Encouragement

[traviswise]

In short, I need some. I started playing in May of 2008 and broke 100 only three times and those times were great. I haven't been able to play as much through winter like most of people on here but the few times I have, I have played worse than ever (112-116). This afternoon I went to the range and I made some decent shots but the consistency just isn't there.

Soooo....do you guys ever feel like maybe golf isn't the game for you? I love it and all but when you are playing badly it just seems more of a chore than a hobby.

My dilema is rooted in the fact that I am a member at a private club and have second guess my membership due to all of this.

/rant.

[walk18]

In short, I need some. I started playing in May of 2008 and broke 100 only three times and those times were great. I haven't been able to play as much through winter like most of people on here but the few times I have, I have played worse than ever (112-116). This afternoon I went to the range and I made some decent shots but the consistency just isn't there.

You JUST started playing. Go easy on yourself, obviously you liked golf enough to start and join a club. Take a lesson, have a friend help, or simply enjoy the process. Most golfers never break 100 after playing for years.

[RC]

Another thing to consider is the season... I don't know many golfers who swing as well in winter or colder weather. Golf courses, unless overseeded, are typically harder -- don't worry about your scoring, just get ready for glorious spring.

[traviswise]

Thanks guys I just expect better results. I see guys at my club hitting it farther w/o their shots being fat or thin and it seems like a steep ladder to climb to get to that level.

I have taken one lesson last year and it was so basic I felt like I wasted my money. I already know the fundamentals to this game. I think playing is better practice than a lesson. I know why I make bad shots I just struggle in correcting the problems.

[GaijinGolfer]

I think you are being too hard on yourself. If you just started playing in '08, breaking 100 is actually pretty good.
Golf is one of the most difficult sports there is to be good at and I think you just need to be more patient. Forget about the score, just go out and have fun.
I used to take golf really seriously and I had my days where I used to think that golf just wasnt for me.
Then, I stopped paying attention to my scores and my handicap and just went out and had fun. Suddenly, I found myself playing much better because I wasnt getting all worked up about my stats and was just thinking one shot at a time.
Whether or not golf is for you is a decision that only you can make. If you just arent having fun with the game, maybe golf isnt for you.
Me personally, even the absolute worst day on the golf course is better than even the best day ever doing almost anything else.

[traviswise]

Maybe that is it. As the year went on I actually got worse b/c I was chasing the scorecard everytime out. Maybe I will start off in the spring just to play w/o worrying over the score card.

[flanagan]

I "know" the fundamentals also, been playing for almost 40 years, at a wide variety of levels, but "knowing'' the fundamentals isn't the same as really knowing and executing the fundamentals. If you just started in May and have only had one lesson, I guarantee you, you need more. If things didn't click with whomever you took it from, find someone else, but take some more lessons and get out and practice and play in between lessons.

You aren't going to just build yourself into a 90s shooter as quickly as you might think and another pair of eyes and someone who knows how to help you apply the fundamentals is important. If you don't do that, you're really not giving yourself a chance. Have your swing looked at, see if your clubs and your ball are appropriate for your swing, etc. Get some short game instruction and practice if you want some "instant" results.

I can tell you, I wish when I started as a very little kid and even into high school years, and college, I had the benefit of some instruction. Managed to get decent, but the key for me for breaking 90 and shooting in the 80s consistently was joining a course when I got married and finally working with a good pro. Have had the good fortune of good teaching pros where we have lived for the last 15 years, as well, which made the difference for the occasional forays into the 70s.

GOLF IS A PROCESS, and you learn it as long as you play it.

[wedge player]

Maybe that is it. As the year went on I actually got worse b/c I was chasing the scorecard everytime out. Maybe I will start off in the spring just to play w/o worrying over the score card.

thats wat i done wen i started dont woory about it just have fun it all comes together ive ben plain for about 2 years and the handicap dropped wen i didnt worry and just had fun

[ks8829]

Breaking 100 so soon is a great accomplishment and you have to expect to be challenged with the golf gods regarding the scores over 100. The best advise is be patient and realistic with your golf development and goals and take lessons to accelerate your learning curve.

Keep track of the following during your round of golf:

1) fairways hit
2) greeens on regulations

3) putts per round
4) up and down

the fastest way to lower your handicap is too work on the short game especially your putting and up and down around the green.

Watch this video on the perfect golf swing: