Jump to content
IGNORED

how to shoot lower scores?


dash1988
Note: This thread is 4146 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

I have been playing golf for about 3 years now got myself to 20 handicapp, have a slight over the top swing, shot shape is usually about 10-15yd fade with driver 3 wood 3,4,5i, hit the rest straight but sometimes turns into a slice if i am having a bad day.

Ok putter, mediocre short game, terrible bunker player.

Average shot distance is usally about:

Driver 240yd

3 wood 220yd

3 iron 200yd

4 190yd

5180yd

6170yd

7160yd

8145yd

9135yd

P 120yd

S 95yd

L 60yd

I am curious as to what i need to do in order to shoot lower scores?, whether it be working on my swing to eliminate the fade or working on my short game and bunker shots or even trying to get more power and hit longer shots.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 VRS Covert 8.5°

VRS 3 Wood

 VRS Covert 3i hybrid

VR pro cavity irons 4-9

 46°,52°,56°,60°

 Method 001 putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Replies 87
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Top Posters In This Topic

Quote:

I am curious as to what i need to do in order to shoot lower scores?, whether it be working on my swing to eliminate the fade or working on my short game and bunker shots or even trying to get more power and hit longer shots.

All of the above (except dont worry about more power)

and good putting helps too...

Link to comment
Share on other sites


lol yeah i figured that but is there any particular part which is more important that the rest in you opinion that will help me get there faster or just need to improve the whole think as a package?

 VRS Covert 8.5°

VRS 3 Wood

 VRS Covert 3i hybrid

VR pro cavity irons 4-9

 46°,52°,56°,60°

 Method 001 putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


We hit the same distances, except I can't hit 3 and 4 irons. I use a fairway wood at half swing or 4 rescue/hybrid, and I can only do a 3/4 swing on the 5 iron for a distance of only 175 yards. Usually, it's a bad drive then trying to recover from it that hurts me the most. Your distances would be perfect on the courses I play in the Los Angeles area. I hurt my shoulder so all I could do is putt and chip. So, for 4 months, that's all I practiced. This seemed to lower my scores by about 5 strokes per round. Doglegs hurt as well, so learning to purposely drawing and fading the ball would help. I can't do it. However, when looking at where my balls land and the geometry of the courses I play, it seems like that would gain an extra 20 yards or so from a drive. Take a look at what the scratch and single digit handicappers are writing on other threads.They are really impressive. It seems like a totally different game from what I am trying to play.

:ping:  :tmade:  :callaway:   :gamegolf:  :titleist:

TM White Smoke Big Fontana; Pro-V1
TM Rac 60 TT WS, MD2 56
Ping i20 irons U-4, CFS300
Callaway XR16 9 degree Fujikura Speeder 565 S
Callaway XR16 3W 15 degree Fujikura Speeder 565 S, X2Hot Pro 20 degrees S

"I'm hitting the woods just great, but I'm having a terrible time getting out of them." ~Harry Toscano

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Guys.. save me.. I have no wedges except for a pitching wedge a gap wedge..and a sand wedge.. Right when I'm 70 yards or closer... i know im screwed.. i have no answer for it.. i need wedges but i have no money for them.. and the fact that i need them ruin my game every single time. The sand wedge cant do anything for me..wrong shape..weight..its junk. It's a horrible feeling..especially when im playing with others..

What's In My  Stand Bag

 

Driver:  FT-iZ 9*

Hybrids: C3 3,4,5

Irons: C3 6-GW

Wedges: C3 58*/8 and 54*/12

Putter:  blade

Ball: Gamer V2

 

http://cdn.thesandtrap.com/0/0d/150x50px-LL-0d81d772_tst_award_kickstarter_otm.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Goonsidious

Guys.. save me..

I have no wedges except for a pitching wedge a gap wedge..and a sand wedge..

Right when I'm 70 yards or closer... i know im screwed.. i have no answer for it.. i need wedges but i have no money for them.. and the fact that i need them ruin my game every single time. The sand wedge cant do anything for me..wrong shape..weight..its junk.

It's a horrible feeling..especially when im playing with others..

Used wedges can be pretty cheap ($20 or less if you look hard enough), and you can get pretty decent wedges fairly cheap as well as I've seen 3 wedge sets from Adams as low as $100... maybe skip a round or two and invest in something like that.

Tristan Hilton

My Equipment: 
PXG 0211 Driver (Diamana S+ 60; 10.5°) · PXG 0211 FWs (Diamana S+ 60; 15° and 21°) · PXG 0211 Hybrids (MMT 80; 22°, 25°, and 28°) · PXG 0311P Gen 2 Irons (SteelFiber i95; 7-PW) · Edel Wedges (KBS Hi-Rev; 50°, 55°, 60°) · Edel Classic Blade Putter (32") · Vice Pro or Maxfli Tour · Pinned Prism Rangefinder · Star Grips · Flightscope Mevo · TRUE Linkswear Shoes · Sun Mountain C130S Bag

On my MacBook Pro:
Analyzr Pro

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Short game is the key.  I have learned to chip with all of the wedges (I have a pitching, gap, and sand) plus I can chip with a 8 or 9 iron from 50-70 yards out with good accuracy.

In my bag:

Driver: Covert Performance
Super Hybrid : :nike: 2H - 17* Covert Performance

Irons: :nike:Covert 4I - PW

Wedges: :nike:X3X Wedges (52*, 56*, 60*)

Putter: Method Core 1i

Ball: :nike:One RZN

Upgrading Always.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I just bought a used Cleveland 56* for $20 from the pro shop at my home course. About 2 years ago I got a Vokey 52* off ebay, with shipping it came to right at $50. Inexpensive wedges are out there.

My Bag:

 

Burner 9.5

X 3&5 Woods

DCI Gold 3- PW(48*) + 52* Vokey wedge

56* sand wedge

Cushin Putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'll be on the lookout, thanks gents.

now to find out which degrees are best. 30 yard bloopers that are able to stop on a dime-ish.

What's In My  Stand Bag

 

Driver:  FT-iZ 9*

Hybrids: C3 3,4,5

Irons: C3 6-GW

Wedges: C3 58*/8 and 54*/12

Putter:  blade

Ball: Gamer V2

 

http://cdn.thesandtrap.com/0/0d/150x50px-LL-0d81d772_tst_award_kickstarter_otm.png

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Goonsidious

Guys.. save me..

I have no wedges except for a pitching wedge a gap wedge..and a sand wedge..

Right when I'm 70 yards or closer... i know im screwed.. i have no answer for it..

And then...

Originally Posted by Goonsidious

...now to find out which degrees are best. 30 yard bloopers that are able to stop on a dime-ish.

IMO, you already have more than enough wedges.  And at this point you would be best off saving the '30 blooper that stops on a dime' for the range.  I'd recommend picking either your pitching wedge or your gap (if you're comfortable with it), and using that for all your shots within 70 yards.  Try to develop 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 swings, and then practice using your pitching wedge with a putting stroke (ball back in the stance) when you're relatively close to the green.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Roblar

And then...

IMO, you already have more than enough wedges.  And at this point you would be best off saving the '30 blooper that stops on a dime' for the range.  I'd recommend picking either your pitching wedge or your gap (if you're comfortable with it), and using that for all your shots within 70 yards.  Try to develop 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 swings, and then practice using your pitching wedge with a putting stroke (ball back in the stance) when you're relatively close to the green.

This..^  Listen too Roblar...dead on advice

Link to comment
Share on other sites


The most dramatic way to shave strokes is in the short game.  Whether you prefer a hook or slice isn't relevant..........just keep it in play.

What's in Paul's Bag:
- Callaway Big Bertha Alpha Driver
- Big Bertha Alpha 815 3-wood
- Callaway Razr Fit 5-wood
- Callaway Big Bertha 4-5 Rescue Clubs
-- Mizuno Mx-25 six iron-gap wedge
- Mizuno Mp-T4 56degree SW
- Mizuno Mp-T11 60degree SW
- Putter- Ping Cadence Ketsch

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I believe that the short game is the easiest way to improve your score, but the best way is probably to work on both short and long shots. I remember this article was linked an a pervious thread a while ago, and I found it very interesting. Kinda makes me rethink the whole "short game is the best way to improve score". http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/sports/golf/21pennington.html?_r=1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

about twice a week im from the uk so from november-february i dont play at all because of the shitty weather.

 VRS Covert 8.5°

VRS 3 Wood

 VRS Covert 3i hybrid

VR pro cavity irons 4-9

 46°,52°,56°,60°

 Method 001 putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by dash1988

about twice a week im from the uk so from november-february i dont play at all because of the shitty weather.

try getting out to practice once or twice a week in addition to the rounds you play...there is a thread (65/25/10) that debates how you should spend your practice time.  Improving your bunker play will make you a bit more consistent and shouldn`t be that hard to do, but likely won`t lower your handicap by more than a shot or two.

If  I was in your shoes, I would work on learning 1 bunker shot (open club, open stance hit 3 inches behind and follow through) so that you know that you can get it out and onto the green almost every time and also spend some time on some basic chip shots.  Until you can say you have at least an average short game, spend 50% on long game, 40% on short game and 10% on putting.

:mizuno: MP-52 5-PW, :cobra: King Snake 4 i 
:tmade: R11 Driver, 3 W & 5 W, :vokey: 52, 56 & 60 wedges
:seemore: putter

Link to comment
Share on other sites


I'm in the same exact boat. About 3 years, high handicap. Similar distances too.

I've been really frustrated with instructors. Several hundred dollars paid and no real help. Okay, I'll give 1 guy some credit for improving my putting. But my swing has no consistency whatsoever. In fact, as I've improved my knowledge of the mechanics of the swing, its clear I've been given poor advice on numerous occasions (not that I'm the only one who's received bad advice).

I've decided that I can't rely on feel alone to figure out this golf swing. I'm taking video of my swing now. Its incredible how you can think you are doing one thing but in reality you are awkward as hell. I've observed several problems with my rhythm I can work on as well as stance, head, arm and wrist positions. Honestly some of these problems are fundamental enough they should have been pointed out to me by one of these pros I was paying. I tried out some changes last week with the driver and felt a difference in power and even a greater % of straight shots. I'll likely shoot some more video this week. I don't know if I'm qualified to recommend video yet as I'm still waiting for the benefits, but it's nice to have a new tool to try. I'm a visual person, so having a picture to look at helps me get a sense of what to do to fix it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 4146 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • I agree with @klineka & @DaveP043 above.  When a new member first joins the club they cold be told that they are not eligible for tournaments until they have an established HCP.  As you said, it only takes a few rounds.  If they do not to post HCP that was their choice and choices have consequences.  If playing in the tournament is important to them then they should step up and establish an HCP.  Maybe they miss the 1st tournament, is that a real big deal?  And if it is a "Big Deal" to them then they had the opportunity to establish the HCP. As for not knowing how to report for HCP I assume your club has a pro and they should be able to assist in getting the scores reported and I suspect out of state courses may also have staff that can assist if asked.
    • Wordle 1,013 2/6 🟨⬜⬜🟨🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Thought I was gonna be a big shot today...  🙂    Nice Job!
    • Cool here's my tweak, "If a player’s ball lies in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots or exposed rocks that are in the fairway or 1 club length from the fairway the tree roots and exposed rocks are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.[But relief is not allowed if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance.]
    • I would never do the extended warranty on the $50 slow cooker.  I also routinely reject the extended service plans on those toys we buy for the grand-kids.  I do consider them on higher cost items and will be more likely to get one if the product has a lot of "Electronic Tech" that is often the problem longer-term.  I also consider my intended length of ownership & usage.  If my thought is it would get replaced in 2-3 years then why bother but if I hope to use it for 10 years then more likely to get the extension. I did buy out a lease about a year ago.  Just prior to the lease end date the tablet locked up and would not function.  I got it repaired under the initial warranty and would not have bought it out if they had not been able to fix it since IMO once electronic issues start in a car they can be hard to track down & fix.  They did fix it but when I bought out the lease I paid up for the extended warranty the would cover electronic failures because my intent is to keep that car for another 8-10 years and I just do not trust the electronics to last.  Last week the touch screen went black and was unresponsive.  It reset on the 2nd time I restarted the car but that is exactly how the last malfunction started.  I fully expect to have a claim on that on repair under the extended warranty.  I do not recall the exact cost to fix last time since I did not pay it but I think it was @ $700-$800 and I suspect that will be higher next time.
    • Have you looked at Model Local Rule F-9 Relief from Tree Roots in or Close to Fairway?  You could extend this to cover exposed rocks.  The rule is recommended to be used only for areas relatively near the fairway, a player who hits a shot 20 yards in the woods doesn't really deserve relief.   Players can always take Unplayable Ball relief, they're not required to play it from a rock or a root.  Of course, they hate to take the penalty stroke too.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...