GOLF IS FUN AGAIN!!!!

[OCdude12]

Had to just share this somewhere, I'm sure most everyone has had this feeling at least once and for some many times during their golfing life.  Today was one of those days that reminded me why I love this game so much and has me itching to hit a golf ball as soon as possible again.

I've been really struggling with my irons of late (and driver now that I think about it), not thinking my grips were making that big of a difference.  Boy was I wrong.  Went and re-gripped my clubs last night since I've got a tournament this weekend, then played about 7 holes this afternoon on an empty course and I can't even come up with the words that describe how unbelievable it felt to actually feel where the ball is going.  If you have been thinking you need new grips, go do it.

I usually play a little fade, but lately it had turned into a pretty big slice and not finding the sweet spot very often.  Almost every iron shot today felt sooooooooo good, not sure if thats the result of switching to midsize grips or just having new tacky grips that I don't have to grip very hard, but by the last hole I was even able to get the feeling back I could sling the ball with a draw again.  I didn't want to stop hitting balls, I think I hit about 9 into the last green, it was that fun.  Even the chip shots were making me act like a kid in the candy store I was so giddy.

Guess I learned that my old grips really were making quite the difference, hoping the same feeling can continue into the weekend though, hot damn!!!!!!

[OCdude12]

PS...forgot to ask of other similar stories people have had.  Maybe its been a simple tip someone else could try or a new drill?

[zipazoid]

Good post. If there is one thing that is sure to wreck any possibility of making a good swing, it's gripping the club too tightly. Nothing will work correctly.

[ejimsmith]

Originally Posted by zipazoid

Good post. If there is one thing that is sure to wreck any possibility of making a good swing, it's gripping the club too tightly. Nothing will work correctly.

i made a swing change, it was a bit hard to adjust at first, and i ended up hurting my right elbow by over gripping.  it took me almost 2 months to recover.  lesson learned... always feel as if you're squeezing a tube of toothpaste!

[Dap17]

I definitely know the feeling. Have always had trouble with my driver, then within the past few days I've seen to unlock my issues. Always seemed to hit a weak slice now Ive been trying to widen my backswing and make a fuller turn and thusly I'm absolutely blasting it down the pipe like never before. Im addicting to hitting the range now. GOTTA GET IT TO THE COURSEEE

[k-troop]

Great story--what an amazing feeling.  Grips do make a ton of difference.

I'm having a similar development right now.  I wouldn't say I've been striking the ball poorly, but I've lost a lot of distance over the last few years.  Didn't really worry about it, as I've been focused on accuracy.  A few things I read on this forum have gotten me thinking about what's good (and not so good) about my swing.  Anyway, I started really focusing on two things:  (1) keeping my right elbow tucked to my right side, and pointed down; and (2) keeping my left arm straight.

WOW--what a difference!  My ballstriking in my last two rounds has been just phenomenal, with no weak shots and some seriously long (and accurate) tee shots.  I hit a perfect baby fade 3-wood 260 on a really tight par-4 that usually gives me fits.  On another par-4, I carried the trees at the corner which are about 275 from the tee, total drive distance 335 and perfectly on line.  I've hit seven 8/9-iron shots in the last two rounds, and have hit sky-high launchers, low draws, and even a couple baby fades on command.  And the best part was my wedges:  I went from averaging under 50% greens hit from 70-130 yds (abysmal) to 100%, with several inside 10 feet.  Had a couple miscues, including a couple hooks on Friday and a block on Saturday (that didn't miss by much).  I shot +1 on the back yesterday with two OB drives--one was a block that only missed the line by 15 yards, and the other was just hit too far on what I thought was a good line.  Both were followed by monster bombs in perfect position.

It was a different game yesterday, to be sure.  I hope yours sticks, just as I hope mine does.  If it does, I can go back to focusing on course management and putting in a few weeks, and might really shoot some low scores.