claytonmeister

Hi guys I'm a relative newbie to this beautiful game and to the Sandtrap. Read a lot but don't post too much. I have been struggling so bad with my irons consistently topping them and also hitting wide right. On my last round after a very poor front 9 I decided to stand with the club a bit closer to my body. It appeared that I was hitting much cleaner AND much straighter clubs with the club closer to me. My question is/my questions are a) is there a possibility I was "over reaching" with my irons? and b) What would you guys suggest is a sensible set up for irons with regard to distance of club grip from the body?

I played my first 'proper' 18 holes on Sunday morning. At the range, and at a little course I play (3842 yds, par 66) I've felt really good. I've been hitting straight wood/driver shots from the tee and gaining confidence with my irons. I hit a 92 only 2 weeks ago. I felt fairly ready to hit a proper course. I went and played at Deangate ridge. A 5756 yard, par 72 course. I hit a measly 129. I make that 57 OVER!! How eye watering is that? I hit a dreadful drive on the 1st hole and took a 10. I was so disappointed and my head was down. I had been out in London the night before and wonder if this had any effect? Does any one have any explanation to my break down on the course!? Seeing as I felt I was doing so well?

I'll be sure to give this a go. Thanks. It's very frustrating when you hit a lovely tee shot then take maybe 2 or 3 slashes/tops down the fairway, hit a reasonable chip and then a nice putt. You think to yourself there's three shots I could have removed from my round straight away (those being the awful fairway shots)!!? But this, I suppose, is 'par for the course'. Excuse the horrendous pun there.

This is strange... I am new to golf and am getting slightly better, I found my fairway shots to be the worst of the lot? What is this. I think I hit maybe 2 decent mid iron shots all day. I kept topping them. Is it because I still fet I had a lot to do to get near the green? I'm not sure. At the range I'm fine of the deck, on the course, rubbish!? Any tips?

Also what's the forums opinion on practice balls like those air flows etc?

How often do you go/practice Jason?

Thanks guys, I am really enjoying it, although it was absolutely freezing yesterday :-/ . I shot 116 around that short 9 (played twice round) that I mentioned earlier. I hit a REAL purple patch yesterday, I hit 4 strokes on each of 4 holes in a row, I was really enjoying it. I was using a 5 wood off of the longer tees. Then I thought it would be a great idea to get the 3 wood out (have taken the driver out for now) and BAM, disaster struck, 3 off the tee followed by a 20 yard shank. The wheels fell off for about 5 holes, 7s and 9s and even a 10 at one point As some of you guys have mentioned, my bad shots did seem to come when I believed I had to really smack it. Rather than swinging the club normally (well as normal as I do) I would try and kill the ball and yep, you guessed it, the ball would be all over the show. Top spinners, shanks, hooks and slices all over the place. On a more positive note though, I hit some of the nicest approach shots I've ever hit too, 110 yards to about 5-20 yards from the pin, I did about 4 of those and they are the shots that make me want to go back for more :-)

I'm a cardiac physiologist and I've seen roid abusers who have completely ruined their hearts.... Remember that the heart is also a muscle! THESE YANKEES NEED TO STOP!!

Where abouts in Kent are you? I'm in Medway? What courses have you played?

Thanks for all ofl your advice. Practice, play and instruction it is then. I am out this morning on the short 9 again with my dad, am looking forward to it. Thanks everyone on sand trap, I don't feel to dreadful now :-)

Cool I have been swinging a club in my spare bedroom, but I fear I am learning poor techniques. Maybe I should just keep playing until my lessons and see wha happens

Why do I find that so hard? I find I hit better shots when the left arm is bent at the moment, maybe a lesson or two will help?!

I played a few years back but gave it up. I was a young man with a temper (not compatible with golf I have now realised). I don't get too upset (wisdom of being a bit older i suppose) about poor shots now, just concentrate on the next one. Why do you think I can hit nice shots with a variety of clubs (notably the 7 iron, low irons/pitch wedges and the 5 wood) at the driving range but am not as consistent on the course?

Hey folks, be gentle.. new(ish) to golf and new to this forum. Been reading/watching a lot on the web and just playing a very short 9 hole course at present. I shoot around 110-120 (same 9 holes played twice equates to 3724 yards). I have some lessons coming my way with a pro local to me, we will see how this goes. Last week I went on to a 'proper' 18 hole for the first time and hit 140 (the course is 5192 yards). It was very disheartening. I was playing with an 18 handicapper and he made me look absolutely hopeless. How does this sound as an absolute beginner? I'm building my confidence on the short 9 hole and will keep practicing. I feel my left arm is not staying straight throughout my swing? How important do you rate this? I seem to hit better at present (at the range) with a bent left arm?! I'm sure some lessons may help with that! Sorry, so many questions for an absolute beginner

I'm a cardiac physiologist, and am terrible at golf. Pure beginner.