Finally an intermediate golfer

[Stargaze]

It's taken me 3 years, but I finally consider myself an intermediate golfer.  This year I really dedicated myself to the game of golf.  Playing twice a week at least.  I have a card with my local course to have unlimited range balls for a fee.  I hacked and played terrible for a year and a half.  I had lessons last year, I think 5 or 6 of them.  My game previous to this year was very inconsistent.

This year started out a little frustrating.  I watched some youtube videos on the things I was struggling with.  I feel that I had enough course time and training to be able to watch a video and implement what they were talking about.  My pitching and chipping has really come along, putting is getting there.  The last two games I played I've walked off the course with a smile.  No lost balls, pars and mainly bogeys is my game right now.  I'm not trying to be a scratch golfer, I just wanted to get to where I didn't embarrass myself.

Mission accomplished.

When did you realize that you "made it" out of the doldrums of bad play and things were starting to click?

[Strandly]

Originally Posted by Stargaze

When did you realize that you "made it" out of the doldrums of bad play and things were starting to click?

This summer.  And the cool thing is I sort of just started this summer. The driving range thing is really huge, I realized that pretty early on.  You're almost guaranteed to never get decent just going out and hacking your way around a course.  Anyway, I've picked up a couple 10 bucket passes at a nearby driving range but I've noticed some courses have unlimited use like you mention, for a price.  I think I need to switch to one of those plans instead.

[Stargaze]

Originally Posted by Strandly

This summer.  And the cool thing is I sort of just started this summer.    The driving range thing is really huge, I realized that pretty early on.  You're almost guaranteed to never get decent just going out and hacking your way around a course.  Anyway, I've picked up a couple 10 bucket passes at a nearby driving range but I've noticed some courses have unlimited use like you mention, for a price.  I think I need to switch to one of those plans instead.

Yeah my golf course is awesome, you pay $299 for the year and you get unlimited range balls and twilight play for 10 bucks.  So now I don't even go to the range much I just play.  Did you take any lessons?

[Ernest Jones]

I'm not there yet but getting a lot closer, I expect that by the time next season starts I'll be pretty close to being a bogey golfer. Gotta keep working.

[Stargaze]

Originally Posted by Ernest Jones

I'm not there yet but getting a lot closer, I expect that by the time next season starts I'll be pretty close to being a bogey golfer. Gotta keep working.

I'm offering the two videos that made an impact to my game.  They may help!

Hitting on plane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VivoVdUMjLE

Hitting your driver

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnopJFvTa3Q&list;=PLACF95D0610C12FDC&index;=2

[Strandly]

Originally Posted by Stargaze

Yeah my golf course is awesome, you pay $299 for the year and you get unlimited range balls and twilight play for 10 bucks.  So now I don't even go to the range much I just play.  Did you take any lessons?

I didn't take lessons, no.  Like you I watched quite a few videos and read various articles, and then tried to go to the range the same day to test it.  I've also played quite a few rounds too.  I probably play 36 holes and hit a large bucket (90 balls) a week on average.

[golfski4life]

Good post! I played golf maybe three or four times a year in my 20's (I'm 39).I'm athletic and thought I could just get out there and play good.I tried to teach myself the game (big mistake!).I finally decided to get a block of lessons 5-6 and it made all the difference in the world with my ball striking.that being said I have gone from (in 2 years)shooting in the 115-120s to bogey golf.I usually play from mid tees though.I just started to feel the way you do about my game and not only do I actually feel like a golfer I can play like one,at least in my eyes.congrats on your progress,and I'm sure your playing more confidently and enjoying your rounds more.

[Stargaze]

Originally Posted by golfski4life

Good post!

I played golf maybe three or four times a year in my 20's (I'm 39).I'm athletic and thought I could just get out there and play good.I tried to teach myself the game (big mistake!).I finally decided to get a block of lessons 5-6 and it made all the difference in the world with my ball striking.that being said I have gone from (in 2 years)shooting in the 115-120s to bogey golf.I usually play from mid tees though.I just started to feel the way you do about my game and not only do I actually feel like a golfer I can play like one,at least in my eyes.congrats on your progress,and I'm sure your playing more confidently and enjoying your rounds more.

Good job, sounds like you're doing fine.  Lessons were BIG in my development.  Seems like so many golfers shy away from them I don't know why.  I know guys that have been golfing for many years and they struggle with a bad slice, still to this day they haven't taken a lesson.  The only time I slice is with my 3 wood ;)

[Strandly]

I've avoided lessons for a few reasons, mostly because they seem overpriced.  I know that's somewhat silly considering the overall cost of the game but...  I dunno, I just don't see myself running out and winning tournaments after a one or two or even five hours of instruction, which is what I would expect for the prices they charge.  Another reason I haven't signed up for a lesson, and this might insult (not intentional!) some "PGA professionals" is because I don't think I would be comfortable paying 100-120 an hour for lessons from a 4-7 handicap.  Yeah they're still a hell of a lot better than me but when I hear pro and pay $100+ an hour I think I want lessons from a scratch player.  The last reason is I feel like I'm making steady progress on my own.  If I hit some sort of wall I'd be much, much quicker to look for lessons.

[golfski4life]

Thanks,its been quite the journey to this point but if not for the lessons I would have probably given up on golf(so glad I didn't).you are so right about people not wanting lessons(assuming they can afford them)because the vast majority of people can't/don't learn from just watching videos.with some lessons you can go from there and have a better understanding of what your looking at on film/video!

[bradsul]

Originally Posted by Stargaze

When did you realize that you "made it" out of the doldrums of bad play and things were starting to click?

For me I think it was when I realized there was consistently more holes scoring at par than any other score.

[Lihu]

Congrats Stargazer. I consider being able to play any difficult course very satisfying. Being able to break 90 on any course would be my goal, and not lose any balls in the process.