Drummin

I recently moved and the closest driving range is 45 minutes away now. I am debating buying a net and building a practice mat using outdoor carpet. I know hitting off a mat isn't like hitting off grass. Will I do more harm than good by practicing on a mat and not on grass?

A draw will roll further than a fade every time.

Weather was finally nice again. Been out a few times since Christmas but was cold and didn't play very well. Today I shot a 44 for a +8 which is the best score I have had since I started playing last may. I felt like I finally am starting to figure some stuff out.

I have a similar problem. I just started playing this past may. When I first started hitting my driver, my stance was really wide (feet were further than shoulder width) and I teed up the ball pretty high and pretty far away from my body. After doing some more research and reading articles I changed my stance. I put my feet a shoulder width apart, teed the ball a little lower (I got one of those brush tees), made sure my back was straight, and brought the ball closer to my body. I started hitting the ball straighter and further after a few days of practice at the driving range. After playing 18 holes my lower back was pretty sore. I just figured it was because I was starting to use muscles that I haven't used before. But the other day I tweaked my back. I was hitting my wood in the middle of the fairway and I felt a sharp pain go from my lower back down through my thigh. I haven't played for 4 days now and the pain doesn't seem to be getting much better. Here are my 2 questions. 1. Were the changes I made to my swing incorrect? 2. Any suggestions on some remedies for making my back feel better? I have been stretching and taking advil, but is there anything more I should be doing?

Just started playing golf in may, but I have been getting out to the course 2 or 3 times a week pretty consistently. Usually play 9 holes during the week, 18 on the weekend and go to the driving range one day a week. Last 18 I played I shot a 94, which is better than usual (100 is my average). My driving is pretty consistent, 220+ yards on average. I don't hit my woods very well, and my putting is pretty bad. I usually 2 putt, with some 3 putts scattered in. Maybe this weekend I can start to figure out my putts.

I second that. I have been having problems putting as well. I have problems judging distance, and my touch is awful. Any tips on how far of a back swing I should have for specific distances or anything like that?