"Critical Mass" to Better Golf

[Topper]

I'm into my second year of golf and had major struggles last year to the point that I contemplated quitting over the winter.  Obviously, I decided to continue, but some things had to change including the way I practiced.

This year I purchased a pass for unlimited play at muni courses for $100.  The courses are par 3 but are pretty decent and one course is reasonably challenging with holes up to 250 yrs (par 4).  I use the munis almost like a driving range when they're not busy and I'll hit 2-5 shots off a given tee.  On other days, I'll use no tees and "pretend" I'm making my second or third shot on a full length course.  It's easier and less expensive to hit these courses 2-3 times a week.  I just finished 9 holes in 1 hr 25 minutes playing 2 balls.  I'm home in time for dinner with my family.

Also, I planned something "special" for the July 4th weekend.  My own golf boot camp.  I started Friday with my wife who went with me to the driving range (which she hates), lesson, and 9 holes at a harder links-style course.  We both played reasonably well considering the course difficulty.  If my wife took this game seriously, she could be really good.  Saturday, I played 9 holes at my local muni and then had some things to do around the house.  Sunday I played 27 holes (walking) - 9 holes at one course and 18 at another.  Monday was another 18 holes where the front 9 was OK except for my driving.  The back nine my driving improved and I shot 46 which is stellar for me, even on a course with an easier overall layout.  The 46 included a par 3 that I reached in one but 4-putted on a ridiculously sloped green.  Things seemed to start coming together which is about the best I can describe it.  So in summary, my "boot camp" included a lesson, driving range, and a total of 63 holes of golf on 4 courses with completely different layout styles.  I never golfed that much in that short of a time period in my life and I have a heat rash on my left arm to prove it!

This game is hard and significant improvements absolutely require both quality and quantity of practice.  It seems like my boot camp combined with overall greater amount of practice at the munis has helped my reach "critical mass" where I'm noticing major improvements and consistently better overall play.  Also add a couple of lessons from an instructor who is "compatible" with me and is less focused on rigid swing mechanics.  I'm a high handicapper, so I realize that improvements will become more subtle as I get better, but I'm presently having a lot more fun on the course which is my immediate objective.

Work and family obligations prevent many of us from routinely playing with that intensity, but see if you can plan your own golf boot camp (lessons, practice, and playing) to move your game forward.