What/How Did You Practice Today?

[cjeffs12]

I was going through my videos of yesterday's range session, and I was really on my toes. My pro came out and helped me with my move off the ball, and was noticing me holding onto the face instead of releasing the clubhead. I know no one said swing changes, and breaking habits were easy, but I was really close to just throwing in the towel. Today I am going to work on half swings and try to feel a punch shot to add some compression to my irons. Baby steps 

[Syks7]

Had a really busy week and had to put off going to the range until Late afternoon Friday.  I felt pretty inspired  after watching the Ryder cup all day while I worked.  Unfortunately, today was one of those days where I was just off.  My plan was to hit the first half of a large bucket focusing on distance and accuracy then use the second half to work on the my pitch and chip swing.  I'm retooling my pitch and chip method using Stan Utley's book (It's more handsy than I'm used to) but I can see the advantage already.

Right from the get go everything felt off.  After about 10 shots trying to find my swing I realized I needed to reset and I switched to some nice easy pitches.  That went okay but I was still off so I tried another reset by pretending to play some golf holes.  That too was a grind but it got me into a slightly better rhythm and I 'played' 9 holes that way.    I finished out the bucket chipping and pitching which was also still a grind.

Moving on to the chipping green.  I'm going to need more practice with this but I think the swing that I'm learning from Stan utley's book and watching some youtube videos of him is going to be very good for me in the long run.  I'm still working, through some flubs and skulls, but the stuff that does get to the green ends up pretty tight.  Looking forward to seeing how it works in play.

Overall it wasn't a particularly good session but I'm proud of myself for not trying to fix my swing when I was just having an off day.  It felt just like a grindy round where your swing is a little off and you just have to grind out a result.  

[JerryB]

Spent about an hour in the backyard working on some short chipping.  Took a handful of balls and chipped them towards a tree stump trying to get them as close as possible.  Going back the other way, there is a line extending from the house where some cable was buried a few months back with about twenty feet or so past that to the fence.  I tried to chip to that line and get it to stop before the fence.  

My chipping game is terrible.  I was mostly trying to get more of a feel for how I was setting up and swinging the club.  I pull a lot of my chips to the left (when I don't flub them completely) and I think I'm a little more cognizant as to why.  Baby steps.

[Haro]

Trying to figure out a reliable system for the 60-90 yard distance   Practicing my follow thru position to the L position to 9 o’clock seem to give me approximately 60-75 yards with two different wedges.  Longer follow through to 10-11 o’clock gets me to 90 yards 

[2puttbogey]

Driver. It’s been the biggest weakness for a while now and it’s time to get to where I can trust it.

[RollingGreens]

I was at the range for an hour practice session. Started by working my swing back into form since I haven’t been playing much after the birth of my son, target practice to all the locations, then I worked some 40-50 yard feel type wedge shots, I like to finish with a simulated round. I know the course pretty well so I simulate one of the 9 holes. It’s a nice way to get some practice in and wind down the session without feeling like you didn’t hit all your shots. Hardest part is getting the feel for my tempo back. I really have a slow tempo and not hitting consistently has made me want to jump at the ball and ramp up to get speed and distance 

[Syks7]

I'm in full try hard mode so bear with me.  I'm finding that writing down what I practiced has been very helpful.  

Finished reading through the Stan Utley "Art of the short game" and went out for an hour this morning to work exclusively on pitching, chipping, and sand shots.  Not that I'm surprised that a PGA pro and former PGA winner would have good advice, but man did it feel instantaneously game changing.  I spent about 10-15 minutes hitting some chips the way that I normally do just to get a baseline for the difference.   Then I spent about 15 minutes running through all the prep drills he has in the book about balance, stance, club release, and grip. 

After that I started taking shots....  No joke, it was instantaneously better -- night and day difference.  Obviously there were some struggles. It's very different than what I was doing.  That said, even while adjusting to a completely different way of doing things, it was just flat out better.  Easier to repeat right off the bat, more consistent distance wise, and much easier to control.  I spent about 30 more minutes working on chips and pitches from various positions and lies between 5-15 yards off the chipping green then I hopped into the bunker to practice some sand shots. 

The bunker method he teaches is also is game changing.  The narrow,  handsy swing he teaches feels very controlled and I find myself being able to swing at a comfortable speed.  I'm not exactly throwing darts yet, but they're all coming out onto the green and landing softly.  Plus and I'm finally getting that satisfying thwop sound.

I know its not a silver bullet, but I feel very optimistic about my short game for the first time in a while and I might actually be able to build it to a comfortable enough point that I'll trust it.  

Edited September 28, 2021 by Syks7

[cnosil]

10 hours ago, Syks7 said:

I'm in full try hard mode so bear with me.  I'm finding that writing down what I practiced has been very helpful.  

Finished reading through the Stan Utley "Art of the short game" and went out for an hour this morning to work exclusively on pitching, chipping, and sand shots.  Not that I'm surprised that a PGA pro and former PGA winner would have good advice, but man did it feel instantaneously game changing.  I spent about 10-15 minutes hitting some chips the way that I normally do just to get a baseline for the difference.   Then I spent about 15 minutes running through all the prep drills he has in the book about balance, stance, club release, and grip. 

After that I started taking shots....  No joke, it was instantaneously better -- night and day difference.  Obviously there were some struggles. It's very different than what I was doing.  That said, even while adjusting to a completely different way of doing things, it was just flat out better.  Easier to repeat right off the bat, more consistent distance wise, and much easier to control.  I spent about 30 more minutes working on chips and pitches from various positions and lies between 5-15 yards off the chipping green then I hopped into the bunker to practice some sand shots. 

The bunker method he teaches is also is game changing.  The narrow,  handsy swing he teaches feels very controlled and I find myself being able to swing at a comfortable speed.  I'm not exactly throwing darts yet, but they're all coming out onto the green and landing softly.  Plus and I'm finally getting that satisfying thwop sound.

I know its not a silver bullet, but I feel very optimistic about my short game for the first time in a while and I might actually be able to build it to a comfortable enough point that I'll trust it.  

Making me want to go back and read my art of the short game book. Sounds like it is working fo you.  

[mikeanthony]

On 9/27/2021 at 8:35 AM, RollingGreens said:

Hardest part is getting the feel for my tempo back. I really have a slow tempo and not hitting consistently has made me want to jump at the ball and ramp up to get speed and distance

+1 on that. I'm very much a tempo player as well ... and like you, I tend to rush my downswing, and in consequence of that, lift my left shoulder and turn my head toward the target just prior to contact with the ball. 

A golf buddy suggested to me of having the ever so slightest pause at the top of my backswing, like Spieth somewhat does, and then initiate my downswing ... and it really does help and work for me. I'll mentally have to focus on that for about 5 to 10 swings, but then it becomes an ingrained tempo for the rest of the range session or round. 

[Syks7]

9 hours ago, cnosil said:

Making me want to go back and read my art of the short game book. Sounds like it is working for you.  

I think what's making it work so well is that I literally didn't know some of the foundational stuff he's describing.  I'm fully self taught at this point, and while that's been good for me having developed a reasonable natural swing for myself, it would have been a considerably less painful journey if I'd understand a couple fundamentals earlier.  There's one drill that he uses to explain what the club release motion feels like where you hold the club palm down with your trail hand and your elbow at your side then you rotate it clockwise to palm up and let the weight of the club release like you're trying to hammer a nail with the heel of the club.  I did that drill for the first time and thought, 'wow', that's exactly what it feels like when my swing feels right.  It's just one subtle little part of the swing that I could feel when things were going right, but had no idea how to recreate when things felt wrong.  I think that little drill is going to help me with all of my clubs.

[mikeanthony]

Really focused on the driver towards the end of my range sess today. What was once a great asset in the bag with consistent distance and control (had a nice run of rounds in the 80s last fall), has been by far my biggest weakness for quite some time. 

Paid particular attention to a low and slow take away, a stronger grip, a wider swing, feeling like my left arm was constantly tucked into my left armpit throughout the swing, and with a smoother tempo on the downswing … man, what a difference. 

While I wasn’t getting the distance I usually get, but the baby fade ball flight was there and it was in the fairway! I’ll take it!  

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

Went back to some planemate work, this time with the red band as the green band I can't feel much resistance. I only am using the PM for feels and resistance while utilizing NTC principles, ala @Kenny B. Feels really good and I ache as I am working muscles I haven't in a long time. my left hand actually has been trembling as i type this. For offseason work, I hope this helps me with my swing building. @goaliewales14 is also an inspiration to me on my quest. Hopefully i can get to the range soon and see how my progress is going. I haven't played since labor day and have only gone to the range one time since.

[edingc]

Haven't played into almost two weeks, and life has kind of got in the way so haven't had much to add around the forums.

Weather has been very nice this week so I've at least been able to continue range work at lunch. This week has been kind of a struggle as I'm starting to overdo the changes from my last lesson. In an effort to get "more left" on the downswing I had started to let my shoulders open too much at address. I also had started to get to steep on the backswing by picking the club up and getting disconnected from my turn. That combo led to the dreaded shanks/early extension a few sessions ago and pretty much ruined my confidence for a few days.

Had a much better session today focusing on the feeling of my right arm staying extended in the backswing for as long as possible. Led to a much better and fuller turn. Combined with making sure my shoulders were square at address, I hit a bunch of better balls today. I've been focusing on hitting the 5 iron lately as it's the longest off the deck iron I carry and had great results.

Finished off my session toying with dropping my right foot back a bit for chips and pitches. Seemed to really help me with my consistency. Might have to play around with that more here heading into the off season. 

[Haro]

On the range trying to figure out ball position .

In the past it was directly in line with left shoulder , developed a nasty left shoulder injury  and had to play ball with  respect to the middle of the stance. And surprising worked out better for my irons 

Now feeling shoulder is healed . I still like the ball positioned  for  my woods  directly at left upper shoulder at the angle between my neck and left shoulder I feel I can generate faster swing speed and it fits  the swing plane in Hogan's teachings in my minds eye

 

[goaliewales14]

8 hours ago, rbsiedsc said:

Went back to some planemate work, this time with the red band as the green band I can't feel much resistance. I only am using the PM for feels and resistance while utilizing NTC principles, ala @Kenny B. Feels really good and I ache as I am working muscles I haven't in a long time. my left hand actually has been trembling as i type this. For offseason work, I hope this helps me with my swing building. @goaliewales14 is also an inspiration to me on my quest. Hopefully i can get to the range soon and see how my progress is going. I haven't played since labor day and have only gone to the range one time since.

I appreciate that!!!  I'm glad my progress has made an impact!  You definitely got this!  Just take it a bit at a time.  Make sure your parallel are good first and just keep building! 

[Nolan220]

Hit the range was trying a new grip position worked pretty good just need to get used to it .. also was just trying to get the ball within 5 yards of the target .. had some good ones but still playing a big fade 

[cksurfdude]

Rolling some putts indoors with my newest toy = Edel 4.0. The round grip is interesting .. gonna take a little getting used to .. but I think it's going to help me start the ball online better (FYI David Edel says for some people a grip with a flat section on top .. like I've been using for a long time .. may influence their hands to turn left at impact .. which tend to be a lot of my misses...).

Also been practicing the Slow Motion Drill (Harvey Penick) and that is definitely helping me understand more things about better body movements and sequencing in my swing!

[JerryB]

Hit a bucket at the range today.  I played terribly last Sunday and I've got a work scramble tomorrow that I've been talking too much trash about, lol.  I have a tendency to not always settle in very well on some shots.  I'm not sure what exactly to do yet, but I need to develop a pre-shot routine to settle myself better.

After the bucket the son and I went to the putting green for a bit.  We played a couple rounds of Horse which was a little more fun than we expected and is something we need to incorporate far more often.

[Haro]

Watched old Ben Crenshaw instruction video about how “swing “ the putter   Tried it with and older odessay 9 putter and worked out okay   Very different than my rocking shoulders method   But very comfortable from any long distance.   Feels like I’m just swinging my arms with minimal body sway

Tried different putters and grips and tried to figure out if there any fundamentals. For the short distance putts lifting the putter/hover seems to work no matter what putter.  Other than that anything goes

[chisag]

6 minutes ago, JerryB said:

After the bucket the son and I went to the putting green for a bit.  We played a couple rounds of Horse which was a little more fun than we expected and is something we need to incorporate far more often.

 

... You can do the same for short game practice with chips and pitches. Much more fun and engaging than just practicing those shots on your own. 

[chisag]

2 minutes ago, Haro said:

Watched old Ben Crenshaw instruction video about how “swing “ the putter   Tried it with and older odessay 9 putter and worked out okay   Very different than my rocking shoulders method   But very comfortable from any long distance.   Feels like I’m just swinging my arms with minimal body sway

 

... I used Ben as a model when I first started playing. If you are a feel player, there really isn't a better stroke. It can be a little problematic on putts from 2-3 feet as it is easy to decelerate on fast greens or downhill putts. Over time I developed a shorter backswing with a more aggressive forward stroke for those short putts. But again if you putt by feel, mid and long range putts will rarely result in a 3 putt. 

[JerryB]

4 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... You can do the same for short game practice with chips and pitches. Much more fun and engaging than just practicing those shots on your own. 

 

Its only fun when I can beat him!  I'm the better putter, but hes a far better chipper. 

I'd like to practice more in my backyard, but the ground is very uneven, with several tree roots and stuff.  Is trying to chip into buckets still useful?

[Haro]

2 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... I used Ben as a model when I first started playing. If you are a feel player, there really isn't a better stroke. It can be a little problematic on putts from 2-3 feet as it is easy to decelerate on fast greens or downhill putts. Over time I developed a shorter backswing with a more aggressive forward stroke for those short putts. But again if you putt by feel, mid and long range putts will rarely result in a 3 putt. 

I was trying split grip, crack hand, claw and had several putters with broomstick and locked arm height and tried to feel comfortable with one method/putter.  After two hours went to conventional length with a blade type putter and was immediately felt very comfortable just “swinging” the putter with my arms rather than rocking the shoulders

Not sure why this type of putting lost popularity 

[chisag]

1 minute ago, JerryB said:

I'd like to practice more in my backyard, but the ground is very uneven, with several tree roots and stuff.  Is trying to chip into buckets still useful?

 

... If you are working on technique, any practice is useful. But to understand how your ball reacts on the green with downhill, uphill, level, fast, slow as well as how much it checks or releases, practicing on a green is much more beneficial. Even if your son beats you, which is a great incentive to get better! 

[chisag]

4 minutes ago, Haro said:

Not sure why this type of putting lost popularity 

 

... Preaching to the choir. It is by far the most reliable and easiest stroke to repeat. The Straight Back Straight Through method certainly helped move away from the pendulum motion and for those that struggle with putting, are more technical in their approach or have some form of the yips, rocking the shoulders is a good method. Otoh a true pendulum swinging gate stroke is just so very repeatable and I have never seen anyone that simply swings the putter have poor distance control. You do need plenty of toe hang and someone swinging the club with a face balanced putter is gonna have a difficult time without something heel shafted or at least closer to the heel. Anything from an 8802 style to a Newport 2.5 style will work. 

[Chip Strokes]

my wedge game has been AWFUL lately. lots of chunks and scooping balls that land well short from 80-120 yards lately. 

hit a few buckets of wedges today aimed at the 100yd flag. i usually play that shot with a 3/4 swing 56*. here are a few swings.

second one is a touch fat but still flew the number. if anyone sees anything worth noting here, i’m all ears. 

shoutout to my wife for the camera work and my son for the commentary

[Shapotomous]

51 minutes ago, Chip Strokes said:

my wedge game has been AWFUL lately. lots of chunks and scooping balls that land well short from 80-120 yards lately. 

hit a few buckets of wedges today aimed at the 100yd flag. i usually play that shot with a 3/4 swing 56*. here are a few swings.

second one is a touch fat but still flew the number. if anyone sees anything worth noting here, i’m all ears. 

shoutout to my wife for the camera work and my son for the commentary

 

IMG_8821.MOV 26.84 MB · 0 downloads

Your son seemed impressed!!!  I translated and I think he was saying he prefers to see more weight on the front foot and less weight shift from front to back for a 3/4 swing like that.  Keeps your swing shorter and helps make sure you accelerate through the ball. 

I tend to agree with him....If my swing gets long on those type shots I decelerate and get scoopy or chunky.

or....I could be off on that translation and he could have been asking to stop for ice cream on the way home....

[Chip Strokes]

5 minutes ago, Shapotomous said:

more weight on the front foot and less weight shift from front to back for a 3/4 swing like that.

interesting…so stay 60/40 front? or even more. 

i always thought to approach a 3/4 swing the same as a full swing, and just kind of chop a little off each end of it. 

you’re saying staying on my front foot more will help me get through the ball and eliminate some of the fat shots?

[Shapotomous]

11 minutes ago, Chip Strokes said:

interesting…so stay 60/40 front? or even more. 

i always thought to approach a 3/4 swing the same as a full swing, and just kind of chop a little off each end of it. 

you’re saying staying on my front foot more will help me get through the ball and eliminate some of the fat shots?

Yes...60 / 40 front foot and on backswing i don't shift any more than 50 /50 before going back to at least 60 / 40.  I play with somebody (swmbo) that does a full swing weight shift on those shots even though the backswing is abbreviated and never gets weight off the back foot because of decelerating, drops the back shoulder and it's chunk city.  

The other thing I evolved into for those 3/4 swings was to emphasize a turn to get the swing length rather than an arm lift and/or wrist set to get the club to a 3/4 position.  In my case it made the bottom of my swing and ground contact location very repeatable.  Although I think how successful you are with that turn method really depends on the bounce grind you have on the wedge of choice.

[Chip Strokes]

3 minutes ago, Shapotomous said:

Yes...60 / 40 front foot and on backswing i don't shift any more than 50 /50 before going back to at least 60 / 40.

thanks! i’ll give this a shot. 

the number of wedges i’ve chunked from 100 out IN THE FAIRWAY over the last few months is enough to keep me up at night