PA-PLAYA So true. I have learned though that even when you don't have a swing you can still shoot a score. The first time was almost 10 years ago for me. I found myself out of work for the summer and so playing more golf and getting better. I started shooting 85's instead of 95-105. I "lost" my swing for a couple of weeks though and was going to play with 3 guys that were all single digits. I decided to "bunt it" around so I could keep it in play and not embarrass myself too much. I shot 78 with 2 doubles, on a windy day to break 80 for the 1st time. Just recently I won our club's Fall Shootout doing pretty much the same thing.....I doubt I would have broken 80, but I got the ball in the hole when it counted.
Shortening my iron swing
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I started playing golf instinctively, without the aid/handicap of instruction. I had a repeating swing with a slight fade and would hit a string of iron shots directly at the targets on the range. That changed after reading articles in golf magazines. I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. The best advise I have after years of trial and error is to emulate the impact position of the classic players, Hogan, Snead, Nicklaus, Palmer and weight should be balanced in both feet at impact with irons and 70 percent on the rear foot with a driver.
Typhoon Couldn't agree more. I went to Don Trahan's swing a few years back. I've changed my swing since, but I have still retained Don's approach of shortening the backswing. It's amazing how much this "shortened" swing affects my ball-striking and accuracy. Whenever I start getting inconsistent or inaccurate, the length of my backswing is the first thing I check.
(Had a recent experiment with a longer backswing, which I write about in a different thread, and the results were really poor in terms of consistency, accuracy, and pain.)
DC300 basically was spot on 100%. And I think it's because we both hit it a long way, we get the same things going on in our swings.
My driver swing is too long but I have no problems. I'll try shortening it over the winter just to see but I'm fine with it...I think I shift my weight better whereas with my irons I tend to stay over the ball and that leads to problems.
So my iron swing...I stay over the ball and my over swing would sometimes get my weight going in the wrong direction...leading to a reverse pivot. To "save it" I would release early and flip it. That would lead to what DC was saying...pulls, pull draws or high and right. The early release would give me an approach angle with a 9'iron of zero or +1 degree instead of -4...about what it should be.
I've shortened my backswing and its help fix the early release, any over the top move and flip. It is a much easier swing to do too.
I played today and for some reason fell into a funk where I started hitting punches because of the shorter backswing. I figured it out, that I was doing that...just part of the process getting used to something new.
KCee The real problem is that when I find a swing key that works, it's lifespan is limited. It only works for so long.
Man, ain't that the truth. I honestly think I should play every round with a new swing thought,heck a new swing even. Why can you stumle on something that has you hitting the ball like someone with half your hdcp and then it's gone the next day.
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Epiphanies are fleeting and basically you have to embrace the search. When you find an epiphany that works enjoy it while it lasts. The reason they don't last is because you really can't know why something works. The old feel isn't real thing.
You think it's because of A, but it might be because A causes B to work (or maybe even C) and you don't have a feel for B because you assume A is the reason you're swinging well. When one link in the dominos fails you're in trouble. It' a vicious cycle.
If riding a bike were like golf you'd fall off the bike every few days or so. The problem with golf is the margin for error is so slight with disastrous results. You hit a ball with your club face just 3 degrees open (assuming your path is square) and the ball will fly off to the right 30-40 yards. 3 degrees is like 1 minute past 12:00 on a clock.
Couple that with getting your face and path aligned and the odds are against you. Then you hit it a little high or low on the face, toe / heel side and you're screwed. Then you have your angle of attack / swing bottom etc.. So many things have to go right just to hit a decent shot that the odds are not on your side.
So, enjoy the peaks and ride out the valleys because it's the same for everyone. And the search is never ending.
Typhoon I get that! About 5 years ago I woke up one day with something like "frozen shoulder". I couldn't raise my left arm more than half way without pain. Being an idiot though (according to my wife), I went and played golf. When the pain in my shoulder would hit, that was my trigger for the downswing. I couldn't really make a full follow through and had to keep my hands low. I have NEVER hit the ball so solid and straight with so little effort. The shoulder pain kept me from over swinging. As soon as the pain was gone, my great swing went with it.
11 days later
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Still at it and liking it. Only pitfall that creeps in is me swaying off the ball and then getting " punchy" through the ball. I'm trying a few things on our "swing guru" video software...meh. Apparently my head should be more behind the ball at address according to Swing Guru. Well according to Typhoon, not gonna happen...perfect position ain't always right. I did get my stance a bit more narrow and that works.
So, I played 9 today, hit all 9 greens. Pretty good for not really practicing anymore where it's the end of our season here in New England. Temps today in the 40's and overcast. This time of year everything is 2-3 clubs more on approaches which is really a good thing for me right now with the change...I'm not hitting SW all day, I'm hitting 7,8'and 9'irons. It's starting to feel natural, but it's still going to take the winter before it's not a conscious thought.
I can do onions with chili. But solo on a bare hotdog - no can do.
And not that I don't appreciate onions. Had a blooming onion last night at Outback (wife and I were celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary, God bless her for putting up with me all these years!) and it tasted great!
Usually not a fan of chain steakhouses, but the new one that opened up earlier this year is actually pretty good regarding food quality and service, and also convenient.
I think I'm gonna need to step up my game for our 30th, however. lol
Nobody jacks a thread like you guys
DC300 I agree, Outback is pretty good, especially for a chain.
I must have a sign on my forehead, but I have never had good service at an Outback. One time we were sat, it wasn't terribly busy, and after 35 minutes we still didn't even have silverware, let alone been talked to by a server. I haven't been back to one in at least 8 or 9 years...
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Well, I lost focus and let my swing get a little long again. Lost control of a drive as a result and the ball went OB. When I climbed the fence to go get the ball I realized I was in the Outback parking lot. Decided to stop and have a burger. Game was screwed anyways.