Any Golfers out there?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Xsives,

The reason for the question is this. Now that I'm into middle age, I looked into learning to golf. A few years ago I bought an inexpensive set of clubs, even had then lengthened to match my height of 6'6" tall. I don't have a tremendous amount of upper body strength, and one of the problems I have is an inconsistency in swinging and contacting with my longer clubs, the woods and driver. My club shafts are not extremely stiff, didn't want to sink many hundreds of $$ into something that I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy!

Do you guys recommend taking actual lessons from a local "Pro"? I've read some magazines, instruction booklets, and watched videos. I'm still working on getting my right hand to turn over properly, keep wanting to maintain a baseball swing followthru and so I tend to slice a bit, not to mention topping the ball often, tend to stand up instead of staying down, I hate to bend my legs/knees, I want to keep them essentially straight aside from the bend to turn to get into my swing and the followthru!

I've started running again(2.6 miles), to strengthen my legs and will start back into my weight lifting now that my neck is healed, all to try to help my upper body strength, to keep some consistency in my swing. I'm not trying to crush the ball, with my arm length, I can get pretty good club speed, but I want to stop at the top of my back swing before finishing the down swing, to stop the wobble in the club that seems to occur at that point.

Okay, any pointers from you "duffers"??
T.C.

[thumperjsa]

TC, I have been playing a couple a times a month for the past two years. I enjoy getting out with some friends for a few hours and we don't play for serious score. Mostly as something to get out and be away from the significant other, drink some beer and enjoy the scenery.
I am still shooting the upper 90's. I am thinking about lessons because I don't think I can improve the way I play without lessons. Some of the guys I play with shoot in mid 80s to lower 90s and I would like to get there myself.

It is a much more enjoyable game than I thought it would be when I first started. I don't take it to seriously though whch is probably why my score does not bother me.

Glad to see you are doing better though.

[rneal55555]

Started myself this year took a lesson with the guy at the local little driving range helped alot if. I was a little more serious about it I'd take some more, I just enjoy going out there with friends usually just for nine holes but it is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. You can try http://www.pinemeadowgolf.com/ for clubs never actually bought anything from them but who knows someday.

[btdtdan]

Fore...

Everything I know about golf I learned from my two sons. They display their wit and wisdom on the noted web site.
If you are easily offended or adverse to the use of profanity don't go there. If you enjoy a little raw humor by all means enjoy.
Dan


http://www.puttpisspuke.com/

[Dark Horse]

Hey T.C.,

I've played on and off for years. Never had lessons. Most serious golfer friends of mine won't play with me because I tell them upfront that I "Cheat".

I enjoy just getting out with some buds and socializing while we hit the little ball and chase it. Score doesn't ususally matter. But we will oooooo and AAAHHH when someone makes a better than average drive or putt.

Hope you enjoy it!

[CA.XSer]

I started playing 15 years ago, and played alot for 5 years, then changed jobs and couldn't play as much. I used books, etc to learn, set up a blanket and mat in the garage to hit balls. Got fairly good on my own. Two years ago my SWMBO wanted me to teach her, I said no, I will just make you mad. Last summer we each took a lesson from a pro at the local club. In 45 minutes he added 20 yards to my 7 iron. My SWMBO added 35 yards to her to her 7 iron. It depends on how much you want to spend, and how good you want to get.

[TopCatGr58]

A Good Father's day out!

Hey all,

First, want to say Happy Father's Day to all that it applies to, present company excluded....although I'm a StepGrandPa, the SWMBO's Son's kids!!

Secondly, I mentioned about how I got my swing analyzed "Again" while on my recent cruise, and got some more practice in. WEll, I went out today to the local course. I first hit a bucket of balls, did not do very well with my driver or fairway woods. But I said, what the hey, got a cart and did a round of 18! Much to my surprise, continuing to talk to myself reminding me about what I needed to do/change from what I had been doing wrong earlier, and I hit several good drives off the first few holes. My putting still sucks, but after the first hole, I shot just single bogeys the next three holes, and a PAR 4 for the 6th hole, Yippee!! There were several water hazards and narrow fairways in the later holes, lost a few balls! But found others, so I broke even on that! Still shot a fair "BOWLING" score of 111 for a par 71 course, but like you all have said, I had fun, and seem to be getting a bit better, so I'll definitely be going back for more, now I just have to find someone to play with!

Again, wishing all you Dad's had a great day!
T.C.

[GNEPIG]

.. i rode my motocross bike across a golf corse once where they hold the gho up in connecticut back in 92.. was riding in the gravel pit to the north east side of the place and thought it would be fun .. yep it was fun..

nice golf corse

[DeanR]

Hi TC
I've tried to play this game since high school, long time! Never took a lesson. I always wish I had, some where along the line, rather than just relying on teaching myself. But I shoot around bogey golf, usually get that good shot or two that brings you back the next time. and that's been good enough for me.
Went out last week with my son. He's 20 and 6'5'' and can hit the ball a ton, and like me is never quite sure what direction it might be headed. But this last time out he was more consistent (THE key word in this game) and we had fun making it a real competition between us for the first time.
It's a great game. Hit em straight!

[John]

Has any body tried 'Disc Golf'?

It's played wth frisbee type discs. I have been playing it for over 20 years. There are specialized discs just like there are specialized clubs. There are pro tours, and these guys are awesome!

[DeanR]

4 disc courses within a few miles of me and I have yet to try it! Thought about it a bunch of times tho. Fun???

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Dean,

Did your son have a set of clubs sized for his height? I had my el-cheapo set extended a few inches from standard. The extra driver I got from a shop I in NC I found on the NET was only about $35.00, but I just realized that that was almost 7 years ago, and I'm thinking I could get a newer one with a much larger impact face and head on it, which might also help me make contact a little more consistently. The 2 problems with my swing were not keeping my left arm/elbow straight during the down swing contact zone followthru, and also not locking my left knee and moving slightly to my left during the swing and being aggresive into the swing...both caused me to top the ball often!!!

If I continue to enjoy the game, and get a bit better, "BOGEY GOLF" would be a dream score range for me....that would be 30 shots less, then I might think about investing a bit more $$ into a more reputable set of clubs! I know people spend many hundreds of $$ just for 1 DRIVER...I'm not that foolhardy!
T.C.

[DeanR]

TC
He bought a basic set at Dick's this spring. Actually, somehow I've never even thought about longer clubs for him. Hmm.
I finally retired my old blade type irons last year for some cavity backs. Got a used set of Titleists real cheap and they feel real good - more forgiving. I was even still using actual wood woods until a couple years ago! Man these new drivers are HUGE.

[2fast]

I golfed for a few years at a time when my "usual" hobbies were not easily doable. I used to ride bikes all the time, the flying caught my interest (and children arrived) so for years I flew gliders as a club member of Red Wing Soaring. Then I got back into riding bikes after restoring my 78 XS11 and 73 Triumph Trident to running condition. I recently added an 86 Kaw Concours which has become my new long distance buddy. Believe it or not, I would rather ride than golf or fly, so for now, golf has faded into the past. Given three or four free hours, I would much rather go ride the bike. Given three or four free DAYS, I would rather ride a few thousand miles. Any way you slice it (pun intended), it is a good thing to have something that you get excited about doing!

[EHLawyer]

For all the motorcycle help you've given me, I'm glad to offer some golfing tips.........(restoration process progressing slowly, on the bike, but progressing)

I've played for 8 years and spent a lot of time devoted to the game with some good results..........the first thing you need to do is make solid contact with the ball consistently........as far as I'm concerned, you need to keep your head down, swing back and through with the same rhythm and follow through...........those 3 swing thoughts alone aren't too complicated and should have you striking the ball and not topping it.....

Once you've gotten to that point, and it doesn't necessarily come quickly or easily, you will need to address which way your ball goes once you hit it solidly.........most people tend to slice the ball.......At this point, I would strongly suggest a lesson to give you some drills to do to stop slicing the ball, which robs you of a great deal of distance..........In terms of reading magazines, watching videos, etc.........you have to resist the temptation to do every "swing fix" that's recommended........they won't all work for everyone............you are better off with one suggestion and working hard at it until you improve, which you will.

One thought on clubs: Your height alone doesn't necessarily mandate that your clubs be longer..........it's the distance from the end of your fingers to the ground that determines the correct club length............there are other club fitting factors that come into play as well...........hopefully, as you continue to improve, you'll treat yourself to a club fitting session to find clubs that fit your body and swing the best.......

Practice, practice, practice.........and enjoy yourself.............