ok just finished a gruelling 2 months of golf (actually very fun and eye opening). Played in the SGA league for my club and we came in 5th out of most of the golf clubs in Spore. Not too bad for my first time, though my actual scores under league conditions were 92, 93, 95 and 96.
Now is a lull period. Time for a swing change to find a drive that goes longer. I realized 200m straight is not long enough for some par fours. To improve, I need at least 220m straight.
Went to the range just now and managed to tweak my drives in a way to get more distance, pity no time to try it on the course yet. Will try on Thurs.
Other recent scores:
1. Club tournament - 86
2. Seah Yap tournament - 85
3. Social game (monday) - 89
current handicap 11.6
OK will try to practice properly this month to see if I can make further improvements:
1. Full swing (range)
2. Chip, Pitch, Bunker
3. Putt
Will dedicate 1/3 time to each department, and try to apply skills in games. Target is consistent low 80s by June 2009.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, March 02, 2009
League game so far
Been playing ok golf recently, in the 80s, so when my first SGA league game came up last Sunday, I was highly disappointed with my 93.
My mistake was that I had just changed putter from a Scottie (not Scotty) to an Odyssey Tri-Ball putter and hadn't had much course time with the new putter. Wasted 3 very short 2 feet putts which circled the hole but failed to drop. And of course the temperament led to 4 wasted strokes in a bunker (that was stupid!). Could have been an easy 86, but of course in golf, there is NO could, if or should.
So I can only look forward to the next league match. So far, at least my 93 contributed to my team making it to the top 5 in Singapore, but I think I'd better buck up with an 88 or better for all my next games.
My mistake was that I had just changed putter from a Scottie (not Scotty) to an Odyssey Tri-Ball putter and hadn't had much course time with the new putter. Wasted 3 very short 2 feet putts which circled the hole but failed to drop. And of course the temperament led to 4 wasted strokes in a bunker (that was stupid!). Could have been an easy 86, but of course in golf, there is NO could, if or should.
So I can only look forward to the next league match. So far, at least my 93 contributed to my team making it to the top 5 in Singapore, but I think I'd better buck up with an 88 or better for all my next games.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
ALRIGHT!!!! BROKE 80 FOR THE FIRST TIME. Shot a 78!!! YAY!!!
Mission accomplished!
PLayed the best game of my life yesterday 29 Oct 2008. Shot a 78. Towards the last 2 holes when I knew I had a good chance of breaking 80 for the first time, I was really struggling to stay composed. Almost blew it when I pulled my drive on the second last hole towards the water, but found the ball in the hazard just on the rocks, screwed up the first recovery shot when the ball just travelled 2 feet, but punched out with a 5 iron on the next shot.
I really needed bogey on that hole (or better), so I flew a long 5 wood to greenside, chipped it past the hole, and made a 11 ft putt for my bogey 6. Parred the last hole easily, and jumped for joy!
Shot a 39 on the front and 39 on the back for a 78 total!!!
How did I do it? Didn't do anything spectacular, just didn't blow any holes and had 13 pars, 4 bogeys and 1 double bogey. Didn't try to think about the swing or anything. Just focused on the target and swung with confidence. When my playing partners started discussing their swing mechanics, i tried not to listen as it would affect my own swing. My swing thought for that day was TAKE DEAD AIM and Grip it and Rip it! Well, it worked that day.
If I could get up and down better there would have been a much lower score, but who cares. I'll just enjoy the moment now and hope to repeat this feat consistently. Now the next aim is to break 70. Wonder if that's possible for me... well, no harm trying.
PLayed the best game of my life yesterday 29 Oct 2008. Shot a 78. Towards the last 2 holes when I knew I had a good chance of breaking 80 for the first time, I was really struggling to stay composed. Almost blew it when I pulled my drive on the second last hole towards the water, but found the ball in the hazard just on the rocks, screwed up the first recovery shot when the ball just travelled 2 feet, but punched out with a 5 iron on the next shot.
I really needed bogey on that hole (or better), so I flew a long 5 wood to greenside, chipped it past the hole, and made a 11 ft putt for my bogey 6. Parred the last hole easily, and jumped for joy!
Shot a 39 on the front and 39 on the back for a 78 total!!!
How did I do it? Didn't do anything spectacular, just didn't blow any holes and had 13 pars, 4 bogeys and 1 double bogey. Didn't try to think about the swing or anything. Just focused on the target and swung with confidence. When my playing partners started discussing their swing mechanics, i tried not to listen as it would affect my own swing. My swing thought for that day was TAKE DEAD AIM and Grip it and Rip it! Well, it worked that day.
If I could get up and down better there would have been a much lower score, but who cares. I'll just enjoy the moment now and hope to repeat this feat consistently. Now the next aim is to break 70. Wonder if that's possible for me... well, no harm trying.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
better scores, new discoveries
OK, starting to shoot low 80s regularly now, just shot an 84 on the last game despite spending the first half of the day out at sea fishing. Been shooting 40 a few times during 9 hole practice.
Learnt a few more important things that helped lower the scores.
1. short putting: more aggressive shot with less break has much higher probability of going in the hole than dying short putt. (reason: only 1 factor (line) is in play when the putt is slightly more aggressive, while 2 factors are in play (strength and line) on a dying putt, plus more break has to be factored in, which increases misses.)
2. chipping : strength and acceleration through the ball at correct target point and confidence in swing helps put ball near the pin (and i mean VERY near) most of the time.
3. mental focus and positiveness: less mental errors on the course= lower scores. staying positive prevents 1 bad shot from turning into 2 bad shots.
4. range practice is crucial in keeping swing consistent on the course. once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain nice swing.
OK, these are my notes on my last few games, at least i'm starting to win many skins even if i haven't broken 80. that's still the target, though.
Learnt a few more important things that helped lower the scores.
1. short putting: more aggressive shot with less break has much higher probability of going in the hole than dying short putt. (reason: only 1 factor (line) is in play when the putt is slightly more aggressive, while 2 factors are in play (strength and line) on a dying putt, plus more break has to be factored in, which increases misses.)
2. chipping : strength and acceleration through the ball at correct target point and confidence in swing helps put ball near the pin (and i mean VERY near) most of the time.
3. mental focus and positiveness: less mental errors on the course= lower scores. staying positive prevents 1 bad shot from turning into 2 bad shots.
4. range practice is crucial in keeping swing consistent on the course. once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain nice swing.
OK, these are my notes on my last few games, at least i'm starting to win many skins even if i haven't broken 80. that's still the target, though.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Back to golf
Finally back from one year in the golf wilderness, changing swings, playing without seriousness or any analysis, keeping my handicap at 11.9. shooting low 90s and the occasional 80s, but not making much progress in terms of breaking 80.
So what changes have I made?
1. More upright stance
2. Better, more technically sound, grip
3. Better feel around the greens
4. More dependable bunker shots because of change in targetting focus
Overall, better distance and a clearer picture of the parameters for good scores.
Ranked in order of importance, here is what I feel contributes most to lower scores.
1. short distance putting (10 ft and under) - really important to make these putts cos a missed putt is a stroke lost - concentration, strength and a proper read of the line are crucial
2. lag putting and med distance putting (above 10 ft) - these must be put near the hole (sinking them is a bonus) to avoid a risky situation of lost strokes - speed is really important and the gradient of the ball to hole must be studied
3. Drive - a good drive builds confidence and brings the hole nearer, it can help me focus on attacking the pin rather than just trying to get out of trouble on my second shot - distance from the ball must be just right, too near and a hook will result. proper grip pressure, stance and shoulder tilt are the basic requirements for a long, straight and repeatable drive.
4. chipping - this turns bogey into par - the reading of the target spot, club selection and proper execution are crucial - loose hands
5. iron approach shot - the problem recently has been duffing (esp if I forget the proper stance) - getting on the green as frequently as possible - GIR - many claim this to be the crucial score determiner, and rightly so if other departments are not working well, it sure makes par easier
6. recovery shots from off the fairway - this is a stroke saver, sometimes playing safe could simply mean one lost stroke but making another mistake from the jungle might be very costly - the right decisions based on circumstances (lie, line of sight, risk and reward assessment etc)
7. fairway woods - this is my go-to shot. long, straight and dependable... just avoid the rare topped shot when not concentrating
8. bunker shots - that grain of sand an inch behind the ball is so important - look at it!
recent scores:
8 Sep 2008 - 90
9 Sep 2008 - 90
10 Sep 2008 - 87
OK now I think I'll try to play better golf again.
So what changes have I made?
1. More upright stance
2. Better, more technically sound, grip
3. Better feel around the greens
4. More dependable bunker shots because of change in targetting focus
Overall, better distance and a clearer picture of the parameters for good scores.
Ranked in order of importance, here is what I feel contributes most to lower scores.
1. short distance putting (10 ft and under) - really important to make these putts cos a missed putt is a stroke lost - concentration, strength and a proper read of the line are crucial
2. lag putting and med distance putting (above 10 ft) - these must be put near the hole (sinking them is a bonus) to avoid a risky situation of lost strokes - speed is really important and the gradient of the ball to hole must be studied
3. Drive - a good drive builds confidence and brings the hole nearer, it can help me focus on attacking the pin rather than just trying to get out of trouble on my second shot - distance from the ball must be just right, too near and a hook will result. proper grip pressure, stance and shoulder tilt are the basic requirements for a long, straight and repeatable drive.
4. chipping - this turns bogey into par - the reading of the target spot, club selection and proper execution are crucial - loose hands
5. iron approach shot - the problem recently has been duffing (esp if I forget the proper stance) - getting on the green as frequently as possible - GIR - many claim this to be the crucial score determiner, and rightly so if other departments are not working well, it sure makes par easier
6. recovery shots from off the fairway - this is a stroke saver, sometimes playing safe could simply mean one lost stroke but making another mistake from the jungle might be very costly - the right decisions based on circumstances (lie, line of sight, risk and reward assessment etc)
7. fairway woods - this is my go-to shot. long, straight and dependable... just avoid the rare topped shot when not concentrating
8. bunker shots - that grain of sand an inch behind the ball is so important - look at it!
recent scores:
8 Sep 2008 - 90
9 Sep 2008 - 90
10 Sep 2008 - 87
OK now I think I'll try to play better golf again.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
july No.1, 9 holes
Month ------Jul------Aug------Sep------Oct------Nov------Dec
Played-------1
mistakes---6
allowed-----18/9-----16/8-----14/7-----12/6-----10/5-----8/4
target -----88/44----86/43----84/42----82/41---80/40---78/39
Best score---41
Hole. Index. Par. Dist(m). Score (Long,short,putt) Remarks(mistakes)
10......12.......4..... 380 _ 4 (2,1,1) sand save 1
11......16.......3..... 173 _ 4 (1,1,2) chipped to 8ft not enough1
12.......2.......4..... 415 _ 5 (2,1,2) pitched to 8ft not enough
13......10......4..... 370 _ 4 (2,1,1) chipped to 7ft and parred1
14.......8.......5..... 480 _ 5 (3,0,2) first putt short 5ft, made1
15......18......3..... 150 _ 5 (1,1,3) first putt too aggressive1
16.......4.......5..... 484 _ 6 (3,0,3) short par putt missed1
17......14.......4..... 337 _ 4 (2,0,2) gd adjustment to slope
18.......6.......4..... 386 _ 4 (2,1,1) gd pitch to 5ft, made it
In.................36..3175 _ 41 (17 putts), 6 mistakes
5 over par 41
10. missed green from 170m
11. chipped a little too hard
13. chipped too short duff
14. lag putt short
15. too agressive par putt
16. too casual putt
Mistakes were mostly causd by poor chipping 2 and putting 3. Keep focused.
Played-------1
mistakes---6
allowed-----18/9-----16/8-----14/7-----12/6-----10/5-----8/4
target -----88/44----86/43----84/42----82/41---80/40---78/39
Best score---41
Hole. Index. Par. Dist(m). Score (Long,short,putt) Remarks(mistakes)
10......12.......4..... 380 _ 4 (2,1,1) sand save 1
11......16.......3..... 173 _ 4 (1,1,2) chipped to 8ft not enough1
12.......2.......4..... 415 _ 5 (2,1,2) pitched to 8ft not enough
13......10......4..... 370 _ 4 (2,1,1) chipped to 7ft and parred1
14.......8.......5..... 480 _ 5 (3,0,2) first putt short 5ft, made1
15......18......3..... 150 _ 5 (1,1,3) first putt too aggressive1
16.......4.......5..... 484 _ 6 (3,0,3) short par putt missed1
17......14.......4..... 337 _ 4 (2,0,2) gd adjustment to slope
18.......6.......4..... 386 _ 4 (2,1,1) gd pitch to 5ft, made it
In.................36..3175 _ 41 (17 putts), 6 mistakes
5 over par 41
10. missed green from 170m
11. chipped a little too hard
13. chipped too short duff
14. lag putt short
15. too agressive par putt
16. too casual putt
Mistakes were mostly causd by poor chipping 2 and putting 3. Keep focused.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
ENROLLED for new self monitoring program to Break 80 in 6 months... see if it works
Haha, I've finally fallen for it, the Break 80 in 6 months thing. Well, with nothing to lose, why not give it a try? Let's see how it goes.
A. Criteria for breaking 80 consistently:
1. good drive
2. good mental game and course management
3. accurate short irons (7 iron to SW)
4. good pitching and chipping
5. excellent putting (especially pace), lag and short
6. steady long clubs (6 iron to 3W)
7. perfect escape shots from trouble (eg. low punch)
8. good bunker play (out in one, with par chance) (fairway/ greenside)
9. shot-shaping (high, low, fade, draw)
B. The general rule is that mistakes can and will occur in a few, if not all, of these areas. Since a mistake will generally lead to a stroke lost, the given formula for 18 hole scoring would be [Score= par + No. of mistakes - 2], and for 9 hole scoring would be [Score=par + No. of mistakes -1] , allowing for some excellent shots. So, to shoot 78 for a par 72 course, the No. of mistakes (NOM)allowed would be 8. (For 39 in 9 holes, NOM=4)
C. The aim of the program then, would be to reduce the NOM per round gradually over 6 months CONSCIOUSLY, by tracking scores, noting the common mistake areas, and doing extra work on those areas. It is hoped that frequent playing (minimum 3x per week) WITH AIM IN MIND would bring the average score to 78.
(refer to post dated 28 Jun 2007)
D. Here is the TRACKING TABLE:
Month ------Jul------Aug------Sep------Oct------Nov------Dec
Played
mistakes
allowed-----18/9-----16/8-----14/7-----12/6-----10/5-----8/4
target -----88/44----86/43----84/42----82/41---80/40---78/39
Best score
E. Here is the basic scorecard:
Hole. Index. Par. Dist(m). Score (Long,short,putt) Remarks(mistakes)
1.........7........5......495 _
2........15.......3..... 165 _
3.........3........4..... 420 _
4........17.......3..... 140 _
5.........9........4..... 380 _
6.........1........5..... 515 _
7........11.......4..... 360 _
8........13.......4..... 346 _
9.........5........4..... 385 _
Out..............36...3206 _
10......12.......4..... 380 _
11......16.......3..... 173 _
12.......2.......4..... 415 _
13......10......4..... 370 _
14.......8.......5..... 480 _
15......18......3..... 150 _
16.......4.......5..... 484 _
17......14.......4..... 337 _
18.......6.......4..... 386 _
In.................36..3175 _
Total............72....6381_
GIR: Ratio/ % =
Fairways Hit: Ratio/ %=
Driving Ave (Hole, 1,5,6,10,14,16)/6=
Learning Points =
F. OK, so here goes. Let's see if it works.
A. Criteria for breaking 80 consistently:
1. good drive
2. good mental game and course management
3. accurate short irons (7 iron to SW)
4. good pitching and chipping
5. excellent putting (especially pace), lag and short
6. steady long clubs (6 iron to 3W)
7. perfect escape shots from trouble (eg. low punch)
8. good bunker play (out in one, with par chance) (fairway/ greenside)
9. shot-shaping (high, low, fade, draw)
B. The general rule is that mistakes can and will occur in a few, if not all, of these areas. Since a mistake will generally lead to a stroke lost, the given formula for 18 hole scoring would be [Score= par + No. of mistakes - 2], and for 9 hole scoring would be [Score=par + No. of mistakes -1] , allowing for some excellent shots. So, to shoot 78 for a par 72 course, the No. of mistakes (NOM)allowed would be 8. (For 39 in 9 holes, NOM=4)
C. The aim of the program then, would be to reduce the NOM per round gradually over 6 months CONSCIOUSLY, by tracking scores, noting the common mistake areas, and doing extra work on those areas. It is hoped that frequent playing (minimum 3x per week) WITH AIM IN MIND would bring the average score to 78.
(refer to post dated 28 Jun 2007)
D. Here is the TRACKING TABLE:
Month ------Jul------Aug------Sep------Oct------Nov------Dec
Played
mistakes
allowed-----18/9-----16/8-----14/7-----12/6-----10/5-----8/4
target -----88/44----86/43----84/42----82/41---80/40---78/39
Best score
E. Here is the basic scorecard:
Hole. Index. Par. Dist(m). Score (Long,short,putt) Remarks(mistakes)
1.........7........5......495 _
2........15.......3..... 165 _
3.........3........4..... 420 _
4........17.......3..... 140 _
5.........9........4..... 380 _
6.........1........5..... 515 _
7........11.......4..... 360 _
8........13.......4..... 346 _
9.........5........4..... 385 _
Out..............36...3206 _
10......12.......4..... 380 _
11......16.......3..... 173 _
12.......2.......4..... 415 _
13......10......4..... 370 _
14.......8.......5..... 480 _
15......18......3..... 150 _
16.......4.......5..... 484 _
17......14.......4..... 337 _
18.......6.......4..... 386 _
In.................36..3175 _
Total............72....6381_
GIR: Ratio/ % =
Fairways Hit: Ratio/ %=
Driving Ave (Hole, 1,5,6,10,14,16)/6=
Learning Points =
F. OK, so here goes. Let's see if it works.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
