What/How Did You Practice Today?

[Josh Parker]

Update from today's practice session.  I had an opportunity to make a trade on my Paradym to a TD Paradym and I must say.... it's

I hit a medium bucket this afternoon and was hitting the ball well.  I was actually drawing the ball and getting higher elevation.  I need to continue to work on my backswing more as my lead arm is bending some still.

The TD is impressive!

[BLD7]

Just finished a SuperSpeed session. Left the new (to me) Ventus Black TR 6X shaft in the TSR3 for this particular session and hit a new single swing PR at 125mph. Previous best was 123mph. That was with the 7X shaft. Not sure if that couple mph difference is the shaft or simply continuing the speed training but I'll take that increase. Last 7 swings with actual driver 123, 125, 125, 124, 124, 124, 124. Still need to get to a sim to do the shaft side-by-side but today was fun.

[ParFore74x]

Work has me slacking on the putting drills at home as of late. I am able to fit in a ladder drill a few times each night and once or twice before I leave for work in the morning. Things still seem consistent although tempo does get off a bit once in a while around the 5’ mark. I feel like I hit it weak going from 4’ to 5’ but usually clean it back up for the 6’. 

[BallsLeon]

Had a bit of a tough practice session tonight. Trying to incorporate a handful of swing changes/thoughts right now, and I really need to just focus on one of them. Managed to find a bit of a groove swinging out-to-in, seeing numbers I like but also finding that my club face is overly closed with irons and way too open with woods. Something I need to work on more and finding feels/drills to reinforce proper club face angles.

[Josh Parker]

I worked on driver today. I am getting to much arm bend that is causing all sorts of issues so I am working on shortening my backswing and keeping arm straight. 

[Josh Parker]

1 hour ago, Josh Parker said:

I worked on driver today. I am getting to much arm bend that is causing all sorts of issues so I am working on shortening my backswing and keeping arm straight. 

Here is what my issue is.  It's a lack of flexibility in my hips, so starting tomorrow, the wife is putting me thru yoga training and bands. 

 

[sirchunksalot]

3 minutes ago, Josh Parker said:

Here is what my issue is.  It's a lack of flexibility in my hips, so starting tomorrow, the wife is putting me thru yoga training and bands. 

 

We're going to need video of this workout.

[Josh Parker]

5 minutes ago, sirchunksalot said:

We're going to need video of this workout.

Ha ain't no one seeing the workout!  

[EnderinAZ]

23 hours ago, BallsLeon said:

Had a bit of a tough practice session tonight. Trying to incorporate a handful of swing changes/thoughts right now, and I really need to just focus on one of them. Managed to find a bit of a groove swinging out-to-in, seeing numbers I like but also finding that my club face is overly closed with irons and way too open with woods. Something I need to work on more and finding feels/drills to reinforce proper club face angles.

You should look into LagShot practice clubs. I have a fly rod that I use to fish for sockey salmon that has less whip in it than does the lagshot driver, but what a difference it has made in my swing.  The whole concept behind the lagshot system is simple physics. Two things cannot occupy the same space at the same time. So your body cannot be where your arms need to be to make a good swing. The system teaches you how to lag your hands and arms while moving your body out of the way so you can swing freely. The shaft is so whippy you must manipulate your hands to get the ball to fly straight. The LagShot videos explain it a lot better. 

Anyway I have been working with these goofy clubs (driver, 7 iron, sand wedge) for about two weeks and as of yesterday -and confirmed today- the ball goes where and how I want it to. They may be just what you are looking for. They have a 30 day no questions asked guarantee, never can tell....

[BallsLeon]

@EnderinAZ appreciate the suggestion! Definitely something I am going to look into

[Alan Scalzi]

I have been practicing, using 2 tees and the ball in the middle.  Helping make perfect ball contact. 

[CLenahan]

Got around 100 balls at the range today.  Started out really rough as I haven't played near enough over the last month.  Worked on shallowing out my swing plane and making center contact with the face.

After about 40 balls it really started to click, and I felt I was making much better contact with my irons and woods.  Finished out hitting full swing with 9-7-5 irons and 5w and driver.  Made a good 25 solid dead straight shots and got my driver out to 230 into a decent headwind.  Hopefully get to play this weekend and see if I can translate it onto the course.

[No3PuttLaLa]

Hit the simulator today playing around with ball flight based on set up. Trying to maximize my driver off the tee this offseason so I can stop losing strokes to the banana slice. 

[barney_bogey]

Today was a bust because of yesterday.

New driver shaft delivered
Licensed Awesome Golf for the MLM2PRO
Finally figured out how to mirror my tablet to the TV.

I had so much fun with the new software that it inspired me to swing probably around 300 times.

That last swing though... I must have strained my intercostal rib muscle. Never had this pain before. Hurts to breathe deeply, hurts to laugh, hurts to sneeze.

So I guess it's time to work on putting and short chips until this heals up.

Bummer.

B

[ParFore74x]

1 hour ago, barney_bogey said:

Today was a bust because of yesterday.

New driver shaft delivered
Licensed Awesome Golf for the MLM2PRO
Finally figured out how to mirror my tablet to the TV.

I had so much fun with the new software that it inspired me to swing probably around 300 times.

That last swing though... I must have strained my intercostal rib muscle. Never had this pain before. Hurts to breathe deeply, hurts to laugh, hurts to sneeze.

So I guess it's time to work on putting and short chips until this heals up.

Bummer.

B
 

Rib pain is no joke, hopefully it heals up soon. 

[Silver Fawkes]

After playing a handful of times a year for the last few years, I found my passion for the game again this fall. I used to carry a 7 index, but my lack of play and practice has seen my index balloon to 16 this year. It's mostly due to mis-hitting all over the face through every club in the bag, no distance feel with pitches between 20-60 yards, horrible putting, etc. 

I've essentially had to teach myself to swing again. Been practicing daily for the last 5 weeks and have made really good progress. 

What I have been working on today is clearing my left hip (I'm right handed) and giving myself room to swing. I work less than a mile from my club so I've been going to the range on lunch breaks. I also set my indoor hitting net and mat in my garage so I can practice drills while I'm at home. For putting I brought my trusty Wellput mat back out working specifically on distance control feels. 

I'll be playing a round with a buddy this Sunday so I'll give an update after. My last score was a 92, so I expect much better results this time around. 

[Nerissa]

I like to listen to music while practicing, and I'll break down my drills based on the song (to keep it from getting too mechanical and repetitive). Last night, I spent one song doing some non-club drills, two songs half-swinging trying to get into the right hitting position, and two songs just full-swinging just thinking about the target (like I do on the course). Then the last song did some putting. I usually follow the same route, but work on different aspects of the swing in the first couple songs.

[BallsLeon]

Spent a few hours at the sim last night, started with the 52° making full swings and trying to focus on my attack angle. I average a positive attack angle, so often I’m only catching the ball on the first couple grooves. Still averaged a positive attack angle during the session, but bringing it down.

After I was warmed up, I tried playing a sim round but didn’t do so hot. I put the swinging clubs up, and spent the next hour or so on the practice green. Tried a few games/modes I haven’t attempted yet on the PuttView green. Managed to set the overall high score on this bubble breaker game, and made four laps around the cup doing star drill (from 3ft) before I had a miss. Was pretty satisfied with this performance.

Before wrapping up, I swung the 7 wood some trying to get 30 good shots to analyze. Admittedly had to delete my first 10 or so balls, but started getting into a rythmn. Dispersion on my good swings was just as tight as with the 52°. Need to rely on this club more, as I don’t trust 3i, 3w, and driver right now.

Edited December 8, 2023 by BallsLeon

[MattF]

Jumped on the ST+ yesterday trying to work out the driver after having a fitting last week. The TSr2 must know it's time may be up because we eventually figured it out and was hitting this type of shot towards the end of the session. I'll take those launch numbers, shot shape and distance all day.

[BallsLeon]

On 12/8/2023 at 8:18 AM, BallsLeon said:

Spent a few hours at the sim last night, started with the 52° making full swings and trying to focus on my attack angle. I average a positive attack angle, so often I’m only catching the ball on the first couple grooves. Still averaged a positive attack angle during the session, but bringing it down.

After I was warmed up, I tried playing a sim round but didn’t do so hot. I put the swinging clubs up, and spent the next hour or so on the practice green. Tried a few games/modes I haven’t attempted yet on the PuttView green. Managed to set the overall high score on this bubble breaker game, and made four laps around the cup doing star drill (from 3ft) before I had a miss. Was pretty satisfied with this performance.

Before wrapping up, I swung the 7 wood some trying to get 30 good shots to analyze. Admittedly had to delete my first 10 or so balls, but started getting into a rythmn. Dispersion on my good swings was just as tight as with the 52°. Need to rely on this club more, as I don’t trust 3i, 3w, and driver right now.

Went back last night for another session. Starting with the 52° again, really trying to focus on driving the ball into the ground. Made good progress from the day before, and managed to bring my average attack angle down a lot:

• 52° Averages:
  • Attack Angle
    • 12/7: 1.5°
    • 12/8: -0.6°
  • Club Speed
    • 12/7: 71.6 mph
    • 12/8: 74.9 mph
  • Ball Speed
    • 12/7: 78.1 mph
    • 12/8: 80.8 mph
  • Carry
    • 12/7: 94.2 yds
    • 12/8: 99.5 yds

Also hit the 7-wood again, trying all three hosel settings and hitting directly off the mat (seem to have better luck this way then teeing it up). STD setting gave me the best consistent yardages, ball speed, and dispersion so we are going with that! I know this is on a completely flat range (and probably not comparable), but these averages with my 7-wood are much better than my driving average from virtual rounds. Playing this afternoon, and debating just teeing off with this instead of driver. 

[rkj427]

I was able to get some time in on the range at Carl's this late afternoon, early evening. Last round I played was a SIM round, and I wasn't too impressed by using that type of round to stay in somewhat golf shape here during the winter months.

Started off with 54 degree wedge and PW, making half swings at best to keep tempo intact and swinging the club versus hitting the ball.

Next clubs performing same maneuvers were my 7 iron and 5 iron.

Once I was fully warmed up, satisfied with my swing and ball flight, hit a few 3 woods off a tee, just to keep long game intact.

They do have Trackman on their range, and next stop, I may start to pay attention to my numbers and get some screen shots of them to see how well I am staying in shape over the colder months.

[Silver Fawkes]

On 12/7/2023 at 9:44 PM, Silver Fawkes said:

After playing a handful of times a year for the last few years, I found my passion for the game again this fall. I used to carry a 7 index, but my lack of play and practice has seen my index balloon to 16 this year. It's mostly due to mis-hitting all over the face through every club in the bag, no distance feel with pitches between 20-60 yards, horrible putting, etc. 

I've essentially had to teach myself to swing again. Been practicing daily for the last 5 weeks and have made really good progress. 

What I have been working on today is clearing my left hip (I'm right handed) and giving myself room to swing. I work less than a mile from my club so I've been going to the range on lunch breaks. I also set my indoor hitting net and mat in my garage so I can practice drills while I'm at home. For putting I brought my trusty Wellput mat back out working specifically on distance control feels. 

I'll be playing a round with a buddy this Sunday so I'll give an update after. My last score was a 92, so I expect much better results this time around. 

Well I played today. I tried my best to apply all the things I seem to have forgotten as well as the things I'm currently working on to improve my swing. It worked most of the time, but I still had several blow up holes. Overall I shot an 88 which is the best score I've actually posted this calendar year. More play and more practice will improve this though. I'm even more motivated now than before!

[Jim Shaw]

24 minutes ago, Silver Fawkes said:

Well I played today. I tried my best to apply all the things I seem to have forgotten as well as the things I'm currently working on to improve my swing. It worked most of the time, but I still had several blow up holes. Overall I shot an 88 which is the best score I've actually posted this calendar year. More play and more practice will improve this though. I'm even more motivated now than before!

nice job on your best score of the year.

[Bang60]

On 12/2/2023 at 10:50 AM, revkev said:

Well first time for me post cataract surgery. Putted beautifully, big advantage being able to see when putting.   

I've had cataract surgery on my right eye awhile ago and it's magic getting good vision again,was awhile before I could see the ball in the distance I hit it so far .... The eye will settle down and you'll be fine, enjoy your new vision...

[cksurfdude]

Haven't been hitting golf balls to rest the old back and the wrist I seem to have damaged, possibly a bit of repetitive stress...

..but have been swinging my Orange Whip in the garage for a few minutes every few days .. working on a fuller turn back staying in balance, followed by a better weight/pressure shift forward in the down swing.

Also been rolling the ball on the basement putting mat, alternating 3- and 8-footers, trying to smooth out the stroke - seems to work a little better for me with my elbows closer in to my body, vs arms hanging at the sides.

As always - Work In Progress!

 

[EMJL]

I'm working on not letting my body slide forward to start the downswing. I went to the basement, grabbed a short iron, stood in front of the mirror, and swung a little bit. The thought is that once I hit the part of the backswing where I put pressure into my lead side, think of nothing but pushing straight back with my left leg. To me, it feels like I'm hanging back a bit, but that's probably just because I'm not lunging forward. ...it will take some serious reps to get this ingrained, but I'm optimistic it's a step in the right direction.

[Big moose]

Practicing my putting in the living room, no outdoor practicing for me, it's 33 degrees with snow flurries. Have a wonderful day everyone. 

[BobBC78]

Practiced 25-yard pitch shots with my 49* wedge in the yard today, using a shaft parallel to the ground to shaft parallel to the ground motion. Tried to land groups of three shots in fairly tight groupings. 

[Josh Parker]

I got out in the backyard this evening and worked on my takeaway and rotation. 

I also watched a couple videos about having bad hips and swinging a club. Of course it was addressed to seniors which I found to be offensive but non the less it was informative.

I am really focusing on not pulling my arms up at the top of my backswing because it is causing all sorts of issues with the downswing.  I don't have the issue with my irons but for the driver I feel like I have to swing at it.  

Back to the stretching and yoga...

[cnosil]

I guess one of the benefits of testing something for the forum is that it kind of forces you to practice.   Did a bunch of data capture for the test over the past few days and I was disappointed in my face control numbers so I spent some time this evening reading some of Geoff Mangum's work on putting.   Then worked on some stroke mechanics to try and start the ball online a little better.