro in the 50’s -70’s, had a regular column in ‘golf monthly and caddied for Henry Cotton, so I was told). Back in the day he made me my own clubs which included REAL woods and whilst I would happily play casually, the game never caught my imagination ( the love of kicking a football was far greater). But now my son in his 30’s is playing off a handicap of 8, I’ve been spurred on to give him a game!
I’ve learnt recently that golf is far more accessible than it was in my youth, technology has made the game come a long way (my son knows exactly how far he’ll hit a ball with each club). Lessons are happily given to someone who has no idea on how to hold a club and equally to someone who has been playing for years and is just trying to improve their game. YouTube has a wealth of info to show me where I’m going wrong and how the latest club really is the best thing to have in your grip.
I’ve also learnt that the slice I had as a young lad still remains to this day (YouTube also taught me that I’m actually ‘going over the top’ and how to remedy it).
So kitted out with some nice TaylorMade sticks (yes I was convinced by YouTube my old ‘woods’ were passed their sell buy date and I needed the latest and greatest), I’ve embarked upon an unknown journey of lost balls, frustration and despair. BUT what I have learnt in the last month or so is that I am wholly looking forward to some time away from my stressful work environment and spending time with my son in our search for the wholly grail of the perfect round (where I at least try and keep up with his 300 yard drives).
Who knows, this time next year I may be able to report that using a driver off the 1st tee doesn’t mean a lost ball.
Good luck to all new and existing golfers for the coming year.
Who was your granddfather, I love golf history!
fourstardan said:
Great you can get out with your son for some quality time.
Who was your granddfather, I love golf history!
Bill Chandler, he was a pro in his latter years at a club in Croydon, the monthly magazine column he had (from what I recall) specialised in club maintenance, though this may only be made up by my recollection as a young lad flicking though magazines. Sadly the magazines were lost in the 80’s when my parents house suffered a flood. He apparently got to know Henry Cotton when he was a pro at a club in Beckenham, South London.Who was your granddfather, I love golf history!
There are many questions I would love to ask, but sadly he and my mother, his only child, are no longer here
JamesNotJim said:
No, no and no again.
A single has as much standing on a course as a 4 ball.
Pace of play is simple, if your keeping up with the group ahead then all is good. If your group isn’t keeping up, speed up (play ready golf, no honours on tee’s and generally being ready to go).
If in your example if a 2 ball is behind a 4 ball and they are pushing you, don’t take it as a insult to your ego, consider letting them play through. They will be twice as quick and will out of sight with a hole or less.
100% this!A single has as much standing on a course as a 4 ball.
Pace of play is simple, if your keeping up with the group ahead then all is good. If your group isn’t keeping up, speed up (play ready golf, no honours on tee’s and generally being ready to go).
If in your example if a 2 ball is behind a 4 ball and they are pushing you, don’t take it as a insult to your ego, consider letting them play through. They will be twice as quick and will out of sight with a hole or less.
Misaps said:
Bill Chandler, he was a pro in his latter years at a club in Croydon, the monthly magazine column he had (from what I recall) specialised in club maintenance, though this may only be made up by my recollection as a young lad flicking though magazines. Sadly the magazines were lost in the 80’s when my parents house suffered a flood. He apparently got to know Henry Cotton when he was a pro at a club in Beckenham, South London.
There are many questions I would love to ask, but sadly he and my mother, his only child, are no longer here
Thats my neck of the woods and a small chance that the croydon club is mine - do you know which one - they may have copies?There are many questions I would love to ask, but sadly he and my mother, his only child, are no longer here
JamesNotJim said:
Ashfordian said:
Yep, it is correct not letting the 2-ball through. In effect the course is closed while the competition plays through (it's a benefit of being a member).
No, no and no again. A single has as much standing on a course as a 4 ball.
Pace of play is simple, if your keeping up with the group ahead then all is good. If your group isn’t keeping up, speed up (play ready golf, no honours on tee’s and generally being ready to go).
If in your example if a 2 ball is behind a 4 ball and they are pushing you, don’t take it as a insult to your ego, consider letting them play through. They will be twice as quick and will out of sight with a hole or less.
ts.We were actually playing ready golf - which was me teeing off them waiting whilst they pissed about. Same on the putting - if it's a 2 foot putt just putt the bloody thing - it's not the Masters.
Being my first competition I didn't know what the score was. At least one of them was a committee member so didn't think it my place to question it but lesson learnt. As I said previously it feels really uncomfortable holding people up with space ahead and did effect my game.
Misaps said:
At the age of 57 I took a big step and joined a club in its ‘get into golf’ programme!
At a young age I was prompted by my grandfather to play the ‘wonderful game’ (he was a pro in the 50’s -70’s, had a regular column in ‘golf monthly and caddied for Henry Cotton, so I was told). Back in the day he made me my own clubs which included REAL woods and whilst I would happily play casually, the game never caught my imagination ( the love of kicking a football was far greater). But now my son in his 30’s is playing off a handicap of 8, I’ve been spurred on to give him a game!
I’ve learnt recently that golf is far more accessible than it was in my youth, technology has made the game come a long way (my son knows exactly how far he’ll hit a ball with each club). Lessons are happily given to someone who has no idea on how to hold a club and equally to someone who has been playing for years and is just trying to improve their game. YouTube has a wealth of info to show me where I’m going wrong and how the latest club really is the best thing to have in your grip.
I’ve also learnt that the slice I had as a young lad still remains to this day (YouTube also taught me that I’m actually ‘going over the top’ and how to remedy it).
So kitted out with some nice TaylorMade sticks (yes I was convinced by YouTube my old ‘woods’ were passed their sell buy date and I needed the latest and greatest), I’ve embarked upon an unknown journey of lost balls, frustration and despair. BUT what I have learnt in the last month or so is that I am wholly looking forward to some time away from my stressful work environment and spending time with my son in our search for the wholly grail of the perfect round (where I at least try and keep up with his 300 yard drives).
Who knows, this time next year I may be able to report that using a driver off the 1st tee doesn’t mean a lost ball.
Good luck to all new and existing golfers for the coming year.
Nice to hear. Good luck and enjoy.At a young age I was prompted by my grandfather to play the ‘wonderful game’ (he was a pro in the 50’s -70’s, had a regular column in ‘golf monthly and caddied for Henry Cotton, so I was told). Back in the day he made me my own clubs which included REAL woods and whilst I would happily play casually, the game never caught my imagination ( the love of kicking a football was far greater). But now my son in his 30’s is playing off a handicap of 8, I’ve been spurred on to give him a game!
I’ve learnt recently that golf is far more accessible than it was in my youth, technology has made the game come a long way (my son knows exactly how far he’ll hit a ball with each club). Lessons are happily given to someone who has no idea on how to hold a club and equally to someone who has been playing for years and is just trying to improve their game. YouTube has a wealth of info to show me where I’m going wrong and how the latest club really is the best thing to have in your grip.
I’ve also learnt that the slice I had as a young lad still remains to this day (YouTube also taught me that I’m actually ‘going over the top’ and how to remedy it).
So kitted out with some nice TaylorMade sticks (yes I was convinced by YouTube my old ‘woods’ were passed their sell buy date and I needed the latest and greatest), I’ve embarked upon an unknown journey of lost balls, frustration and despair. BUT what I have learnt in the last month or so is that I am wholly looking forward to some time away from my stressful work environment and spending time with my son in our search for the wholly grail of the perfect round (where I at least try and keep up with his 300 yard drives).
Who knows, this time next year I may be able to report that using a driver off the 1st tee doesn’t mean a lost ball.
Good luck to all new and existing golfers for the coming year.
I've managed to get out a couple of times over the last few days. Shot 101 over eighteen holes on Friday, then 55 over ten holes yesterday. Considering that my HCP according to my first three cards (submitted in Nov) is 39.6, I'm very happy with how my game is progressing.
Two big factors helping me out are feedback from my lesson (have a more 'bent over' posture, arms hanging down instead of upright and out), and more confidence with the driver. I still slice it somewhat, but generally I can get the ball to where I want it when teeing off. Until recently I was leaving it at home and using the 3-wood; now I can hit the wood well I've started taking the driver out and will hopefully develop my skill int he coming weeks/months/years.
Target is a 20-something HCP by the end of summer so that I can taken part in club comps.
Two big factors helping me out are feedback from my lesson (have a more 'bent over' posture, arms hanging down instead of upright and out), and more confidence with the driver. I still slice it somewhat, but generally I can get the ball to where I want it when teeing off. Until recently I was leaving it at home and using the 3-wood; now I can hit the wood well I've started taking the driver out and will hopefully develop my skill int he coming weeks/months/years.
Target is a 20-something HCP by the end of summer so that I can taken part in club comps.
ben_h100 said:
Target is a 20-something HCP by the end of summer so that I can taken part in club comps.
Short game all the way. Be the best you can be from 100yds and it is easily achievable. I’ve found a few things that have helped me.
Know your iron yardages as accurately as you can and aim for the back of the green.
Focusing on putting. I always used to think I was an “ok” putter but I wasn’t. Tracking #putts and practising lots has made me much much better. I now feel like I am in with a shout whatever putt is in front of me and regularly save a hole with a putt.
Similar with chipping. Regular back garden practice and score yourself. For me it’s sets of 10 practice balls to a chipping net. Do this every day and your scores will tumble.
Having mastered the above, always Putt when off the green if you can - even on winter courses, your worst putt is better than your best chip. If I can see a line for a putt, that’s the option. The chips are for when you can’t putt it.
Gassing Station | Sports | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff