Bubba_13

I am fairly new here so I will give you a bit of a background. I am playing to about a 12 handicap. I have had a few sub 80 rounds on my home course but I mostly shoot mid to upper 80's. I have a good understanding of swing mechanics. I just got back from a golf week hitting 4 different courses and a few pitch and putts with the kids. I shot an 85 for my first round and was very happy with the result. I had one hosel show up during that round and shook it off as every now and again I get one of these. The next day on the range before our round I was hitting my wedges and I was getting more and more of these 'hosel' shots? I shrugged it off to being tired, up too late with friends and not focusing on my game. Unfortuneatly, they didn't disappear. I must have had 4 to 5 during the round and they started showing up on my mid to long irons. The third round was much the same and now it has gotten into my head and I can't seem to get rid of it or find a correction for it. My playing partner suggested I start moving back from the ball, but I am not sure that is the problem. I don't feel like I was crowding the ball. Could someone please give me a little direction as to what to look for or what to practice. I head into my club's match play this week and I need to rid myself of this swing thought, problem. Cheers.

Euphoria: Eighteen holes and a sunny day

What are your thoughts on Couples thinking about picking up Tiger for the President's cup? I disagree with Fred picking him as his 'captain's pick'. You don't field a second string player just because of their past history. There are many more golfers that have their game in better shape then Tiger's and will get better results. He should be looking at some of the rookies or young guns that bring some excitement to the game. I am sure it is a very political position that Couples is in and Tiger has to be picked for many reasons that don't make sense on paper. None the less, I don't feel that Tiger will make an impact on the team. Who knows, perhaps this is what Tiger needs to find the fire again.

Desert Dunes was a nice track. Just north of Palm Springs. Reasonable prices and the course is in great condition.

I am pulling for David. I think he will benefit the most from the 'Big Break' and the chance to experience the Tour. Kent has had a taste at the US Open last year and will hopefully continue to succeed. Either way, it will be an entertaining final show.

+5 today for a 77. That is my best round to date. Boy it felt great. I was birdie, birdie, par on the first 3 holes. I had 6 pars on the back 9. It is such a fun game when you are shooting darts with your irons and are inside 6 feet for your birdie putts. I know that tomorrow I can follow it up with a 92 so I am going to enjoy the moment and celebrate with a nice bottle of wine and a bbq steak dinner. Cheers

Ian Poulter @ -13

Thanks.

How far in advance is the final list set for what players will be attending a tournament? I am thinking of going to Vancouver this year to watch the RBC Canadian open. There isn't any update on the website. Too bad the British open is the week before as this seems to deter some of the bigger names to attend the Canadian Open.

I can't offer much feedback other then that if you find something that you have a passion for follow it. I love golf course design. I will watch the tour for the course design just as much as the golf. I had a match play with one of the owners of our club and during the whole match we chatted about future changes to the course. It was great to listen to what they had planned and be able to throw in my ideas. (not expecting him to use them but it was fun none the less) Get yourself an 'in' at a local course and work with the grounds crew to start learning the in's and out's of a course. Keep drawing. Looking forward to seeing some sketches.

When I pull my ball out a cup where someone has 'missed' when putting the flag back in, I will just use my ball to reshape the hole back to its intended shape. It is very frustrating when you have to play with damage to the holes but it seems like there are golfers everywhere that don't seem to want to take the time to learn the etiquette part of the game.

I didn't read the whole thread so I apologize if this has been mentioned already. Tiger doesn't deserve to be on the team. It doesn't matter what he has done in the past or what he could do if his game starts to come around. Tiger has lost his edge that he once held over the field. He has fallen from greatness and his competitors recognize that and will not be intimidated by his mere presence on the golf course anymore. Pavin shouldn't even consider him this year but I bet you a nickle that he makes it in on the political card.

Does it really matter if Tiger gets his form back? Everyone should let the game move forward and forget about the past. Enjoy the players that are shooting well, look towards the future and the new talent that is rising. Tiger has his place and right now it isn't in the front of the pack, it is a dismal spot near the back end. I really enjoy seeing new players on the leader board each week, the mighty Tiger was fun to watch but it has gotten a little old. Much like the hype around him getting his game back or not, if it happens then we get to see him make a run at Nicklaus, if it doesn't life still moves on with or without Tiger.

I love looking for golf balls. The only problem is when I start looking then I stop concentrating on my golf game and my score usually reflects it. I now limit it to helping members in my foursome if they end up in the bushes. That is usually good for about 2-3 balls each time as the bushes at the course I play are very dense with tall grass surrounding them. I will just walk in the tall rough and end up stepping on a few, this way I am not really looking for them, I just happen to find them as I walk on top of them. I looked for golf balls as a kid and would set up a stand and sell them back to the members of the private course we lived by. I don't think the love for finding a ball has ever worn off, it is like finding a little treasure. You can never take away the simple pleasures in life.