royemunson

Give it some more time. Sometimes I've had this problem with new clubs til I've "broken them in" so to speak. If it's comparable it just may be you getting used to your new club. Joe

I started playing a par 3 course called Lunken Airport in Cincinnati Ohio. I hated golf but went to spend time with my dad. after 5 years and a lot of rounds at the public courses in the area b/c they only cost me $3 to play plus getting the chance to play the country club i caddied at all day I was shooting consistently in the 70's and doing well in tourneys. glad i went out that day and played. Joe

I drink a few beers as it relaxes my muscles. too many and i play like crap. then switch to water. Joe

My goal is to play more and gain the consistency I once had. Short game needs improvement in terms of making putts from 10 feet away or so. I also need to work on my bad hook shots off the tee when I'm not hitting well. Long irons I need work on as I tend to lose confidence on these. Joe

This is exactly how I learned how to go from a Fade to a draw. Personally once I was able to consistently manage my lag and hands at the top of the swing, I was able to do the same - long and straight with a slight draw. If it's working for you, then keep it up. If you watch especially some of the older pro golfers, you'll see a lot of bad takeaways for guys who would pull it together and hit the ball long and straight. Joe

6 iron - with a good solid swing i typically fly it b/t 180-190. Most of the time I will go with a 5 closer to 190, but under that and it's a 6 - callaways I used to play with pinseekers which i thought were crud but had a heavier feel and 190 was pretty easy Joe

Great posts. I like the one on Fred Couples. I used to try and mimick his swing as well. I love how he hesitates at the top. I always thought he hid a fade though?? For me I remember just getting into a mental groove which helped me get off the tee well then hit solid second shots. Plus when i hit a bad shot to manage my shots and play solid instead of gambling. Then just focusing on my short game and putting to ensure no 3 putts. Using the techniques I learned to get the ball to/near the whole to make sure I at least leave with a par and yes hitting one putts/getting up and down. Haven't broken 70 yet - that will take some birdies. Joe

I was talking to a buddy of mine the other day who is at the point where he's ready to break 90. We were kind of discussing some of the elements a lot of which had to do with just some mental barriers of reaching that point. I'm curious to find out what elements helped any of you break those barriers whether it be a score, a consistency, etc...? I know for me when I broke 80 for the first time it had a lot to do with just a few little things here or there or not breaking down at the wrong time. Joe

I played in one with a buddy of mine a couple weeks back. Not only was it a lot of fun - 3 busloads of people who were hammered by 10am (unfortunately I couldn't partake in that) but I got to hang out with friends I don't see too often. Our team did pretty well 6 under but too many pars and not enough birdies. Good oppty to try different things on the course Joe

I personally never took a lesson in person. I would find videos though and as a caddy would model not only well playing amateurs but also professionals. I had a gary player video that i learned a ton from. Not only that but would go out and practice as well as observe other great players. However, I've heard that folks who take lessons don't tend to regret it. Joe

Your swing isn't bad at all. Do you hit a hook a lot? You have a very compact swing with little movement - which isn't a bad thing. My golfing buddy is in the same boat - larger upper body. He widens his stance a bit and stands a bit further from the ball and that seemed to make a big difference. Allow that big upper body go after the ball and play a nice draw. Just some thoughts - hope they help somewhat Joe

Great tips provided already but to add my own experience I went from a fade to a draw and my tendancy is to aim down the left side of the fairway. If I end up in the opposite side rough or simply duck hook it then I know it's too much!!!! Personally I'd stick with hitting it straight Joe

I have begun to work on more control so my distance has diminished a bit, but here are my numbers... driver- 250-300 3wood-do not use Hybrid - need to get one 2 iron - 220+ on a good shot 3 iron - 210 4 iron - 200 5 iron - 190-200 6 iron- 185 7 iron-175 8 iron-165 9 iron - 155-165 pw-150 52 degree 125 56 sw- 100 and in I sometimes throw my putter about 25 yards Joe

That's awesome and congrats!! It is a great feeling when you do something like that I remember mine as well. I couldn't see the hole and was about the same distance. Getting close would've been a miracle. My friend was playing with me in a tourney and the ball somehow made it in the hole. These are definitely the shots that make this game so addicting. Joe

Hello, I have been playing golf since I was 9 - much older now. I am an accountant by trade and love golf - trying to get more involved! Joe