Finally broke 70!

[jtgavigan]

So, I have been playing on and off for 39 years. I have been capable of shooting in the 70s for probably 36 of them. I used to be a terrible putter, had a terrible temper, and really struggled to shoot below 75. 

About 15 years ago, I decided to get my short game better and get my temper under control. I finally broke par for the first time in 2009 (39-32-71). Now, at age 50, I regularly shoot under 75.

My quest for the last year plus has been to finally break 70. I have had a 70, numerous 71s, 72s, and 73s. Everyone I played with was shocked I had never broken 70. I have had all the pieces physically, but for whatever reason, I just couldn't get over the hump (mentally). I just couldn't put it all together.

Until....today. I finally did it. I easily could have shot 67, as I lipped out short putts on 9 and 10. Recently, I had several rounds where I was rolling along through 11 or 12 holes and then would fall apart. I bobbled today on 13 and 14, but kept going. I hit one fat out of a fairway bunker on 14, then knocked it 6 inches away for par from 50 yards. I think I knew then, it might be the day. I actually missed a 15 footer for birdie on 18 just right for 68. Best thing was, it was in a friendly money game and I finished T2 (paid top 2 spots), and won a skin.

So stoked!

[cnosil]

congrats on breaking the 70 barrier

[jtgavigan]

Just now, cnosil said:

congrats on breaking the 70 barrier

Thanks!!

[Headhammer]

Wow, great accomplishment! Congrats!

[MattF]

Congratulations!

[Middler]

Congrats, you're in a select group now. I've never broken 70, and it seems unlikely after trying for 57 years.

[Tom the Golf Nut]

Congratulations and welcome to the club.

I know the feeling about being stuck. I'm stuck at 68. I had 5 this year. Its a barrier I haven been able to get past. I guess it's a good problem to have though.

[juspoole]

Great job.  I've done it a couple times, but have not been able to this year just yet.  Hoping it can come together late in the year.  

My best is a 67, but was playing from middle tees.  Or if you count the round I played from the red tees (Breast Cancer Outing) where I played my own ball and shot a 63.  Usually I tell people my best is a 67 since it was at least 6100 yards.

[jtgavigan]

1 hour ago, juspoole said:

Great job.  I've done it a couple times, but have not been able to this year just yet.  Hoping it can come together late in the year.  

My best is a 67, but was playing from middle tees.  Or if you count the round I played from the red tees (Breast Cancer Outing) where I played my own ball and shot a 63.  Usually I tell people my best is a 67 since it was at least 6100 yards.

One of the things I was doing to try to break through was to play from ~6,000 yards. I figured if I could shoot a good number from there, it would inspire me to do so from more normal tees.