Ho Chi Chi Vinh

I have hundreds of balls of all types...I do like the Pro V1 and the Bridgestone E.series and B330s and rx's...right now Im playing Callaways of all types just to see

jimmy walker -4 jonas blixt -3 henrik stenson -2

Level Par on a Par 31.. 9 hole Executive course(Candler Park Golf Course in Atlanta)...a walking course...was a blast to walk again

I've read every post here and its funny my highest score thus far this year had been 83...after reading this topic I went out on Monday and shot a scintillating 93. I am no vanity handicapper...I count every stroke and hole out everything. This was the highest score I've shot in a number of years...it was dreadful...I shot a 44 on the front side and decided to press on the back side and man the freakin wheels came off as did my composure and i shot a 49 on the back side...it was an educational experience. I tend to disagree with the way the USGA Handicaps are figured....I have a 2.3 HCap but sincerely believe I play more to a 4 or 5...I had a couple of good rounds under par but my average score is 76...I like the way they do the handicaps in the UK...only tournament rounds are considered valid towards a handicap...just some of my musings

You mean the 'American? model of golf is unsustainable ? Big shock that is

I've played in numerous match play events over the years and have never once encountered the kind of sore losing that is described here but I'm sure it exists. Match play truly is a game within a game and there are many styles of 'gamemanship'. I think the best style (for me) is to hit fairways and greens and steadily apply pressure forcing one's opponent to take some risks that maybe he ordinarily wouldn't, that consequently might force an error. Many styles of gamemanship flirt with being unethical and not a part of traditional golf etiquette. Coughing at the right time ala Seve...moving within one's field of vision...the hexing bullshit referred to earlier...some use the rules as a strategy (checking to make sure one is within the marker area after teeing off...even challenging the legality of the tee shot...this can throw an opponent way off) Many rules based weapons to use (questioning ones opponents fixing of ball marks etc) In short anything to get your opponent out of their game. Another common strategy is to compliment an opponent's swing, pointing out certain swing mechanics you admire (get the man thinking about his swing and not playing his game) In match play events I am less social but always polite and let my shots and game do the talking...just my way (Oh and I never listen to my opponent)

I do too Dave...I always know where I stand in relation to Par...whether I care or not is another story...in a fun round with friends I could care less...in a medal play tournament I do care but it doesn't interfere with my playing the shot at hand ( I don't take unrealistic risks in order to get a shot or two back,etc etc)

I believe the thread was about STRATEGY and how it relates to a high handicapper....obviously consistent ball striking is a much bigger factor...but that wasn't the question here

All this preoccupation with swing speed & distance...screw it...play f'in Golf...much more to Golf than freakin swing speed and distance (But not if you drink the Taylormade koolaid)

Im 62...swing speed is between 95-105 depending (only tested at PGA Tour Superstore) I would safely assume mostly the high 90s as I rarely swing full out

Nice thread...congrats on your new blades Paiste...enjoy them ! I played blades for years...Wilson Staff and the best blades I've ever owned Macgregor Tourney Reg M75T...played them until my car was stolen (and never recovered) along with my clubs back in 2004...they were made in the 60s and were simply great...I've had some health issues and have returned to the game after a 4 year hiatus...being aged 62 I naturally thought I might need some more forgiving irons and purchase some Mizuno MX-200...a forged GI iron that works for me...I am currently back on track and scoring like I used to...I'm not saying its the irons (more my brain) but they have helped...blades are great and can teach you how to strike the ball if you are patient enough to learn

Worse than having 'bad' course strategy is having NO course strategy...this (IMO) is the reason why high-handicappers STAY high handicappers. Also having a strategy that is not consistent with their ability. I am 62 and my course strategy has changed since the days of my youth when i was all attack attack attack (thanks Mr Palmer)...now I take what the course gives me and attack when I can. One way my thinking has changed is in where I play my approach shots...nowadays I play to where an error on my part will not cost me a stroke or (dread) two....i.e. the fat of the green or the side of the green with less trouble and more room for error...easy up and downs etc.

Make it a three shotter Mr Royster...easy bogey...take your Par 5 and be happy

First thing I would do is get Bubba Watson to hit my tee shot and then....joking...I'm 62 and still can play decently...but honestly with my lack of BIG DISTANCE (230-240avg Drive) ...I'd play it forward for more golfing fun. But if I HAD to play it from the tips I would try and position myself for an easy up and down if didn't hit the GIR. The elevated tee might be of some help...and of course yardage is relative to the lay of the land and the setup of the hole.