Sick of my GHIN going up

[Leftygolfer]

Hello All,

My GHIN has went from an 8.0 to now an 11.2 since the start of the year. There are no longer any scores in the 70s in the last 20 posted, and alot of very bad scores.

I want this to end. I have had a lesson but didn't practice enough to engrain what I learned. I believe I am reverting back to some habits and my iron play has suffered.

My wife is pressuring me to play less in order to save some money (we are buying our first house this year) so I can't play more.

Do you think I should focus on practicing for the near future? I like to play but I don't like playing poorly. I am considering getting another lesson and then just being a range rat for the next month or so?

I know I have the ability to play well but for some reason I have been making critical mistakes that have cost me 2 shots (ball OB) or missed short putt that bleeds over to the next tee shot.

Any ideas would be great.

[iWALK18]

my solution is to stop playing... it can't go up if you don't play!

Honestly though i feel your pain. My Hdcp went from about a 10 to about a 13 to start the year as i lost some good scores from last season. To make it worse, now I'm playing easy courses with occasionally very poor conditions, so I have to shoot really well to make a dent... such is life.

[CG031]

Well, I've said this a few times on this forum, but I became a range rat for the past month or so now and my ballstriking has improved dramatically - I joined a driving range, hit about 100 balls a day, and it seems to really really be helping a lot.

Practicing isn't as fun as playing, but if you're really interested in improving, and saving money (which I was as well), this is the route to go.

**Not to mention the biggest thing that will lower your scores is time at the putting green just putting and chipping for an hour a day will help you score a lot better...

And the putting green is free.

[Chief Broom]

I'd look into joining a local muni. Usually their membership rates are very attractive. The one I'm a member of costs a little over $60 a month ($185 per quarter). That's what you'd expect to pay for one round at a decent course and that's for unlimited play. And while the local muni usually leaves a little something to be desired in a course at that price it's hard to beat. Commit to walking and you can play a lot of golf while easily staying within the tightest of budgets.

[Smarf]

I'd look into joining a local muni. Usually their membership rates are very attractive. The one I'm a member of costs a little over $60 a month ($185 per quarter). That's what you'd expect to pay for one round at a decent course and that's for unlimited play. And while the local muni usually leaves a little something to be desired in a course at that price it's hard to beat. Commit to walking and you can play a lot of golf while easily staying within the tightest of budgets.

Wow, I wish I could get a deal like that around here, I'd be playing every day. Most of the memberships are about 1000 to 3000 initiation fee with a 150-200 bucks a month on top of that. I only get to play about once a week now, so the 40.00 green fees wouldn't save me much by getting a membership. Plus they offer a deal where you get 20 rounds for 225.00 bucks.

[deronsizemore]

Being a range rat should definitely help... if you're practicing the right things of course. You can't just go out and hit 45 shots with a driver and call it a day. Go out and hit about 90% of the balls you hit on the range from 100 yards and in. Hit a few mid iron, a few long irons and a few drivers. Practice chipping and putting like a mad man too. That's the quickest way to bring your scores down. It's nice to hit a bomb of a drive out there 275, but if you can't play from 100 and in and around the green, your handicap isn't going anywhere.

[1par2win]

Hello All,

I know I am in the same boat. I'm just plain not playing as well this year as last and in fact I feel I have taken a step back in some ways. I chalk a lot of what has been going on to how busy my personal life has been. I have been dealing with a legal issue my wife has (not criminal!!! It's with her ex husband and the house) and with the oldest boy acting out and other assorted adventures of life. I don't know what's all going on but your personal life does have an effect on your focus. And whatever you decide to do remember that the season is only half past and there is still time to turn it around. At least That is what I keep telling myself! I'll find out soon enough at a tournament at the TPC at Twin Cities in a couple of weeks.

[Gordo]

Pick the one thing that costs you the most - and fix that. Don't try eating elephants!

[Leftygolfer]

Thanks for the replies.

I agree I just have to not play much for a bit. With my limited time I have chosen to play instead of practice even when I should have been at the range working on the changes my pro has me working on.

I am going to try to practice on Sat and Sun for the next few months. I know what my weaknesses are.

I have my league every thursday that is already payed for, so it will be 9 holes a week until I get out of this funk.

[OnePutt]

Step back all the way. Take 2 weeks off, hit the range saturday and sunday, stick with the league, and just look at things from another perspective.

It is EXTREMELY easy to get caught up with the game and just lose your hold on it, believe me I've gone through it pitching in baseball the same way. Make sure practice time stays structured and you're always working to get better. Good luck!