MattyMFC

I appreciate the truth in this statement! Looking forward to my next round, trying not to get ahead of myself but I can't help being confident.

Cheers guys! My handicap is still 28. Do I need to string a few consecutive scores below 100 before it drops a bit?

I'm not sure this justifies it's own post, if not I'm very sorry! I just shot a 98!!! 53 on the front 9, wasn't expecting much. Pretty standard start to my game (previous best 102). Then I shot a 45 on the back 9! I can't tell you all how pleased I actually am, I genuinely feel like I've accomplished something. I started playing last July (10 months ago). December 26th I bought some Callaway X Hot Irons (Boxing Day sale!). I've had 5 lessons between January & April. This might seem insignificant but I can't describe how much it has improved my game, just 5 little lessons! Sorry to bore you all with my story, but I'm very happy and wanted to share!

I fully expected him to be #1 after The Players. Congrats to him when it does happen, but I'm sure he himself would admit he'd like to reach #1 whilst competing with Tiger, not just because he's injured.

I'll always try and copy the pro's, they seem to know what they're doing & I'm always looking on ways to improve my game, especially my poor putting. I could do with Spieth's control & composure, nevermind his technique.

Entertaining final round. He didn't half make that hard for himself! Pleased for him.

I thought he'd thrown it away, that putt alone justifies his position on the leaderboard. I honesty thought he'd crumble completely after his double bogey 6.

Brilliant putt for par!!!!

I'm changing my putting grip as soon as I get onto a practice putting green! He alone this week has convinced me it's the way forward.

Very fortune with his 17th tee shot there! Plenty of work to do for his par. I can see a playoff happening tomorrow.

I really don't understand why he's just done that. Settling for the 5 and hoping he can carry his 1 shot lead all the way home?!

I'm exactly the same. I tend to hit an 8 on the front 9 AND the back 9 every round. Trying to get these out of my round and I'm confident I can break 100 soon.

Cheers for the replies guys, much appreciated. [quote name="RoyJeeBiv" url="/t/74484/high-handicapper-blow-up-holes#post_988665"] both of these = great advice. i'll also go one further and recommend playing a couple rounds with irons only. i started doing this last season and it helped tremendously (i'm actually continuing to do it this season, as i enjoy hitting my long irons with greater consistency). it makes you focus on the basics, and your misses won't be as bad. there's so much emphasis on distance, when accuracy is far more important at this stage of your game. [/quote] This seems a tad extreme for my game I think. Aside from one wild & erratic swing I throw into every third round or so, my driving is pretty consistent (only hitting between 200-250 though). I full understand the reasoning for your recommendation though and I'll give it a go on the smaller par 4's.

Apologies for the loose term, just read it on another thread and it certainly applies to me. Been playing since July last year. Nearly a year in and I've still only shot a personal best of 102 and forever staying a handicap of 28. Lately I've improved a lot (last round 103), and I feel I'm starting to make great progress, albeit slowly. There's ALWAYS one hole though where I self destruct and completely bottle it. It tends to be an 8 on a par 4, sometimes worse ... I shot a 12 on a par 4 a couple of months ago. This may be a daft question but how do I get this stupid hole outta my game? Is it a mental thing?

A mixture of good fortune & great recovery play over the last few holes there. Very impressive.

I hope Justin Rose doesn't get penalised after the possible ball move on the 18th. Did anyone see a good replay?! The commentator on Sky said it definitely did move but I couldn't see it? VERY harsh if he does.

Karma for Patrick Reed for being an arrogant (insert appropriate insult). I certainly wasn't the only person I know hoping Mr. "I'm one of the top 5 players in the world" was going to crash and burn so suddenly after a good win. Jordan Spieth is fantastic, I feel this is his for the taking with a comfortable position and only trailing a guy who has been out of form for years. He has a wise head on young shoulders and he's definitely gonna win one of the majors this year!! Listening to Kuch chat on Sky Sports after his round yesterday - absolute top bloke, not an ego in sight.

I've just had a little punt. Got Dufner to win. He hasn't been at his best lately but he is a cool customer and I fancy him to have a good week. Patrick Reed to finish in the top 5. Too much of a difficult course for an amateur to win but he'll give it a good shot.

The Aussies certainly are having a good year on the PGA. Is that 4 wins now?! I'd love to see a Brit win this week (totally unbiased) but I can't see it.

I'm not sure I agree. If they're active but not in form in the slightest, why should they deserve to go? Gotta earn the right to be there, regardless of previous major wins.

I'd love to see Adam Scott win again. Great player and a decent bloke. I don't think he can defend the title though, it's a VERY tough ask! Matt Kuchar for me, he has been in great form and surely now's the time to roll with it in the first major of the year. My money will be going on him!

I appreciate the reply mate, but for an amateur I tend to hit a driver pretty consistently! I'm far too hit and miss with irons!

Cheers for the replies guys. [quote name="boogielicious" url="/t/73322/ryder-cup-practice-days#post_965461"]I haven't been, but practice days may actually be better if you want to interact with the players. A friend of mine marshals the Deutsche Bank TPC in Norton, MA on the Pro Am day. He say the players are friendly and relaxed as compared to the competition days. He got to chat with Rory and his girlfriend and she even asked him if he wanted a picture with Rory. That doesn't happen during competition. [/quote] I really took notice of this post and I went to buy tickets today for the practice days. I was mistaken though ... MATCH DAY tickets were still available. I'm going to the Ryder Cup!!! Over the moon doesn't quite sum it up.

Hey guys, just a quick question for anyone who has attended the Ryder Cup over the years! Last year I entered the ballot for tickets (for myself and my dad, was hoping to surprise him for his 50th birthday). Unfortunately I wasn't successful. I've just had an email informing me that all remaining tickets for PRACTICE DAYS ONLY (match day tickets fully sold out, understandably) will go on first-come first-serve basis next Wednesday. How much goes on during practice days? Would you recommend it? I'm edging towards the opinion that it'll be devastating going to Gleneagles, getting into the atmosphere, watching the guys practice ... Then going home to watch on tv.