SmoothG does that name indicate your tempo? At a 14 you and with a smooth swing you can't be missing that many
fairways. Even if you do, that would eliminate problem # 2 lost balls. When you look for yours you will find many extras.
In my years of playing I have found 10 5 gallon bucket full, that's 330 balls per bucket. To clean them just wrap your
cement mixer blades with synthetic grass. If you play with a group that may not be an option, but if you walk now and then
you'll find plenty. As far as practice goes, you're spot on with the short game, however the long game can be practiced at
home. In my case I just hung a recycled commerical fishing net ($50.) between to trees and problem solved, also it's great
exercise at a moment's notice. I have confidence that you will figure out your face angle in no time. For me the driver is
to much fun not to have in my bag. Now tell mama you have business in Paris tn., and I'll buy you a round or 2, and we have
an extra room. However it won't be free, as I'll be sure the lawn needs mowing!! Friend Bob
ps. What I have found helpful, is I'll pick out an alignment aid about a foot or so in front of my ball and
take my setup from that. From there I forget about what's "out there" and put a SmoothG movie star swing on it and let the
producers edit in the results. Hope this helps (or at least makes sense).