Stuck on 100

[JML22]

What you need to do is goto the range before you play and while you're on the course... hit the same way the whole day
if you start changing things... especially of the tee you start hooking... slicing straight straight left straight right

So if you're hitting a big slice on the day.... play the big slice and swing the same way the whole day
Trying to fix things on each tee shot will lead to so many OBs

[alf174]

Thanks for the advice, and I do think it's the 2nd shots that kills me. Looking back at my recent rounds. I don't worry too much off the T. Not too many O.B.'s that I can remember. I did learn how to pull out my 3W instead of drivers on the T box, so it seemed to help. I don't worry about chipping or putting. I track my putts, and normally take about 36 putts per round.

I'm right there with you

[walk18]

How often do you hit the range, if at all? Do you try to fix your swing mid round? I'd advise against that. Get a bucket at the range when it's uncrowded and work on those 150-180 yd shots that are giving you trouble. Swing smooth and relaxed and try to come away with a few swing thoughts from the shots you hit well.

[cliff2222tx]

How often do you hit the range, if at all? Do you try to fix your swing mid round? I'd advise against that. Get a bucket at the range when it's uncrowded and work on those 150-180 yd shots that are giving you trouble. Swing smooth and relaxed and try to come away with a few swing thoughts from the shots you hit well.

I hit the range at least once a week, twice sometimes, and using anywhere from 100-200 balls. I normally go through all my clubs, 10-15 shots each. So, I don't concentrate on the 150-180 shots. This is a good thought. I guess spending time on the range does numb the mind; going through all the clubs became routine, and I didn't think about mixing it up until now.

[Shooter McGreenkeeper]

Thanks for the advice, and I do think it's the 2nd shots that kills me. Looking back at my recent rounds. I don't worry too much off the T. Not too many O.B.'s that I can remember. I did learn how to pull out my 3W instead of drivers on the T box, so it seemed to help. I don't worry about chipping or putting. I track my putts, and normally take about 36 putts per round. It's the long (150+ yds) 2nd shots that seemed to put me in the rough, water, bunker, and the other fairway.

36 putts it a bit too much, 2 per hole. aim for 30 per round.

be determined not to make ANY 3 putts. for long putts, to get the ball within a Garbage bin round circle around the hole should be the aim...

[Easy]

Breaking 100 isn't too hard. It's a lot more course management than you think. Basically you're aiming for bogey golf. Par 4's become par 5's and par 5's to par 6s. Having that mindset will help. By adding GIR+1 how would you change your play from tee to green? You have now three shots to get to the green on a par 4 is there any point in pulling out there driver?
If you can't break 100 don't even bother pulling out the driver. For me I used nothing but my 4 hybrid which I could hit 160 - 180m PRETTY STRAIGHT. From there it was usually another hybrid or a 7i. If you can become efficient with a hybrid, a mid iron and than a wedge from 100 in you'll break 100 in no time.

When you hit your tee shot into the rough and don't have a clear shot, take your punishment and hit out no need to pull a hero shot. That's pretty much it. That's how I did it.

[RubxQub]

I hit the range at least once a week, twice sometimes, and using anywhere from 100-200 balls. I normally go through all my clubs, 10-15 shots each. So, I don't concentrate on the 150-180 shots. This is a good thought. I guess spending time on the range does numb the mind; going through all the clubs became routine, and I didn't think about mixing it up until now.

This is more of a personal thing, and you may already do this at the range...but what I found to be a great mental thing to do at the range is not empty my bucket of balls into the tray at all. Everytime I set up for a shot, I reach down and grab a new ball from the bucket and put it on the mat.

Basically, this makes me treat each shot with the importance they deserve, and instead of just hitting a crummy shot and mindlessly jumping to the next ball without thinking about what just happened, I have a little time to ponder what's going on. I spend a lot more time thinking about targets I'm aiming for, I'm establishing a pre-shot routine...all these things you should be doing when you're on the range that maybe you don't because you're just quickly going through the bucket. Makes your time on the range a lot longer, but I find more value hitting 70 balls this way than I did when I used to truck through 100 balls my old way. I find it more relaxing and therapeutic as well. There's a lot of great advice in here, so I think you'll get it down. Good luck!

[DocWu1948]

The mathmatical analysis says to move up to the tee where you can reach the green in GIR+1. Then two putt half the holes and three putt the rest and you will score a 99. If you can par the short par threes more often than not, you're in the mid 90's. Keep the three putts down, and you're close to bogey golf.

Looking at it from a novices' point of view, this is tough. Golf is tough. Half the casual players never break 100 so the OP is already there.

[Tom]

Hi All,

I'll be direct. Have you played a sport in your life? Were you dedicated to the sport? If so, have you ever been good - I mean really good? Did you play at an advanced level? If so, you should expect to play really good golf and you should be embarrassed at shooting 105!

If not, and you've been just average or even below average at sports you should not expect to go low (60s, 70s or even 80s). Instead you should just enjoy your round of golf. That's the beauty... if you maintain your handicap and it's legit you can go out and play for money against anyone.

[cliff2222tx]

The mathmatical analysis says to move up to the tee where you can reach the green in GIR+1. Then two putt half the holes and three putt the rest and you will score a 99. If you can par the short par threes more often than not, you're in the mid 90's. Keep the three putts down, and you're close to bogey golf.

I play a round yesterday with GIR+1 in mind, a 6,300 yd course, and shot 98. I coulda and woulda have couple strokes less if I hadn't take 2 hero shots that didn't turn out too well. I'm going to stick to this game plan for a while (while doing the necessary practices off-course). I got to tell ya, it's a lot more fun while your game is in control than chasing the elusive hero shots.

[cliff2222tx]

I'll be direct. Have you played a sport in your life? Were you dedicated to the sport? If so, have you ever been good - I mean really good? Did you play at an advanced level? If so, you should expect to play really good golf and you should be embarrassed at shooting 105!

It's interesting that you've brought this up. I don't play any organized sports or were my college buddies. We are more or less street ballers if we play anything. However; one of them shoots in the 70's and other in the 80's. They provide me some hope that I can stay under 100. I don't ask for much. When I do play under 100, it means less errant shots.

Now, back to the athletic issue. I do get paired up with jocks, or former jocks once in a while. By jocks I meant collegiate level baseball players, and even a Heisman winner. They sure are long, and they tend to be pretty good.

[zeg]

I completely disagree with Tom. "Expect" to play good golf and be "embarrassed" at a 105? Sorry, no, other sports do not automatically translate to golf. Furthermore, no one should be embarrassed by their ability or lack thereof. Also, skill at other sports is not a prerequisite for being a good golfer. Sure, general athleticism will help and a complete lack of coordination probably will prevent your getting to the upper levels, but it doesn't require phenomenal physical ability to be a solid golfer.

[Tom]

I completely disagree with Tom.

zeg,

let me clarify. IF, the golfer has played ANY sport at a high level of performance, THAT golfer should be embarassed at a 105. however, if the golfer has NOT played any sport at a high level of performance, the golfer should go out and just enjoy THEIR round (camaraderie, nature, beer, cigars, etal) no matter what the score. if they shoot 105, 100, 95 - who cares - have fun, maintain your GHIN and get out and play to your handicap!

[Topper]

zeg,

Although I would agree that people with general athletic experience or ability will likely have an advantage, your comment is way off-base overall. Consider the following:

First....Sports training is specific. I could probably make a case that people who have played tennis, baseball, or hockey for years may struggle for a while to overcome muscle memory specific to those sports that don't particularly help them in golf. Second......to play any sport with any proficiency requires practice. Golf requires a lot of practice and working people with families usually don't have much time. Also consider that some of us live in climates where we can golf only half the year. Third.....Golf instruction (the equivalent of coaching in other sports) exists to keep the golf swing complicated and almost incomprehensible. [sarcasm with some truth] Fourth....Persons may not have previously participated in sports due to interest or opportunity but that doesn't mean they don't have athletic ability. And Fifth.....Any golfer who goes out and plays to the best of their ability given their available resources (mostly time) has no reason to be embarrassed about their performance....just be courteous to others and not hold-up the pace of play.

[Tom]

Consider the following:

Topper,

All very fine comments. I would agree with the points made of practice, climate and family commitments. I also would agree mostly with your fifth comment.

[cliff2222tx]

I played a round yesterday with GIR+1 in mind, a 6,300 yd course, and shot 98. I coulda and woulda have couple strokes less if I hadn't take 2 hero shots that didn't turn out too well. I'm going to stick to this game plan for a while (while doing the necessary practices off-course). I got to tell ya, it's a lot more fun while your game is in control than chasing the elusive hero shots.

I snuck away from the wife and kids yesterday, Sunday, to play on the same course as quoted above, just for 9 holes. I was determined to play GIR+1, and here are the results:

#1, 3 on, 2 putted for +1. Driver on the T box, and with about 170 yards (4H distance) to the pin, I went with a 7 iron instead, then chipped on. I normally try to get on the green with the 2nd shot. I guess this was a smart play today with the 7. #2, 3 on, 2 putted for PAR. A 500 yd par 5. Driver on the T, the fairway was open and the ball was in a good lie so I decided to use the 4H. It turned out good, then an iron shot for the GIR. I could have try to get on with 4 shots, but I guess the 2nd shot was a low risk fairway play so the decision was good. #3, 3 on, 3 putted for +2, 3W of the T box, played short on the 2nd shot, then chipped on the with the 3rd shot. Hole is going according to GIR+1 plan...except for the 3 putts. #4, 3 on, 2 putted for +1, 3W of the T box, the 150yd 2nd shot off the fairway which pushed right, then a pitch shot that went a way beyond the pin, and 3 putted. I guess the right play for me would have been 2 pitches to try to get next to the pin...instead I pushed it with a "long" 2nd shot. However; I was aiming for the open green, not the pin which tucked behind the bunker. #5, 2 on, 3 putted for +2...yikes...it's a par 3, bad putting, this was a 200yd par 3. I normally use the driver here, but I guess I did the right thing by pulling out the 3W instead. By the way, I only use the 3W on the T box, and gave up the idea of using the 3W off the deck. #6, 3 on, 1 putted for PAR. The fairway was open so I pulled out the driver. From the fairway, I pitched to the fringe behind the pin. There was a bunker in the front. One putt of the green, then one putt in the hole for PAR. GIR+1 still working. #7, 2 on, 1 putted for PAR on 150 yd par-3 hole. Decent chip and putt saved par here. #8, Par 5 hole with a +3. A blow-up hole. Mistake #1, I pulled out the driver and put the ball in the rough. I wouldn't have needed it if I played GIR+1. Mistake #2, I then try to get it out of that thick stuff by using by 150 yard stick (5H) to cross the water which was where I promptly got wet. Mistake #3, I then try another shot with 170 yd (4H) stick to make up the distance loss. Again, I put it in da wader. I gave myself an 8 for this hole. Thank goodness for Equitable Stroke Control. #9, 3 on, 1 putted for PAR. Back to GIR+1 game plan this time. Driver off the T into the open fairway. A straight shot to the pin is is 170 yds to to the pin, but a whole bunch of water all the way to the bunker in front of the pin. The hero shot never looked so good, but I went with 2 pitches around the water, which set up the PAR putt. So, the day ended with a 45 recorded for 9 holes and 4 pars (it normally take me 18 holes to get this many pars on a good day). It would have been good if I played the back 9 also, but I'm happy with 45 in the book. It's definitely an improvement, except for #8. Lesson learned for the day: 1. Stay with GIR+1 game plan. 2. Don't go for GIR with the long stick (150+yd for me) unless the risk is low, i.e., open landing spot, irrespective of pin location. 3. Play the 3W off the T, unless the fairway is wide open, need to feel like a man with the driver once in a while. Ask myself, is the extra 10-20 yards with the driver really worth it? 4. No hero shots. 5. No make-up shot to catch up with distance lost. 6. When it the rough, just pitch it out the the fairway, instead of down the fairway. The same rule probably applies to sand also. On the plus side, I did not find myself in the bunkers. I think I will impose the lessons learned above which I think summarized the replies I received here (thanks a whole bunch!!!). If you have any more suggestions, let me know. Thanks again,

[cliff2222tx]

And Fifth.....Any golfer who goes out and plays to the best of their ability given their available resources (mostly time) has no reason to be embarrassed about their performance....just be courteous to others and not hold-up the pace of play.

I would not dare to tell my ex-boss that he should be embarassed shooting 110-120 all the time. He was on the National Ski team back in Europe. He must have very good eyes, hands, arms, feet, leg, and body coordination to be on the alpine ski team. He kept on reminding me that he was on the skiing team, and golf is the hardest thing he ever tried...and still trying.

[cliff2222tx]

zeg,

There are some valid points here. I do see ex-jocks tend to be good players, and so are some of the non-jocks among us. I'm trying to keep things under 100 because I know I will win a few bucks from my buddies...who don't keep track of their handicap.