What/How Did You Practice Today?

[MDGolfHacker]

My wife decided she wanted to play 9 yesterday so we found a local course that could fit us in. Played with two guys who were high handicappers but we didn't really care. The weather was fantastic, the game was meh, but I didn't care as I was out with my wife golfing... And then I went fishing 😁

 

MDGolfHacker

[mpatrickriley]

Spent time putting (really loving the basement putting green). Even though I have actual holes to putt into, I still regularly use my PuttOut. Focusing on hitting the perfect line and speed is great for practice.

 

Something I also enjoy: mixing training aids. Rolling "The Pill" into the perfect putt of the PuttOut is immensely satisfying.

 

 

Sent from my LG-G5 using the MyGolfSpy mobile app.

[Shankster]

I feel your pain. Looking at the weather on this day last year and tomorrow it was 63° and 56° respectively... we are at 28° right now. Nothing like the sweet smell of synthetic grass!

[PING Apologist #9]

EVERYTHING! Golfed like a moron all day...

[SeeMore Putts]

Spent time putting (really loving the basement putting green). Even though I have actual holes to putt into, I still regularly use my PuttOut. Focusing on hitting the perfect line and speed is great for practice.

 

Something I also enjoy: mixing training aids. Rolling "The Pill" into the perfect putt of the PuttOut is immensely satisfying.

 

20180414_173027.jpg

 

Sent from my LG-G5 using the MyGolfSpy mobile app.

I really love my PuttOut. I just keep it in the living room and use it while I'm waiting for my wife. I've used that thing for hours and I only had it for a few months.

 

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[mpatrickriley]

EVERYTHING! Golfed like a moron all day...

Is this a boast or a lamentation? :-)

 

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[josmi15]

i was working on my chipping from 30 yards out. Did 2 sets of 20, then went back 20 yards and repeated. It was fun to actually chip onto a green

 

 

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[Big money]

Hit some balls today in the warm indoor TrackMan facility center.According to my stats and video.My hands are always ahead at impact-my aoa-swing path-launch angles-smash factor are all very acceptable.Even had a complement from my pro.He told me my numbers and impact look is easily an 8 handicap or lower scores and look.Just not sure how I still hit some of the most miserable looking shots at times.The good ones are pretty solid.The bad are worse than beginner bad occasionally.Frustrating when the numbers and look are acceptable

[cksurfdude]

Had an unusually good .. and dare I say, "fun"?!?! .. range session. Hit 275 balls (one $20 card) over two+ hours; mostly wedges - a lot of wedges. Into a pretty stiff head-on breeze, too.

 

Took a lesson last week with a really nice guy whose resume includes being the regional Am champ (which is pretty big as we're in the NY Metro region) and a year on the Canadian pro tour. Probably the most productive lesson I've had to date, and, yes - I do plan on scheduling more with him.

 

We started with me telling him even though my swing and game have been improving and evolving, I still need to find "MY" swing. And also that I wanted to continue to sharpen up my short game. 

 

So we started off with 25, 50 and 75 yard wedge shots. He had me execute a few different types of shots at each target, with different wedges, and offered occasional encouragement and a small "bite size" piece of advice here and there ... ie. uncomplicated/non-technical ones that could be quickly and easily absorbed and worked on.

 

So the main thing I learned about my swing and was working on at the range was that I was not properly turning over / rotating the arms through the downswing and into the finish; that is, my left (lead) elbow was still pointing out/up after impact and not _down_. Not a chicken-wing, but still not properly rotated. Or-- the butt of the handle was not pointing down (along the target line) after impact. 

 

This was a total revelation to me, and that one point alone was well worth the price of the lesson!

 

And as it turns out that fault was a main reason for pulling a lot of shots left (as a righty). 

 

And now I'm awaiting delivery of a Tour Striker "Smart Ball" as recommended by the instructor.

 

A second major fault he worked on - and one that I am all too well aware of - is my tendency to hang back, on the back foot too long, and not push forward onto the front strongly enough.

 

The way he worked on this was so simple it qualifies as one of those "Ah HA!!!" slap-yourself-on-the-forehead moments -- he'd set up two alignment rods, one for the target line and one perpendicular. OK, simple enough, right? The perpendicular one is to help you align your body to the target line and setup the ball position, right?

 

Right, but........ Oh, it was sooo much more. He gave me another devastatingly simple instruction: "Make sure your right (trail) hip clears the orange line (ie. the perpendicular alignment rod) on your finish."

 

KA-BOOM, BAYBEE!!

(quote-unquote   )

 

Just that one simple instruction on what to do with that one simple visual aid suddenly made that whole so-hard-before-this movement so clear to me! Eureka!!

 

So I put down an orange rod on the practice range mat and worked on my arm rotation / arm extension and finishing over the line. Wow!

[Shankster]

Found a new use for my PT bands. I'm going to have immense rotational power come golf time.

[SeeMore Putts]

Had an unusually good .. and dare I say, "fun"?!?! .. range session. Hit 275 balls (one $20 card) over two+ hours; mostly wedges - a lot of wedges. Into a pretty stiff head-on breeze, too.

 

Took a lesson last week with a really nice guy whose resume includes being the regional Am champ (which is pretty big as we're in the NY Metro region) and a year on the Canadian pro tour. Probably the most productive lesson I've had to date, and, yes - I do plan on scheduling more with him.

 

We started with me telling him even though my swing and game have been improving and evolving, I still need to find "MY" swing. And also that I wanted to continue to sharpen up my short game.

 

So we started off with 25, 50 and 75 yard wedge shots. He had me execute a few different types of shots at each target, with different wedges, and offered occasional encouragement and a small "bite size" piece of advice here and there ... ie. uncomplicated/non-technical ones that could be quickly and easily absorbed and worked on.

 

So the main thing I learned about my swing and was working on at the range was that I was not properly turning over / rotating the arms through the downswing and into the finish; that is, my left (lead) elbow was still pointing out/up after impact and not _down_. Not a chicken-wing, but still not properly rotated. Or-- the butt of the handle was not pointing down (along the target line) after impact.

 

This was a total revelation to me, and that one point alone was well worth the price of the lesson!

 

And as it turns out that fault was a main reason for pulling a lot of shots left (as a righty).

 

And now I'm awaiting delivery of a Tour Striker "Smart Ball" as recommended by the instructor.

 

A second major fault he worked on - and one that I am all too well aware of - is my tendency to hang back, on the back foot too long, and not push forward onto the front strongly enough.

 

The way he worked on this was so simple it qualifies as one of those "Ah HA!!!" slap-yourself-on-the-forehead moments -- he'd set up two alignment rods, one for the target line and one perpendicular. OK, simple enough, right? The perpendicular one is to help you align your body to the target line and setup the ball position, right?

 

Right, but........ Oh, it was sooo much more. He gave me another devastatingly simple instruction: "Make sure your right (trail) hip clears the orange line (ie. the perpendicular alignment rod) on your finish."

 

KA-BOOM, BAYBEE!!

(quote-unquote )

 

Just that one simple instruction on what to do with that one simple visual aid suddenly made that whole so-hard-before-this movement so clear to me! Eureka!!

 

So I put down an orange rod on the practice range mat and worked on my arm rotation / arm extension and finishing over the line. Wow!

That's great! It's so rewarding when you find a pro that understands how to communicate in a way that you understand instantly.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[cksurfdude]

That's great! It's so rewarding when you find a pro that understands how to communicate in a way that you understand instantly.

 

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Yeah, thx! Really feel like I've taken a pretty large step forward

[Big money]

Shoulder felt great today.So I went out and took some full speed swings.Was a real pleasure hitting a ball with no pain.And even more a pleasure hitting a ball not worrying about hitting a fat pull hook.All the info my teacher has taught me really showed today.So happy I took the plunge with a pro that taught me a swing made for me.One that I can handle and reproduce without hitting a million golf balls.Every ball I hit had a slight divot after the stroke.Cant wait to get the shoulder healed up and play some golf.

[MDGolfHacker]

Had an unusually good .. and dare I say, "fun"?!?! .. range session. Hit 275 balls (one $20 card) over two+ hours; mostly wedges - a lot of wedges. Into a pretty stiff head-on breeze, too.

 

Took a lesson last week with a really nice guy whose resume includes being the regional Am champ (which is pretty big as we're in the NY Metro region) and a year on the Canadian pro tour. Probably the most productive lesson I've had to date, and, yes - I do plan on scheduling more with him.

 

We started with me telling him even though my swing and game have been improving and evolving, I still need to find "MY" swing. And also that I wanted to continue to sharpen up my short game.

 

So we started off with 25, 50 and 75 yard wedge shots. He had me execute a few different types of shots at each target, with different wedges, and offered occasional encouragement and a small "bite size" piece of advice here and there ... ie. uncomplicated/non-technical ones that could be quickly and easily absorbed and worked on.

 

So the main thing I learned about my swing and was working on at the range was that I was not properly turning over / rotating the arms through the downswing and into the finish; that is, my left (lead) elbow was still pointing out/up after impact and not _down_. Not a chicken-wing, but still not properly rotated. Or-- the butt of the handle was not pointing down (along the target line) after impact.

 

This was a total revelation to me, and that one point alone was well worth the price of the lesson!

 

And as it turns out that fault was a main reason for pulling a lot of shots left (as a righty).

 

And now I'm awaiting delivery of a Tour Striker "Smart Ball" as recommended by the instructor.

 

A second major fault he worked on - and one that I am all too well aware of - is my tendency to hang back, on the back foot too long, and not push forward onto the front strongly enough.

 

The way he worked on this was so simple it qualifies as one of those "Ah HA!!!" slap-yourself-on-the-forehead moments -- he'd set up two alignment rods, one for the target line and one perpendicular. OK, simple enough, right? The perpendicular one is to help you align your body to the target line and setup the ball position, right?

 

Right, but........ Oh, it was sooo much more. He gave me another devastatingly simple instruction: "Make sure your right (trail) hip clears the orange line (ie. the perpendicular alignment rod) on your finish."

 

KA-BOOM, BAYBEE!!

(quote-unquote )

 

Just that one simple instruction on what to do with that one simple visual aid suddenly made that whole so-hard-before-this movement so clear to me! Eureka!!

 

So I put down an orange rod on the practice range mat and worked on my arm rotation / arm extension and finishing over the line. Wow!

Glad you found an instructor that you clicked with and is working with your swing well!

 

MDGolfHacker

[cksurfdude]

Glad you found an instructor that you clicked with and is working with your swing well!

 

MDGolfHacker

 

Thx!!! Mentioned above that I feel like I've taken a pretty big step forward. Gonna see him again soon and hopefully he can work some more magic and we can continue on this good path!

[deejaid]

Really been working on my lag to generate more power and I'm definitely seeing some improvement in not just length but the trajectory as well.

 

I ordered Bobby Clampett's book “The Impact Zone” which hasn't arrived yet but looking forward to it.

[revkev]

Chipping for half an hour after work. Now resting up for the play!

 

 

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[cksurfdude]

Spent an hour yesterday, on an indoor sim, with just two wedges going at 25, 50 and 75 yard targets. The good thing about practicing indoors it seems, is that you can focus more on the "process" .. or technique .. as I was trying to reinforce the good stuff from my last lesson.

 

75 still has a lotta dispersion, 50 is generally ok for me, but 25 ... I was only using my 58° (most lofted wedge) for this ... for some reason when I get that club in my hands with a close-in target I get a little tense, and a little quick, and little too handsy, and a little too scoopy.... Anyone else ever have that problem? Anyone...?

[Shankster]

Well yesterday I practiced 100-15 yard shots with my old beat up 56° wedge from a somewhat mushy dirt road. Feel is there, distance is there. Hitting them in the bottom 2 grooves dead center, I figure with grass (whenever that is) I'll be 2-4th groove and more spin than I know what to do with.

 

Just have to wait till May... at least.

[Shankster]

Spent an hour yesterday, on an indoor sim, with just two wedges going at 25, 50 and 75 yard targets. The good thing about practicing indoors it seems, is that you can focus more on the "process" .. or technique .. as I was trying to reinforce the good stuff from my last lesson.

 

75 still has a lotta dispersion, 50 is generally ok for me, but 25 ... I was only using my 58° (most lofted wedge) for this ... for some reason when I get that club in my hands with a close-in target I get a little tense, and a little quick, and little too handsy, and a little too scoopy.... Anyone else ever have that problem? Anyone...?

For me, the shorter the shot the heavier the clubhead feels. You might be feeling like you have to manipulate the club more, therefore your timing gets a smidge off. If you are comfortable opening the face a little, you could try a slightly open stance and face, take a tiny bit bigger swing and see how that works. If you aren't then disregard.

[revkev]

I mentioned in the Tempo thread that I struggled with my swing today a bit.

 

I still put in some solid practice. I've gained a half club in distance beyond a doubt. My misses were consistent and predictable. (Get stuck inside). Many of said misses were playable.

 

My short game work, wedges, chipping and putter were very good. I adjusted to the Bayou green speed (much faster than the muni practice green by work) in one chip and a few putts. It was the same going the other way yesterday also.

 

That's a beautiful g accomplishment

 

 

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[tommc23]

I practiced flop shots today and chip shots in my yard since I had issues last week when I golfed. Was hitting flop shots from 2 feet or so from my 4 foot fence. Only didn't clear it two times. Opened the blade wide up and did what I watched in the Phil the thrill videos I've been watching. For how wide I had the blade open I feel happy about where I was contacting the ball as pictured.

 

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[tony@CIC]

I practiced flop shots today and chip shots in my yard since I had issues last week when I golfed. Was hitting flop shots from 2 feet or so from my 4 foot fence. Only didn't clear it two times. Opened the blade wide up and did what I watched in the Phil the thrill videos I've been watching. For how wide I had the blade open I feel happy about where I was contacting the ball as pictured. 20180421_201802.jpg

 

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Have you seen "Phil Mickelson's top 10 great escapes" video It includes one from a cart path and 2 from the grandstand/hospitality area - including one over the tent.

 

 

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[BenjaminButtonz]

Putt in my living room while avoiding my only hazard... a curious cat with quick paws.

 

 

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[Shankster]

About 700 56° wedge shots varying distance and height. Left to right and right to left will be the biggest thing to focus on. I can't fade the ball... not good. I play for that little cut. Good news is, I have the 65 yard super flop, cleared about a 75' pine tree. I could give Phil a run for his money with these... ok maybe not yet, but soon.

[cnosil]

About 700 56° wedge shots varying distance and height. Left to right and right to left will be the biggest thing to focus on. I can't fade the ball... not good. I play for that little cut. Good news is, I have the 65 yard super flop, cleared about a 75' pine tree. I could give Phil a run for his money with these... ok maybe not yet, but soon.

 

Hard to shape a wedge; I generally don't even try.

 

 

I didn't hit 700 balls,  but I did hit about 150 chips and pitches after my round today.  Started making some solid contact.

[Shankster]

Hard to shape a wedge; I generally don't even try.

 

 

I didn't hit 700 balls, but I did hit about 150 chips and pitches after my round today. Started making some solid contact.

I usually can get a 3-5 yard draw and as big of fade/slice as I can imagine. Learned this from being in the dang trees a lot!

[NM01]

Hit a large bucket of balls. Worked on staying connected in the swing and good weight transfer to start the transition

[HardcoreLooper]

Arccos tells me the worst part of my game is approach shots, so I listened to it.

 

 

Played four balls on a little six hole par 3 course today.

[russtopherb]

The grass section of my local range is now open, even with a sore back I wanted to try and get some time in. Once I loosened up it wasn't so bad. I just hit a small bucket but it felt good to hit off of grass.