Some of you express doubt as I recall some of my shots or scores, stating that a beginner couldn't possibly get a certain score or hit a ball a certain way
But to me golf is very simple. At the same time it can be very difficult, but here is my approach that I use as a beginner working toward scratch:
- I know that consistency is key
- I know how far a particular shot must go
- I know how far I can hit the ball with each of my clubs if my swing is consistent
So for me this is the thread of consciousness that goes thru my head as I play a round. I stay in control by keeping things simple. Yes there are the small parts of the game such as the lie of the ball, hitting from sand and rough, and green speed + slope, but these are also fairly simple.
On any given Par 4 or Par 5, if I hit my tee shot the way I should it ends up 250-300+ yards down the fairway using a 3 wood or Driver. My next shot then gets me onto the green. Mentally, I don't force myself to putt in that 3rd shot but if I putt effectively I end up within 2-3 feet of the hole making it an easy putt for par.
How I play golf on Par 3s is just as simple: I know how far it is, I know how far I can hit each club, and I usually end up on the green. From there my goal again to simply 2 putt. I prefer uphill putts on my 2nd shot because when the hole is down a slope that ball can keep rolling making for a very tough 3rd shot for par.
So, I find golf very simple and enjoyable when I am consistent. Unfortunately, like many of you, I do still make mistakes, but my hope is that after playing for a year I will minimize them enough such that the average of my best previous 10 of 20 rounds will be par.
Have a great weekend of golf everyone!