JLA_8

At 5'11 and 170, I think you have a little ways to go before you get to bulky. The only muscle I think would "get in your way" if too bulky would be your chest. I would imagine if you have a very nice swing now, that at some point putting too much mass on your chest would alter your swing. I also injured my back several years ago, had surgery 2 years ago, and am just starting to play again. I'm sure you know core training is the most important training you can do for a bad back. I would concentrate on that above all else. Although nothing wrong with training other body parts, but the core would be (and is) my priority. Good luck.

Hi all, Awhile back I posted about my first time out in well over 10 years, how my putting was terrible (30 putts in 9-holes), and how I was decent with my irons off the tee. So, a couple months have passed and I've played quite a bit more and am slowly improving. Here is what I have now... 1. My drives (driver), are very low. I use a 10.5 driver with ball placed in the middle of my stance. I believe I have a wider then normal stance, a little more then shoulder width apart. My drives have gotten better, but I do seem to drive the ball very low. Is this good or bad? What are the pros/cons of driving low compared to high? When I hit the ball well, they go straight, occassionaly a slight draw. 2. My putting has improved. What I had to do was start putting one handed for awhile to get a better feel. After a few practice putts one handed, I can start using two. Still not super accurate, but distance is getting much closer. 3. I am very good with my 9I. About 145 yards and straight line every time. Doesn't matter if I'm 130 or 155, I hit it 145. I just don't know how to alter this. I don't take a very big swing as it is, I think my left arm may get parallel to the ground and that's it. 4. I cannot pitch or chip. I have no idea how hard or soft to hit it. I'll hit it too soft one hole and the next it will go over the green and to me I cannot tell the difference between how hard I was swinging. So that's my story after a couple months on the links. Still learning, trying to get better, and having fun. I did get my first birdie last week. Par 4. Driver, 9I, putt. Woohoo! I know I can't expect too much specific info as I haven't given you any regarding my grip/stance/swing and all that. But if you have any suggestions I appreciate your advice. I do know one of my biggest obstacles is keeping my head down. When I do this, I hit the ball. When I don't, well, it's a sorry sight. Thanks.

Shin splints is a term used to cover a number of possible conditions. Seeing a doctor is always a good idea. That being said, some general rules to follow... 1. heat the area before activity. 2. stretch thoroughly before and during activity. 3. wear COMFORTABLE shoes/sneakers. Your golf shoes could be prolonging the issue. Could be. Not saying they are. 4. ICE after activity. Rest is usually the best solution. But if it is bearable, the above can help. But seriously, if it's been more than a few months, see a doctor just to be safe.

Start keeping up with your stats again. It's the one thing that you have definitely changed. Perhaps you are not focusing as much due to not keeping your stats after each hole.

Thanks for the replies. I was just discussing this with one of the guys I play with and he mentioned the reason my accuracy was so good off the tee is that I have only a 1/4 swing. He couldn't believe I was able to reach the green with such a small swing, said it looked like I was chipping. lol. I will definitely practice my putting. I've been reading a lot of putting posts on here to get some practice tips. Thanks again. *****Edit***** Also, this was not my first time out. I should clarify that. It is my first time out in about 13 years or so. I sucked back then too though. This was my first time on a par 3 course.

So I played my first 9 yesterday, par 3 course, 1140 yards. Nothing special but a nice place to play. Tee shots - 8i, 9i, and PW - 6/9 greens hit. The 3 others landed just to the right of the green. 3 chip shots - within 10 feet of the hole. PUTTS - 30 !!!! (enough said) lol. Anyway had a blast. Will be going every Wednesday after work. So, my putting. I hit the ball way too hard. Even when I try to hit it very softly, it seems to go flying by the hole. One guy I was playing with said my putter was too heavy for my stroke. Does that sound like it could be an issue? I know I need lots of practice, but I want to make sure I have the correct putter to practice with. Thanks!

I'm a newbie....what about his swing is so different? To my untrained eye he seems to swing slower than most, what else? Thanks.

Hi, I just started playing again after about 12 years or so. I've got some cheap clubs to get myself started with (Cougar x-cat). Anyway, I wasn't a bad golfer years ago, had a nice slice that if it weren't for the trees I felt would keep slicing all the way back to the tee. Been to the range a few times and haven't done too bad. I plan on taking some lessons soon. Anyway, one question I have about clubs in particular is my putter has a sort of "squared" grip. I was wondering why none of the other clubs have this. It seems it would be a good idea, esp. for the driver. Wouldn't it help you square up the face of the club upon impact? Anyway great site, I've been reading through a lot of the posts and learning a lot. Thanks, J.

If I remember correctly, there are two things that change you golfers look. One is to change your golfers ethnicity. But there is another that changes skin color. There is a screen where you have about 8 different boxes to choose from, one of them says skin color I believe. As for the game itself....disappointing. I play this game with me dad, neither of us play it by ourselves. You only have a few courses unlocked at first and the only way to unlock new ones it to play solo. And the tournament play is only for one player. It's too bad because overall the game is fun and more challenging than the previous versions.

Take some lessons. Golf twice a week. Either on the course or at the range.

Software developer in RI.