acegolfer

Yes. I felt that way when I was 25, 20, 15 and even now at 11. IMHO, breakthrough is not a one and done deal.

Can you elaborate on what you did? I'm curious.

In my case it's "if I didn't triple 4, 10 and 13."

First, have you ever experienced a breakthrough in your golf career? Second, if so, what was it and how did it affect your scoring?

Great story! I'm sure you will forget the 94 but you will remember the 18th hole for a long long time. This is why we play golf. Go out and have fun!

Thanks for all the responses. Several years ago, I read an article that range session lowers 1 stroke per round. I guess it doesn't apply to me. I should man up and pay $6 to hit 30 balls prior to every round. I tend to blow up the first 3 holes before settling down. In my last round, I played the first 4 holes 8 over, then the last 14 holes 10 over. Now the question is, if I get to the course 1 hour before tee time, should I putt first or go to range first? What's the correct sequence?

+1. I remember someone saying that the biggest difference between PGA Tour and Nationwide players is the short game. So if you want to see the long game, Nationwide event is a good bet. I bet they are more personable than the star players.

I see this is more likely to happen, when the field is large. It's possible for a mid capper to shoot net score of 65 but very hard to see a low capper to shoot the same net score. It's a statistical fact, given that high cappers have higher variance. However, in my 15-man league (which plays by the rule and keeps USGA handicap), the lowest capper has the most # of wins and the most $ won. In the 4 tournaments this year, he finished 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, and 1st. The 2nd lowest capper has the 2nd most $ won.

100% agree.

I had the following setup before PW/56 PW/56/60 PW/54/60 PW/51/58 PW/51/56 (now) My short game sucks. My conclusion: it's the indian not the arrow.

How many times did you play after 5 month lay off? If you want to rebuild your swing, this is a great opportunity for you. Otherwise, you will get your old swing back pretty soon.

Here's a hypothetical situation. Suppose it's not a tournament and you are playing casually. You are 6 shots over your handicap through 16 holes. For example, if you are 12 handicap, you are already 18 over through 16 holes. This implies the score from this round is unlikely to count towards your handicap (bottom 10 rounds of last 20 rounds). How would you play the last 2 holes? 1. Use the same strategy that you played the first 16 holes. 2. Play more aggressively (such as going for 2 on par-5) 3. Play more conservatively (such as laying up on par-5) 4. Practice shots that you normally wouldn't try. 5. other

Nice swing. Do you hit consistently? If not, I may have a solution for you. I'm no expert but your shoulder finished turning at frame 63. Then your arms move for 2 more frames to top of swing. In frame 64 and 65, your torso moves towards the target. In addition, it's hard to tell but your arms don't seem to in front of you throughout the swing. One more thing. Due to swaying toward the target before downswing, your head moves to the target instead of staying behind. You should move the weight forward but the head should stay behind. If I were you, I would shorten the backswing. Then you should be able to pivot better instead of swaying to the target. Your head will stay behind but your weight will move forward. I had exactly the same fault as yours. It took 1 month to fix it. But occasionally, if I don't tell myself to "shorten backswing", then this fault creeps back in.

I guess by now (I haven't read all the posts) everyone knows what ESC is. But have you discussed why ESC is needed? I think it's to avoid sandbaggers from artificially inflating the HDCP. Is this correct? Believe it or now, some players out there don't want to maintain a low HDCP for competition.

I'm not sure whether I'm imagining this. But without practice, my swing is all arms early round. Once I get warmed up during a round, my arms get passive and my swing gets smoother. I think I'm a candidate for pre-round range session but I'm too cheap to pay extra $6 for 30 balls.

I know reaching par-5 in 2 is not necessary. But all the better players in my league go for green with 230 yards left. It's not an impossible shot with practice. James, suppose it's a par 4 and you have 230 yards to the green. Are you suggesting that I should lay up and take the easy bogey?

All my current golf buddies practice at the range before they tee up, which I'm not used to. I just show up 20-30 minutes early to practice on the green. I'm curious to know how significant the pre-round range session is.

Don't you need to reach par 5 in 2 to get to the next level? That's what I'm working on because I face many 220-250 yard 2nd shot to the green on a par 5. I usually end up getting penalized by going for the green but I keep practicing it. Of course, if it were a tournament, I lay up to 100 yard, which gives me a better percentage.

I get the greatest satisfaction when I hit my mid irons pure. If I'm extremely lucky, I may hit 1 during a round.

Congrats! Even at high handicap, it's worth knowing how to shape the ball. I sincerely hope it's not a fluke. Keep working on it.

Why would you want to move back when gripping down results in a better shot? Is it an ego thing?

What is your favorite length for a par-4 hole in a handicap controlled match play?

I play in S. Florida during summer and here's how I cope with the heat/humidity. 1. Ride never walk. 2. Tee off as early as possible. Late afternoon is no good due to afternoon storms. 3. Drink lots of fluid before round. Carry 1 sports bottle with ice + 2 gatorade. Drink every hole. If you get thirsty, it's too late. 4. Park and wait in the shade for your turn. Minimize sun exposure. Use an umbrella on greens (perhaps too extreme). 5. Don't be cheap on quality breathable clothing. Good ones will never get wet. Wear low neck socks. 6. Wear visors instead of caps. 7. Relax. Try to laugh.

If you want to know how to spin it with the wedge, check phil mickelson's DVD.

I agree with the 2. How about maintaining the spine angle (or inclination to the ground)? Isn't it necessary for a consistent ball first contact?