higdonp

I'm just a beginner but I do what I've termed a "chop" shot. It is the blend of a chip and loft shot. I only have a gap wedge below my PW so I've had to adapt. I keep my stance narrow and my left arm and wrist stiff and choke down but put the ball in the middle of my stance to take advantage of the club loft (52 deg). I usually take a few practice shots with a nice fluid swing (including knee flex) and about a 25% take away and then take the shot. Practice at the range with it first though.

I'm new to golf, but an early adopter when it comes to tech. However, my wife bought me a Golf Buddy for my birthday and it works great. I don't have to pay anything for updates and it tell me the yardage, which is all I need to know. I mean why do I need a high res full color image of the course when I'm looking at it? It has free updates and has had every course that I've played - for free. It has helped me improve my scores and know how much I'm missing by, lol. -Pat

Well I've been playing for about 6 months and have not taken a lesson. I know everyone preaches, including the golf channel, to do so. Is is really worth it? Has anyone had great results or an Epiphany after having a few lessons? I mean there are so many videos and tips out there... I mean everyone finds their own rhythm and the game is so dynamic, can a lesson really make a difference? -Pat

Awesome advice! I definitely also make my driver approach with a wider and flatter swing. However, I still only hit it about 230 when I hit 200 with my 5 iron. I can't seem to generate the same speed with the different swing. Any tips?

My title is Systems Engineer Leader, but I lead a small team supporting the Marine Corps in their satellite communications and wide area networking efforts. I guess I'm a networking "nerd." -Pat

I agree with the wedges. Acuity makes some decent wedges that are affordable. I have a Callaway set of irons but still hit my Acuity gap wedge just fine. -Pat

I've definitely been there! I'm a new player (6 months) but have been committed to improving. Two months ago 3-5 putting on the green was pretty normal for me, even after getting to the green in 2 on a par 4. Now I'm close to always 2 putting and occasionally get the 1 putt. The great thing about putting is that you can practice it anywhere. All you need is a cup and a few balls. Finding what works for you is the most important thing but of course you need some reference. I watch a lot of golf on TV and read all the magazines. I've gleaned a few things over the past few months: - Line up the shot properly (with your feet). - Focus on the ball at address (don't look up!) - Palms facing each other, relax! - Right elbow in, comfortable stance. - Take practice strokes and make sure its relaxed and straight. - Practice at home on the low carpet till you get your aim down. - Practice on the putting greens (usually free) to get your distance down. I hope this helps. -Pat

The single most important thing that has improved my game is keeping a flat (left wrist) and wider swing plane. After that: - Relaxation and Focus. - Realizing that it doesn't take extreme strength to hit the ball far. - Relaxation and Focus. - Ball position (farther back for shorter shots). - Relaxation and Focus. - If I feel like an uncomfortable pretzel at address it's probably not going to work. -Pat

It definitely depends on the individual and their swing style. I'm really looking for a shop where I can try out some different drivers and get some help with assessing which is the best. I've been playing for about 6 months and 3 months ago I still couldn't get the ball off of the tee consistently. I was still using my Acuity 10.5 stock driver from the set I was gifted. I bought a used Callaway Big Bertha 460 (11 deg) and started hitting 230 straight consistently. However, now that I've become better at hitting the ball it is flying way too high with that 11 deg angle, it is still hitting 230 but only after scraping the stratosphere. Point being that it completely depends on the individual and their skill level. I've just discovered this game at the young age of 40 and have no doubt that I'll be looking for adjustments to my game 20 years from now! -Pat

Excellent advice! That's exactly what I apply when hitting off the hosel.

I use a center shafted mallet putter (Taylormade Rossa Monte Carlo 7). I spent hours sampling different types of putters including the Odyssey putters which I had intended on buying. I found that the Monte Carlo had a better feel and was more accurate for me as a beginner (been playing about 6 months). It definitely helped my game and forces me to be more accurate with my address. -Pat

Everyone has great advice. I'd say it depends on what club you are playing too. With the irons, I make sure my left wrist is flat at address and move the ball back in my stance a little bit. As someone else said, don't take you eye off the ball either and drive down on it. I'll usually start choking down on the club and taking half swings to hit it right and work my way back into form. It is a waste to spend money on a whole bucket of balls and hit them shabbily! -Pat

I know right! The same here, she is always saying that "I'm obsessed." I have no idea why she thinks that! I say I'm just passionate and focused, lol.

Depending on the club, about $3-$4 for a 50 or so bucket and $5-$6 for a "large", approximately 80 balls.

I have been playing for about 6 months and hit mine (straight) about 135-140 yds. Of course I'm a beginner and I'm 40 yrs old. I can hit it farther but it would probably involve some kind of calculus to obtain the distance given the inconsistent hooks and slices generated.

That's awesome! I'm also 40 and am new to the game. I've been playing for a year but really only started focusing on it for the last 6 months. I'm hitting my long irons and hybrids pretty good (4 iron or hybrid abt 200yds off the ground), but I only hit my driver 230 usually (250 on RARE occasions). I can't help but think I'm doing something wrong with my driver. I'm really rather lame with my woods as well. I hit about 190-200 with my 3 wood, the same as my 4 iron. It makes it hard when selecting clubs, I usually just use my irons and leave my woods in the bag. I know my swing and setup is different for the irons and more vertical. I seem to generate more speed with the irons. Does anyone have any tips for increasing my drive distance?