Discussion
Andy 308GTB said:
Do both.
I spent way too much time on the range when I started a few years ago. I used to enjoy being able to slip over there for a quick hour whenever I wanted. But I think I lost sight of what I was trying to achieve.
Do both, but only practice if you have purpose. Going to the range and just hitting a hundred balls is a waste of time and is more likely to ingrain bad habits than doing anything worthwhile. However going to the range with a specific drill, taking your time to hit maybe 40 balls, and making each one count towards your goal - that's worth doing. But don't bother if you don't have a purpose and a goal.I spent way too much time on the range when I started a few years ago. I used to enjoy being able to slip over there for a quick hour whenever I wanted. But I think I lost sight of what I was trying to achieve.
I also spent hours and hours at the range a few years back, telling myself that I was working towards a consistent swing and that I would get out on the course as soon as I was hitting the ball well all the time. Of course that never happened and all it meant is that I never actually got better and largely stopped playing for a few years. These days I'm on the course 2 or 3 times a week and rarely get time to practice in between rounds, and my golf is hugely the better for it.
Had a brilliant day yesterday, foursomes match play.
My partner and I found ourselves 3 down with 6 to play, having not played very well all morning. Played the next 6 holes 1 over par, winning 5 in a row to win 2&1
Overall lost the match 8-7 but had a great lunch and great afternoon of boozing on the sun terrace. Fantastic!
My partner and I found ourselves 3 down with 6 to play, having not played very well all morning. Played the next 6 holes 1 over par, winning 5 in a row to win 2&1
Overall lost the match 8-7 but had a great lunch and great afternoon of boozing on the sun terrace. Fantastic!
deckster said:
Andy 308GTB said:
Do both.
I spent way too much time on the range when I started a few years ago. I used to enjoy being able to slip over there for a quick hour whenever I wanted. But I think I lost sight of what I was trying to achieve.
Do both, but only practice if you have purpose. Going to the range and just hitting a hundred balls is a waste of time and is more likely to ingrain bad habits than doing anything worthwhile. However going to the range with a specific drill, taking your time to hit maybe 40 balls, and making each one count towards your goal - that's worth doing. But don't bother if you don't have a purpose and a goal.I spent way too much time on the range when I started a few years ago. I used to enjoy being able to slip over there for a quick hour whenever I wanted. But I think I lost sight of what I was trying to achieve.
I also spent hours and hours at the range a few years back, telling myself that I was working towards a consistent swing and that I would get out on the course as soon as I was hitting the ball well all the time. Of course that never happened and all it meant is that I never actually got better and largely stopped playing for a few years. These days I'm on the course 2 or 3 times a week and rarely get time to practice in between rounds, and my golf is hugely the better for it.
I’ve been going to the range over winter, but to work on a specific move in transition. At this time of year I’ll very rarely go to the range. Any practice time will be spent doing 20 minutes of putting or chipping. But I’d much rather play a few holes.
When I was at my lowest HC (5) I didn’t hit balls at the range for years. Admittedly I was younger, had more time and fewer injuries. I played 3 times a week and just learned to get the ball round the course the best I could.
48Valves said:
Couldn’t agree more with this. Playing golf helps you to learn to play golf. Going to the range helps you to learn to play golf swing.
I’ve been going to the range over winter, but to work on a specific move in transition. At this time of year I’ll very rarely go to the range. Any practice time will be spent doing 20 minutes of putting or chipping. But I’d much rather play a few holes.
When I was at my lowest HC (5) I didn’t hit balls at the range for years. Admittedly I was younger, had more time and fewer injuries. I played 3 times a week and just learned to get the ball round the course the best I could.
I've just crept up to 8.0 from 7.3, and I don't really ever practice. I play almost certainly once a week. In the summer months I might sneak an extra 9 in of an evening. I’ve been going to the range over winter, but to work on a specific move in transition. At this time of year I’ll very rarely go to the range. Any practice time will be spent doing 20 minutes of putting or chipping. But I’d much rather play a few holes.
When I was at my lowest HC (5) I didn’t hit balls at the range for years. Admittedly I was younger, had more time and fewer injuries. I played 3 times a week and just learned to get the ball round the course the best I could.
But generally speaking, I don't have time to practice!
Following on from this, I had a committee meeting at the Club last night so thought I'd go 45 minutes early and hit some 5 irons on the range.
I've been hitting some weak fadey shots recently so concentrated on keeping my left leg a bit more posted (cutting out a tendency to slide to my left), and exaggerated the feeling of driving through with my left hand.
Much much better. This practicing lark might help, you know!!
I've been hitting some weak fadey shots recently so concentrated on keeping my left leg a bit more posted (cutting out a tendency to slide to my left), and exaggerated the feeling of driving through with my left hand.
Much much better. This practicing lark might help, you know!!
I managed to get our to Portugal (just for a weekend).
Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
Greenie said:
I managed to get our to Portugal (just for a weekend).
Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
We were there 4 weeks ago. Played Monte Rei (#1 in Portugal apparently!). Terrible condition. Also played Vale de Lobo which was much better.Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
Guess it depends where you play in the UK, I was a bit disappointed overall.
Had fun on Sunday - played a scratch match against one of my usual playing buddies. Fair to say I was up against it with him playing off 6.0 and me 8.9, so was effectively 3 shots down off the first tee, however we had a great battle with him finally prevailing on the 18th. Not playing much recently meant my consistency wasn't quite there, but was putting well with my new mini-aimpoint technique and got some clutch up and downs to keep the match alive.
Pivotal moment was our course's Amen Corner - par 4 13th we both had 10 footers for par, mine shaved the cup and his went in, then on the par 3 14th I decided to s***k two 4 irons on the railway. Hung on in there after that but had given away too much. Still a great game played in the correct spirit - no gamesmanship and lots of "good for good" gimmes for halves.
Off to Dallas next week where I'm hoping to sneak in some Texan golf, then the week after I'm off to Mexico to play the course before. Played it before and it was in the best condition of any golf course I've played outside of the Old Course the week before The Open.
https://mayakoba.com/el-camaleon-golf-course/
Can't wait!
Pivotal moment was our course's Amen Corner - par 4 13th we both had 10 footers for par, mine shaved the cup and his went in, then on the par 3 14th I decided to s***k two 4 irons on the railway. Hung on in there after that but had given away too much. Still a great game played in the correct spirit - no gamesmanship and lots of "good for good" gimmes for halves.
Off to Dallas next week where I'm hoping to sneak in some Texan golf, then the week after I'm off to Mexico to play the course before. Played it before and it was in the best condition of any golf course I've played outside of the Old Course the week before The Open.
https://mayakoba.com/el-camaleon-golf-course/
Can't wait!
Greenie said:
I managed to get our to Portugal (just for a weekend).
Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
Literally just got back from a golf weekend there myself yesterday.Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
Part of a group that played Gramacho (ok), Vale Do Lobo (great course) and Salgardos (would give a miss).
Our group are already planning the next trip and hoping to stay further away from the albufiera strip (4am every night, awful hotel buffet food and copious amounts of booze for 5 days takes its toll)
kiethton said:
Literally just got back from a golf weekend there myself yesterday.
Part of a group that played Gramacho (ok), Vale Do Lobo (great course) and Salgardos (would give a miss).
Our group are already planning the next trip and hoping to stay further away from the albufiera strip (4am every night, awful hotel buffet food and copious amounts of booze for 5 days takes its toll)
Hope you had a good trip.Part of a group that played Gramacho (ok), Vale Do Lobo (great course) and Salgardos (would give a miss).
Our group are already planning the next trip and hoping to stay further away from the albufiera strip (4am every night, awful hotel buffet food and copious amounts of booze for 5 days takes its toll)
Do you know which Vale do Lobo course? I assume there are both great though?
I tried to book Gramacho but had no response and website is awful. Do you know what company your group used for booking?
Agree on the last point - was pretty good but last night was big and it's makes golf a struggle.
Greenie said:
kiethton said:
Literally just got back from a golf weekend there myself yesterday.
Part of a group that played Gramacho (ok), Vale Do Lobo (great course) and Salgardos (would give a miss).
Our group are already planning the next trip and hoping to stay further away from the albufiera strip (4am every night, awful hotel buffet food and copious amounts of booze for 5 days takes its toll)
Hope you had a good trip.Part of a group that played Gramacho (ok), Vale Do Lobo (great course) and Salgardos (would give a miss).
Our group are already planning the next trip and hoping to stay further away from the albufiera strip (4am every night, awful hotel buffet food and copious amounts of booze for 5 days takes its toll)
Do you know which Vale do Lobo course? I assume there are both great though?
I tried to book Gramacho but had no response and website is awful. Do you know what company your group used for booking?
Agree on the last point - was pretty good but last night was big and it's makes golf a struggle.
We played the Ocean but the Royal is also meant to be very good - both looked to be in good condition. All of the Vilamoura courses (Victoria/Dom Pedro) are also meant to be very good but were out of budget for some/unavailable tee times.
I think the guy who organized it used your golf travel - have sent a message and I'll update if wrong - came to c£500 for 5 nights all inclusive, all golf etc ex. flights
ETA - it wasn't your golf travel, he did all accommodation etc himself but used SunnyAlgarveTravel for transfers and golf tee times
Edited by kiethton on Tuesday 10th May 17:24
kiethton said:
Was great fun thanks, 12 good lads all about the same age (early 30's) definitely made it lively!
We played the Ocean but the Royal is also meant to be very good - both looked to be in good condition. All of the Vilamoura courses (Victoria/Dom Pedro) are also meant to be very good but were out of budget for some/unavailable tee times.
I think the guy who organized it used your golf travel - have sent a message and I'll update if wrong - came to c£500 for 5 nights all inclusive, all golf etc ex. flights
That’s good value!We played the Ocean but the Royal is also meant to be very good - both looked to be in good condition. All of the Vilamoura courses (Victoria/Dom Pedro) are also meant to be very good but were out of budget for some/unavailable tee times.
I think the guy who organized it used your golf travel - have sent a message and I'll update if wrong - came to c£500 for 5 nights all inclusive, all golf etc ex. flights
Thanks
Another beginner looking for new clubs here
Currently using a RAM package set from about 2011. Came with a driver, 3 wood, 4 hybrid, 5i - SW, and putter, for about £150. Not bad value really.
Have been playing about a year and seeing some good improvement wrt ball striking. At some point though, I'd like to start upgrading what's in the bag.
Would I be better off starting with a driver or irons? I'd probably do one and then the other. Likely be looking at the second-hand market, let's say the budget is £2-300 for the driver, and £3-400 for irons. I think PW should be in the set, but not worried about SW, can buy that separately. Woods and hybrid aren't a big part of my game right now so I don't mind hanging on to them.
Cheers, and apologies for asking a question that's been asked so many times before. I suspect the answer wrt. irons is going to be the Ping G series, although I've heard very good things about Mizuno as well. I'd like something that offers good feel and performance and preferably isn't gopping to look at!
Driver-wise, I've been looking at the Cobra F9. How are their irons?
I've also heard good things about Callaway on both fronts.
Currently using a RAM package set from about 2011. Came with a driver, 3 wood, 4 hybrid, 5i - SW, and putter, for about £150. Not bad value really.
Have been playing about a year and seeing some good improvement wrt ball striking. At some point though, I'd like to start upgrading what's in the bag.
Would I be better off starting with a driver or irons? I'd probably do one and then the other. Likely be looking at the second-hand market, let's say the budget is £2-300 for the driver, and £3-400 for irons. I think PW should be in the set, but not worried about SW, can buy that separately. Woods and hybrid aren't a big part of my game right now so I don't mind hanging on to them.
Cheers, and apologies for asking a question that's been asked so many times before. I suspect the answer wrt. irons is going to be the Ping G series, although I've heard very good things about Mizuno as well. I'd like something that offers good feel and performance and preferably isn't gopping to look at!
Driver-wise, I've been looking at the Cobra F9. How are their irons?
I've also heard good things about Callaway on both fronts.
Greenie said:
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
It's along time since I went but from memory, if you want to try a change from the usual Vilamoura options, San Lorenzo (difficult to get on) is excellent (was formerly rated no.2 in Europe behind Valderrama) and also Vila Sol is good too.Can't wait to go back.
Course I'm recalling from a few years ago so they could both be pants by now for all I know
bodhi said:
Off to Dallas next week where I'm hoping to sneak in some Texan golf, then the week after I'm off to Mexico to play the course before. Played it before and it was in the best condition of any golf course I've played outside of the Old Course the week before The Open.
https://mayakoba.com/el-camaleon-golf-course/
Can't wait!
I'm jealous, El Cameleon is a stupendous course - I've stayed at the attached resort and played there a couple of times on work jollies. That said I never got on with the par 3 that you're hitting up to the beach. Always seems to have a howling gale right in your face. But that aside, it's stunning.https://mayakoba.com/el-camaleon-golf-course/
Can't wait!
Greenie said:
I managed to get our to Portugal (just for a weekend).
Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
Go back after a full playing season Just blown away by the condition of the courses and facilities compared to the UK. All the lies everywhere are just amazing - so much nicer to play off. But the greens - omg so fast and undulating.
I actually played really well - scored well on one course but the greens on the other just beat me up.
The tough green were at Palmares, the other course was Boa Vista.
What are you favourite courses in the Algarve? What course would you suggest would be good for a mid- handicaper?
Can't wait to go back.
sxmwht said:
Another beginner looking for new clubs here
Currently using a RAM package set from about 2011. Came with a driver, 3 wood, 4 hybrid, 5i - SW, and putter, for about £150. Not bad value really.
Have been playing about a year and seeing some good improvement wrt ball striking. At some point though, I'd like to start upgrading what's in the bag.
Would I be better off starting with a driver or irons? I'd probably do one and then the other. Likely be looking at the second-hand market, let's say the budget is £2-300 for the driver, and £3-400 for irons. I think PW should be in the set, but not worried about SW, can buy that separately. Woods and hybrid aren't a big part of my game right now so I don't mind hanging on to them.
Cheers, and apologies for asking a question that's been asked so many times before. I suspect the answer wrt. irons is going to be the Ping G series, although I've heard very good things about Mizuno as well. I'd like something that offers good feel and performance and preferably isn't gopping to look at!
Driver-wise, I've been looking at the Cobra F9. How are their irons?
I've also heard good things about Callaway on both fronts.
I was in a similar position so went to American Golf and tried four different 7 irons (plus mine) in their golf bay. Currently using a RAM package set from about 2011. Came with a driver, 3 wood, 4 hybrid, 5i - SW, and putter, for about £150. Not bad value really.
Have been playing about a year and seeing some good improvement wrt ball striking. At some point though, I'd like to start upgrading what's in the bag.
Would I be better off starting with a driver or irons? I'd probably do one and then the other. Likely be looking at the second-hand market, let's say the budget is £2-300 for the driver, and £3-400 for irons. I think PW should be in the set, but not worried about SW, can buy that separately. Woods and hybrid aren't a big part of my game right now so I don't mind hanging on to them.
Cheers, and apologies for asking a question that's been asked so many times before. I suspect the answer wrt. irons is going to be the Ping G series, although I've heard very good things about Mizuno as well. I'd like something that offers good feel and performance and preferably isn't gopping to look at!
Driver-wise, I've been looking at the Cobra F9. How are their irons?
I've also heard good things about Callaway on both fronts.
The chap there gave me loads of information about swing speed and carry distance as I played each shot. We were there about an hour and it was really useful for me. The chap told me that the TaylorMade M2s saw the best improvement for me, so I bought them.
I'm glad I didn't just pick a set at random without trying them. I really suggest you have a session at AG if you can. It's free too!
Westy commits with Mickelson on joining the Saudi series.
My understanding is that Bubba Watson, Paul Casey & Ian Poulter are also possibilities.
I think Jason Kokrak was going to commit but appears to have backed off.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/61404823
The PGA reacts as expected.
Greg Norman is defiant.
My understanding is that Bubba Watson, Paul Casey & Ian Poulter are also possibilities.
I think Jason Kokrak was going to commit but appears to have backed off.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/61404823
The PGA reacts as expected.
Greg Norman is defiant.
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