The Journey Back! -Intro

[PapaMike25]

     So in an effort to actually get my post number past my years as a member, I wanted to document my journey back into the game of golf. In doing this, I hope to help those who are new to the game, returning like me, or those who just want to share in my experiences. While I cannot promise how entertaining this will be to those on the outside looking in, I can tell you that there will be lessons learned, product reviews, and fitting experiences along the way all at my expense! 

 

 

     A little about me first. As mentioned in my intro, I did not swing my first club until I was 25 years old in 2012. I was flipping through channels at my home in Las Vegas and caught a bit of the US Open at The Olympic Club. I was for some reason infatuated immediately with the spectacle of it all, the course was beautiful, demanding and seeing those who were supposed to be the best in the game struggle seemed to show me that there is a challenge to be had. I went out to my local thrift store and spent $20 on some titanium 'woods', a 3, 5, 7 iron, and a pitching wedge. The next morning, I went out to the driving range and like a true idiot amateur, pulled the 15 year old three iron from the stand and lined up to hit a range rock off the deck. With a swing that would make Sir Charles Barkley cringe...I FLUSHED IT! The yellow rock took off in the Vegas heat and came to rest at the flag 230 yards down range. I was hooked. Needless to say that the rest of the experience that day was not as good, but it didn't matter, I could not put the clubs down. 

 

 

     Over the next few months, I spent about $400 on GlobalGolf.com securing some second hand Nike gear to fill out a bag. Since I had played their equipment in every other sport, I figured they made good golf equipment too. With my pre-loved sticks and an insatiable desire to learn, I watched so much Golf Channel that my poor wife began to recognize Michael Breed and Martin Hall's voices. Through much practice, South Dakota weather (I move a lot...) and terrible rounds of golf with two new found friends, I managed to develop a decent swing bringing my average score to the mid eighties on our local tracks. All the while, I was going full on gear-ho and went through probably five different sets of clubs trying to steal a stroke or two away from the great game with the newest tech. Needless to say, this didn't help too much, though the instruction I took with my local PGA Pro did. My gear obsession did lead to a very nice bag though (I was quite pleased at least) and I didn't play the sticks bad either.

 

 

     I moved twice more between mid 2015 and late 2016 before I could settle down to complete my bachelors degree. With this came the demise of my free time, and my golf game along with it. I sold off my bag of tricks and went full throttle into the books for the better part of a year and a half. While not having any time to do anything other than homework, the itch was not bad, however early April always brings out golfers like weeds on a previously frozen lawn. While watching the Masters a few weeks ago with my young son, I said to hell with it, and decided it was time for a come back. 

 

     From here out, I plan on sharing my experiences in fittings, equipment testing and the struggles involved with digging out of a two year hiatus. I hope you decide to tag along and learn along with me. In the next post, I will cover the procurement of a putter and practice iron to get me ready for what lies ahead.

 

     Thanks for reading!

 

-PM 

[PlaidJacket]

That'sa crazy looking course in that top photo. Seems I've seen it somewhere before?

Anyway.... I'd bet you could find another 200 or so guys in this forum just like you. Why go it alone?

[PapaMike25]

That'sa crazy looking course in that top photo. Seems I've seen it somewhere before?

Anyway.... I'd bet you could find another 200 or so guys in this forum just like you. Why go it alone?

 

True story!

 

That was the first place I ever considered my 'home course'. Golf Club at Red Rock in Rapid City, South Dakota. Beautiful track with a links feel and one of the most professional staffs I have ever met. If you are ever in that part of the country it is a MUST PLAY.

 

http://www.golfclubatredrock.com/

[cksurfdude]

Great story!! Thx for posting. I agree with Mr. Plaid .. that is a very cool-looking, "natural" course.

 

Suggestion... As you do a fitting or a club test, for example, there are specific threads for those topics. Note there's also a "Club Ho's Anonymous" thread under "What Have You Bought Lately?".

 

Anyway, looking forward to more fun stories .. and good luck with your comeback!!

[Reesedw]

Welcome and thanks for the read.. I think you;ll find this community a pretty great place to be from.. 

[perseveringgolfer]

welcome back to the wonderful world of golf (where have I heard that before )

 

course looks fun

[tommc23]

Welcome

 

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[Kenny B]

Welcome from the Pacific Northwest!  Glad you joined us.  Great intro!!  So, are you settled now?  Where?

[GolfJunkie302]

Nice introduction. Welcome to MGS!

 

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[PapaMike25]

Welcome from the Pacific Northwest!  Glad you joined us.  Great intro!!  So, are you settled now?  Where?

 

Settled is a relative term. I am active duty Air Force, so three or four years is about the most I get. I'm hanging out in Northwest Florida for the meantime. 

[ole gray]

Glad to have ya on board!

 

 

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[revkev]

Welcome - thanks for the read

 

 

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[Canucklehead]

Great intro! Look forward to following your journey. Hope to see you around the forums

 

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[tony@CIC]

Welcome

 

 

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