Tips for Making a Golf Team

[Uncle Peter]

I'll be trying out for a local golf team/league this coming Monday. The tryout is 9 holes with the captain of the team. Do you guys have any advice for a 22 handicapper and someone who has a slice?

Tips and advice are welcomed,

-Uncle Peter

[1par2win]

What kind of team is this? Not sure if this helps but like any other aspect of the game attitude goes a long way. Nothing worse than a player that is struggling that has a lousy attitude to match. At this point since your tryout is Monday you really don't have much time to work on anything so my advice would be to work on the one thing you can control which is having a great attitude and being a team player. That said I do not know what kind of team this is or what the expectations are that the captain has. But if you can come Monday have fun and don't worry so much about impressing the captain with your shot making ability. I assume he knows your a 22?

[schuer03]

Focus on doing your best.  Visualize the ideal shot in your mind before addressing the ball.  Remember to relax and have fun!

[Uncle Peter]

Originally Posted by 1par2win

What kind of team is this? Not sure if this helps but like any other aspect of the game attitude goes a long way. Nothing worse than a player that is struggling that has a lousy attitude to match. At this point since your tryout is Monday you really don't have much time to work on anything so my advice would be to work on the one thing you can control which is having a great attitude and being a team player. That said I do not know what kind of team this is or what the expectations are that the captain has. But if you can come Monday have fun and don't worry so much about impressing the captain with your shot making ability. I assume he knows your a 22?

It's like a team that's part of a small league, nothing big or major. I'll try to have fun and a positive attitude as much as possible. It should be easy, since the captain has a great sense of humor. And yes, he does know that I'm a 22 handicapper.

Schuer, I'll definitely try to visualize my shots and play to my strengths. I've also set a goal to break 90. I think it will be a challenge though, since it's my first round of the year.

[glk23]

On a side note, how come you use the Tour Burner driver if you are a slicer?

[weavej2]

hit fairways ..hit greens. make your putts.  If you dont hit your fairway...get back in it.....if you dont hit your green....make sure your next chip,pitch,putt,punch gets onto the green 1st near hole 2nd

[skates]

well if your hitting a slice first advice would be to aim left.

But in all seriousness, just go have fun and play your game. If your playing with someone who is bombing driver and going for every par 5 dont be tempted to do the same. Just go out play your style of golf. As a 20+ handicapper the goal should probably bogey every hole and if pars come your way great if not dont feel the need to make birdies and try crazy shots

[Uncle Peter]

Originally Posted by glk23

On a side note, how come you use the Tour Burner driver if you are a slicer?

I don't slice the ball that often. This driver works great for me when I hit the ball straight, and it's also pretty far. The most I've hit with it was 310, dead straight. However, I think I know why I slice the ball now, and am working on fixing it.

Skates, I'll be aiming for mostly bogeys and pars, but I won't mind taking the occasional birdie ;)

Weave, I'm going to try not to drive it to the green, but lay up instead to a distance that I'm comfortable with. Hopefully this will allow me to get the ball closer to the hole before I putt it.

[Uncle Peter]

So I ended up playing a pretty bad round, at least +30 to +40 over par. I couldn't hit my driver correctly, and kept topping my irons. I'm currently in the middle of changing my swing, so this may be a major factor, and also since it was my first round of the year. Hopefully this isn't a bad sign.