Low drives, can't pitch, putting improving

[JLA_8]

Hi all,

Awhile back I posted about my first time out in well over 10 years, how my putting was terrible (30 putts in 9-holes), and how I was decent with my irons off the tee.

So, a couple months have passed and I've played quite a bit more and am slowly improving. Here is what I have now...

1. My drives (driver), are very low. I use a 10.5 driver with ball placed in the middle of my stance. I believe I have a wider then normal stance, a little more then shoulder width apart. My drives have gotten better, but I do seem to drive the ball very low. Is this good or bad? What are the pros/cons of driving low compared to high? When I hit the ball well, they go straight, occassionaly a slight draw.

2. My putting has improved. What I had to do was start putting one handed for awhile to get a better feel. After a few practice putts one handed, I can start using two. Still not super accurate, but distance is getting much closer.

3. I am very good with my 9I. About 145 yards and straight line every time. Doesn't matter if I'm 130 or 155, I hit it 145. I just don't know how to alter this. I don't take a very big swing as it is, I think my left arm may get parallel to the ground and that's it.

4. I cannot pitch or chip. I have no idea how hard or soft to hit it. I'll hit it too soft one hole and the next it will go over the green and to me I cannot tell the difference between how hard I was swinging.

So that's my story after a couple months on the links. Still learning, trying to get better, and having fun.

I did get my first birdie last week. Par 4. Driver, 9I, putt. Woohoo!

I know I can't expect too much specific info as I haven't given you any regarding my grip/stance/swing and all that. But if you have any suggestions I appreciate your advice.

I do know one of my biggest obstacles is keeping my head down. When I do this, I hit the ball. When I don't, well, it's a sorry sight.

Thanks.

[jaragon126]

Ever thought about taking some lessons? It is fun to try to figure out things on your own, but you don't want to pick up any bad habits that are difficult to "un-learn" later on. Taking lessons has helped me alot and I'm sure it has saved me from many headaches in my progress to become a great golfer

[grizfan]

I second the recomendation for lessons. Having a trained pro watch you to find where the faults are is a great help. Here's a couple of things I learned recently that might help (I'm no expert, but hopefully you'll benefit). First, when hitting your driver, put the ball at the front of your stance. The driver is the only club you want to be hitting "up" on.
Another tip I got from my lessons was to re-think the whole "keep your head down" thing. The important thing is to keep your eye on the ball through impact. I was literally keeping my head down, so I had no room for my shoulder to turn under my chin on take-away. The end result was that my head was moving a lot, causing problems. Maybe that would help a bit.

But, really consider lessons. I did a 3 pack of 1-hour private lessons at a nearby executive course for $120. It made a world of difference. But, if that's not an option for you at this point, an alternative would be picking up a few good books, then have someone go with you to the driving range with a camcorder to record your swings.

[MI Rob]

Agree with the above posters. Go get some lessons and you will progress much faster.

[plark]

Try to get some lessons if you can't find someone who can play golf to help you. Go out by yourself and get paired up with people you don't know and ask them for advice. In the winter or offseason watch as much golf as you can and find an indoor driving range somewhere. You can also get a driving net to put in ur garage or backyard. If you can't do any of those they have DVDs at DICK's sporting goods and I know phil mickelson just came out with a DVD as well throw those in at night instead of watching a repeat of law and justice or everybody loves ramond.

[Adumb]

1. My drives (driver), are very low. I use a 10.5 driver with ball placed in the middle of my stance. I believe I have a wider then normal stance, a little more then shoulder width apart. My drives have gotten better, but I do seem to drive the ball very low. Is this good or bad? What are the pros/cons of driving low compared to high? When I hit the ball well, they go straight, occassionaly a slight draw.

A low drive is good on a day where it's dry and the conditions are favorable for a roll. It's good if there's strong wind against, either directly or right/left. If you have the wind at your back, it's good to hit a high windcheater. If you want a higher drive, try standing so that the ball is inline with your left heel (if you're right handed). Maybe tee it up a little higher.

2. My putting has improved. What I had to do was start putting one handed for awhile to get a better feel. After a few practice putts one handed, I can start using two. Still not super accurate, but distance is getting much closer.

Choke up on the putter, read the break both by looking at it and with your feet. By with the feet I mean if it feels like you're leaning slightly backward, it's breaking left, or slightly forward, it's breaking right. Analyze if it's up or downhill. One of the most important parts is the follow-through in the putt. Take some time to practice on the putting green before you play, or after if you don't have time. Visualize the putt when you're taking your practice swings.

3. I am very good with my 9I. About 145 yards and straight line every time. Doesn't matter if I'm 130 or 155, I hit it 145. I just don't know how to alter this. I don't take a very big swing as it is, I think my left arm may get parallel to the ground and that's it.

That's a strong 9 iron. If you want to hit shorter, don't take a full backswing. Another option would be to go down to a pitching wedge.

4. I cannot pitch or chip. I have no idea how hard or soft to hit it. I'll hit it too soft one hole and the next it will go over the green and to me I cannot tell the difference between how hard I was swinging.

For chipping, use a pitching wedge or a 9 iron. Focus on where you want the ball to bounce first. If the hole is close to the edge of the green, try for the first bounce to be on the fringe that way it will roll toward the hole. Read the break. Chipping is mostly in your backswing. You can practice more chipping on the chipping and putting green before you play, or you can buy a chipping net. Something that actually help me was to "try" to make it in. It seems a little too simple but sometimes I get hung up on making a good swing that I don't ever really put it close to the hole. If I try to hole it, I get it close.

Good luck. I hope this advice helps.