GrumpyGolf

I don't want to be good at golf. I want to be able to look at each round I play and say, "Today good enough." I have been lucky to make some really good shots (no hole in one, yet), playing with some really good people, playing some beautiful courses, having some really good belly laughs on the course, and being able to go home to a really understanding wife at the end of the day. If I get to the point where the goodness of the game is outweighed by the fact that the score isn't good enough, then I think I will have lost my desire to play and I would be able to walk away.

I remember watching a special on flop shots way back in the day when I was but a kid, it was on Wide World of Sports or something and thinking that was cool. Then fast forward a few years and I pick up the game and then see Phil hit some of the most insane flop shots on the tour. I thought this is something I needed to add to my game. I worked on it and worked on it and would say that I am better than average with it, but no where near a pro's ability. It has worked a more times than not when I have tried it to the point that I feel confident in using it on a tight pin position over an obstacle that a bump and run or chip shot can't be used. That being said, I may pull it out once in a round as now I tend to be better about not getting into situations where I need it. As for the video, getting it up over a 10' wall that is 4' from your ball is not what a good flop shot makes, but it sure looks way cool. Getting the ball tight to the pin while if falls from the sky is what I practiced. btw - better than average means that from about 25 yds. in, I can pop it a stop it within about a 12' circle (depending on the contour of the green around the hole), so I may still have about a 6' putt.

I didn't mention that in my original post, but each time I hit the green, he would hand me my putter and tell me, "Keep that shot in mind as you walk to the green like a pro." Jeez, you cold have seen my smile from Eugene each time.

or the equally loud but totally opposite - GET UP THERE! GET UP THERE!

Personally, I find that when I listen to 90's music, I shoot in the 90s and if I listen to 80's music I shoot in the 80's. I tried listening to 70's music hoping to shoot in the 70's but just found that I hit my driver and fairway woods like they were made of persimmon and my irons like they were tiny blades that over emphasized any mishit. *apologies if this falls flat but just wanted to get back to playlists versus playing music on the course. remember we never HAVE to play golf, we GET to play golf. just enjoy the experience no matter what.

An old pro once told me, "Golf is a game of routines that strings together 72 shots over 18 holes that creates a routine that allows you spend time out doors with old friends or new ones. But without a pregame warmup routine of stretching, pitching, and putting your routine round will quickly become anything but." That was my only advice from him and since then I try to arrive 30 before my tee time, take care of the business side of the round and begin stretching, then either hit the pitching green or just take some practice swings with my wedge, then hit the putting green and stay there until called for 1st tee.

Can I get a Broke 90 badge? I have broken 80 before, but since it was only twice and on the same course that is actually a par 68 short course, I don't count them.

This is a Mother's Day weekend she will never forget ... Gregory Odom's First PGA Tour Event

Going to go with the following: Shirt/Shorts/Pants - Tattoo Golf Shoes - Nike (though if they were given, I may have to work with Travis Matthews WIldcard or Ringer) Hat - Love my Ping visor that I have had longer than I have been married Socks - Pair of Thieves Glove - Callaway Spann Sunglasses - Shady Rays (lifetime warranty is worth it replaced two pair already for only shipping no questions asked)

So, quite a few years ago I played a round at Bandon and was hesitant and apprehensive about having a caddy walk the course with us. Had a guy named Kurt (or something similar, as I am very bad with names to the point I couldn't tell the names of a threesome I joined a couple of weeks ago). Anyway, having a caddie was worth every penny I paid that day. His knowledge of the course, his ability to tell a story with each hole, and the way he was able to judge the character of each member of our foursome was spot on. And that he carried two bags without once saying a word about how much extra junk my playing partner had in his bloated, oversized "professional issue" bag. He was able to help me break 90 on the Trails course playing from the Gold tees (instead of the Black), which we played after he and the other caddie talked to us before the round. They wanted to find out how we played normally, what we wanted to accomplish in that round, and how we wanted to remember the round. They suggested that we try the gold tees instead of trying to get the full experience from the black tees as we thought we would do. I noticed as we played that some hazards the black tees would have put into play were gone, but the challenge of the course was still high. I can't afford to get a caddie every round or even play at a course that offers them, but I would do it again in a heartbeat and really recommend that if you get a chance, try it at least once.

In my former golf life I had the 6 way stand bag with a modified double shoulder strap and other than head covers on my driver and woods I wasn't particularly worried about the banging and clanging as I walked the course (I also barely wiped down my clubs and thought the nicks and stains showed my dedication to the game not my lack of attention). Now that I have started back up, 14 slots with a cart bag and push cart with covers for each club (including irons) and a spot for each club so that I know where to reach for the club I need. I actually find it nice to not have to search for a club in the bag even for a few seconds and it keeps my focus on the shot instead of getting that mild state of frustration when I can't find a club because I put it carelessly in an arbitrary slot.

... unsolicited advice on the range from the local teaching pro trying to drum up business? Case in point, I was on the range working through my normal routine, 7 to 10 shots with each iron starting with my PW and working up through my 4 hybrid before moving on to the big guns. If I am hitting well with a club 7 shots then move on, 10 shots for clubs not hitting well but no more than that. It is my routine and it works for me. First time at this particular range and was stretching and taking a couple of warm up swings when the range "pro" who was trying to drum up business came over and asked if I knew the distances to the markers, told him it was my first time there and I didn't. He then gave me the yardage and even pointed out that with the head wind there were playing about 10 to 15 yards longer. I said thanks and she said if I needed anything just let him know. Cool, thanks. As I started back to warming up he then cam back and gave me his card and offered a discount for lessons if I wanted. Thanks again, I will consider. Now, I continued to get ready and he walked off. I started hitting and was doing pretty well by my standards and sure enough the wind was costing about 10 yards from normal shot. After 8 shots with my PW, I wiped down my club and put it away and got my 9 iron out for my next set. Then I heard, "Your tempo is really good." Thanks, yet again. "BUT.... I noticed that you are not lifting your right foot enough on your follow though. If you lift it further like the pros do, you would be able to gain more consistency and few more yards on your shots. WE could work on that if you want." NOW THAT WAS IN MY HEAD. My 9 iron shots were not very good as I kept trying to lift my right foot. Meanwhile, he then proceeded to stand about 15 yards away from me swishing an alignment rod back and forth talking about tempo to the woman two spots up from me trying to sell her lessons. I had to stop on the range and move over to the putting and chi[ping area to regroup before I finished on the range. Unsolicited advice from strangers is the worse. Trying to sell me a lesson is one thing but giving me a freebie that I did not ask for is not what I want.

I have two at this point. Would probably have more but wife told me when we got married that if I wanted more the next one would have to be her name. Twenty two years later, we are still married but, I haven't gotten another one. Our running joke at this point is that we are waiting to see how it works before I get tatted up again.

As a beginner, I once bought a dozen new balls for $29 dollars thinking it was a good investment and since the balls were good and promised me I would "play your best rounds ever" that I would never have to buy balls again. First time out with them, played course I never played before and was considered challenging by even the locals. I lost the full dozen by the 14th hole (I had found a few balls during the round and that was how I continued to play that day). Now losing one to a water hazard is about as bad as it gets as I will play smarter rather than trying to bomb it out there with each shot.

Drink plenty of water or hydrating drinks (low sugar). Avoid carbs in the morning (except maybe some fruit) and stick with proteins. Energy bars are better for the afternoon as you will need them and they will help avoid the carb crash. Rest the night before and eat a good meal for dinner and try to avoid alcohol and big desserts. Between the rounds make sure to stretch and keep limber, avoid sitting or resting for extended period of time as you will start to build up lactic acid and stiffen up.

Back when I played in my 20's with a group of like minded individuals, we were more in the mode of laughing and talking while we were hitting, waiting to hit, or walking to the next shot. Being quite was not in our repertoire, but for us that was the norm. We would be quite if we waiting to tee up with others still teeing off, but once they were done and moving on we were back to being ourselves and enjoying what we were doing. I miss those days now as the new groups I play with talk between the tee and green but are quiet otherwise. I hate the quiet more than I would have ever figured. As an add on, we were once reprimanded by a group in front of us because we were disturbing their rounds as they could hear us when they were teeing off or generally moving. We made sure we had to yell fore on a couple of holes on the back nine but were quieter otherwise. And no, we didn't actually hit into them, we just yelled fore.

So I, um, I mean my friend, recently got a full set of clubs that included 4 and 5 hybrids instead of irons. He is picking up the game again after a 20 year layoff. He was told the hybrids would be easier to hit and would be more forgiving than the irons which in turn would make the game more enjoyable. He has used the hybrid clubs during a couple of rounds and has practiced with them at the range. While there have been occasional moments of happiness after a shot, he would rather have irons instead of hybrids at this point as the consistency with the hybrid clubs just isn't there like it is with the irons in the set. Not looking for tips for hitting them better, rather looking for honest opinions about if they have helped or hurt your game. And if the hybrids have helped did it some time to get used to them.

The Ping g425 Max is a complete savior of me getting back into the game after a 20 year family layoff. MY wife bought me a complete Cobra FLY XL set for my birthday so that she can get me out of the house and out of her hair. The driver that came with the set felt like trying to swing a al dente noodle with a Christmas ornament attached to it (now to be fair I have read and watched plenty of other reviews that say the driver is good for beginning golfers and helps with their confidence). For my swing and my game it caused me a lot of grief. After a trip to Dick's and trying out the Ping, Cobra LTDx, TM Stealth, and Rouge ST Max - man they have really changed after my last driver, the TM Burner Bubble - it came down to aesthetics, consistency, and feedback. I like the look of the Ping at address, it doesn't intimidate or cause other thoughts about the look as I stand over it - the flat black head with the "wings" pointing to where to center the ball was. The consistency of my shots was good as they miss hits didn't venture too far off center and in most cases I would probably be happy with the results. The feedback on toe hits (a little pingy - pardon the pun) and heal hits (kind of clunky) let me know how I missed but didn't lose too much of the line. I will say that the distance of the TM Stealth was tempting (about 15 yards longer on the good shots) but the amount of off center hits was higher and traveled farther off line. ANd honestly nothing against the Cobra or the Callaway, but for the money I just spent I think I will have a club that stays in my bag for more seasons without wondering what if in regards to the others I tried or have me chasing a new one next year.

Driver: Ping G25 Max 10.5* Putter: TaylorMade SPIDER TOUR Mallet All Else: Cobra FLY-XL