Hello everyone from NC!

[djcs1204]

Hi to everyone. My name is James, and I am a new, well kinda new, golfer. I've had an interest in golf for most of my life, but never got serious about it. I'm from a little town called Shelby, about 40 miles west of Charlotte and the town is full of pretty good golf. Not sure of my handicap, but sure it's probably the highest allowed haha. I feel in about the only golfer in America that has to tee the ball up almost dead in the middle of my stance in order to hit it straight, I can't take a correct divot if my life depended on it, and I can 3 putt from 5 ft and feel it's an accomplishment. Looking forward to learning more about how to play this silly game, and hopefully before I'm through become a scratch golfer.

[mvmac]

Welcome!  If you have any questions about using the site, check out our "Using the Site" section , and Little Things New Users can learn.

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[9424tm]

Well, you've come to the right place. Lots of great info and people on this site so enjoy!

[AllSetGolfsport]

Hi NC newcomer,

One rhyme I learn in golf "drive for show, Putt for dol" in other words driving off the tee in style needed combination in putting accuracy to be a winner. So as a newcomer - master more in short games like chipping and putting, getting close to pin from sand traps.  Welcome.

[9424tm]

Hi NC newcomer, One rhyme I learn in golf "drive for show, Putt for dol" in other words driving off the tee in style needed combination in putting accuracy to be a winner. So as a newcomer - master more in short games like chipping and putting, getting close to pin from sand traps.  Welcome.

Actually, it's the complete opposite.

[iacas]

Actually, it's the complete opposite.

Correct, but try to provide a little more support to that… :D

[9424tm]

Correct, but try to provide a little more support to that… :D  [CONTENTEMBED=/t/14930/relative-importance-of-the-long-game-short-game-etc-mark-broadie-strokes-gained-etc layout=inline]​[/CONTENTEMBED]   [CONTENTEMBED=/t/75141/lowest-score-wins-by-barzeski-and-wedzik layout=inline]​[/CONTENTEMBED]

You're right, I should have expanded. My response does look a little rude (as well as open ended and nonproductive) now that I take a look. It's hard to get the old philosophies (drive for show, putt for dough) out of your head but it's an absolute must to lower scores. I finally started listening and it has completely changed my game. When you stop and look at statistics and odds, it's sort of impossible to argue.

[AllSetGolfsport]

I have played golf 30 years and always make a small bet to increase the competitive spirit amongst us players.

Of course we knew each other's game well and apportion the best player at 0 while lesser skill player take strokes.

Inevitably the winner always side the player with best short games of the day. Even if you drive 270 yards on a Par 4 and remain 130 yards. If one cannot make it in two on the green he has no benefit if his short game and putting is bad.

I often see a player driving 190 yards or even 170 yards consistently on the fairway and 2nd shot just off the green clear of approach bunkers. His next chip shot always pin high. He never surprise anyone with eagles as he lacks the distance. However Birdies often created one or three holes out of ten games. Such consistency makes the player our danger man as even single handicap player show great respect for him. That is why "Drive for show, putt for Dol " is well said.

If you look at the golf majors - hitting long is one standard every great golfer did possess. But the winner ultimately is one that can chip and putt best. This show how a player must manage their game to make the next shot easier.

Especially with us amateur player, who can guarantee a shot to target within 3-5meters around the pin?

[9424tm]

I have played golf 30 years and always make a small bet to increase the competitive spirit amongst us players. Of course we knew each other's game well and apportion the best player at 0 while lesser skill player take strokes. Inevitably the winner always side the player with best short games of the day. Even if you drive 270 yards on a Par 4 and remain 130 yards. If one cannot make it in two on the green he has no benefit if his short game and putting is bad. I often see a player driving 190 yards or even 170 yards consistently on the fairway and 2nd shot just off the green clear of approach bunkers. His next chip shot always pin high. He never surprise anyone with eagles as he lacks the distance. However Birdies often created one or three holes out of ten games. Such consistency makes the player our danger man as even single handicap player show great respect for him. That is why "Drive for show, putt for Dol " is well said. If you look at the golf majors - hitting long is one standard every great golfer did possess. But the winner ultimately is one that can chip and putt best. This show how a player must manage their game to make the next shot easier. Especially with us amateur player, who can guarantee a shot to target within 3-5meters around the pin?

I understand what you are saying, but statistically longer full swing shots will equal lower scores. Would you rather have a 400 yard par 4 and have a 200 yard approach shot from the fairway or a 140 yard approach from some rough? I would take 140 all day long. Even from deep rough. Even if you have a decent short game you still have better odds of scoring well. In my opinion, becoming a decent/good putter and chipper takes FAR less time than developing a good full swing on long shots. So really a majority of your practice should go toward the tee shots and long approaches. Check out the links provided above. They were pretty eye opening for me. I dropped several difficult strokes off of my HC following the advice. Now I'm just waiting on the mail man to get my copy of LSW