The Quest: Single Digit Handicap and Breaking 80

[Karls0991]

Hello to anyone who finds this even remotely interesting! 

Inspired by @GolfSpy_KFT, @BreakfastBall15, and @Samuel09152 (please go follow their topics/threads)!

I will use this thread/topic as a place to hold myself accountable for journaling my rounds, practice, and other random things during the year while I embark on my quest to finally break into the single digit handicap world and get past the wall that breaking 80 has become. 

About me:

I am 32 years old, a father of two little boys Remington and River (4.5 and 3 years old), and husband to my incredible wife Chelsea. Born and raised in Michigan (Go Blue) but dreaming of one day living where year round golf is possible. Currently work full time in the Mortgage Servicing world as a leader for two teams: workforce management and escalation. Any free time outside of work and family is devoted to watching sports or something golf related. I first started playing golf casually after high school and have become a full fledged addict over the past few years. I started to get more serious about the game and actually tracking my handicap within the last 5-6 years and have went from a 30+ handicap and ended last year at an even 12.0. I have been hovering in the 12-15 range for the past few 2-3 years and have not progressed. Spending this much time and money on the game, I have decided this year I am fully committed to getting better. 

GOAL 1  - Achieve a 9.0 handicap or lower by Halloween (End of posting season in Michigan).

GOAL 2 - Break 80 

Tactics:

1. Write my goals down before each round. Use Arccos to keep track of stats. Post my round recaps.
2. Take an in-person lesson once a month (have taken 3 so far this year and purchased 5 more).
3. Play at least once a week but aiming for more.
4. Practice 2-3 times a week (garage sim, outdoor range, putting green)
5. Continue The Stack System and start Stack Putting
6. Peloton rides and Yoga (follow me @dada_karls) 4-5 times a week.

Arccos data from last season:

My two main areas I need to work on is approach/par 3's and driving penalties. These are obviously two really large areas of focus, but I have started to put things in action to fix these. I think getting these more in control will ultimately help me turn a few bogeys into pars, and doubles into bogeys. 

Driving - In my last lesson we devoted the entire time to Driver. With the help of my coach, I was able to figure out some of the things I was doing wrong that was causing me to snap hook everything off the planet or not get off the tee box at all. I am naturally so in-out and up on the ball, that I get stuck and duff my driver. Also got into a heavier shaft to hopefully help with this as well.

Approach - Huge focus has been on ground contact and face strike location. I have been drilling these for the past couple months and feel like I have made some serious improvements in this area. Not really focusing on too many technical thoughts here which has been amazing. 

[Karls0991]

WITB is below in my signature. Irons and wedges are the newest addition to the bag this year. Only other change I plan on making this year is getting a L.A.B. putter. 

[BreakfastBall15]

Lets go!!! I feel like this is gonna be a fun journey for a lot of us this year. I'm also thinking about the stack putting, would like to go full stack but the price is steep. 

I've read a lot and watched a ton of videos on shooting lower scores recently and the biggest takeaway is the "cone of misses" and taking aggressive swings at conservative targets. I also saw a video of Will Zalatoris the other day talking about going from a 12 to an 8 and eventually scratch and It was very insightful. He narrows it down to "get to the green as fast a you can, take more club, and make less doubles". I was taking lessons last year and my coach said when in doubt, take more club and it made a huge difference, especially on mishits where even though I lost distance, I was still in good shape compared to if I were to hit an 8 iron over the 7. For me the hardest thing is I focus on the pin when I should just be focused on center of the green (again, the cone of misses). I'm the furthest thing from a coach but I just thought I'd share those insights with you.

 

[Samuel09152]

Let’s go my guy!!! You are about to kill it! Love this intro! On the train full steam ahead! 
 

The Dan Grieve’s guy on YouTube has some awesome content out there about approach and short game. He is arguably one of the best short/approach game coaches in the work. Give him a look to see if it helps if you are into YouTube golf lessons to go along with you IRL lessons! I love the goals and the way to attack them! 
 

let’s get this done @Karls0991 and@BreakfastBall15! I hope MGS is ready!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Love how this is taking shape for everyone! Going to be a heck of a summer to set and crush goals!

[Michael.Sandoval33]

I am excited for you and I have added this to the "breaking" lists I will be following along with. Can't wait to hear about your success and the inevitable crushing 80 @Karls0991

[BreakfastBall15]

19 minutes ago, Samuel09152 said:

Let’s go my guy!!! You are about to kill it! Love this intro! On the train full steam ahead! 
 

The Dan Grieve’s guy on YouTube has some awesome content out there about approach and short game. He is arguably one of the best short/approach game coaches in the work. Give him a look to see if it helps if you are into YouTube golf lessons to go along with you IRL lessons! I love the goals and the way to attack them! 
 

let’s get this done @Karls0991 and@BreakfastBall15! I hope MGS is ready!

My short game needs a ton of help so I'll check it out for sure!

[StrokerAce]

some things that helped me get to single numbers...

prioritize accuracy... and by that, I mean stop losing balls. I know everyone says hit driver everywhere and forget about fairways but if you think there's a 50 or more % chance that using a driver will lead to a lost ball don't do it. this will easily save you 2-3 strokes and some $$$ too.

no more 3 putts.... work on LAG putting to a comfortable distance. stop practicing making 15-20 foot putts; you just won't make very many of those. work on making 2-4 footers (20 in a row) and lagging the ball inside 2-4 feet from 20+... another couple strokes - easily.

aim and alignment... one of THE most overlooked aspects. before you even swing the club make sure you're positioned well for a good shot and your body is aimed properly - i.e. shoulders/hips/knees/feet all going in the same direction. don't be afraid to take your time doing this. really sucks to hit a shot out of the center of the face only for it to go off in one direction because you weren't lined up/aimed properly.

greenside in regulation.... GIR's are awesome and one of the quickest ways to lower your score but that can be hard. Try to be greenside in regulation.... at the very least you can chip on and maybe get it close enough to one putt.

bunkers.... unless you're comfortable stop looking at the pin when in the bunker. get it on the green should be your focus. once you've mastered that you can aim at the pin.

finally --- there's no such thing as a bad bogey. if you're in the trees play it smart - punch out, wedge up, 2 putt and move on. don't make a bad situation worse.

oh, and expectations - you might make 1 or 2 birdies but that's not your focus; make nothing worse than bogey... the pars will be there.

[Samuel09152]

29 minutes ago, BreakfastBall15 said:

My short game needs a ton of help so I'll check it out for sure!

The one with Rick was kinda eye opening for me! it was worth the watch for sure! 

[BreakfastBall15]

32 minutes ago, StrokerAce said:

some things that helped me get to single numbers...

prioritize accuracy... and by that, I mean stop losing balls. I know everyone says hit driver everywhere and forget about fairways but if you think there's a 50 or more % chance that using a driver will lead to a lost ball don't do it. this will easily save you 2-3 strokes and some $$$ too.

no more 3 putts.... work on LAG putting to a comfortable distance. stop practicing making 15-20 foot putts; you just won't make very many of those. work on making 2-4 footers (20 in a row) and lagging the ball inside 2-4 feet from 20+... another couple strokes - easily.

aim and alignment... one of THE most overlooked aspects. before you even swing the club make sure you're positioned well for a good shot and your body is aimed properly - i.e. shoulders/hips/knees/feet all going in the same direction. don't be afraid to take your time doing this. really sucks to hit a shot out of the center of the face only for it to go off in one direction because you weren't lined up/aimed properly.

greenside in regulation.... GIR's are awesome and one of the quickest ways to lower your score but that can be hard. Try to be greenside in regulation.... at the very least you can chip on and maybe get it close enough to one putt.

bunkers.... unless you're comfortable stop looking at the pin when in the bunker. get it on the green should be your focus. once you've mastered that you can aim at the pin.

finally --- there's no such thing as a bad bogey. if you're in the trees play it smart - punch out, wedge up, 2 putt and move on. don't make a bad situation worse.

oh, and expectations - you might make 1 or 2 birdies but that's not your focus; make nothing worse than bogey... the pars will be there.

The playing in the trees was the biggest thing for me. Once I stopped playing "hero golf" that never works and played smart and just punched out I went from high 90s to breaking 90.

[StrokerAce]

2 minutes ago, BreakfastBall15 said:

The playing in the trees was the biggest thing for me. Once I stopped playing "hero golf" that never works and played smart and just punched out I went from high 90s to breaking 90.

one can easily shave strokes off without even taking a swing. 

just by thinking more strategic and smarter on the golf course. 

[Karls0991]

1 hour ago, StrokerAce said:

some things that helped me get to single numbers...

prioritize accuracy... and by that, I mean stop losing balls. I know everyone says hit driver everywhere and forget about fairways but if you think there's a 50 or more % chance that using a driver will lead to a lost ball don't do it. this will easily save you 2-3 strokes and some $$$ too.

no more 3 putts.... work on LAG putting to a comfortable distance. stop practicing making 15-20 foot putts; you just won't make very many of those. work on making 2-4 footers (20 in a row) and lagging the ball inside 2-4 feet from 20+... another couple strokes - easily.

aim and alignment... one of THE most overlooked aspects. before you even swing the club make sure you're positioned well for a good shot and your body is aimed properly - i.e. shoulders/hips/knees/feet all going in the same direction. don't be afraid to take your time doing this. really sucks to hit a shot out of the center of the face only for it to go off in one direction because you weren't lined up/aimed properly.

greenside in regulation.... GIR's are awesome and one of the quickest ways to lower your score but that can be hard. Try to be greenside in regulation.... at the very least you can chip on and maybe get it close enough to one putt.

bunkers.... unless you're comfortable stop looking at the pin when in the bunker. get it on the green should be your focus. once you've mastered that you can aim at the pin.

finally --- there's no such thing as a bad bogey. if you're in the trees play it smart - punch out, wedge up, 2 putt and move on. don't make a bad situation worse.

oh, and expectations - you might make 1 or 2 birdies but that's not your focus; make nothing worse than bogey... the pars will be there.

Thanks for the tips! Really love the greenside in regulation stat! I will 100% be taking that with me for my round tomorrow!

[GolfSpy_KFT]

1 hour ago, StrokerAce said:

some things that helped me get to single numbers...

prioritize accuracy... and by that, I mean stop losing balls. I know everyone says hit driver everywhere and forget about fairways but if you think there's a 50 or more % chance that using a driver will lead to a lost ball don't do it. this will easily save you 2-3 strokes and some $$$ too.

no more 3 putts.... work on LAG putting to a comfortable distance. stop practicing making 15-20 foot putts; you just won't make very many of those. work on making 2-4 footers (20 in a row) and lagging the ball inside 2-4 feet from 20+... another couple strokes - easily.

 

These are absolutely critical IMO on the quest of dropping HDCP, couldn't agree more @StrokerAce. The best two 9 hole scores I shot to end my season last year of 40 & 41 had ZERO tee shots OB and I had a total of 32 putts, most importantly, ZERO three putts.

Two of my main goals this year are reducing three putt frequency significantly and keeping the ball in play off the tee. If I can do that, consistent 80s scoring is for sure within my grasp. Just gotta execute now 

[tdroma98]

Welcome & Good Luck on your quest @Karls0991!  

Like your "Tactics" Goals with your journey to break 80 & get down to a 9.0 handicap!! Love your Passion and the fact you have a plan.  I will say this about TheStack System, it has helped me!  As for TheStack putting, I've only done two putting sessions.  

Finding a good instructor really helped me to reduce my handicap from an 18 to a 12 (seemed to drop quick), to a 7 (didn't drop as fast) then to a 3 handicap (that took some time & patience & where my short game got really good around the greens).  The hard part was going from a 3 to 1 handicap, especially when your golf coach decides to retire! LOL.  

During the process of lowering my handicap, two important things I learned were course management & patience.  I'm not Tiger, who can hit a 6 iron from 210yds out of a bunker over trees & over water. I'll look to hit it to the 100yd marker & try to save par or bogey & move to the next hole.  Learn to take your medicine (that's patience). While par is the quest for every hole, maybe playing for bogey may be smarter & taking trouble & high score out of play.  Give yourself a chance to save Par because you had patience & not try the Tiger or JT shot with trouble all around.  

The Short Game is like 60% of the game, glad that is part of your work.  You may be able to drive it 300+yds, great, but getting up & down for birdie or par after missing greens goes a long way into shaving strokes off your score.  Great suggestion from @Samuel09152 of Dan Grieve.  Michelson also has a short game video:  Michelson Chipping 101 which is very good. 

Lastly, the mental approach is important.  Having a routine is important.  One book I really like for mental game, which really helped me to develop a good routine & thought process on the course: "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose" by Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott.  They were Anika Sorenstam's instructors. (LOL, I don't get residuals for plugging the book. Some in the Forum may think so ) 

Good luck @Karls0991 it will be fun to watch your progress!!! Go for it!!  

[BreakfastBall15]

2 minutes ago, tdroma98 said:

 

The Short Game is like 60% of the game, glad that is part of your work.  You may be able to drive it 300+yds, great, but getting up & down for birdie or par after missing greens goes a long way into shaving strokes off your score.  Great suggestion from @Samuel09152 of Dan Grieve.  Michelson also has a short game video:  Michelson Chipping 101 which is very good. 

Lastly, the mental approach is important.  Having a routine is important.  One book I really like for mental game, which really helped me to develop a good routine & thought process on the course: "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose" by Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott.  They were Anika Sorenstam's instructors. (LOL, I don't get residuals for plugging the book. Some in the Forum may think so ) 

 

I feel attacked... 

I remember watching the NLU strapped series (I think it was them) and they had a lesson with Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott and they talked about the "think box" and the "play box" and loved that mentality. It's something I've tried to implement in my own game and it's for sure helped. Kinda seems like that's a hot topic in the game now with Bridgestone's Mindset series balls.

[Karls0991]

10 minutes ago, tdroma98 said:

Welcome & Good Luck on your quest @Karls0991!  

Like your "Tactics" Goals with your journey to break 80 & get down to a 9.0 handicap!! Love your Passion and the fact you have a plan.  I will say this about TheStack System, it has helped me!  As for TheStack putting, I've only done two putting sessions.  

Finding a good instructor really helped me to reduce my handicap from an 18 to a 12 (seemed to drop quick), to a 7 (didn't drop as fast) then to a 3 handicap (that took some time & patience & where my short game got really good around the greens).  The hard part was going from a 3 to 1 handicap, especially when your golf coach decides to retire! LOL.  

During the process of lowering my handicap, two important things I learned were course management & patience.  I'm not Tiger, who can hit a 6 iron from 210yds out of a bunker over trees & over water. I'll look to hit it to the 100yd marker & try to save par or bogey & move to the next hole.  Learn to take your medicine (that's patience). While par is the quest for every hole, maybe playing for bogey may be smarter & taking trouble & high score out of play.  Give yourself a chance to save Par because you had patience & not try the Tiger or JT shot with trouble all around.  

The Short Game is like 60% of the game, glad that is part of your work.  You may be able to drive it 300+yds, great, but getting up & down for birdie or par after missing greens goes a long way into shaving strokes off your score.  Great suggestion from @Samuel09152 of Dan Grieve.  Michelson also has a short game video:  Michelson Chipping 101 which is very good. 

Lastly, the mental approach is important.  Having a routine is important.  One book I really like for mental game, which really helped me to develop a good routine & thought process on the course: "Every Shot Must Have a Purpose" by Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott.  They were Anika Sorenstam's instructors. (LOL, I don't get residuals for plugging the book. Some in the Forum may think so ) 

Good luck @Karls0991 it will be fun to watch your progress!!! Go for it!!  

I really appreciate your thought out and incredible reply! I sure hope my coach doesn't leave me anytime soon, he's just a tad older than me so we should be okay! I have been listening to the mental game podcast, chasing scratch, and the sweet spot. They echo a lot of these same points. Having a pre shot routine is also something that will be a goal each round for a while or maybe all season, because I find when I am deliberate about it I play better. I am a youtube addict as well, so I already know whats on my night playlist tonight! 

[tdroma98]

4 minutes ago, BreakfastBall15 said:

I feel attacked... 

I remember watching the NLU strapped series (I think it was them) and they had a lesson with Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott and they talked about the "think box" and the "play box" and loved that mentality. It's something I've tried to implement in my own game and it's for sure helped. Kinda seems like that's a hot topic in the game now with Bridgestone's Mindset series balls.

@BreakfastBall15 the "Think & Play Box" are exactly what impacted me.  For whatever reason, that simple phrase was a game changer!  I still use that method, especially when I find myself grinding.  I take a step back and remind myself of the "Boxes". Boom, the stinkin thinkin goes away!!  Great minds think alike! 

[TJ Hall]

Looking forward to following your progress…rooting for you!

[Josh Parker]

4 hours ago, StrokerAce said:

some things that helped me get to single numbers...

prioritize accuracy... and by that, I mean stop losing balls. I know everyone says hit driver everywhere and forget about fairways but if you think there's a 50 or more % chance that using a driver will lead to a lost ball don't do it. this will easily save you 2-3 strokes and some $$$ too.

no more 3 putts.... work on LAG putting to a comfortable distance. stop practicing making 15-20 foot putts; you just won't make very many of those. work on making 2-4 footers (20 in a row) and lagging the ball inside 2-4 feet from 20+... another couple strokes - easily.

aim and alignment... one of THE most overlooked aspects. before you even swing the club make sure you're positioned well for a good shot and your body is aimed properly - i.e. shoulders/hips/knees/feet all going in the same direction. don't be afraid to take your time doing this. really sucks to hit a shot out of the center of the face only for it to go off in one direction because you weren't lined up/aimed properly.

greenside in regulation.... GIR's are awesome and one of the quickest ways to lower your score but that can be hard. Try to be greenside in regulation.... at the very least you can chip on and maybe get it close enough to one putt.

bunkers.... unless you're comfortable stop looking at the pin when in the bunker. get it on the green should be your focus. once you've mastered that you can aim at the pin.

finally --- there's no such thing as a bad bogey. if you're in the trees play it smart - punch out, wedge up, 2 putt and move on. don't make a bad situation worse.

oh, and expectations - you might make 1 or 2 birdies but that's not your focus; make nothing worse than bogey... the pars will be there.

This is sound advice and it makes all the difference.  

5 hours ago, Karls0991 said:

Hello to anyone who finds this even remotely interesting! 

Inspired by @GolfSpy_KFT, @BreakfastBall15, and @Samuel09152 (please go follow their topics/threads)!

I will use this thread/topic as a place to hold myself accountable for journaling my rounds, practice, and other random things during the year while I embark on my quest to finally break into the single digit handicap world and get past the wall that breaking 80 has become. 

About me:

I am 32 years old, a father of two little boys Remington and River (4.5 and 3 years old), and husband to my incredible wife Chelsea. Born and raised in Michigan (Go Blue) but dreaming of one day living where year round golf is possible. Currently work full time in the Mortgage Servicing world as a leader for two teams: workforce management and escalation. Any free time outside of work and family is devoted to watching sports or something golf related. I first started playing golf casually after high school and have become a full fledged addict over the past few years. I started to get more serious about the game and actually tracking my handicap within the last 5-6 years and have went from a 30+ handicap and ended last year at an even 12.0. I have been hovering in the 12-15 range for the past few 2-3 years and have not progressed. Spending this much time and money on the game, I have decided this year I am fully committed to getting better. 

GOAL 1  - Achieve a 9.0 handicap or lower by Halloween (End of posting season in Michigan).

GOAL 2 - Break 80 

Tactics:

1. Write my goals down before each round. Use Arccos to keep track of stats. Post my round recaps.
2. Take an in-person lesson once a month (have taken 3 so far this year and purchased 5 more).
3. Play at least once a week but aiming for more.
4. Practice 2-3 times a week (garage sim, outdoor range, putting green)
5. Continue The Stack System and start Stack Putting
6. Peloton rides and Yoga (follow me @dada_karls) 4-5 times a week.

Arccos data from last season:

My two main areas I need to work on is approach/par 3's and driving penalties. These are obviously two really large areas of focus, but I have started to put things in action to fix these. I think getting these more in control will ultimately help me turn a few bogeys into pars, and doubles into bogeys. 

Driving - In my last lesson we devoted the entire time to Driver. With the help of my coach, I was able to figure out some of the things I was doing wrong that was causing me to snap hook everything off the planet or not get off the tee box at all. I am naturally so in-out and up on the ball, that I get stuck and duff my driver. Also got into a heavier shaft to hopefully help with this as well.

Approach - Huge focus has been on ground contact and face strike location. I have been drilling these for the past couple months and feel like I have made some serious improvements in this area. Not really focusing on too many technical thoughts here which has been amazing. 

Looking forward to following along!  

[Karls0991]

March 29th 2024

Course: Farmington Hills GC (Blue Tees, 5961 yds, 68.2, 127, par 71)

Tee Time: 12:48pm

Weather: 50° - 10mph steady wind

Goals Pre-Round:

1. Be grateful to be playing golf instead of working
2. Pre-shot routine on every shot and putt
3. One swing thought

First time ever playing this course, pulled up and it was PACKED! Tee sheet was 100% filled and there was a 15 min frost delay. My buddy and I got paired with a nice guy and his girlfriend. Pace wasn't too bad, 4.5 hours total, opened up more on the back nine. Ensured I arrived and gave myself enough time to go through my mobility warmup (thanks Fit For Golf) and hit a small bucket of balls. I purchased a Bionic StableGrip glove pre round from Dick's and its literally the best glove I have ever used, never felt the club being so "stable" and locked in my hand. 

This is a long post, TLDR version at the very bottom.

Hole 1 - Par 4 - Stepped up and hit a decent nervy drive to the right side of the fairway. Hit a great 9 iron onto the green and had an unfortunate 3 putt to start the day, just left my lag 7 feet short and couldn't make it. +1

Hole 2 - Par 4 - Hit my drive right into the trees, had to hit a punch 5 iron and executed it pretty well! Landed just off the back of the green. Was able to chip up to 5 feet and drained the putt. Par. +1

Hole 3 - Par 4 - Hit a week drive that faded off to the right rough. Was nervous to pull the 5 iron as I never hit it well in the past, but hit the best high 5 iron with my new feels I have ever hit into the wind. Landed on the green to 27ft, lagged it to 4ft and made the putt. Par. +1

Hole 4 - Par 4 - Dogleg right and water through the fairway. I step up and intentionally try hitting a fade. Best drive of the day, 300 yards, leaves me just a gap wedge in. Pull my gap wedge left and get lucky as it gets a get kick off a tree and kicks towards the green. Chip on and lip out the putt from 9ft. Tap in Bogey. +2

Hole 5 - Short par 3- Hit pitching onto the green, 36ft to pin. Lag to 3 ft and make the putt. Par. +2

Hole 6 - Par 4 - Great drive leaves me a sand wedge in. Hit the green, but cant make a good lag once again and costs me a 3 putt (have I mentioned I really want a LAB putter). Bogey. +3 

Feeling really good about my game at this point being +3 through six and feeling pretty confident with driving and irons which has been my two weaknesses the past couple years.

Hole 7 - Par 5- Second best drive of the day leaves me just over 200 yards to the pin. Pull my favorite club in my bag, my 4H, and land just left of the green. (Greenside in regulation @StrokerAce) Chip on to 12 feet and almost make the putt for birdie, but tap in for par. +3

Hole 8 - Par 3 - Don't the best 8 iron of my life, but last year I would often just top/chunk balls off the tee or shank them OB on par 3's. This one lands just short left. Chipped on to 12 feet and 2 putt for bogey. Not the end of the world, I will live with bogeys and especially on par 3's. +4

Hole 9 - Par 4 - Another decent drive and fairway hit. Fanned my pitching wedge to short right , chipped to 5 feet and made the putt. +4. Turning at 39, first time I check the score and I get a little nervous. 

Hole 10 - Par 4 - Now this feels like a completely different course, its wide open and very inviting to the eyes. Feels like you can just smash driver anywhere and be okay. I hit a good drive, followed by a great gap wedge and made a really good 2 putt from 37 feet. Par. +4

Hole 11 - Par 4 - Again these holes are so open compared to the front 9, and I am in a bit of a groove , so I roast a driver left. Hit the best gap wedge probably of my life, it never left the pin. I couldnt see it land, but turned to my buddy and said thats either long or in the hole. We drive up and its 2 feet behind the pin. Tap in birdie. +3.

Hole 12 - Par 4 - Coming off a birdie I am pretty amped up. Step up and overdraw my driver but end up having a perfect shot into the green. I had 85 yards into the wind to the pin which is a bit in between distances for me. I should of pulled sand wedge, but decided to hit lob wedge. Hit a wall of wind and just died short of the green. Ball is on a tight lie and green is up a pretty big slope. I toe down my wedge and use a putting stroke, I almost drain the chip but leave it to inches. Tap in Par. Still holding at +3 and by far the lowest I have ever been this late into a round. Trying not to think of score, but also impossible not to.

Hole 13 - Par 3 - Another 8 iron into a par 3 and they havent been the kindest to me so far. I hit a decent shot to the front left of the green and 54 ft from the pin. I once again hit a terrible lag and leave it 10 feet short. I still continue to walk off my putt and stay in the moment. I end up canning the 10ft putt and walk off with par. +3 

Hole 14 - Par 5 - Plan was to hit a drive over the corner to cut off some distance, but double crossed and hit a pully draw to the left and just at the start of the dog leg (275 yards from the pin). Pull my 4 hybrid and hit what I thought was an incredible shot right towards the green. Get up to my ball and realize I have tree trouble and have to just try and punch something down towards the green and to the left to get an angle at the green. I overhit my 8 iron and it rolls into the bunker. Wet sand and I chunk my first sand shot 12 feet still in the bunker. Now I am feeling extremely nervous and starting to get upset. I hit my next sand shot barely out of the bunker but onto the fringe. Lag it to 7 feet and thankfully drain the putt. Double Bogey. +5. At this point I probably was carrying a bit too much negative energy cause it felt like I just crashed into a wall.

Hole 15 - Par 3 - Longest par 3 of the day into the wind. I pull 6 iron and hit my first real chunk of the day. Hit 5 inches behind the ball and it rolls out 100 yards in front of me. Pull my sand wedge left and short. Chip on and then hit an egerious 2 putt from 5 feet. Back to back double bogeys. My dream of breaking 80 is all but over at this point. +7. Somehow need to go +1 over the last 3 holes to break 80. Par 5, par f, par 4 left.

Hole 16 - Par 5 - My best friend can sense that I am a little frustrated but tells me to just relax, its March and I am hitting the ball better than I ever have. Tells me we have a short par 5 and its a chance to score. I take some deep breaths and ensure I go through my pre shot routine. My only focus is hitting a good drive. I end of fading it a bit too much to the right and wind kills it, not the shot I wanted and I know I have a long way in now. Pull the trusty 4 hybrid and roast one down to the left hand side. Leaves me 85 yards in and this time I pull the sand wedge. Hit a great shot to 19 ft and make a great lag to under a foot and tap it in. Par. +7

Hole 17 - Par 4 - Pretty open hole and feeling better after the par on the last hole. Hit a pull draw left and think I am dead, but my buddy said he saw it land by the red tees on the hole over. Sure enough it was right next to the box and left me a pretty clear 170 yards away from the green. Take 6 iron and make great contact but it is headed left. I get another lucky bounce off the hill on the left of green and kicks it to 15 ft from the pin. Make an stress free 2 putt. Par. +7. I need a bogey or less on the last hole to break 80....

Hole 18 - Par 4 - We debated what to hit on this hole for a few minutes. there was water at the dogleg that scared me with some of the fades I was hitting with driver. I decide to pull old trusty 4H and proceed to pull it way left. At this point I just pray I have somewhat of a clean shot at the green. We get up to my ball and I have 205 to the middle of the green. I hit 4H again and pull it again! The nerves were trying to sabotage me! Leaves me with a 40 yard shot to the green. I am pretty sure at this point I am visibly shaking and praying to god that I just get the damn ball on the green. I hit the best 40 yard one hop and stop wedge of my life to 10 feet. I walk up to the green like I am about to win the Masters just smiling. I let our playing partners know that if I can manage to two putt this I will shoot my lowest round ever. They all clear their putts and its just me and the hole, 10 measly feet away. I really want to make this putt and can almost visually see the line and the ball going in. I somehow calm my hands down enough to hit the putt and leave a few inches away from the cup. Tap in Bogey. +8!

On March 29, 2024 I somehow achieved a goal that I have been chasing for a few years. I BROKE 80! The feeling was such a rush and extreme happiness. The lessons and garage sim grinding have paid off. Now the one issue is this round doesn't technically count since we cannot post handicap scores until April 1 in Michigan. So the goal to break 80 continues, but today was so amazing. Farmington Hills GC will now always have a soft spot in my heart. 

Recap:

I gained strokes on a 9 handicap driving, approach, and short game. Slightly lost putting (damn lag putting). This is such a great sight because I have been a headcase on the tee box for a long time and usually lose multiple balls OB. I didn't have a single OB ball today and was in a good spot on almost every hole. I broke personal records for Most GIR (10), Most Pars (10), Fewest Bogeys (7), and Lowest Score (79)!

Goals- I can say that I feel I passed on all my goals. I was happy to be out there today instead of working and was positive and talking most of the round outside of the short two hole debacle. I was intentional on each shot with wind, target, elevation, distance. I also ensured I did my pre shot routine each shot and on the greens walked off every single putt. My only swing thought was keeping my right wrist bent through impact as it helps me to flip and chunk shots. Only hit 1 really bad chunk today. 

TLDR - Played a course I never played before with my best friend today. Hit the ball really well off the tee and with my irons. Putting was suspect. BROKE 80 for the first time ever!! Not a handicap counting round, so technically need to do it again this year, but still on cloud 9!

Not sure why this picture wont let me remove it. 

Edited March 30 by Karls0991
Removing duplicate picture

[BreakfastBall15]

Hell yeah man! Congrats! Shooting that on a course you’ve never played is super impressive

[Josh Parker]

32 minutes ago, Karls0991 said:

March 29th 2024

Course: Farmington Hills GC (Blue Tees, 5961 yds, 68.2, 127, par 71)

Tee Time: 12:48pm

Weather: 50° - 10mph steady wind

Goals Pre-Round:

1. Be grateful to be playing golf instead of working
2. Pre-shot routine on every shot and putt
3. One swing thought

First time ever playing this course, pulled up and it was PACKED! Tee sheet was 100% filled and there was a 15 min frost delay. My buddy and I got paired with a nice guy and his girlfriend. Pace wasn't too bad, 4.5 hours total, opened up more on the back nine. Ensured I arrived and gave myself enough time to go through my mobility warmup (thanks Fit For Golf) and hit a small bucket of balls. I purchased a Bionic StableGrip glove pre round from Dick's and its literally the best glove I have ever used, never felt the club being so "stable" and locked in my hand. 

This is a long post, TLDR version at the very bottom.

Hole 1 - Par 4 - Stepped up and hit a decent nervy drive to the right side of the fairway. Hit a great 9 iron onto the green and had an unfortunate 3 putt to start the day, just left my lag 7 feet short and couldn't make it. +1

Hole 2 - Par 4 - Hit my drive right into the trees, had to hit a punch 5 iron and executed it pretty well! Landed just off the back of the green. Was able to chip up to 5 feet and drained the putt. Par. +1

Hole 3 - Par 4 - Hit a week drive that faded off to the right rough. Was nervous to pull the 5 iron as I never hit it well in the past, but hit the best high 5 iron with my new feels I have ever hit into the wind. Landed on the green to 27ft, lagged it to 4ft and made the putt. Par. +1

Hole 4 - Par 4 - Dogleg right and water through the fairway. I step up and intentionally try hitting a fade. Best drive of the day, 300 yards, leaves me just a gap wedge in. Pull my gap wedge left and get lucky as it gets a get kick off a tree and kicks towards the green. Chip on and lip out the putt from 9ft. Tap in Bogey. +2

Hole 5 - Short par 3- Hit pitching onto the green, 36ft to pin. Lag to 3 ft and make the putt. Par. +2

Hole 6 - Par 4 - Great drive leaves me a sand wedge in. Hit the green, but cant make a good lag once again and costs me a 3 putt (have I mentioned I really want a LAB putter). Bogey. +3 

Feeling really good about my game at this point being +3 through six and feeling pretty confident with driving and irons which has been my two weaknesses the past couple years.

Hole 7 - Par 5- Second best drive of the day leaves me just over 200 yards to the pin. Pull my favorite club in my bag, my 4H, and land just left of the green. (Greenside in regulation @StrokerAce) Chip on to 12 feet and almost make the putt for birdie, but tap in for par. +3

Hole 8 - Par 3 - Don't the best 8 iron of my life, but last year I would often just top/chunk balls off the tee or shank them OB on par 3's. This one lands just short left. Chipped on to 12 feet and 2 putt for bogey. Not the end of the world, I will live with bogeys and especially on par 3's. +4

Hole 9 - Par 4 - Another decent drive and fairway hit. Fanned my pitching wedge to short right , chipped to 5 feet and made the putt. +4. Turning at 39, first time I check the score and I get a little nervous. 

Hole 10 - Par 4 - Now this feels like a completely different course, its wide open and very inviting to the eyes. Feels like you can just smash driver anywhere and be okay. I hit a good drive, followed by a great gap wedge and made a really good 2 putt from 37 feet. Par. +4

Hole 11 - Par 4 - Again these holes are so open compared to the front 9, and I am in a bit of a groove , so I roast a driver left. Hit the best gap wedge probably of my life, it never left the pin. I couldnt see it land, but turned to my buddy and said thats either long or in the hole. We drive up and its 2 feet behind the pin. Tap in birdie. +3.

Hole 12 - Par 4 - Coming off a birdie I am pretty amped up. Step up and overdraw my driver but end up having a perfect shot into the green. I had 85 yards into the wind to the pin which is a bit in between distances for me. I should of pulled sand wedge, but decided to hit lob wedge. Hit a wall of wind and just died short of the green. Ball is on a tight lie and green is up a pretty big slope. I toe down my wedge and use a putting stroke, I almost drain the chip but leave it to inches. Tap in Par. Still holding at +3 and by far the lowest I have ever been this late into a round. Trying not to think of score, but also impossible not to.

Hole 13 - Par 3 - Another 8 iron into a par 3 and they havent been the kindest to me so far. I hit a decent shot to the front left of the green and 54 ft from the pin. I once again hit a terrible lag and leave it 10 feet short. I still continue to walk off my putt and stay in the moment. I end up canning the 10ft putt and walk off with par. +3 

Hole 14 - Par 5 - Plan was to hit a drive over the corner to cut off some distance, but double crossed and hit a pully draw to the left and just at the start of the dog leg (275 yards from the pin). Pull my 4 hybrid and hit what I thought was an incredible shot right towards the green. Get up to my ball and realize I have tree trouble and have to just try and punch something down towards the green and to the left to get an angle at the green. I overhit my 8 iron and it rolls into the bunker. Wet sand and I chunk my first sand shot 12 feet still in the bunker. Now I am feeling extremely nervous and starting to get upset. I hit my next sand shot barely out of the bunker but onto the fringe. Lag it to 7 feet and thankfully drain the putt. Double Bogey. +5. At this point I probably was carrying a bit too much negative energy cause it felt like I just crashed into a wall.

Hole 15 - Par 3 - Longest par 3 of the day into the wind. I pull 6 iron and hit my first real chunk of the day. Hit 5 inches behind the ball and it rolls out 100 yards in front of me. Pull my sand wedge left and short. Chip on and then hit an egerious 2 putt from 5 feet. Back to back double bogeys. My dream of breaking 80 is all but over at this point. +7. Somehow need to go +1 over the last 3 holes to break 80. Par 5, par f, par 4 left.

Hole 16 - Par 5 - My best friend can sense that I am a little frustrated but tells me to just relax, its March and I am hitting the ball better than I ever have. Tells me we have a short par 5 and its a chance to score. I take some deep breaths and ensure I go through my pre shot routine. My only focus is hitting a good drive. I end of fading it a bit too much to the right and wind kills it, not the shot I wanted and I know I have a long way in now. Pull the trusty 4 hybrid and roast one down to the left hand side. Leaves me 85 yards in and this time I pull the sand wedge. Hit a great shot to 19 ft and make a great lag to under a foot and tap it in. Par. +7

Hole 17 - Par 4 - Pretty open hole and feeling better after the par on the last hole. Hit a pull draw left and think I am dead, but my buddy said he saw it land by the red tees on the hole over. Sure enough it was right next to the box and left me a pretty clear 170 yards away from the green. Take 6 iron and make great contact but it is headed left. I get another lucky bounce off the hill on the left of green and kicks it to 15 ft from the pin. Make an stress free 2 putt. Par. +7. I need a bogey or less on the last hole to break 80....

Hole 18 - Par 4 - We debated what to hit on this hole for a few minutes. there was water at the dogleg that scared me with some of the fades I was hitting with driver. I decide to pull old trusty 4H and proceed to pull it way left. At this point I just pray I have somewhat of a clean shot at the green. We get up to my ball and I have 205 to the middle of the green. I hit 4H again and pull it again! The nerves were trying to sabotage me! Leaves me with a 40 yard shot to the green. I am pretty sure at this point I am visibly shaking and praying to god that I just get the damn ball on the green. I hit the best 40 yard one hop and stop wedge of my life to 10 feet. I walk up to the green like I am about to win the Masters just smiling. I let our playing partners know that if I can manage to two putt this I will shoot my lowest round ever. They all clear their putts and its just me and the hole, 10 measly feet away. I really want to make this putt and can almost visually see the line and the ball going in. I somehow calm my hands down enough to hit the putt and leave a few inches away from the cup. Tap in Bogey. +8!

On March 29, 2024 I somehow achieved a goal that I have been chasing for a few years. I BROKE 80! The feeling was such a rush and extreme happiness. The lessons and garage sim grinding have paid off. Now the one issue is this round doesn't technically count since we cannot post handicap scores until April 1 in Michigan. So the goal to break 80 continues, but today was so amazing. Farmington Hills GC will now always have a soft spot in my heart. 

Recap:

I gained strokes on a 9 handicap driving, approach, and short game. Slightly lost putting (damn lag putting). This is such a great sight because I have been a headcase on the tee box for a long time and usually lose multiple balls OB. I didn't have a single OB ball today and was in a good spot on almost every hole. I broke personal records for Most GIR (10), Most Pars (10), Fewest Bogeys (7), and Lowest Score (79)!

Goals- I can say that I feel I passed on all my goals. I was happy to be out there today instead of working and was positive and talking most of the round outside of the short two hole debacle. I was intentional on each shot with wind, target, elevation, distance. I also ensured I did my pre shot routine each shot and on the greens walked off every single putt. My only swing thought was keeping my right wrist bent through impact as it helps me to flip and chunk shots. Only hit 1 really bad chunk today. 

TLDR - Played a course I never played before with my best friend today. Hit the ball really well off the tee and with my irons. Putting was suspect. BROKE 80 for the first time ever!! Not a handicap counting round, so technically need to do it again this year, but still on cloud 9!

 

Congrats on a great round!  Now go repeat it!  Carry that momentum!

[Tom the Golf Nut]

Nice round. Breaking through is the hard part. Now that you have broken 80 the low rounds will be easier. Regardless of whether or not you can post it doesn’t matter. The fact is you know you did it and you can and will do it again.

[THE GOLF GUY]

Ironically, I had a 79 too today 37/42 ( yes a double on the last hole ) playing with the MGA today . Breaking 80 is a totally different barrier than 90 at least for me it is . When you get to the eighties is more  about technique and swing improvements . When breaking 80 it is more of a mental challenge and particularly maintaining sub 80 scores . 

Edited March 30 by THE GOLF GUY

[Kenny B]

Well played!

[TJ Hall]

Congratulations, definitely a big milestone.  Keep up the good work!

[StrokerAce]

Way to go!!! That’s awesome and to do it with a friend alongside you makes it even sweeter 

Congrats

[Samuel09152]

Dude let’s go!!! That is incredible!!! So happy to see you reach this milestone! Congratulations! Now go get 2 or 3 more! 

[Karls0991]

March 30th 2024

Course: Fellows Creek White Tees, 5993 yds, par 72)

Tee Time: 9:25am 

Weather: 40° - Steady Rain all round 

The high from yesterday’s 79 came crashing down pretty quickly. Round was wet and cold and I couldn’t get off the ground. Hands were frozen and I could not putt. Had fun with the boys being mud dogs and not letting this round bring me down. 
 

 

 

[Karls0991]

April 7 2024

Course: Rolling Meadows, 6000yds, par 70

Tee Time: 1:12pm

Weather: 55, Windy

One of the first sunny and not freezing weekend days in Michigan so course was packed and round was slow. Didn’t have it today, still fine tuning this new swing and kept pulling irons or hitting them long. Also was a complete mess off the tee once again. Need to get some outdoor range time with driver soon. Wa grateful to play with my buddy and be in the sunshine, all be it chillier than I anticipated.