Progression

[DD97]

hi all,

 

relatively new golfer here (started around september last year) - played around 8 rounds but mostly on the range..

 

i tend to hit the range once a week and have seen really good progress. However I've started to notice now that some weeks im absolutely awful. if i take a week off i hit the ball great the next time i go to the range - is there any explanation for this?! Can you practice too much?

[dennyjones]

Welcome to TST.   You've found the best game and maybe the most frustrating game at the same time.   Some days the golf gods smile on you and other days, not so much.  

Take a look around the forum.   You'll find the 5 S of practice, here.      It is very important that the practice you do has a "specific" target, not just beating balls down the range.   

You've found the best place on the web to talk golf.   Take the time to read, ask questions, post a member's swing thread if so desired and enjoy.  

I'd strongly recommend you find a teacher, either online like Evolvr, (many here on the forum utilize this less expensive option) or find a good instructor in your area.    Getting the basics down before bad habits set in are crucial.   Your experience isn't unique.

[Cantankerish]

You can not practice too much.  Certainly one visit to the range each week is not very much.  Pros hit hundreds of balls most weeks.

The inconsistency issue is most likely the result of improper form.  Dennyjones may not be answering the questions you asked, but he IS answering the questions you need to ask.

[pganapathy]

2 hours ago, DD97 said:

i tend to hit the range once a week and have seen really good progress. However I've started to notice now that some weeks im absolutely awful. if i take a week off i hit the ball great the next time i go to the range - is there any explanation for this?! Can you practice too much?

No, there is no such thing as practicing too much.  What is there is practicing wrong, so that you ingrain bad habits.

Even the best pros in the world aren't consistent in their game.  Some days they bring their A game, and others struggle to bring their B game.  It is inevitable in any sport, just a bit more magnified in individual sports, because in a team sport, your weaknesses can be hidden to some extent by others doing well.

[DD97]

ive absolutely fallen in love with the game!

 

i had lessons at the start and my grandfather has helped who was a very good golfer. Struggle to find time for lessons at the moment as im working 9-5. Will definitely be booking some when the nights get lighter.

 

there is undoubtedly improvement in my game, up until a few weeks ago i couldn't hit a driver off the floor. Now im hitting it consistently getting good contact (all it took was dropping my right shoulder a bit lower than my left). now the issue is it cuts from right to left 90% of the time!

 

i would love to implement a good training routine at the range but i just want to get a good fundamental swing with each club first so i know im practising good habits

[Double Mocha Man]

You are in the extreme minority if you are hitting draws/hooks right out of the gate.  That bodes well for a better swing when you get it refined.  Get a pro to look at it now so you are on a good path to improvement.  Do not ignore your short game.

What is a "driver off the floor"?

Edited December 27, 2019 by Double Mocha Man

[DD97]

hi double, really? 90% of my drives cut to the right

[Double Mocha Man]

1 minute ago, DD97 said:

hi double, really? 90% of my drives cut to the right

Oh, you said they "cut" from right to left...

[DD97]

apologies, left to right!

[Double Mocha Man]

3 minutes ago, DD97 said:

apologies, left to right!

My condolences.  You have some work to do.  Stay at it... it's an invigorating and wonderful game.  It's like the lottery, you'll "win" with maybe 2 good/great shots per round and it'll keep you coming back to play more.

[DD97]

thanks, my irons tend to be straight but the driver is a completely different beast!

[Double Mocha Man]

Just now, DD97 said:

thanks, my irons tend to be straight but the driver is a completely different beast!

You are not alone.  A lot of golfers have that issue starting out.  Some keep that issue their whole life.  That's why you need to see a pro soon... to get that slice crap out of your system.  😁

[DD97]

i did hit an absolute straight bullet with one of my drives.. felt pretty amazing 😂