MacGregor9

I started playing about 4 years ago and I had the same problem. I used to ALWAYS use a 3W off the tee. When I first started I didn't really have a driver, except for my Dad's old 9 degree, which I couldn't hit so I left it out of my bag. I got pretty good with the 3w, just like you, and could hit it around the 230-250 range. Then I got a 10.5 degree Cleveland driver from my friend about 2 years ago. At first I was awful with it; most of my drives wouldn't leave the ground, but I stuck with it at the range and after a couple range sessions, I got it down. I didn't stick it in my bag until I was comfortable on the range with it. I didn't have the confidence on the course to use it, so I thought it would help me if I only used it at the range until I KNEW I could hit it. Just recently I got a Ping G2 8.5 degree driver. I can hit that thing as straighter than I used to hit my 3w, and recently I've been hitting 275-285, with the occasional 300 if I pound it and get a good roll! My only suggestion is just to keep practicing with it. It took me a while to get it down, but once I did, it was worth it. Now I rarely hit my 3W off the tee because I can usually hit my driver just as straight. It's all about confidence with that club, and the range helps a lot with that. I would also try to get your hands on a different driver, just to try it out. You don't need to go buy one, but maybe just see if you can hit a friends. Your driver could just be a tough one to hit, like my Dad's old 9 degree (which I still can't hit). To answer your question about when to take the driver out on the course: I would take it out whenever you start to feel confident with it. Go spend an entire bucket hitting it. Even if you shank half of them, it only takes a couple of nice drives to get that confidence. Good luck! PS. Try watching some videos of pros driving the ball. It helped me out just to see how they do it.

*Also, I should add. When my friend was in a bunker, he also came up short. I was thinking maybe the club could be getting caught on the harder sand, slowing the club speed down?

I'm not very good at giving swing advice, but I would start by practicing with either a 7 or an 8 iron. The last thing I do when I am off with my irons is hit a longer iron. Even when my swing is on, I sometimes have trouble hitting those crisp.

Mine is "can I borrow a tee?" while on every tee box. Also, taking forever to make a shot is pretty high up there.

There isn't a practice bunker at that course, so I can't practice there. I usually practice bunker shots at a nicer course that actually has one. I played at the smaller course just the other day, and when I was in the bunker, I took note of what happened. I hit it just like I do when I go to the nicer bunker and practice. The ball came out, but didn't go nearly as far. Also, the ball seems to roll more. I don't know if that's just my swing, or something to do with the sand. It just sucks when you get in the sand and you don't know what shot is going to come out. haha @Stretch. I will try that next time I go. Never thought about dropping the hands and taking off a thing layer. Thanks everyone for the replies.

About 2 weeks ago I bought a used Odyssey White Hot #1 blade putter for $35. My friend spent $120 on a Ping Scottsdale. We bought ours around the same time, so when we were at the putting green, we switched just to get a feel of how the other person's putter was. After I tried his for about 30 mins, I didn't like it as much as my Odyssey. The putters are very similar in style, and even weight but I still didn't see the $85 difference. Anyone else feel this way about putters? I'm sure some of the better players can feel the difference, but for me, the $35 has done just fine.

Congrats Gordo! My main goal is to just get it somewhere I can put from. Putting is by FAR the best part of my game. I've been pretty confident lately with the putter. That sucks about the last three holes. I know how you feel. We usually wait until twilight or even super twilight to save some money, but sometimes we need to hurry at the end. Make a post if you get a personal best. Good luck!

When you say "play the ball down," do you mean play it as it lies? I've never heard the term before. I usually play the ball where it lies. There was one instance today where there was a green valve box cover in the fairway and my ball rolled right in the middle of it after hitting my drive. I ended up getting relief from that. Other than that, I hit off some mud and an acorn looking thing today lol.

Today I shot an 85. I've been making it my goal to shoot an 88 for a while now (I usually shoot mid 90s) and I finally got it. Usually I can't hit my irons. I've been struggling lately, and I guess the past couple of weeks at the range have paid off. I still had one or two topped shots, but I'm generally happy with the outcome I had today. The bummer is, I also had a couple chunkers next to the green, which I've been good about lately, but I guess everything can't always be working! haha. Hopefully I can break into the 80s the next time I play to prove to myself that it wasn't a fluke.

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't have the money to create the 8x8 putting green, but that will definitely be something I'd like to do in the future. I like the ruler idea. It would really help making sure my stroke is putting the ball where it's supposed to go. The board idea is also good. That way I can just do it in my room, or while watching TV. Thanks guys, I'll have to try some of these out.

I searched on the forums but could only find 1 post about Golfnow.com. I recently just signed up on Golfzing and found out they offer discounts for just one course in my area. (There are 7.) I was wondering if anyone knew of any other free sites that offer discounts for being a member. On Golfzing, instead of $20 for a cart, they only charge $14 at random times. At 2:00 it will be $20 but at 2:15 it will be $14 then back to $20 at 2:30. Anyway, just wondering if anyone uses these sites, and which ones? Thanks.

There's a cheap 9-hole course that we usually go to because its closer and so much cheaper than the other four 18-hole courses. The downside is it's not the best kept course. The greens are nice, but that's about it. My question is about the sand. It's not like normal sand, that is soft. It is on the harder side, and sometimes just the top layer looks like sand. It sort of reminds me of sandbox sand, that has moist sand/dirt under the top layer. Any tips for hitting out of these? Whenever I try to hit it out like normal sand, the ball goes flying.

I want to start practicing putting at home instead of driving down to the golf course just to putt a little. There's also times where its late, but I feel like putting around. We have carpet in the house, but it's quite thick and isn't anywhere close to a green. So I've been thinking building something that I could practice putts on. My idea was to get maybe a 4x8 foot plywood board, and cover it in either felt or some other similar material. I would just staple it on the bottom so it is tight. Then I would cut a hole at the end of the board. Does anyone else have any ideas or things they use? I would buy something, but most of the stuff I've checked out has been on the expensive side.

I've noticed that when I stare at the ball for too long, I tend to screw up. I've gotten out of the habit of picking a target and focusing on that. Since my irons have been hit and miss lately, I've just been thinking "get it close to the green." I've spent the last two weeks practicing irons, so now I think I'll give your idea shot.

I don't usually gives tips/feedback to other players since I feel I don't have a right to, being so young the game. BUT just thought I'd share what I thought of your swing. The first thing I noticed was your knee flex. It seems so much better in your last video, but then again everything looks like it has improved. Have your scores improved? That's the main thing. I love the feeling of working on something, and then going out and having a good round. Good luck with everything, it's looking good!

Thanks for the reply TheShark, I appreciate it! I can see what you mean, my back-swing does look fast. I'll try toning it down next time I'm on the range. Thanks again.

Thanks for the welcome guys. Looking forward to reading the forums.

There's two books that I often use/read when I want to improve on some aspect of my game. Videos are nice, but for some reason I get the most out of these books. My Dad gave me this book a couple of months ago and it has helped me a lot. Right off the bat it helped me with my strong grip, making it more neutral which helped me tone down my draws. All the pictures are drawings, but that doesn't seem to bother me. You still get the same effect and can perfectly see what he's talking about. It's worth a shot to pick it up if you have some extra cash and could use some tips. Here's the link for amazon. You could probably find it somewhere else, but I thought this would be the easiest. There are A LOT of pictures, which can help with things like grip. It isn't a book that has pages of nothing but words, which is nice and easy to understand. http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Nicklaus-Lesson-Tee/dp/0684852128/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid;=1332701835&sr;=8-1 I also have the book Tiger made, and that has also helped me, especially with putting. It's also pretty cheap if you can get it used. You can see the similarities between the two guys. Also, having both may give you two things to try out. If something Jack wrote doesn't work for me, maybe the thing Tiger does. Just thought I'd share this in case someone hasn't heard of this book before. The copyright is 1978, but it still has helped me improve.

Thanks for the replies guys! I go and check some of these out.

The time has come for me to by a new glove. I usually just use whatever I can find for a relatively cheap price, or I get as a gift. I play about once or twice a week, but will hit balls more often. I usually don't the expensive ones, so I'm hoping some of you guys have some suggestions. Just wondering what you guys would recommend, thanks.

Hey guys, I'm new to the site, but thought I'd start by showing a video of my swing. I could use some advice. Here's a little background. I'm 20 years old, and started playing when I was about 18. I've taught myself how to play through books and videos, and haven't had a lesson, which is why I'm here! To hopefully get some pointers. I usually shoot mid 90's, but hopefully my scores will lower since my irons and drives have become a little more consistent. Here's my swing just a few days ago (usually has a 5-10 yard draw on it): I've been trying to work on my take-away. Trying to make it more "on-line" with my target, but I still tend to bring it inside. Also, my usual bad shot is a low hook. Here is my swing from about 6 months ago before I tried changing some things (during this time I always hit a fade): Just thought I'd post my old swing to see if you guys could see a change? I was told that I used to be laid off and had a semi-horizantal swing. So I tried to make my swing more upright and have less wrist action, especially at the beginning. I would have a front view, but wouldn't you know the camera ran out of battery right after my first swing. Please let me know what you guys think, I could use the advice! Thanks.

I've been looking for a forum to discuss/get help about golf, and I like how this one looks. Just wanted to say hello from California. I've been teaching myself how to play for about 3 years, and could use some tips. Thanks guys.