doctork

I feel your pain, Dog. Didn't Rotella do a book devoted to putting? Cheers, DoctorK

Another poster here got me wondering... Which golf psychology book(s) have you found most helpful, insightful, or otherwise enlightening? Along those lines, perhaps there's a non-golf-related book or two that apply well to golf. For instance, a business or personal performance book that promotes a mental approach you've found useful on the course. Look forward to your thoughts. Cheers, DoctorK

Agree that to play the the highest level requires both enormous talent and a strong work ethic. As for which I'd prefer to be... Tough call. Obviously would love to have the talent to go as far as possible, but... Frankly, I enjoy playing and even practicing so much that I can't imagine not devoting myself to it full-bore. Gimme the talent, and I'll hope that someone or something can motivate me to make most of it. Cheers, DoctorK

Incredible tracks, no doubt, but purists would grumble that they don't fit the definition of a true links. Bandon is seaside but on cliffs, while Straits is on a lake, not the sea. And I'd give my left... pinky finger to play either place! Not trying to be a snob, DarkPrince, just pointing out a technicality. Pebble Beach fits into the same category as Bandon, BTW. Cheers, DoctorK

Yeah, I imagine a few greenbacks change hands there. Enjoy, DoctorK

Wish I could claim firsthand knowledge, but alas, I haven't played any genuine links. Have always been fascinated by Ballybunion, in particular. Portrush, too. I know "inland links" is an oxymoron, but Sand Hills in Nebraska is simply stunning. http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-...usa/sand-hills Cheers, DoctorK Cheers, DoctorK

Wow indeed. All depends on the neck/spine. If he's OK and recovers quickly, he'll win this year. Teacher or no teacher. A bad neck, even without surgery, is a game-killer. DoctorK

Just a standard, boring black one, circa 2000. Gets the job done, though. DoctorK

Fancy way of saying that is "process vs. outcome thinking," and it's the foundation of pretty much all golf/performance psyche. Basically, you control those aspects that you can -- preshot routine, setup, swing -- everything up until the ball is struck. If you fulfill all the steps in your process, you've done all you can. The outcome is what it is. I'd suggest checking out the author mentioned above as well as Bob Rotella. The golf books section on this forum likely has some thoughts on this as well. Cheers, DoctorK

Tiger jokes usually just make me roll my eyes , but that was spot-on, Sean. The Tiger news just keeps on coming, doesn't it? The disc issue could require additional swing changes, to boot. DoctorK

Caddy! A big part of the fatigue from walking comes from carrying the bag. Yeah, it's still a lot of walking, but with lots of breaks on a soft surface, presumably in light, breathable clothing. If you can walk 18 with bag on shoulders, you can certainly handle 36 sans bag. Stay hydrated, take plenty of trail mix (dried fruit, nuts, etc) and you'll be fine! Cheers, DoctorK

Great thread starter, Handicap, and an enlightening answer, Iceman. Glad to hear your experience has been so good, Iceman... So good that you're still hitting, what, a Titleist 975D? Have heard very few, if any, stories about fittings gone awry, provided they're as thorough as Iceman's. Looking forward to a fitting when I'm next in the market. Cheers, DoctorK

Really thought Westwood was gonna close the deal this time. Scene is becoming all too familiar - a la Monty, as another poster commented. Sometimes, a guy with closing issues has to win from behind, like Clark did. Seems to be easier than winning from the final group. Cheers, DoctorK

My pleasure!

I thought you might have played Wine Valley, give your proximity and member name. Love the look of that course, with the bunker styling and shaping. Very Tom Doak/Coore-Crenshaw like. Hixson looks like an up-and-comer given the accolades for WVGC and Bandon Crossings. Imagine Wine Valley does get a bit breezy at times. Cheers, DoctorK

Yep, with plenty of time to practice and play, your goal is easily within reach. I would recommend you play as much as possible as that's the best way to improve. Practice too, of course. If your budget permits, might consider a series of lessons as well, since you are new enough to the game to establish solid fundamentals. Oh, and read some good instruction books. There's a forum here on just that topic! Best of luck, DoctorK

ECT -- I agree with that assessment. Just another "check" in the pros of walking vs. riding. I never miss an opportunity to share this website with like-minded souls: http://www.thewalkinggolfer.com/ Cheers, DoctorK

Count me among the mat-haters, for the reasons mentioned above. I will say that mats have come a long way since they first came into vogue. Newer models are much softer and more realistic, but still no substitute for the real thing. One more advantage for grass - the chance to hit from different lies, even divots. One downside - when the range is worn out, the divots can make it tough to find a level spot to hit from, especially with longer clubs where you stand farther from the ball. Cheers, DoctorK

Man, this dude's pretty smart. Well, at least the Westwood part. DoctorK

Hmmm, never really broke it down that way. I typically go through a round mentally, afterward, and assign a grade to each shot, A-F. Using your system, I will wildly guess: Perfect: 8% Good: 35% OK: 40% Mediocre (at best): 17% Seems a little high on the Good-OK ratings... Probably a touch lower there, realistically. BTW yours actually add up to 102% (not 103). Thanks for the brain exercise. Need a beer now. DoctorK

78 mph? That's enough to chase even me off the course! Can't imagine you could even putt with the wind blowing anywhere over 40. Have heard Crossings is excellent. Randy Hixson design, right, same guy that did the new Wine Country course in Walla Walla? That looks terrific, too. Cheers, DoctorK

Awesome story, MSD, thanks for sharing. I'll have to go back and read your original post. You beat him, right? Cheers, DoctorK

That is highly unusual considering the revenues and profit margins carts generate. Consider yourself lucky there, Sean. DoctorK

Sounds like you've got a lot of talent, just need to add fundamentals and discipline. Pros and scratch players don't say things like that, unsolicited. Maybe you should've replied, 'I appreciate that, but why am I a 22-handicap?' Practice practice practice... Cheers, DoctorK

I am speechless. Clearly these fellows were just occasional golfers, at most? They could make Bandon crawling-only and I'd still play! DoctorK