Expectations... Are mine Realistic?

[HJJ003]

I hope this is a good spot for this thread. I plan on starting a My Swing thread very soon once I can get outside. Its very cold and rainy here now (northerners don't laugh at this Texan). Anyway- I have set my goals for the year (captured in the 2018 goals thread), but also have some longer terms goals. One very big dream of mine is to play to a 10 handicap and one day break 80. I am a 21 now, and have only broken 90 twice. I have created a PracticePlan based on Separation Values from LSW. Essentially , I want to practice for 30-45 minutes three days a week for a total of 90 minutes-maybe two hours a week of practice time. My practice plan will be focused and will utilize many drills from the book. I plan on playing twice a month this year (thats a lot for me I only played 15-16 times last year). So now for the question....If I can adhere to the above practice plan, and play a little more often this year is it feasible/realistic to reach my handicap goals below?

- Sub 17 handicap before end of year

- 10 Handicap within the next two years (if I keep the plan up and keep playing regularly)

 

Thanks for any feedback. 

[Club Rat]

4 minutes ago, HJJ003 said:

is it feasible/realistic to reach my handicap goals below?

Yes to both, you are young and should not have any limitations.
I started playing when I was 27 and my first official HDCP was 15.8
I dropped to a 12 the first summer with dedicated practice and learning the game with friends.
I didn't break 80 for several years thereafter but did become a single digit the following year.

Lowering the bar or level, one will reach a certain point and most likely maintain that level.
Some players can progress quickly, while others take longer. 

Knowledge is good and experience will come. 
There are so many aspects of golf, learn the basics and build from them. 

[iacas]

I think I'd set goals of more accelerated improvement earlier on. You didn't rule that out as you just said "sub 17," but I'd rather see it more like this:

• Sub 14 this year (shaving 7).
• Sub 10 next year. (shaving 4).

Strokes are tougher to remove the more you improve.

Unless next year you have a lot more time, which I may have missed.

But overall, sure, those goals are reasonable, assuming you practice properly.

[HJJ003]

3 minutes ago, iacas said:

I think I'd set goals of more accelerated improvement earlier on. You didn't rule that out as you just said "sub 17," but I'd rather see it more like this:

• Sub 14 this year (shaving 7).
• Sub 10 next year. (shaving 4).

Strokes are tougher to remove the more you improve.

Unless next year you have a lot more time, which I may have missed.

But overall, sure, those goals are reasonable, assuming you practice properly.

Thanks. Thats a good way to look at it, and makes sense that it is harder to improve as the HI gets lower. I will adopt those as my goals. 

6 minutes ago, Club Rat said:

Yes to both, you are young and should not have any limitations.
I started playing when I was 27 and my first official HDCP was 15.8
I dropped to a 12 the first summer with dedicated practice and learning the game with friends.
I didn't break 80 for several years thereafter but did become a single digit the following year.

Lowering the bar or level, one will reach a certain point and most likely maintain that level.
Some players can progress quickly, while others take longer. 

Knowledge is good and experience will come. 
There are so many aspects of golf, learn the basics and build from them. 

Thanks I appreciate your feedback. 

[Denny Bang Bang]

@HJJ003 You can definitely hit those goals, just have to be able/willing to put the effort in.

Good luck, and keep us all posted throughout the year on your progress!

[HJJ003]

36 minutes ago, Denny Bang Bang said:

@HJJ003 You can definitely hit those goals, just have to be able/willing to put the effort in.

Good luck, and keep us all posted throughout the year on your progress!

Thanks and Will Do!

[Patch]

"epectations are always realistic....until they are not". I read that some where. 

I think if you adhere to your practice plan, and play more often, you will achieve your goal. More on course play is the key. How much more, I have no idea. I'd guess atleast double what you are currently playing would be most helpful, and a good start. 

Edited January 3, 2018 by Patch

[The Hook Meister]

Practice, practice, practice is the key. No goal is truly unrealistic When you  are on the course and hit a bad shot remember it so when you get on the driving range you can improve on the shot. Good luck I will be rooting for you. 

[HJJ003]

11 minutes ago, The Hook Meister said:

Practice, practice, practice is the key. No goal is truly unrealistic When you  are on the course and hit a bad shot remember it so when you get on the driving range you can improve on the shot. Good luck I will be rooting for you. 

Thanks!