Discussion
Think I had the last golf action of 2025 this morning with another lesson - well timed after the enforced break and helped me figure out what I'd forgotten about when away.
Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
bodhi said:
Think I had the last golf action of 2025 this morning with another lesson - well timed after the enforced break and helped me figure out what I'd forgotten about when away.
Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
Great stuff, this must truly be one of your best years playing golf? Looking at your scores, you've gone from a solid cat2, to a cat1 now? Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
bodhi said:
Think I had the last golf action of 2025 this morning with another lesson - well timed after the enforced break and helped me figure out what I'd forgotten about when away.
Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
Great stuff! I had a very similar lesson mid year & again at the end of the year. Ball position creeps back & my AOA was also 9. We’re clearly very talented, to still be able to play golf from 9* down Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
!Edited by kentlad on Tuesday 30th December 21:56
I was hoping to play round 103 of the year at Ely today but dads taxi has been called so yesterday was my final golf of the year and a classic tale of two 9. The front 9 was like I’d never played before then the back 9 I was back to hitting it great.
For some reason I’ve started coming back out to in with my irons which is resulting in big pulls or weak blocks. So that will need addressing in the new year.
It’s been a good year of golf.
My index started on 5.3, went up to 7.8 and finished on 3.6 with a low of 3.5. I never thought I would get that low.
My one goal for next year is to go under par. But, as Peter Finch says. Focus on the process not the outcome.
The TPI stretches seems to be working, I’m much less stiff in the cold and feel like I’m not losing as much speed as I used to. Just need to make some time for doing more of the strength work.
The boy has put 60 scores in this year and dropped from 19.5 to 13. With a bit more thought and consideration with some shots he should be able to make it into single figures next year.
The last two rounds he’s shot under 40 on the front 9 then ejected from the round on 10 and 11. To his credit he’s then kept trying.
Happy new year
For some reason I’ve started coming back out to in with my irons which is resulting in big pulls or weak blocks. So that will need addressing in the new year.
It’s been a good year of golf.
My index started on 5.3, went up to 7.8 and finished on 3.6 with a low of 3.5. I never thought I would get that low.
My one goal for next year is to go under par. But, as Peter Finch says. Focus on the process not the outcome.
The TPI stretches seems to be working, I’m much less stiff in the cold and feel like I’m not losing as much speed as I used to. Just need to make some time for doing more of the strength work.
The boy has put 60 scores in this year and dropped from 19.5 to 13. With a bit more thought and consideration with some shots he should be able to make it into single figures next year.
The last two rounds he’s shot under 40 on the front 9 then ejected from the round on 10 and 11. To his credit he’s then kept trying.
Happy new year
DuncanM said:
Great stuff, this must truly be one of your best years playing golf? Looking at your scores, you've gone from a solid cat2, to a cat1 now?
Aye fair to say it's been an enjoyable season 
Started on 8.5 and now down to 4.4, won the Singles Knockout and a monthly medal, 2nd in Club Championship Gross and 3rd in another couple of board comps. Scoring has been coming down nicely as well...
Looking forward to trying to carry it on next year. I'll have more than a few distractions with the Captain's role but it should keep me busy
Happy New Year to all!
bodhi said:
Think I had the last golf action of 2025 this morning with another lesson - well timed after the enforced break and helped me figure out what I'd forgotten about when away.
Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
When you get old you'll discover the natural wonders of the abbreviated Fleetwood swing!Coach uses Skillest which now does AI Summary of lessons, so I'll leave the summary to our new overlords - if you can read it with their dubious choice of text colour....
Came away feeling really positive - swing felt good and my numbers were consistent - launch in the low 20s and AoA is much better than when I first started the lessons - now around -4 compared to -9 when I started (again with an 8 iron). Descent angle was about 45 degrees as well so no concerns about holding greens.
Biggest takeaway was that the ball was flying further and ultimately higher with the 3 quarter swing thanks to the improved contact.
Good end to a very good year on the course - onwards to 2026!
48Valves said:
I was hoping to play round 103 of the year at Ely today but dads taxi has been called so yesterday was my final golf of the year and a classic tale of two 9. The front 9 was like I d never played before then the back 9 I was back to hitting it great.
For some reason I ve started coming back out to in with my irons which is resulting in big pulls or weak blocks. So that will need addressing in the new year.
It s been a good year of golf.
My index started on 5.3, went up to 7.8 and finished on 3.6 with a low of 3.5. I never thought I would get that low.
My one goal for next year is to go under par. But, as Peter Finch says. Focus on the process not the outcome.
The TPI stretches seems to be working, I m much less stiff in the cold and feel like I m not losing as much speed as I used to. Just need to make some time for doing more of the strength work.
The boy has put 60 scores in this year and dropped from 19.5 to 13. With a bit more thought and consideration with some shots he should be able to make it into single figures next year.
The last two rounds he s shot under 40 on the front 9 then ejected from the round on 10 and 11. To his credit he s then kept trying.
Happy new year
3.6, that's an ace HC, and what a great year you've had with your lad (including him beating you For some reason I ve started coming back out to in with my irons which is resulting in big pulls or weak blocks. So that will need addressing in the new year.
It s been a good year of golf.
My index started on 5.3, went up to 7.8 and finished on 3.6 with a low of 3.5. I never thought I would get that low.
My one goal for next year is to go under par. But, as Peter Finch says. Focus on the process not the outcome.
The TPI stretches seems to be working, I m much less stiff in the cold and feel like I m not losing as much speed as I used to. Just need to make some time for doing more of the strength work.
The boy has put 60 scores in this year and dropped from 19.5 to 13. With a bit more thought and consideration with some shots he should be able to make it into single figures next year.
The last two rounds he s shot under 40 on the front 9 then ejected from the round on 10 and 11. To his credit he s then kept trying.
Happy new year
) 103 games is 90 more than I managed, hence I have to be a bit more realistic with my scoring nowadays
bodhi said:
DuncanM said:
Great stuff, this must truly be one of your best years playing golf? Looking at your scores, you've gone from a solid cat2, to a cat1 now?
Aye fair to say it's been an enjoyable season Started on 8.5 and now down to 4.4, won the Singles Knockout and a monthly medal, 2nd in Club Championship Gross and 3rd in another couple of board comps. Scoring has been coming down nicely as well...
Looking forward to trying to carry it on next year. I'll have more than a few distractions with the Captain's role but it should keep me busy
Happy New Year to all!
Does your club run a sweep on how far you will hit it?
. clearly must try harder! Good luck with the captaincy Bodhi!I was trying to find my goals for 2025 post - I couldn't find it but it was something like - play with enjoyable people to play with, care less about the numerical handicap, and hit some nice shots along the way.....
Mostly achieved (probably apart from the caring less bit), I played a decent amount considering I also kicked off a new tech startup - 91 rounds including 5 abroad - Capobino, La Cala America, Gloria Old + Gloria New(2) as well as a bunch of "other" courses in the UK.
Played with some good friends along the way, and managed the first few rounds with my 10 y.o daughter including a memorable scramble off the reds where we (2A and 2K) shot 2 over for 9 holes with both the kids holing some putts.
Played far fewer comps this year having elected to not play on Saturdays and rarely being able to get out on Thursday for the weekly medal. Not sure if I'm happy or sad about this. I miss some aspects of the comps but have also come stone dead last in 2 of the ones I did play in this year!
Scoring has been mostly OK - A scoring slump in the middle of the year saw the hcap slip backwards despite feeling like my game was in a good place, and the "battles" with not attempting driver have now mostly been overcome. Scoring consistency is way better than ever - i.e. My "anti-cap" is way lower than it was even 12 months ago and my "bad" rounds are much less bad than they used to be. Not breaking a 100 is now pretty rare (although still a possibility)
I've stuck to my winter game plan of "hit driver more" and it's definitely working. We have a (due to winter tees) short par 4 that is now reachable for me which is good fun. I've tickled the front edge twice in the last week (and then 3 putted both times )
Best score of the year - Yellows - 84 (twice), Purple Winter tees (79) which I think shows an improvement over last year. I'm definitely making more pars/birdies, and fewer doubles than before (golfshot graphs). Finished the year on 18.2 having started the year on 17.9....
Things which helped - Arccos, a lesson, feeling like I'm making a slower/shorter backswing, caring (slightly) less about the score as I'm going along
Things which hurt - hot and cold putting, standing over the ball too long, driver length....
New clubs etc over the year - A Ping G440 3 Hybrid Christmas present (V good), some hand warmers (now considered essential),
Now to start thinking about goals for 2026....
Mostly achieved (probably apart from the caring less bit), I played a decent amount considering I also kicked off a new tech startup - 91 rounds including 5 abroad - Capobino, La Cala America, Gloria Old + Gloria New(2) as well as a bunch of "other" courses in the UK.
Played with some good friends along the way, and managed the first few rounds with my 10 y.o daughter including a memorable scramble off the reds where we (2A and 2K) shot 2 over for 9 holes with both the kids holing some putts.
Played far fewer comps this year having elected to not play on Saturdays and rarely being able to get out on Thursday for the weekly medal. Not sure if I'm happy or sad about this. I miss some aspects of the comps but have also come stone dead last in 2 of the ones I did play in this year!
Scoring has been mostly OK - A scoring slump in the middle of the year saw the hcap slip backwards despite feeling like my game was in a good place, and the "battles" with not attempting driver have now mostly been overcome. Scoring consistency is way better than ever - i.e. My "anti-cap" is way lower than it was even 12 months ago and my "bad" rounds are much less bad than they used to be. Not breaking a 100 is now pretty rare (although still a possibility)
I've stuck to my winter game plan of "hit driver more" and it's definitely working. We have a (due to winter tees) short par 4 that is now reachable for me which is good fun. I've tickled the front edge twice in the last week (and then 3 putted both times
) Best score of the year - Yellows - 84 (twice), Purple Winter tees (79) which I think shows an improvement over last year. I'm definitely making more pars/birdies, and fewer doubles than before (golfshot graphs). Finished the year on 18.2 having started the year on 17.9....
Things which helped - Arccos, a lesson, feeling like I'm making a slower/shorter backswing, caring (slightly) less about the score as I'm going along
Things which hurt - hot and cold putting, standing over the ball too long, driver length....
New clubs etc over the year - A Ping G440 3 Hybrid Christmas present (V good), some hand warmers (now considered essential),
Now to start thinking about goals for 2026....
Edited by fat80b on Thursday 1st January 12:34
The 2026 thread is here - https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Also, and a nice way to close out this thread, the final day 7h broadcast of the 2025 Master tournament is on The Masters YouTube channel
Also, and a nice way to close out this thread, the final day 7h broadcast of the 2025 Master tournament is on The Masters YouTube channel
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