tm22721

I know that's the theory, but the short game was irrelevant for me until I got rid of most of the mis-hits in my long game. I had to learn how to hit down on the ball (for good ball contact) and where the correct swing plane was (to hit straighter shots). I think these these two items took such a long time (two years) because they were not intuitive (for me) !

Very recently I have broken into the 80s several times only because I changed my goal from bogey to 'bogey-4'. Bogey-4 means the goal is to bogey the par 4's, but to par everything else. This relieves a lot of pressure when you don't have to take a long risky approach shot on the par 4's, just go for a layup in the fairway leaving a wedge approach. Also, if you acknowledge your limitations, which for me is to leave the woods/driver in the bag, use a 3/4 swing, and concentrate on taking correct divots, you can begin to shoot in the low to mid 80s.

Has anybody found an ultrasonic cleaner ? I understand that they are much more thorough in scouring out the grooves.

In 'Swing Like A Pro' they studied the swings of tour pros to create a composite computer model available online at modelgolf.com. The best chapter is 'The Transition' that details the first move from the top in dropping the club behind the shoulder, not into some mythical 'slot' as espoused by trainers like Jim McLean. I can testify that it absolutely cures the over the top affliction.

After three years and beaucoup lessons I have barely made it to bogey. I don't think I'll be entertaining thoughts of scratch any time soon. I play every weekday for the exercise by walking and carrying my bag but almost never play 18 so my 'handicap' is only a guesstimate. Ball contact is my problem many shots are mishits (way fat or thin), but they go straight because of a good swing plane. I have improved only because I have learned how to play the odds and recover from bad shots. I never go above 5 iron even on tee shots because why risk it ? The longest par 5 at my local course is only 450 yards. I have studied the physics and the mechanics of the swing ad infinitum through many books and videos. I have too many swing thoughts and consistent tempo seems elusive. I have a 350 yard range in the backyard yet more practice only seems to hurt, not help. The good news is that I do have a picture perfect swing with all of the lessons and studying, camcorder etc.