garrettdennert

It's completely up to you, as there are benefits and consequences to each. When you hinge your wrists, you're bringing the club down at a steeper angle, thus causing the ball to go higher. This can be beneficial when you have to chip over something, or land it softer on the green. I think that what Tiger does is actually meant for the definition of a chip. A chip is when the ball spends less time in the air than it does on the ground. That being said, what Tiger does has a lot more control than you would if you used Mickelson's hinge techniques. But you also have to consider that Tiger is physically stronger than Mickelson and can generate enough speed and get down far enough into the dirt to get the ball up in the air without hinging his wrists. So in my opinion it depends on what type of player you think you are, whether you can handle the putting-like approach or would rather "chop" at it in a sense. I hinge my wrists, always have, just because it feels/felt natural to me when I started playing. Garrett Dennert

It's great to have curiosity and confidence in yourself, but similar to what everyone on here is saying (from what I read), you absolutely need to devote your life to golf if you want to get anywhere near an elite competitive level of play. Take Tiger Woods, for instance. He's been playing since he was 3 years old, and when he was 3 he could shoot a 48 on 9 holes. Considering you're 22 years old and have never played an actual course, if we do the math here (and if it actually translated) you won't be playing competitively at Tiger's level (if you practice, play, practice, play every day) until you're like in your mid 50s to early 60s. And taking into account the capacity at which a child's mind can learn things, you are in a way, generally speaking, doomed. That doesn't mean you shouldn't set your sights on something though. If you want to play professionally and think you can do it, by all means, go for it. It's just going to be harder than you think. Research the topic, set some goals, and begin. Sure, there are naturals to the game, so to speak, but even they had to work pretty damn hard to get where they're at. Me, I'm 21 years old, have been playing since I was 10 and still don't get under par. I played competitively in high school for 3 years, and even that is 150% different from hitting balls on the range, or mini-golfing. You have to start somewhere though, and maybe with your research you should look into purchasing some golf books and reading up on how to do things, different philosophies, what have you. Don't take comments personally-- you put yourself out there with an honest question, which is very admirable. Take care. Garrett Dennert

I usually play at The Colonial Golf Course in Hart, MI. It's a very forgiving and golfer-friendly course (wide fairways, big green), but it's always very well-kept and is pretty to look at. I really enjoy Grand Valley State University's home course, Meadows, in Allendale, MI. It's pretty challenging, but very well-kept too. I have yet to play Arcadia Bluffs but I desperately want to. There are tons in Michigan, seriously. Garrett

turtleback, well said. Sometimes you do have to take a step or two back to go forwards, and like you said it stems from practicing improper techniques, getting it engrained in your muscle memory, and being unable to reverse it. I started playing when I was real young too and was completely self-taught, save for my father showing me how to hold the club. As a competitive golfer in high school we'd get different lessons for free from our golf pro, but it never seemed to work for me. I've always been better at teaching myself, reading books and formulating my own opinions on how to take the information and implement it. I find this saves a lot of money too, considering lessons cost 100s of dollars and a book can cost what? Up to 15 or 20? The main thing is that whatever new thing you learn, you PRACTICE IT. You can't just sit back and expect what you learned two weeks ago will somehow flesh itself out on the course the next time. Sorry... rambled again. Garrett

Hey Alan, I'm from the west side of the lower peninsula, around the Ludington area if you've heard of it. At least that's where I am originally from. There I usually play The Colonial Golf Course in Hart, Michigan, or Oceana Golf Club. Now, because I live in the Grand Rapids Area, when I get a chance to play I play at The Meadows, Grand Valley State University's home course. Lots of solid golf courses around here, just need to make some time to get to 'em all. How about you? What are your favorite courses in Minnesota? Thanks for the welcome, Garrett Dennert

Hey everyone, My name is Garrett Dennert and I'm a Michigan native. I've been golfing for 11 years now, and shoot in the mid-to-high 70s and sometimes into the low 80s. As for my true handicap, I've never really known, haven't kept track. I do feel like I know what I'm talking about most of the time though, so if you ever have a question you'd like my opinion on, don't be shy and shoot it my way. I'd be more than happy to help. I'm just getting started here at The Sand Trap, but am impressed thus far. It makes me very happy seeing how many people love the sport and enjoy talking about it, as if we were in a clubhouse passing by one another. Take it easy and keep the scores low! Garrett

I wouldn't advise quitting the game entirely, but maybe take a step back and re-evaluate why you play the game and what it does for you. And with the golf professionals, I'm sure a lot of them know what they're talking about but the way I look at it, if they're telling you you hit the ball perfectly, they're not too knowledgeable. No offense to you, of course, but not very many people can hit the ball "perfectly"-- just watch the tour pros over the weekend and witness them making mistakes. I've had this same problem with friends and family who have contemplated backing out of the game, and I find that it lies in the way they were taught how to play. When there is a lack of proper instruction, because everything in golf builds off each other (putting to chipping to pitching to full swing), if you are taught one thing wrong and practice it wrong, wrongness will build up. It's simple really, but I'd hate to see you give it up completely. Take care.

Definitely take the time off that you need though. When you do get back into playing, after your injury betters itself, I'd think about trying some yoga. Yoga gets a bad rep because most people think it's just "ohms" and meditation, but if you just do it once a week and target the areas where you're least flexible, you're not only preventing further injury, but you're strengthening muscles you hardly ever use. A couple other perks with yoga is balance, which is a necessity for a golf swing, as well as focus. It sounds like you're a pretty busy guy though, so if you can work it into your schedule I'd highly recommend it. Take it easy, and get better so you can hit the links!

I highly recommend the Adidas Tour 360 shoes for anyone. They're comfortable, waterproof, and perform well. The key to golf shoes is just finding something that is comfortable and durable. At first I just loved the look of the Adidas Tour 360s, but was put off by the price. I was able to find some on eBay for at least $100 off of listed price. Definitely got what I paid for, and more.

Congrats on the eagle! It's a big weight off your shoulders. Many more will come, I'm sure. Keep it up!