The more I play

[ole gray]

Do you think the more you play the better you should get? I think this is true if you have a solid swing with a strong mind. It get's a little more complicated when you weren't born with the golden spoon of golf talent.  I don't care how much you play or practice, when you're not mentally into what you're doing, golf is not going to get better.   Physical skills are a small part of the overall equation. All the practice in the world or time to play five times per week, will not make you a good golfer. Only when you learn how to put the mental preparation ahead of the physical stuff will you truly reach your potential.

 

How do you feel about more time to play equals good results?

 

 

 

 

[Kenny B]

If all you do is play, then no you will not get better IMO.  I used to play every day a few years ago. Played every weekend, sometimes all day long.  Played after work every night during the summer.  I was a 12 HCP.  I shot about the same every time I played.

 

Two years ago I changed courses; bigger course; decent practice area.  I play on the weekends with my wife and walk twice a week with guys I met at the club.  But I spend a lot of time most every day during the week practicing my short game.  I am playing much better today at 70 than I did at 65.  

 

As long as you know what you need to do to improve and practice correctly, you will get better.  When I just play, I don't get the opportunity to work on that bad shot I just hit.  Immediate reinforcement is needed to improve.

[tony@CIC]

If all you do is play, then no you will not get better IMO. I used to play every day a few years ago. Played every weekend, sometimes all day long. Played after work every night during the summer. I was a 12 HCP. I shot about the same every time I played.

 

Two years ago I changed courses; bigger course; decent practice area. I play on the weekends with my wife and walk twice a week with guys I met at the club. But I spend a lot of time most every day during the week practicing my short game. I am playing much better today at 70 than I did at 65.

 

As long as you know what you need to do to improve and practice correctly, you will get better. When I just play, I don't get the opportunity to work on that bad shot I just hit. Immediate reinforcement is needed to improve.

Kenny I'd agree with you. I practice a lot - but my thought is that the practice inspires confidence with each of the clubs I practice with. Thereby eliminating the bad shots caused by the yips

 

In 2016 I stunk at chipping. Earlier this year (before the club opened) I practiced 50 chips a day. Now I love to chip on the course and it's rare that I mess up with my wedges. Not sure how many strokes it took off my game but it was substantial. I plan to do the same with my putter but with the advantage on a putting green in my basement.

 

 

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[bluesmandan76]

It's true up to a point... then you plateau, and have to figure out why and put in the study and practice to grind through it... to the next spurt of growth and next plateau. It's a cycle.

 

 

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[silver & black]

If all you do is play, then no you will not get better IMO.  I used to play every day a few years ago. Played every weekend, sometimes all day long.  Played after work every night during the summer.  I was a 12 HCP.  I shot about the same every time I played.

 

Two years ago I changed courses; bigger course; decent practice area.  I play on the weekends with my wife and walk twice a week with guys I met at the club.  But I spend a lot of time most every day during the week practicing my short game.  I am playing much better today at 70 than I did at 65.  

 

As long as you know what you need to do to improve and practice correctly, you will get better.  When I just play, I don't get the opportunity to work on that bad shot I just hit.  Immediate reinforcement is needed to improve.

I agree with you. I just play. I have for the last 5 years. I haven't gotten any better. I used to play a lot.... and practice a lot. I saw improvement as long as I was dedicated to the practicing. Not so much now that I just play. I'm okay with it. At my age, I'm not really going to get much better, and I'm just playing with my buddies and my brother...... who are all much worse players than me...lol.

[ole gray]

I agree with you. I just play. I have for the last 5 years. I haven't gotten any better. I used to play a lot.... and practice a lot. I saw improvement as long as I was dedicated to the practicing. Not so much now that I just play. I'm okay with it. At my age, I'm not really going to get much better, and I'm just playing with my buddies and my brother...... who are all much worse players than me...lol.

 

I hit balls (small bucket) on the range more so to flex the old body. I play golf knowing my physical skills are at a point of no return.    I score better when my head is in the game with good course management and staying away from stupid stuff. I play three days per week however the more I play doesn't equate to better scores. Some days I focus better than others and that is when my scores drop.  My attitude is important because no matter how well I'm hitting warm up balls, being positive is the ticket.

[Canucklehead]

Just playing will only get you so far. I try to find time to practice, but it's tough. If I only have an hour or two, I'll practice but if I have 3-4 hours, I get on the course as often as I can. Improving the mental aspect can also help immensely

 

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[silver & black]

I hit balls (small bucket) on the range more so to flex the old body. I play golf knowing my physical skills are at a point of no return.    I score better when my head is in the game with good course management and staying away from stupid stuff. I play three days per week however the more I play doesn't equate to better scores. Some days I focus better than others and that is when my scores drop.  My attitude is important because no matter how well I'm hitting warm up balls, being positive is the ticket.

My course shut down the practice range, so....................

 

I'm the same way you are as far as getting my head in the game and not doing/trying stupid stuff...lol. I play well enough to usually shoot mid/low 80's with the occasional high 70's. If I never get any better than that.... I still love the game and I will always play.

[hckymeyer]

I'd say it depends where you're coming from and how often you can play.

 

To start this off, I never practice.  I'm not a range rat and I find it boring to just pound balls at the range.

 

Before I moved on to a golf course I was a guy to who loved golf but only got to play a few times a month, on a good month.  I was probably around an 8-9 handicap and while I had good days and bad days, I was generally stuck in that mid-80's range.

 

6 years ago I moved to a house on a golf course.  Got a golf cart and found a bunch of friends that golf all the time.  Now I get to play anywhere from 1 to 3 or 4 times a week.  I got a couple tips on setup from my buddies that I trust, but just from playing more I went from an 8 down to a 2.9 at my lowest (so far).  I'm currently sitting at a 5 but I had a pretty good slump for most of the summer where I forgot how to hit a golf ball.  It was a setup issue and I worked it out but I'm a much better golfer than I was 6 years ago.

 

So I would say the more I played, the more I improved...to a point.  There is definitely a plateau where the only thing that will allow you to keep improving is either practice or improved technique.  But I would say for the average golfer just getting to consistently play more will actually make them a better golfer.

[Kenny B]

I agree with you. I just play. I have for the last 5 years. I haven't gotten any better. I used to play a lot.... and practice a lot. I saw improvement as long as I was dedicated to the practicing. Not so much now that I just play. I'm okay with it. At my age, I'm not really going to get much better, and I'm just playing with my buddies and my brother...... who are all much worse players than me...lol.

I may be just accepting that fact and only play, but I am still hoping that I can get better with lots of practice.  I don't play comps, so improving is just something I am trying to do as a personal goal.  In any activity, sports or otherwise, I have always tried to get better.  When I reached the point of being as good as I can get, then I moved on to something else.  However, I think I am too old to take up something else, so I will likely accept my status in the game and play with friends and family.  

[ole gray]

I may be just accepting that fact and only play, but I am still hoping that I can get better with lots of practice. I don't play comps, so improving is just something I am trying to do as a personal goal. In any activity, sports or otherwise, I have always tried to get better. When I reached the point of being as good as I can get, then I moved on to something else. However, I think I am too old to take up something else, so I will likely accept my status in the game and play with friends and family.

That's the deal most of us “old” golfers are living with. With physical issues and such we are only capable of so much improvement. Enjoying being with friends is the key element for most of us.

 

 

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[Rickp]

That's the deal most of us “old” golfers are living with. With physical issues and such we are only capable of so much improvement. Enjoying being with friends is the key element for most of us.

 

 

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And breakfast/lunches

 

 

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[JBH]

I believe there is an element to experience in general, but I think it is easy to over state it. Naturally you should play better as long as you continue to play and work to improve.

 

At the same time if your goal is just to drink beer and not work to improve you won't see much benefit at all.

 

In my time playing I've seen a lot of improvement in my swing and stats. My swing looks nothing like when I first started and I can hit far more clubs in the bag. It wasn't all practice either but a constant work at trying to do better each time.

 

If my stats show anything it would be a perfect TM commercial. With GG my first driver of a SLDR averaged 210 yards, my replacement with an R15 averaged 220 yards, and my current R15 TP averages 238 yards. Fun note, my current driver is playing a 3w shaft at 43.25 inches...so much for lost distance with a shorter shaft.

 

However; I didn't get that increase in distance by club alone. I got it from practice and playing over the years. So there is something about getting better with time. As long as you invest in improving.

 

 

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[Kenny B]

I believe there is an element to experience in general, but I think it is easy to over state it. Naturally you should play better as long as you continue to play and work to improve.

 

At the same time if your goal is just to drink beer and not work to improve you won't see much benefit at all.

 

In my time playing I've seen a lot of improvement in my swing and stats. My swing looks nothing like when I first started and I can hit far more clubs in the bag. It wasn't all practice either but a constant work at trying to do better each time.

 

If my stats show anything it would be a perfect TM commercial. With GG my first driver of a SLDR averaged 210 yards, my replacement with an R15 averaged 220 yards, and my current R15 TP averages 238 yards. Fun note, my current driver is playing a 3w shaft at 43.25 inches...so much for lost distance with a shorter shaft.

 

However; I didn't get that increase in distance by club alone. I got it from practice and playing over the years. So there is something about getting better with time. As long as you invest in improving.

 

 

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That's true to a point.  Like I said, I keep practicing and playing to get better, and I have this year.  However, I know that at some point I will no longer get better and probably get worse.  I'm fighting old age now.  I had to significantly improve my short game because of lost distance off the tee.  I'm not sure how much is left.  As much as I love this game, I'm fairly confident that when practice and play no longer result in lower scores, I will no longer track GHIN and just enjoy the game with family and friends.

[ole gray]

That's true to a point. Like I said, I keep practicing and playing to get better, and I have this year. However, I know that at some point I will no longer get better and probably get worse. I'm fighting old age now. I had to significantly improve my short game because of lost distance off the tee. I'm not sure how much is left. As much as I love this game, I'm fairly confident that when practice and play no longer result in lower scores, I will no longer track GHIN and just enjoy the game with family and friends.

What he said ^^^^^^^^^^

 

 

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[silver & black]

I may be just accepting that fact and only play, but I am still hoping that I can get better with lots of practice.  I don't play comps, so improving is just something I am trying to do as a personal goal.  In any activity, sports or otherwise, I have always tried to get better.  When I reached the point of being as good as I can get, then I moved on to something else.  However, I think I am too old to take up something else, so I will likely accept my status in the game and play with friends and family.  

That's where I am with it. I want to get better, but that's just because I've always been that way with everything I've done. I don't play in competitions, so it is purely a "for myself" thing.

 

I think I could be better if I had the time and money to spend on it. My current situation in life has put a damper on both time and money... there are more pressing needs for both at this time, other than golf.

 

Getting older sucks, but the one plus I've noticed is that I'm becoming more at ease with things that I can't change... and more accepting of how things are. I'm becoming better at rolling with the punches, as they say.

 

Even with averaging mid/low 80's, I'm still quite a bit better than most people that play the game. That said, even if I was a + capper, I would still have to go to work, and my day to day life would be just the same. There's that pesky truth thing that likes to be a buzz kill  . As long as anyone who plays this game has fun, enjoys the time with their buddies as well as the solo times on the course with a little introspect... It's all good!

[GolfJunkie302]

Absolutely. During the fall, when I'm playing every day for high school, my game really starts to peak, and my handicap drops. Playing more definitely produces better results.

 

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[PMookie]

It's like any other sport: you gotta refine your craft. Hoopers can't just hoop. You gotta shoot jumpers, work on a spin move, get a post-up game, get better at dribbling using your off-hand, etc. Golf is the same. You can't just play, you gotta work on ALL aspects of the game. For me, the issue is always time. Never enough available to hit buckets, chip, putt, work on wedge game, sand, etc.

 

 

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[Jiro]

I think practice helps if I am working on something like slowly changing my swing for the better. But if I am practicing bad habits I am just reinforcing them. I fall in the camp of not having much natural golf skills but I can definitely tell that playing multiple times in a week helps a lot. Every year we do a vacation where I get to play three days in a row. That third day is always my best round of the year.

 

 

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[revkev]

I'd say it depends where you're coming from and how often you can play.

 

To start this off, I never practice. I'm not a range rat and I find it boring to just pound balls at the range.

 

Before I moved on to a golf course I was a guy to who loved golf but only got to play a few times a month, on a good month. I was probably around an 8-9 handicap and while I had good days and bad days, I was generally stuck in that mid-80's range.

 

6 years ago I moved to a house on a golf course. Got a golf cart and found a bunch of friends that golf all the time. Now I get to play anywhere from 1 to 3 or 4 times a week. I got a couple tips on setup from my buddies that I trust, but just from playing more I went from an 8 down to a 2.9 at my lowest (so far). I'm currently sitting at a 5 but I had a pretty good slump for most of the summer where I forgot how to hit a golf ball. It was a setup issue and I worked it out but I'm a much better golfer than I was 6 years ago.

 

So I would say the more I played, the more I improved...to a point. There is definitely a plateau where the only thing that will allow you to keep improving is either practice or improved technique. But I would say for the average golfer just getting to consistently play more will actually make them a better golfer.

Does everyone have a different plateau point? Just everyone have a different ceiling also?

 

I think so but I'm curious what others have to say.

 

 

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[ole gray]

I plateaued in the low eighties range years ago. I've thrown many rounds in the 70's over the years however that's not my normal. I've had at least eight different instructors so I have a good bit of knowledge . My issues come from the mental side of golf.

 

 

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[Dockout]

I think it goes in waves. When you first start golfing you get better no matter what you do (play or practice). But as you improve you may need to practice and work on a weak part of your game but you then need to take it to the course. I think both is important. I practice more than I play mostly due to time. I go to a course on lunch and practice each day. But I'm at a point in my game where playing more is going to get me better. Hitting the shots at the range is one thing but doing it on the course is another.

 

 

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[taylormade80]

I believe that the more you play/practice you acquire the ability to make more shots. The trick is consistency and being able to repeat it. The way to do that is routine and staying in the moment as much as possible to be able to pull those shots off to lower your score. If you judge getting better by the scorecard.

 

 

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[Kenny B]

I think it goes in waves. When you first start golfing you get better no matter what you do (play or practice). But as you improve you may need to practice and work on a weak part of your game but you then need to take it to the course. I think both is important. I practice more than I play mostly due to time. I go to a course on lunch and practice each day. But I'm at a point in my game where playing more is going to get me better. Hitting the shots at the range is one thing but doing it on the course is another.

 

 

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I do not like hitting balls on the range.  I only do it if I have a specific issue to work out in my swing.  I will spend a lot of time practicing my short game.  I actually like doing that.  It all comes down to confidence.  Some people feel very confident hitting a particular shot on the range, but feel uncomfortable hitting that same shot on the course.  Why is that?  In my case the lie is not perfectly flat; there are obstacles, the fairway is not 100y wide like the range; there are consequences out on the course, you have to hit the next shot.  I find that being out on the course... in practice mode, actually helps me more than on the range.  I know where on my course I hit most of my shots; on a day when few people are playing, I can head out to specific locations and play whatever shots I want to practice.  The more I play form there, the more confident I am when I am there and playing the course for score.  

[Dockout]

I do not like hitting balls on the range. I only do it if I have a specific issue to work out in my swing. I will spend a lot of time practicing my short game. I actually like doing that. It all comes down to confidence. Some people feel very confident hitting a particular shot on the range, but feel uncomfortable hitting that same shot on the course. Why is that? In my case the lie is not perfectly flat; there are obstacles, the fairway is not 100y wide like the range; there are consequences out on the course, you have to hit the next shot. I find that being out on the course... in practice mode, actually helps me more than on the range. I know where on my course I hit most of my shots; on a day when few people are playing, I can head out to specific locations and play whatever shots I want to practice. The more I play form there, the more confident I am when I am there and playing the course for score.

 

Kenny B I think you hit the nail on the head for me. It's confidence. When I play by myself I usually play my best rounds (go figure) because I don't care about what it looks like. I just take the swing I've been working on and it usually works out well. But when I'm with others I have a tendency to fall back in to old habits in an effort to control the club for fear of a bad shot. That's why, for me, playing more and getting comfortable on the course with what I've been working on will help me improve.

 

 

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