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"Lowest Score Wins" by Barzeski and Wedzik


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Posted
1 hour ago, iacas said:

Thank you. Yes, 300 yards every time.

Before I read the twitter feed I was going to write “I’m surprised anyone who regularly plays golf would choose no 3 putts over 300 yard drives.”

Then seeing how many people replied no 3 putts I think overestimating the intelligence of a typical golfer.

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-Peter

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Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, Darkfrog said:

Before I read the twitter feed I was going to write “I’m surprised anyone who regularly plays golf would choose no 3 putts over 300 yard drives.”

Then seeing how many people replied no 3 putts I think overestimating the intelligence of a typical golfer.

Or underestimating the putting skill of a typical golfer. How many 3-putts do people get (i.e., how many strokes do they think they would they save)?


Thinking about it for a minute, I recalled that Arccos has that in their database. Not sure how accurate it is, but they report 3+ putts:

22% for a 20 hcp

18% for 15 hcp 

15% for 10 hcp

11% for 5 hcp 

7% for scratch 

3% tour

Edited by Missouri Swede

Craig
What's in the :ogio: Silencer bag (on the :clicgear: cart)
Driver: :callaway: Razr Fit 10.5°  
5 Wood: :tmade: Burner  
Hybrid: :cobra: Baffler DWS 20°
Irons: :ping: G400 
Wedge: :ping: Glide 2.0 54° ES grind 
Putter: :heavyputter:  midweight CX2
:aimpoint:,  :bushnell: Tour V4

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Posted
22 minutes ago, Missouri Swede said:

Or underestimating the putting skill of a typical golfer. How many 3-putts do people get (i.e., how many strokes do they think they would they save)?


Thinking about it for a minute, I recalled that Arccos has that in their database. Not sure how accurate it is, but they report 3+ putts:

22% for a 20 hcp

18% for 15 hcp 

15% for 10 hcp

11% for 5 hcp 

7% for scratch 

3% tour

Could be, but it also feels like people just parroting “putt for dough” dogma.

Those numbers seem accurate - I’m around 15 hdcp and I probably 3-putt 2-3 times a round. But overall I average ~33 putts per round, so I don’t think I lose a ton of strokes putting compared to my skill level (I don’t actually know how my putting stacks up against a typical 15 hdcp). I do know that I lose strokes off the tee.  A 300 yard drive at the course lengths I play basically guarantees no more than a 8-iron approach to most par-4, and every par-5 is reachable. So it still seems obvious (to me at least) that guaranteed 300 yard drive, assuming on target, is more valuable for better scores than never having a 3-putt.

-Peter

  • :titleist: TSR2
  • :callaway: Paradym, 4W
  • :pxg: GEN4 0317X, Hybrid
  • :srixon: ZX 3-iron, ZX5 4-AW
  • :cleveland:  RTX Zipcore 54 & 58
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Posted (edited)
6 minutes ago, Darkfrog said:

Could be, but it also feels like people just parroting “putt for dough” dogma.

Those numbers seem accurate - I’m around 15 hdcp and I probably 3-putt 2-3 times a round. But overall I average ~33 putts per round, so I don’t think I lose a ton of strokes putting compared to my skill level (I don’t actually know how my putting stacks up against a typical 15 hdcp). I do know that I lose strokes off the tee.  A 300 yard drive at the course lengths I play basically guarantees no more than a 8-iron approach to most par-4, and every par-5 is reachable. So it still seems obvious (to me at least) that guaranteed 300 yard drive, assuming on target, is more valuable for better scores than never having a 3-putt.

I agree with you. 300 yards would save me 75 yards x 14 holes. 

Edited by Missouri Swede

Craig
What's in the :ogio: Silencer bag (on the :clicgear: cart)
Driver: :callaway: Razr Fit 10.5°  
5 Wood: :tmade: Burner  
Hybrid: :cobra: Baffler DWS 20°
Irons: :ping: G400 
Wedge: :ping: Glide 2.0 54° ES grind 
Putter: :heavyputter:  midweight CX2
:aimpoint:,  :bushnell: Tour V4

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Posted

My putting is certifiably awful -- I've had many rounds where I'd shoot 2-3 strokes lower if an average 25 handicapper could be my designated putter. 

I'd still take 300 yards every time.  

Eliminating 3-putts forever might save me 2-3 strokes in my worst rounds, possibly another if I give first putts more juice knowing I'm guaranteed to make the second.  300 yards every time vs my typical 200-215?  Even if my other clubs remaining at their current distances, I'd probably save 5-6 strokes per round -- on some holes at my home course, I'd be hitting wedges into the green instead of hybrids.  

(And I bet that last part alone eliminates one 3-putt bogey per round)

-- Michael | My swing! 

"You think you're Jim Furyk. That's why your phone is never charged." - message from my mother

Driver:  Titleist 915D2.  4-wood:  Titleist 917F2.  Titleist TS2 19 degree hybrid.  Tour Edge Exotics C723 21 degree hybrid.  Irons 5-U, Ping G400.  Wedges negotiable (currently 54 degree Cleveland, 58 degree Titleist) Edel putter. 

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  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

It's taken me 9 years and twice through LSW to figure out that at my level (200-210 driver, with roll) I can't carry 225. I know...seems stupid ...but you never know when you'll start making those shots you've never made. 

This year decided to learn how to lay up ...and...stop trying stupid shots after a bad shot.

Allowed me to break 90 on a par 72. 

Reducing doubles and triples every game, helps my score better than a birdie once a month

and most of my doubles and triples are due to not laying up and stupid shots after a bad shot

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Posted
10 minutes ago, uitar9 said:

Reducing doubles and triples every game, helps my score better than a birdie once a month

That's one of the things people should learn about golf: good golf is about reducing your over-par holes, not about making more birdies.

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Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

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Posted
4 hours ago, iacas said:

That's one of the things people should learn about golf: good golf is about reducing your over-par holes, not about making more birdies.

That has been my goal of late as well - there is a greater sense of accomplishment when you look at a card that has pars and bogies and not so many doubles, triples or worse.  Case in point - last round I played was a solid 90 (4 pars, 10 bogies, 4 doubles) on a par 72 course.  Best round ever and I directly attribute it to the skill sets taught in the LSR book. 

Ping G400 SFT 10deg  R flex
Ping G410 3w R flex
Ping G400 3h and 4h R flex
Taylormade SLDR 5i thru PW graphite shaft R flex
Cleveland CBX wedges - 50, 54, 58 or 52, 58 (depending on my mood)
Odyssey Versa or White Steel #5
Srixon Q Star

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  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

Been re-reading the book...last night I was on page 89 where Erik discusses the Gate drill and Double Gate drill.  The idea came to me that my grandson's small play football goal would make a perfect gate for hitting the practice balls through.  So this morning I got out there with the 4h, the football "gate" goal, some "double gate" tees and a few of the hard foam practice balls.  What a perfect visual to work on ball striking and early flight....Later today, I used the same base setup to help my grandson on getting his chip shots with his 9iron flying through the goal...again about 20' out. Nothing like seeing the smile on a 4yr old when they hit it pure....Here's a pic of the goal....

 

practice goal.jpg

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Ping G400 SFT 10deg  R flex
Ping G410 3w R flex
Ping G400 3h and 4h R flex
Taylormade SLDR 5i thru PW graphite shaft R flex
Cleveland CBX wedges - 50, 54, 58 or 52, 58 (depending on my mood)
Odyssey Versa or White Steel #5
Srixon Q Star

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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

This has been a very helpful book and somewhat of an affirmation as to how I approach playing now at 73. Long drives aren’t there but a200 yard drive placed to make the next shot is. Using the game plan and didn’t know it 

The zones etc. have broadened my approach to enjoying the game. Very good stuff in LSW

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Posted

This book was ahead of its time. It's cool it continues to help people year after year. I might need to re-read it now that I'm gearing up for a return to golf (long absence due to health reasons).

Constantine

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Posted
1 hour ago, JetFan1983 said:

This book was ahead of its time. It's cool it continues to help people year after year. I might need to re-read it now that I'm gearing up for a return to golf (long absence due to health reasons).

I re-read it every winter. 

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From the land of perpetual cloudiness.   I'm Denny

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Posted
On 11/14/2020 at 1:11 PM, FeMan said:

This has been a very helpful book and somewhat of an affirmation as to how I approach playing now at 73. Long drives aren’t there but a200 yard drive placed to make the next shot is. Using the game plan and didn’t know it 

The zones etc. have broadened my approach to enjoying the game. Very good stuff in LSW

Thank you! If you have any other comments, I'd love to hear them. Good, bad… with the latter (for me) being more helpful!

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Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 11/16/2020 at 8:15 AM, iacas said:

Thank you! If you have any other comments, I'd love to hear them. Good, bad… with the latter (for me) being more helpful!

Recommended LSW to a much younger player who can bomb the ball but no real feel for what’s next overall. He and I met while playing in a beginner league , if you will, at our club. 

Recommended the book to him and suggested he could get a better feel for the game. He said he would look into it.This was a conversation last Thursday.
He just texted me saying he finished the book and now understands much more and thanked me.

 

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Posted
3 minutes ago, FeMan said:

Recommended LSW to a much younger player who can bomb the ball but no real feel for what’s next overall. He and I met while playing in a beginner league , if you will, at our club. 

Recommended the book to him and suggested he could get a better feel for the game. He said he would look into it.This was a conversation last Thursday.
He just texted me saying he finished the book and now understands much more and thanked me.

Nice!

You don't have the badge, either, so let me rectify that for you.

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Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

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  • 2 months later...
Posted

I got my copy of LSW today.  Have not cracked it open yet but likely this weekend.

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Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

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Posted
2 hours ago, StuM said:

I got my copy of LSW today.  Have not cracked it open yet but likely this weekend.

Congrats - keep it close at hand, it’s a game changer! 

 

Ping G400 SFT 10deg  R flex
Ping G410 3w R flex
Ping G400 3h and 4h R flex
Taylormade SLDR 5i thru PW graphite shaft R flex
Cleveland CBX wedges - 50, 54, 58 or 52, 58 (depending on my mood)
Odyssey Versa or White Steel #5
Srixon Q Star

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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Work, life & rereading some chapters 3 times slowed down my reading of LSW but I did finish it tonight.  I think it merits more reads as the season progresses since some aspects can’t be practiced with snow on the ground.  I need to work out my shot zones and need to figure out how to do that.  I do not know a range where I can walk out to my target to plot them as suggested.  I am wondering if it can be done with TrackMan Range? Or if a fellow Michigander can suggest a place it would be appreciated.

One thing caught me by surprise, I’ve read many comments about shot cones and expected to read about them in LSW, but I did not.  I’ll look back on Threads to see where I saw that and what they are.

My main question is for myself, why did I wait nearly 9 months after joining TST to order the book.
 

Stuart M.
 

I am a "SCRATCH GOLFER".  I hit ball, Ball hits Tree, I scratch my head. 😜

Driver: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* +1* / 3 Hybrid: Cleveland HIBORE XLS / 4,5 & 6 Hybrids: Mizuno JP FLI-HI / Irons/Wedges 7-8-9-P-G: Mizuno JPX800 HD / Sand Wedge: Mizuno JPX 800 / Lob Wedge: Cleveland CBX 60* / Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7S / Balls: Srixon Soft / Beer: Labatt Blue (or anything nice & cold) 

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    • They weren't necessarily short - I don't remember the exact specifics of all of it, but some of them were missing a little left or right or both. Day 1 they were landing on the edge and kicking on, where day 2 they were just missing and kicking down into the bunkers and did it a lot. I think all told I actually went into bunkers on 8 holes. Some of them were not good shots. Like a few examples, on 8, the pin was in the back. I hit it solidly, but pulled it and it went long, over the bunker into long grass. I had the ball in sandy earth with long grass around it and about a foot below my feet. That next shot I tried to do what I could but it went into the bunker in front of me. Into a footprint. That one I dug out of the footprint, but still in the bunker. Got that one out of the bunker, but into the fringe grass in front of me. Chipped that one on a bit hard and two putts later made a 7. Another was on 14. The flag was on the little finger of green front left. I tried to play a little past it and a little right. Shoved it maybe 10 yards right of where I wanted to and the carry over the bunker gets longer the further right you go and that one hit the grass between the green and the bunker and came back down into the sand, left it in there and didn't get up and down on the next one. I think carrywise it carried about as far as I was planning on it doing so. Another was on 6, leaked my drive a little right into the fairway bunker. Hit a nearly good shot from there that went a little left and a little short and kicked into the bunker front left. That was a strike thing and just a hard shot. Did similar on 18. Drive in the right bunker, slightly heavy second that hit the bank between green and bunker again and kicked back into the sand. I think the tiredness manifested more as not squaring the face up so well and less as slowing down.
    • Depends on how short you were coming up on these shots. A bit more wind? Also, maybe you were swinging at 2-3 mph slower the next day.  I think the biggest thing is not adjusting. Like making assuming your stock shot is not enough and taking 1 club up. Not sure what type of adjustments you were making in your decision making. 
    • No one should measure a joint mobility away from that joint. If you go to physical therapy, they are not measuring your knee mobility based on your midline. It is based at the joint. Shoulder mobility should be measured in reference to the shoulder joint. 
    • He's using a driver swing, while I used the iron swing. Bryson goes from about 65° B to 15° B, hence the 50°. If you bend your right elbow, you're going to pull your hands across your chest some. Conversely, if you abduct your right arm and hold onto a grip with your left arm, you can see how extending the right elbow as we do in the golf swing during the downswing will "pull" the right shoulder/humerus forward (adducting it, as going from 65° to 15° of abduction is). Even people who pull their right shoulder WAY too far around them eventually get it "back in front" when their right arm/elbow extends. So, such a motion shows up as shoulder adduction even though the movement that causes it is just widening the trail elbow. The left hand on the grip almost "pulls" the hands forward as the left arm can't stretch much (there's some shoulder protraction, but that's almost maxed out at P4). Oh, I downloaded it and watched it (and commented there) before he blocked me. It's what led to him posting the comment in the "update" above. 😄  Single shoulder range of 75°, and that's going out well into the follow-through. 50° Max range up to impact. Manavian's video is bad. He keeps saying "midline" which is just a horrible way to look at it. He also kept saying that the club was moving that amount — also wrong. Adding left and right together is really freaking dumb. Another golf instructor said "That's like saying the player has 100 degrees of knee bend (adding left knee bend to right knee bend) 🤦‍♂️" (similar to what the biomechanist said about squatting). Also, see my post above about elbow bend. That's why Plummer’s alignment stick demo is so intellectually dishonest. A golfer can't get anywhere near that position on the left with his left hand on the alignment stick (quoted below).  
    • That makes no sense at all.  so, I watched that Instagram. Here is a summary...  Bryson.... Address: Trail Shoulder 0 degrees adduction. P4: Trail Shoulder 65-deg abduction. Impact: Right shoulder 15-deg abduction. P9: 10 degrees adduction. Rory... Address: Trail Shoulder 16 degrees adduction. P4: Trail Shoulder 26 degrees abduction. Impact: Right shoulder 0 degrees abduction.  P9: 18 degrees of adduction.  DJ... Address: Trail Shoulder 4 degrees adduction. P4: Trail Shoulder 42 degrees abduction. Impact: Right shoulder 2 degrees abduction.  P9: 15 degrees of adduction.  Their point is that arm doesn't stay on the trail side. That the arms have to get across the chest from P4 to P9. I mean they do. What matters is the rate of which it happens relative to the position of the swing. The trail shoulder at P9 is not abducted a lot. The range of that total abduction movement is like 40 to 70 degrees. Bryson might be an outlier. Rory might be an outlier as well.  A couple of points.  1. None of them had any adduction at impact. So, this tells me the trail arms stays on the trail side of the body at impact. Is it moving towards lead shoulder, yes. It doesn't happen till post impact. The right side of the body is moving towards the target, so the arms don't have to as much as people think.  2. Trail shoulder adduction from Impact to P9 is 18 to 25 degrees.  3. P9 adduction of the trail shoulder is only about 2 to 12 degrees more adducted than at address. The arms/hands stay in front of the chest a long-time post impact. If Rory, from his address position just rotated his body towards the target and raised up his arms so he is at P9. He basically didn't have to move his trail arm further across his chest than where he started at address. Visualize that for a bit. I bet for people who tend to stall and drag their arms across their body to hit the ball, that would emphasize how much the arms stay in front of the body and how much you have to turn.             
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