Wow, has it really been a fortnight since I last posted???
I've been really busy at work and spent a few nights away which has really restricted my practice time. I think I've only been to the range 3 or 4 times in the last 2 weeks. Yesterday was the first time in a week that I'd had any chance to practice and, even then, it was only a quick 60 balls at lunchtime.
I have to say that the break may have done me good as I hit excellently. I had to get some sort of striking in as I was due to play at Oakridge today. I was originally meant to play on my own but, as I was walking off the range yesterday, my old mate Richard called to ask if he could join me.
We teed off at 8 this morning and it was very damp and misty but, all things considered, we both played reasonably well. In a matchplay format, we had a ding dong battle until 14 where he went 3 up on me. However, I took 16 and 17 to keep the match alive walking to the last tee where I bombed a drive straight down the middle and he pushed his into the right hand rough. His second landed just short of an Out of Bounds ditch on the left giving me a chance. Unfortunately, despite hitting a wonderful attacking hybrid, I just caught a tree just off centre of the fairway and my ball ricocheted into the bloody OOB ditch. I replayed the shot which landed in a greenside bunker and the game was effectively over.
There were a lot of positive signs for us both and I continue to believe I can complete my challenge. The clocks go forward this weekend which will mean I can play a few holes after work in the evening from now on - when I'm not away with work. Now the pressure is really on, it's time for the tough to get going!!!
Friday, 23 March 2012
Friday, 9 March 2012
What Might Have Been
After a couple of weeks away from the course for differing reasons, I managed to get back to Oakridge this morning and it really was a case of what might have been. It also highlighted the one part of the game which I have sadly neglected up to now........ putting!!
I started off very well by parring the first two holes but the remaining seven holes on the front nine were, to put it mildly, very poor and I completed the nine at 11 over par and with at least four 3 putts on the card where I should have done much better.
The second nine was a different story and after going through holes 15 - 18 par, par, bogey, par, I finished the back nine at 7 over par giving me an 89 for the round. Pleasingly, I actually one putted on the back nine on more than one occasion.
I was very tentative with my putting which is partly understandable as I'm still getting to grips with the pace of the greens but I really must give myself a chance by letting the ball have enough pace to hit the back of the cup.
With the encouragement of the back nine in my head, I feel I still have a chance of reaching my goal but I need to get on to practice greens as often as possible to improve my chances.
I started off very well by parring the first two holes but the remaining seven holes on the front nine were, to put it mildly, very poor and I completed the nine at 11 over par and with at least four 3 putts on the card where I should have done much better.
The second nine was a different story and after going through holes 15 - 18 par, par, bogey, par, I finished the back nine at 7 over par giving me an 89 for the round. Pleasingly, I actually one putted on the back nine on more than one occasion.
I was very tentative with my putting which is partly understandable as I'm still getting to grips with the pace of the greens but I really must give myself a chance by letting the ball have enough pace to hit the back of the cup.
With the encouragement of the back nine in my head, I feel I still have a chance of reaching my goal but I need to get on to practice greens as often as possible to improve my chances.
Monday, 5 March 2012
Another British Number One... But It's A Bit Slack Golf Wise
Firstly, congratulations to Rory McIlroy on dislodging Ian Poulter from the world's number 1 spot.
Rory won the Honda Classic in The States to become the third Brit in 12 months to take the top spot. He's such a prodigious talent and I only hope that the 22 year old's massive success isn't spoiled by over exuberance (a la Tiger). I'm sure that those around him will keep his feet where they belong - on terra firma.
From my own perspective, I'm going through that frustrating stage where all I have been able to do is hit balls at the range as I physically haven't been able to get on the course. I am at least trying to make the practice as worthwhile as possible and not just "Ball Bash" as this defeats the object of the practice.
I've been to the range every day except today (I'm stuck in a bloody hotel room with work again), but I'm also acutely aware that I need rest days to keep me fresh and avoid any staleness. I'm just praying for the clocks to go forward in less than a month so I can get a few holes in after work during the lighter evenings.
On Saturday, my wife had a craft demonstration day at Carterton in Oxfordshire. I dropped her off at 9.30 and headed for Bicester Outlet Village for a bit of a shop. The weather was horrendous in the morning, but as it brightened up around lunch time, I headed for a course I'd sounded out on the internet the previous day.
Kirtlington Golf Club is a relatively new course - approximately 15 years of age - and is still going through puberty. However, the staff and members are extremely friendly and made me feel welcome on my arrival. They have a small 8 bay covered range ( the mats are pretty basic and could do with updating) but it served its purpose and I cleared 100 balls hitting them extremely well.
After I'd finished on the range, I returned to the shop for a chat. Rachel has another Carterton demo in July and I wondered if there was any chance that I could play a round on my next visit. The lady in the shop was very pleasant and informed me that there would be no problem in playing 18 holes. Prices are a little high at £32 for a weekend round but I haven't played the course yet so I'll reserve judgement until July.
More to follow in due course.
I'm currently reading a book called "Preferred Lies" by the Scottish author, Andrew Greig. It's quite a moving and emotive book based around Greig playing 20 or so of the more obscure courses around his native Scotland. The book has got me thinking that I would like to try something similar at some juncture of my journey. I would recommend the book if you are looking for a golfing read.
On a more positive note, I've got a tee time booked for early on Friday morning and I'm due to play with an old cricketing friend who I haven't seen for over 20 years so it should bring back a few good memories.
Oh well, that's passed half an hour in my boring Luton Premier Inn. I guess I'll watch the news and turn in.
Night all.
Rory won the Honda Classic in The States to become the third Brit in 12 months to take the top spot. He's such a prodigious talent and I only hope that the 22 year old's massive success isn't spoiled by over exuberance (a la Tiger). I'm sure that those around him will keep his feet where they belong - on terra firma.
From my own perspective, I'm going through that frustrating stage where all I have been able to do is hit balls at the range as I physically haven't been able to get on the course. I am at least trying to make the practice as worthwhile as possible and not just "Ball Bash" as this defeats the object of the practice.
I've been to the range every day except today (I'm stuck in a bloody hotel room with work again), but I'm also acutely aware that I need rest days to keep me fresh and avoid any staleness. I'm just praying for the clocks to go forward in less than a month so I can get a few holes in after work during the lighter evenings.
On Saturday, my wife had a craft demonstration day at Carterton in Oxfordshire. I dropped her off at 9.30 and headed for Bicester Outlet Village for a bit of a shop. The weather was horrendous in the morning, but as it brightened up around lunch time, I headed for a course I'd sounded out on the internet the previous day.
Kirtlington Golf Club is a relatively new course - approximately 15 years of age - and is still going through puberty. However, the staff and members are extremely friendly and made me feel welcome on my arrival. They have a small 8 bay covered range ( the mats are pretty basic and could do with updating) but it served its purpose and I cleared 100 balls hitting them extremely well.
After I'd finished on the range, I returned to the shop for a chat. Rachel has another Carterton demo in July and I wondered if there was any chance that I could play a round on my next visit. The lady in the shop was very pleasant and informed me that there would be no problem in playing 18 holes. Prices are a little high at £32 for a weekend round but I haven't played the course yet so I'll reserve judgement until July.
More to follow in due course.
I'm currently reading a book called "Preferred Lies" by the Scottish author, Andrew Greig. It's quite a moving and emotive book based around Greig playing 20 or so of the more obscure courses around his native Scotland. The book has got me thinking that I would like to try something similar at some juncture of my journey. I would recommend the book if you are looking for a golfing read.
On a more positive note, I've got a tee time booked for early on Friday morning and I'm due to play with an old cricketing friend who I haven't seen for over 20 years so it should bring back a few good memories.
Oh well, that's passed half an hour in my boring Luton Premier Inn. I guess I'll watch the news and turn in.
Night all.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Bag Complete
It's been a hectic few days golf wise one way or another.
On Saturday, I managed to complete my bag with a new G20 Driver and 5-wood. I also picked up a new stand bag and a pair of Adidas golf shoes which I'd had my eye on.
Thanks, once again, to Trevor who took me through the fitting for the driver. I feel very comfortable with it and I'm now starting to swing so much more fluently.
After the fitting, I grabbed some balls for a swing but the range was infested with out of control kids which really hampered my session. I returned on Sunday morning and had a real "off day".
After being informed that I was going to be without a couple of members of staff at work the following week, I missed Monday at the range as I was completely buggered and stressed out. I was in for 6 in the morning on Tuesday so finished a little bit early on the Tuesday and, despite being knackered, I popped home to change and headed back to the range.
I surprised myself by hitting probably the best 100 balls I'd ever hit. My accuracy from 130 yards in is now getting very good. I went through the gears as normal, this time incorporating my new clubs, and all went very smoothly.
I then headed back to the range on Wednesday for a 60 ball lunchtime strike which again went very well. I'm probably spending 65% of my time on my short game as this really should be the key to pars over bogeys and birdies over pars when I get on to the course more often.
On Saturday, I managed to complete my bag with a new G20 Driver and 5-wood. I also picked up a new stand bag and a pair of Adidas golf shoes which I'd had my eye on.
Thanks, once again, to Trevor who took me through the fitting for the driver. I feel very comfortable with it and I'm now starting to swing so much more fluently.
After the fitting, I grabbed some balls for a swing but the range was infested with out of control kids which really hampered my session. I returned on Sunday morning and had a real "off day".
After being informed that I was going to be without a couple of members of staff at work the following week, I missed Monday at the range as I was completely buggered and stressed out. I was in for 6 in the morning on Tuesday so finished a little bit early on the Tuesday and, despite being knackered, I popped home to change and headed back to the range.
I surprised myself by hitting probably the best 100 balls I'd ever hit. My accuracy from 130 yards in is now getting very good. I went through the gears as normal, this time incorporating my new clubs, and all went very smoothly.
I then headed back to the range on Wednesday for a 60 ball lunchtime strike which again went very well. I'm probably spending 65% of my time on my short game as this really should be the key to pars over bogeys and birdies over pars when I get on to the course more often.
Friday, 24 February 2012
Down To Business......... And Oh, So Close!!!
I finally got to play at Oakridge this week. I took three days holiday from work to get some quality time in to get to know the course but, my first impression was "Bloody Hell, it's wet and windy here!"
For my first round, which was on Wednesday, I'd booked a tee time at 08:48 and arrived to see that I was first off. There are a few winter tees around at the moment but all the greens are in use and well presented. Trollies are also allowed so full marks to the greenkeepers for getting the course in as good a position as it currently is.
The wind was already blowing well and, with the forecast set to worsen as the day went on, I knew I would be up against it to get a full 18 in. As it turned out, I managed to get 10 holes in before I called it a day and, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I actually played. I parred several of the holes and hit the ball fairly well.
It wasn't until yesterday (Thursday) where I managed to get a full round in which was a round of ups and downs. Again, I was first on the tee and got away shortly before 8 o'clock. I had decided that I wasn't going to score either of the first two rounds as I didn't want to place any added pressure on myself during the familiaristion rounds.
I was extremely impressed with my iron play but my wood and hybrid play led to a bit of anxiety which worsened as the round progressed. As I said, my iron work was excellent and, on the par 3 14th, I came the closest I had ever come to an "ace" with the ball bang on line and finishing only a putter length from the hole.
Considering it was the first time I'd played the back nine, I actually played extremely well and, save for a couple of silly shots where I either under clubbed or took on a risky shot, I played very sensibly.
On my third day's holiday (Friday), I've actually gone back to the range for 100 balls. My iron play is now getting better by the day and the mechanics thoughts have pretty much all disappeared while I'm hitting which I am extremely relieved about. I still hit a few poor shots but nowhere near as many as I was doing a month ago.
I need to book a lesson with Trevor to try and get my woods back on course but I've now gained more confidence in myself. My course management is pretty good and, with a couple more practice rounds, I think I'll be ready to score a few and get my first handicap.
For my first round, which was on Wednesday, I'd booked a tee time at 08:48 and arrived to see that I was first off. There are a few winter tees around at the moment but all the greens are in use and well presented. Trollies are also allowed so full marks to the greenkeepers for getting the course in as good a position as it currently is.
The wind was already blowing well and, with the forecast set to worsen as the day went on, I knew I would be up against it to get a full 18 in. As it turned out, I managed to get 10 holes in before I called it a day and, I was pleasantly surprised at how well I actually played. I parred several of the holes and hit the ball fairly well.
It wasn't until yesterday (Thursday) where I managed to get a full round in which was a round of ups and downs. Again, I was first on the tee and got away shortly before 8 o'clock. I had decided that I wasn't going to score either of the first two rounds as I didn't want to place any added pressure on myself during the familiaristion rounds.
I was extremely impressed with my iron play but my wood and hybrid play led to a bit of anxiety which worsened as the round progressed. As I said, my iron work was excellent and, on the par 3 14th, I came the closest I had ever come to an "ace" with the ball bang on line and finishing only a putter length from the hole.
Considering it was the first time I'd played the back nine, I actually played extremely well and, save for a couple of silly shots where I either under clubbed or took on a risky shot, I played very sensibly.
On my third day's holiday (Friday), I've actually gone back to the range for 100 balls. My iron play is now getting better by the day and the mechanics thoughts have pretty much all disappeared while I'm hitting which I am extremely relieved about. I still hit a few poor shots but nowhere near as many as I was doing a month ago.
I need to book a lesson with Trevor to try and get my woods back on course but I've now gained more confidence in myself. My course management is pretty good and, with a couple more practice rounds, I think I'll be ready to score a few and get my first handicap.
Monday, 20 February 2012
A Quiet Week
It's been a week since I last posted and, I have to say, it's been a relatively quiet 7 days.
I am still waiting to play at Oakridge but my duck should be broken this week as I have Wednesday to Friday off work and I have a couple of tee times booked for the first two days.
In the past week, I have been to the range a few times and have tried to use the time not just as a chance to thrash balls but also, to work on my hip rotation and also a pre-shot routine. I've also purchased a Ping G20 3 Wood so I nearly have all the clubs I'm looking to acquire to get me out onto the course.
I've been reading quite a bit of Dr Bob over the past week and this, together with my swing aid which I'm using at work is gradually getting me to trust my swing more easily and just hit the ball without thinking about mechanics all of the time.
I'll keep you posted on my progress at Oakridge later in the week.
Happy Swinging!
I am still waiting to play at Oakridge but my duck should be broken this week as I have Wednesday to Friday off work and I have a couple of tee times booked for the first two days.
In the past week, I have been to the range a few times and have tried to use the time not just as a chance to thrash balls but also, to work on my hip rotation and also a pre-shot routine. I've also purchased a Ping G20 3 Wood so I nearly have all the clubs I'm looking to acquire to get me out onto the course.
I've been reading quite a bit of Dr Bob over the past week and this, together with my swing aid which I'm using at work is gradually getting me to trust my swing more easily and just hit the ball without thinking about mechanics all of the time.
I'll keep you posted on my progress at Oakridge later in the week.
Happy Swinging!
Monday, 13 February 2012
Decision Made
I finally took the plunge today and became a member of Oakridge Golf Club. First impressions are that it's a really friendly club. Unfortunately, the course was closed today due to adverse weather following the weekend's snow and heavy frost.
If you're interested, you can check them out at Oakridge Golf Club It's a reasonable website and you can also check them out on Twitter @OakridgeGC if there are any Tweeters amongst you.
I also popped to the range earlier and hit probably the best 100 balls I've struck for a long, long time. I didn't think about my swing, I just hit the balls going up through the even gears and down through the odd ones and everything felt good.
Next purchase will probably be a 3 wood as I'm not carrying any woods in my practice bag at present. I'll need to give Trev a call so he can sort me one out for a quick trial knock. I'll probably then look to take a 5 wood and finish off with a driver as the G2 driver I currently have in my bag is still relatively good.
I also need to get on with Dr Bob as I haven't started reading the new books yet.
Finally, congratulations to "Lefty" on not choking down the stretch to win The AT & T at Pebble Beach yesterday. Good to see him polishing Tiger and others off and pulling away to lift the title. Couldn't happen to a nicer chap who appreciates the value of life.
If you're interested, you can check them out at Oakridge Golf Club It's a reasonable website and you can also check them out on Twitter @OakridgeGC if there are any Tweeters amongst you.
Next purchase will probably be a 3 wood as I'm not carrying any woods in my practice bag at present. I'll need to give Trev a call so he can sort me one out for a quick trial knock. I'll probably then look to take a 5 wood and finish off with a driver as the G2 driver I currently have in my bag is still relatively good.
I also need to get on with Dr Bob as I haven't started reading the new books yet.
Finally, congratulations to "Lefty" on not choking down the stretch to win The AT & T at Pebble Beach yesterday. Good to see him polishing Tiger and others off and pulling away to lift the title. Couldn't happen to a nicer chap who appreciates the value of life.
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