***Official 2024 Golf Thread, pick up the pace, HCP be a changing *** (3 Viewers)

[Zow]

I think I mentioned it here, but a year+ ago i decided to try to straighten out my ball flight, as my draw was just too hard to control...even though I was really consistent with it.  So the entire year last year was a struggle trying to tweak my swing, playing 3-4 times a month and rarely hitting the range.  Was hitting the ball really solid when straight, but then pull low left or block way right every 3rd shot.

Finally today it clicked...hit the ball the best I have in years.  Just felt like I was going to hit every shot straight and solid.  Didn't make a putt over 6 feet but shot 75, on the course that will host the PGA qualifier next week.  I haven't felt like this about golf in a long time.  Not many better feelings than that.  Patience paid off...and now I'm motivated to practice more.

I love this game...until next week.

I hear you.  My game has really come back the last couple of months.  Shot an 81 yesterday playing the backs and didn't make a single putt.  Literally.  I putted or chipped everything to a gimme range (was gambling in a competitive cart game so even if you don't up and miss it counts as a miss).  All 18 ####### holes.  Even missed a 3 footer for birdie.  But, it's really pleasant to have a stress free round where everything from driver to wedge is clicking and the confidence is high.  Makes wanting to play again so high. Already booked a tee time for next weekend. 

 

[Quint]

proposed changes by the R&A and USGA for the Rules of Golf. 


BALL AT REST: Topics


Description of change


Player accidentally moves his or her ball during search


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty.


Player accidentally moves his or her ball or ball-marker on the putting green


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty (with exceptions).


Standard for deciding whether the player caused his or her ball to move



New rule: The player will be found to be the cause only when it is known or virtually certain (meaning at least 95%) to be the case.

Current rule: Weight of the evidence/more likely than not.


How to replace a ball lying off the putting green when it moves and its exact original spot isn’t known


New rule: Replace the ball on its estimated spot; if that spot was on, under or against attached natural objects, replace the ball on that spot on, under or against those objects.

Current rule: Drop the ball as near as possible to the estimated spot.


BALL IN MOTION: Topic


Description of change


Player’s ball in motion accidentally hits the player, his or her caddie, the person attending the flagstick or the attended or removed flagstick 


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty (expect it is a 2-stroke penalty when the accidental deflection relates to the flagstick or the attendant).



TAKING RELIEF: Topics


Description of change


Where a ball must be dropped 


New rule:  Drop in a defined relief area.

Current rule: Sometimes the drop is in a specified area, sometimes it is on or as near as possible to a spot or a line.



Where a dropped ball must come to rest


New rule: The ball must come to rest in the relief area where it was dropped, or else the ball must be re-dropped.

Current rule: The ball must be re-dropped if it rolls to any of the nine specified areas (Rule 20-2c), such as rolling more than 2 club-lengths from where the dropped ball struck the ground.



Measuring the size of the relief area where a ball must be dropped and played


New rule: The relief area is measured by a fixed distance of 20 inches or 80 inches from the reference point or the reference line;this can readily be measured by using markings on the shaft of a club.

Current rule: Measured by using 1 or 2 club-lengths (with any length club the player chooses).



How to drop a ball


New rule: The only requirement is for the player to hold the ball above the ground without it touching any growing thing or other natural or artificial object, and let it go so that it falls through the air before coming to rest; to avoid any doubt, it is recommended that the ball be dropped from at least one inch above the ground or any growing thing or object.

Current rule: Stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm’s length.



Time allowed for a ball search


New rule: A ball is lost if not found in three minutes.

Current rule: A ball is lost if not found in five minutes.



Substituting ball


New rule: A player may always substitute a ball when taking relief.

Current rule: The player must use the original ball when taking free relief (with exceptions); a substituted ball is allowed only when taking penalty relief.



Embedded ball


New rule: A player may take relief without penalty for an embedded ball anywhere (except in sand) in the “general area” (new term for “through the green”), unless a Local Rule has been adopted restricting relief only to areas cut to fairway height or less.

Current rule: Relief is allowed only in areas cut to fairway height or less, unless a Local Rule has been adopted allowing relief anywhere (except in sand) through the green.



AREAS OF THE COURSE: Topics


Description of change


Replacing a ball on the putting green when it moves from its spot after it already had been lifted and replaced 


New rule: The ball must always be replaced on its original spot, even if it was blown by the wind or moved for no clear reason.

Current rule: The ball is replaced only if a player or outside agency caused it to move; otherwise, the ball is played from its new location.



Repairing damage on the putting green


New rule: A player may repair almost any damage (including spike marks and animal damage but not including natural imperfections) on the putting green.

Current rule: A player may only repair ball-marks or old hole plugs on the putting green.



Player touches the line of putt or touches the putting green in pointing out a target 


New rule: No penalty, so long as doing so does not improve the conditions for the player’s stroke.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Putting with an unattended flagstick left in the hole 


New rule: No penalty if a ball played from the putting green (or anywhere else) hits the unattended flagstick in hole.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty if the ball is played from the putting green and hits the unattended flagstick in hole.



Areas the Committee may mark as a penalty area (where relief with 1-stroke penalty is allowed)


New rule: Red- and yellow-marked “penalty areas” may now cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc., in addition to areas of water.

Current rule: Relief is allowed only from “water hazards.”



Player moves loose impediments, touches the ground with hand or club or grounds the club in a penalty area when the ball is in the penalty area


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Expanded use of red-marked penalty areas


New rule: Committees are given the discretion to mark all penalty areas as red so that lateral relief is always allowed (but they may still mark penalty areas as yellow where they consider it appropriate).

Current rule: All water hazards should be marked yellow, except where their location on the course makes it impossible or unreasonable to drop behind the hazard; only when this is the case may these water hazards be marked red as lateral water hazards.



Elimination of the opposite side relief option for red penalty areas


New rule: A player is no longer allowed to take relief from a red penalty area on the opposite side from where the ball last entered that penalty area, unless the Committee adopts a Local Rule allowing it.

Current rule: A player is always allowed to take relief from the opposite side of a red-marked lateral water hazard.



Player moves or touches a loose impediment in a bunker when the ball is in the bunker


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Player touches sand in a bunker with his or her hand or a club when the ball is in the bunker 


New rule: No penalty except when a player touches sand (1) with his or her hand or club to test the conditions of the bunker or (2) with the club in the area right behind or in front of the ball, in making a practice swing or in making the backswing for the stroke.

Current rule: Any touching of sand with hand or club results in loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Unplayable ball relief options 


New rule:  A player may take relief outside the bunker back on a line from the hole through where ball was at rest for 2 penalty strokes.

Current rule: No relief outside the bunker (other than in playing from where the player’s last stroke was made).



EQUIPMENT: Topics


Description of change


Use of clubs damaged during round


New rule: A player may keep using any damaged club, even if the player damaged it in anger.

Current rule: A player may use the damaged club only if it was damaged in the “normal course of play.”



Adding clubs to replace a club damaged during round


New rule: A player may not replace a damaged club, unless the player was not responsible for the damage.

Current rule: A player may replace a damaged club if it is “unfit for play” and was damaged in the “normal course of play.”



Use of distance-measuring devices (DMDs)


New rule: The use of DMDs is allowed, unless a Local Rule has been adopted prohibiting their use.

Current rule: DMD use is prohibited, unless a Local Rule has been adopted allowing their use.



PLAYING A BALL: Topics


Description of change


Caddie standing behind a player to help with that player’s alignment


New rule: A caddie is not allowed to stand on a line behind a player while the player is taking his or her stance and until stroke is made.

Current rule: A caddie is allowed to stand on a line behind a player while the player is taking a stance and preparing to play, but must not stand there while the player makes the stroke. 



Caddie lifts and replaces the player’s ball on the putting green


New rule: A caddie may lift and replace the player’s ball on the putting green without the player’s specific authorization to do so.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty if done without the player’s specific authorization.



WHEN TO PLAY DURING ROUND: Topics


Description of change


Recommendations on how to play promptly


New rule: Recommends that players make each stroke in no more than 40 seconds, and usually in less time.

Current rule: No recommendations are given.



Playing out of turn in stroke play 


New rule: No penalty (as today), and “ready golf” is encouraged when it can be done in a safe and responsible way.

Current rule: No penalty, but the current Rule is written in a way that may imply that playing out of turn is wrong or is not allowed.



Other changes to help pace of play 


Other new rules: Simplified dropping rules, allowing more areas to be marked as penalty areas, expanded use of red penalty areas and allowing a player to putt with the flagstick in the hole.


New alternative form of stroke play


New rule: A new “Maximum Score” form of stroke play is recognized, where a player’s score for a hole is capped at a maximum score (such as double par or triple bogey) that is set by the Committee.

Current rule: In standard individual stroke play, players must hole out at every hole; the only recognized alternative forms of stroke play where holing out is not required are Stableford, Par and Bogey.



PLAYER BEHAVIOR: Topics


Description of change


Playing in the spirit of the game 


New rule: Explains and reinforces the high standards of conduct expected from players and gives a Committee discretion to disqualify players for serious misconduct.

Current rule: The Rules set out no standards of conduct, except indirectly in giving Committees discretion to disqualify players for a serious breach of etiquette.



Code of player conduct


New rule: Committees are given authority to adopt their own code of player conduct and to set penalties for the breach of the standards in that code.

Current rule: Committees may disqualify players for a serious breach of etiquette, but are not allowed to impose lesser penalties such as a 1-stroke penalty or a loss of hole/2-stroke penalty.



Eliminating announcement requirements before lifting a ball under certain Rules


New rule: When a player has good reason to mark and lift a ball to identify it, check for damage or see if it lies in a condition where relief is allowed (such as to see whether it is embedded), the player is no longer required first to announce to another player or his or her marker the intent to do so or to give that person an opportunity to observe the process.

Current rule: Before lifting in these cases, the player must announce to another player or the marker that he or she is doing so and allow that person to observe the process.



Player’s reasonable judgment in estimating and measuring under a Rule 


New rule: When estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance under a Rule, a player’s reasonable judgment will not be second-guessed based on later evidence (such as video review) if the player did all that could be reasonably expected under the circumstances to make an accurate estimation or measurement.

Current rule: A player’s judgment is given no particular weight or deference; the Committee decides any issue about the accuracy of the estimation or measurement based on a review of all facts.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

First round in about 6 months tomorrow. Mid 50s and sunny

 

[gump]

Love the changes...would like to see more. Why play the ball from a divot in the fairway?

 

[Apple Jack]

proposed changes by the R&A and USGA for the Rules of Golf. 


BALL AT REST: Topics


Description of change


Player accidentally moves his or her ball during search


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty.


Player accidentally moves his or her ball or ball-marker on the putting green


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty (with exceptions).


Standard for deciding whether the player caused his or her ball to move



New rule: The player will be found to be the cause only when it is known or virtually certain (meaning at least 95%) to be the case.

Current rule: Weight of the evidence/more likely than not.


How to replace a ball lying off the putting green when it moves and its exact original spot isn’t known


New rule: Replace the ball on its estimated spot; if that spot was on, under or against attached natural objects, replace the ball on that spot on, under or against those objects.

Current rule: Drop the ball as near as possible to the estimated spot.


BALL IN MOTION: Topic


Description of change


Player’s ball in motion accidentally hits the player, his or her caddie, the person attending the flagstick or the attended or removed flagstick 


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty (expect it is a 2-stroke penalty when the accidental deflection relates to the flagstick or the attendant).



TAKING RELIEF: Topics


Description of change


Where a ball must be dropped 


New rule:  Drop in a defined relief area.

Current rule: Sometimes the drop is in a specified area, sometimes it is on or as near as possible to a spot or a line.



Where a dropped ball must come to rest


New rule: The ball must come to rest in the relief area where it was dropped, or else the ball must be re-dropped.

Current rule: The ball must be re-dropped if it rolls to any of the nine specified areas (Rule 20-2c), such as rolling more than 2 club-lengths from where the dropped ball struck the ground.



Measuring the size of the relief area where a ball must be dropped and played


New rule: The relief area is measured by a fixed distance of 20 inches or 80 inches from the reference point or the reference line;this can readily be measured by using markings on the shaft of a club.

Current rule: Measured by using 1 or 2 club-lengths (with any length club the player chooses).



How to drop a ball


New rule: The only requirement is for the player to hold the ball above the ground without it touching any growing thing or other natural or artificial object, and let it go so that it falls through the air before coming to rest; to avoid any doubt, it is recommended that the ball be dropped from at least one inch above the ground or any growing thing or object.

Current rule: Stand erect, hold the ball at shoulder height and arm’s length.



Time allowed for a ball search


New rule: A ball is lost if not found in three minutes.

Current rule: A ball is lost if not found in five minutes.



Substituting ball


New rule: A player may always substitute a ball when taking relief.

Current rule: The player must use the original ball when taking free relief (with exceptions); a substituted ball is allowed only when taking penalty relief.



Embedded ball


New rule: A player may take relief without penalty for an embedded ball anywhere (except in sand) in the “general area” (new term for “through the green”), unless a Local Rule has been adopted restricting relief only to areas cut to fairway height or less.

Current rule: Relief is allowed only in areas cut to fairway height or less, unless a Local Rule has been adopted allowing relief anywhere (except in sand) through the green.



AREAS OF THE COURSE: Topics


Description of change


Replacing a ball on the putting green when it moves from its spot after it already had been lifted and replaced 


New rule: The ball must always be replaced on its original spot, even if it was blown by the wind or moved for no clear reason.

Current rule: The ball is replaced only if a player or outside agency caused it to move; otherwise, the ball is played from its new location.



Repairing damage on the putting green


New rule: A player may repair almost any damage (including spike marks and animal damage but not including natural imperfections) on the putting green.

Current rule: A player may only repair ball-marks or old hole plugs on the putting green.



Player touches the line of putt or touches the putting green in pointing out a target 


New rule: No penalty, so long as doing so does not improve the conditions for the player’s stroke.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Putting with an unattended flagstick left in the hole 


New rule: No penalty if a ball played from the putting green (or anywhere else) hits the unattended flagstick in hole.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty if the ball is played from the putting green and hits the unattended flagstick in hole.



Areas the Committee may mark as a penalty area (where relief with 1-stroke penalty is allowed)


New rule: Red- and yellow-marked “penalty areas” may now cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc., in addition to areas of water.

Current rule: Relief is allowed only from “water hazards.”



Player moves loose impediments, touches the ground with hand or club or grounds the club in a penalty area when the ball is in the penalty area


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Expanded use of red-marked penalty areas


New rule: Committees are given the discretion to mark all penalty areas as red so that lateral relief is always allowed (but they may still mark penalty areas as yellow where they consider it appropriate).

Current rule: All water hazards should be marked yellow, except where their location on the course makes it impossible or unreasonable to drop behind the hazard; only when this is the case may these water hazards be marked red as lateral water hazards.



Elimination of the opposite side relief option for red penalty areas


New rule: A player is no longer allowed to take relief from a red penalty area on the opposite side from where the ball last entered that penalty area, unless the Committee adopts a Local Rule allowing it.

Current rule: A player is always allowed to take relief from the opposite side of a red-marked lateral water hazard.



Player moves or touches a loose impediment in a bunker when the ball is in the bunker


New rule: No penalty.

Current rule: Loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Player touches sand in a bunker with his or her hand or a club when the ball is in the bunker 


New rule: No penalty except when a player touches sand (1) with his or her hand or club to test the conditions of the bunker or (2) with the club in the area right behind or in front of the ball, in making a practice swing or in making the backswing for the stroke.

Current rule: Any touching of sand with hand or club results in loss of hole/2-stroke penalty (with exceptions).



Unplayable ball relief options 


New rule:  A player may take relief outside the bunker back on a line from the hole through where ball was at rest for 2 penalty strokes.

Current rule: No relief outside the bunker (other than in playing from where the player’s last stroke was made).



EQUIPMENT: Topics


Description of change


Use of clubs damaged during round


New rule: A player may keep using any damaged club, even if the player damaged it in anger.

Current rule: A player may use the damaged club only if it was damaged in the “normal course of play.”



Adding clubs to replace a club damaged during round


New rule: A player may not replace a damaged club, unless the player was not responsible for the damage.

Current rule: A player may replace a damaged club if it is “unfit for play” and was damaged in the “normal course of play.”



Use of distance-measuring devices (DMDs)


New rule: The use of DMDs is allowed, unless a Local Rule has been adopted prohibiting their use.

Current rule: DMD use is prohibited, unless a Local Rule has been adopted allowing their use.



PLAYING A BALL: Topics


Description of change


Caddie standing behind a player to help with that player’s alignment


New rule: A caddie is not allowed to stand on a line behind a player while the player is taking his or her stance and until stroke is made.

Current rule: A caddie is allowed to stand on a line behind a player while the player is taking a stance and preparing to play, but must not stand there while the player makes the stroke. 



Caddie lifts and replaces the player’s ball on the putting green


New rule: A caddie may lift and replace the player’s ball on the putting green without the player’s specific authorization to do so.

Current rule: 1-stroke penalty if done without the player’s specific authorization.



WHEN TO PLAY DURING ROUND: Topics


Description of change


Recommendations on how to play promptly


New rule: Recommends that players make each stroke in no more than 40 seconds, and usually in less time.

Current rule: No recommendations are given.



Playing out of turn in stroke play 


New rule: No penalty (as today), and “ready golf” is encouraged when it can be done in a safe and responsible way.

Current rule: No penalty, but the current Rule is written in a way that may imply that playing out of turn is wrong or is not allowed.



Other changes to help pace of play 


Other new rules: Simplified dropping rules, allowing more areas to be marked as penalty areas, expanded use of red penalty areas and allowing a player to putt with the flagstick in the hole.


New alternative form of stroke play


New rule: A new “Maximum Score” form of stroke play is recognized, where a player’s score for a hole is capped at a maximum score (such as double par or triple bogey) that is set by the Committee.

Current rule: In standard individual stroke play, players must hole out at every hole; the only recognized alternative forms of stroke play where holing out is not required are Stableford, Par and Bogey.



PLAYER BEHAVIOR: Topics


Description of change


Playing in the spirit of the game 


New rule: Explains and reinforces the high standards of conduct expected from players and gives a Committee discretion to disqualify players for serious misconduct.

Current rule: The Rules set out no standards of conduct, except indirectly in giving Committees discretion to disqualify players for a serious breach of etiquette.



Code of player conduct


New rule: Committees are given authority to adopt their own code of player conduct and to set penalties for the breach of the standards in that code.

Current rule: Committees may disqualify players for a serious breach of etiquette, but are not allowed to impose lesser penalties such as a 1-stroke penalty or a loss of hole/2-stroke penalty.



Eliminating announcement requirements before lifting a ball under certain Rules


New rule: When a player has good reason to mark and lift a ball to identify it, check for damage or see if it lies in a condition where relief is allowed (such as to see whether it is embedded), the player is no longer required first to announce to another player or his or her marker the intent to do so or to give that person an opportunity to observe the process.

Current rule: Before lifting in these cases, the player must announce to another player or the marker that he or she is doing so and allow that person to observe the process.



Player’s reasonable judgment in estimating and measuring under a Rule 


New rule: When estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance under a Rule, a player’s reasonable judgment will not be second-guessed based on later evidence (such as video review) if the player did all that could be reasonably expected under the circumstances to make an accurate estimation or measurement.

Current rule: A player’s judgment is given no particular weight or deference; the Committee decides any issue about the accuracy of the estimation or measurement based on a review of all facts.

Holy ####. Love it.

 

[gump]

I've already adopted the new drop rule.

 

[TLEF316]

Getting closer to semi-respectability.

My goal for last year was to break 100. Didn't happen due to a couple of factors (a hand injury which stopped me from playing for a while and then quitting in anger from July-October due to what I'll just call a tough time in my life....). Ended up between 102 and 105 pretty much every time out.

So the goal is the same this year. Played 2 rounds so far (plus a round back in February with temporary greens, which obviously doesn't count) and broke 50 on a side in both times. Unfortunately the other side of both rounds was a disaster (mostly due to short game stuff) so no good yet.

My driving has gotten much better but my chipping is still really inconsistent. Worst part of my game (even though its easily the part I practice the most) is full iron/wedge shots from like 80-130 yards. I really have a hard time committing to a good full swing, so I either pick my head up and thin them or open up to early and leave them short-left. Hit some better ones last week (contact was better anyway) but I'm still struggling to dial in my distances (just got my new clubs back in November and have only played like 6 rounds with them)

Can definitely feel myself getting better (2-3 pars round instead of maybe 1. More bogeys and fewer doubles) but 3-4 bad holes per round and leaving myself very long first putts (due to my bad chipping) is still really holding me back. But at least I'm at the point where I can laugh off my bad shots and just enjoy the game even when I'm not playing well. Going on a trip down to Maryland/DE with my dad, brother and uncle in a couple of weeks (playing Rum Pointe, Baywood Greens and Links at Lighthouse Sound) which I'm pretty pumped for.

 

[Apple Jack]

Some of those are hard to believe for anybody who has been at this awhile. I guess if these are "proposed" that it's not a done deal. Grounding your club and moving loose impediments in a hazard? Dropping from an inch? It's anarchy!

 

[mr roboto]

I've been fighting the 'stand up and flip' at impact for years now. Part of it is im very tight in my hips and hamstrings so it's hard for me to clear my left side allowing for the speed and lag I want at the bottom. Instead I get on my toes and fire the right hand early throwing the club at the ball. 

Went to the range this weekend. Stood about 5° open to target line and kept my right hand open. Literally open (except for the pinkie because I use interlocking grip) - I wasn't gripping the club at all. At the top of the swing the club kind of rests on the right hand. At impact the right hand can stabilize the shaft but since I'm not actually holding the club I can't flip the hand. 

I was hitting pure penetrating baby fades with each club. Even my 4 iron and 3 wood. Not sure if I want to bring that out to the course but I'm starting to retrain myself. 

 

[belljr]

Touched a club for the first time since November.

Slapped together an 80!!!!

Had a couple shanks,  2 lossed balls, a couple bad drives.   

Lipped out 4 putts.

Could have went either direction but happy with how I played without touching a club.

 

[MarvinTScamper]

Some of those are hard to believe for anybody who has been at this awhile. I guess if these are "proposed" that it's not a done deal. Grounding your club and moving loose impediments in a hazard? Dropping from an inch? It's anarchy!

keep in mind these rules will likely NOT be adopted by the PGA.   I love that they're taking some of the stupidity out of the rules.   Like not being able to move loose impediments and ground the club.  That's not allowing a practice swing, but if you accidentally touch the sand on takeaway, or there's a huge stick behind your ball in the bunker?  

 

[MarvinTScamper]

Touched a club for the first time since November.

Slapped together and 80!!!!

Had a couple shanks,  2 lossed balls, a couple bad drives.   

Lipped out 4 putts.

Could have went either direction but happy with how I played without touching a club.

let's hear the math.  4 lipped out putts, and 2 lost balls = 8 strokes......

 

[belljr]

let's hear the math.  4 lipped out putts, and 2 lost balls = 8 strokes......

Sure. We played tees up today about 6300-6400 yds.  

Hole 1 - par 4 -Driver,  8 iron. Made 20 ft putt for birdie. -  3

Hole 2 - par 4 -Driver, 7 iron - 2 putt par  - 4

Hole 3 - par 4 - 3 hybrid, wedge - lipped birdie putt - made tap in -  4

Hole 4 - par 5 - Wayward tee shot into hazard. lost ball, drop, hitting 3, 5iron short,  thin/shank wedge onto green miracle 2 putt bogey - 6

Hole 5 - Par 3, put ball into drink lost ball, hit 3, 2 putt - double --- 5

Hole 6 - par 4 - Driver - 7 iron - tough green. lip out 5 foot par putt for bogey - 5 - 3 PUTT!!!

Hole 7 - par 3 - 7 iron - 2 putt par - 3

Hole 8 - par 4 - driver - 8 iron - lipped birdie putt - par --- 4 

Hole 9 - par 5 - driver - hybrid - wedge - 2 putt par ---5 

out 39 par 36

Hole 10 - par 4 - driver - 9 iron short, chip - lipped out down hill par putt - bogey 5

Hole 11 - par 4 - 3 wood - 8 iron - short - chip on - 2 putt - bogey 5

Hole 12 - par 4 dogleg right - pull - pop up driver - 3wood to right side of green - chip on - make par putt - 4

Hole 13 - par 3 - 7 iron right of the green - chip on with 9 iron - make 5 footer - par - 3

Hole 14 - Par 5 dogleg left - Absolutely Smash my drive - 187 yards out, block my 5 iron - pin high behind bunkers and trees - play the only shot i have a PW chip to back side of green ( hit it over by about 2 yards).  Shank the chip on.  2 putt Bogey - 6

Hole 15 - short Par 4 - 3 wood - wedge - hit an awful 1st putt, pull my down hill par putt - 3rd putt bogey - 5   -   I HATE 3 putting.  It's rare AND nothing gets me more steamed!!!!

Hole 16 - Par 3 into wind 147 yds - 8 iron right over the stick.  8 ft birdie putt. - down hill very fast- hit it through the break. Made 4ft comeback for Par - 3

Hole 17 - Par 5 - pull Driver left barely in play - had no swing - punch 6 iron out - hit hybrid short of the green - hit a flop to about 6 feet - made putt for par - 5

Hole 18 - Par 4 long - don't clear the bunker on the right (bit of a pop up driver) - 7 iron out - still about 170 - hit 6 iron - 2 putt bogey - 5

In - 41 Par 36

80 par 72

If you want to know  other distances I know those also

 

[rascal]

Wow...went to the driving range yesterday after not playing for over a year.  First half dozen shots were perfect.  Rest were a horrific display of how not to hit a ball.  Pro standing next to me said my clubs were too short...guess I'll go get fitted.

 

[MarvinTScamper]

Sure. We played tees up today about 6300-6400 yds.  

Hole 1 - par 4 -Driver,  8 iron. Made 20 ft putt for birdie. -  3

Hole 2 - par 4 -Driver, 7 iron - 2 putt par  - 4

Hole 3 - par 4 - 3 hybrid, wedge - lipped birdie putt - made tap in -  4

Hole 4 - par 5 - Wayward tee shot into hazard. lost ball, drop, hitting 3, 5iron short,  thin/shank wedge onto green miracle 2 putt bogey - 6

Hole 5 - Par 3, put ball into drink lost ball, hit 3, 2 putt - double --- 5

Hole 6 - par 4 - Driver - 7 iron - tough green. lip out 5 foot par putt for bogey - 5 - 3 PUTT!!!

Hole 7 - par 3 - 7 iron - 2 putt par - 3

Hole 8 - par 4 - driver - 8 iron - lipped birdie putt - par --- 4 

Hole 9 - par 5 - driver - hybrid - wedge - 2 putt par ---5 

out 39 par 36

Hole 10 - par 4 - driver - 9 iron short, chip - lipped out down hill par putt - bogey 5

Hole 11 - par 4 - 3 wood - 8 iron - short - chip on - 2 putt - bogey 5

Hole 12 - par 4 dogleg right - pull - pop up driver - 3wood to right side of green - chip on - make par putt - 4

Hole 13 - par 3 - 7 iron right of the green - chip on with 9 iron - make 5 footer - par - 3

Hole 14 - Par 5 dogleg left - Absolutely Smash my drive - 187 yards out, block my 5 iron - pin high behind bunkers and trees - play the only shot i have a PW chip to back side of green ( hit it over by about 2 yards).  Shank the chip on.  2 putt Bogey - 6

Hole 15 - short Par 4 - 3 wood - wedge - hit an awful 1st putt, pull my down hill par putt - 3rd putt bogey - 5   -   I HATE 3 putting.  It's rare AND nothing gets me more steamed!!!!

Hole 16 - Par 3 into wind 147 yds - 8 iron right over the stick.  8 ft birdie putt. - down hill very fast- hit it through the break. Made 4ft comeback for Par - 3

Hole 17 - Par 5 - pull Driver left barely in play - had no swing - punch 6 iron out - hit hybrid short of the green - hit a flop to about 6 feet - made putt for par - 5

Hole 18 - Par 4 long - don't clear the bunker on the right (bit of a pop up driver) - 7 iron out - still about 170 - hit 6 iron - 2 putt bogey - 5

In - 41 Par 36

80 par 72

If you want to know  other distances I know those also

Nicely done.   That's a crazy good round for 4 lipped putts and 2 lost balls.  Jesus.  

I hate 3 putts too.  

My 81 Friday started double bogey, bogey.   Only 1 birdie too.  

 

[gump]

Sorry @belljr....I bought a new Scotty!  I'm going back to a more crouched putting stroke...and straight back and through.

So I got the new Newport 2 Mallet...it feels unbelievable...my first brand new Scotty.

 

[Jayrok]

I've been fighting the 'stand up and flip' at impact for years now. Part of it is im very tight in my hips and hamstrings so it's hard for me to clear my left side allowing for the speed and lag I want at the bottom. Instead I get on my toes and fire the right hand early throwing the club at the ball. 

Went to the range this weekend. Stood about 5° open to target line and kept my right hand open. Literally open (except for the pinkie because I use interlocking grip) - I wasn't gripping the club at all. At the top of the swing the club kind of rests on the right hand. At impact the right hand can stabilize the shaft but since I'm not actually holding the club I can't flip the hand. 

I was hitting pure penetrating baby fades with each club. Even my 4 iron and 3 wood. Not sure if I want to bring that out to the course but I'm starting to retrain myself. 

This is interesting.  I recently changed my swing a little too.  I would really love to hit a power fade, I just can't get it right.  No matter how much I open my stance to the target.  The part I changed was on my downswing, I work to flatten it out just a little bit and have a little more lag to get my hands more out in front to get a nice de-loft with the club.  The result is I'm having trouble getting the club head through squarely at impact, so I'm slightly pushing the driver, and then it fades more right.  After a few swings, I can fix it once I get my right hand down and through.  At that point I can really hit nice straight drives.  I just have to concentrate on staying down (keeping posture) and driving through with my right hand to square the face.  So the first couple of holes I've been missing right, then straighten it out going forward (don't always have time to hit a few balls on the range before a round).  

Like I said, I would really like to learn to hit a nice penetrating fade.  I'm not sure if I could keep my right hand from gripping the club though.  I'll have to try that. The biggest impact I've had lately on my game, though, is I've gotten a lot better around the green.  I bought a couple of wedges, 58 and 60, and have really learned to chip a lot better with them.  I used to try and bump a 9 iron from off the fringe, but most of the time had no touch.  I practiced with the new wedges and I'm really hitting them well.  I've used the 60 out of the sand and have yet to miss a bunker shot.  I chip mostly with the 58 unless I have to lob over a bunker or something.  Been really accurate lately.  

Just the improvement in chipping and putting has shaved several strokes off my normal game.  I've been 80-83 golfer for several years, lately I've been 76-79 with an occasional 73-75.  Those wedges (Ping Glide) have really helped me improve my short game.  If I were a better putter I could be a low handicapper.  

 

[belljr]

Sorry @belljr....I bought a new Scotty!  I'm going back to a more crouched putting stroke...and straight back and through.

So I got the new Newport 2 Mallet...it feels unbelievable...my first brand new Scotty.

lol - thats ok.  Sell that one

Mallet was a little too big for my liking.  Ijust have the 2.5 (i think)

 

[MarvinTScamper]

replaced all my Vokey's Friday too......man, was that overdue.  Why I'm a cheap ### when it comes to replacing wedges, I'll never know.

 

[Da Guru]

Played my first round in league play last week. Shot a 44.  Had not played since I was in Florida and found that my Bushnell range finder was missing.   I guess I left it in the cart in Florida somewhere.  Have had it for 6 years so it was weird playing without one.

Really do not feel like spending 300 on another one..any recommend a good iPhone golf range app?

 

[belljr]

Nicely done.   That's a crazy good round for 4 lipped putts and 2 lost balls.  Jesus.  

I hate 3 putts too.  

My 81 Friday started double bogey, bogey.   Only 1 birdie too.  

lol - when I birdied the 1st hole - i figured it was going to be ugly lol. Also helped that the lip outs were birdies

i was pretty happy overall I must say.   So I guess technically not lost balls but I didn't get them back

 

[belljr]

Side question - so my round above - I usually can recite most rounds wihtout anything written. 

I still remember shots, distances, etc.    

Now I know most people remmeber their really good shot - but I was curious if others do this regularly.

One guy I play with thinks I'm a freak - while other decent players can do the same thing

 

[belljr]

replaced all my Vokey's Friday too......man, was that overdue.  Why I'm a cheap ### when it comes to replacing wedges, I'll never know.

I got the MS-6 for Chirstmas.  No idea if I like them yet. LOL.  I need to regrip them because my others are regulars with extra tape (almost mid)

 

[gump]

replaced all my Vokey's Friday too......man, was that overdue.  Why I'm a cheap ### when it comes to replacing wedges, I'll never know.

I did that also.  With the new SM6...but different Grinds between wedges.  Went with more bounce (M Grind) with my 60 and 56...less (F) with my 52.  Taking some getting used to...but they do feel really good.

 

[Jayrok]

Side question - so my round above - I usually can recite most rounds wihtout anything written. 

I still remember shots, distances, etc.    

Now I know most people remmeber their really good shot - but I was curious if others do this regularly.

One guy I play with thinks I'm a freak - while other decent players can do the same thing

I have memorable holes where I remember each shot (though not exact distances, that's freaky)  and can think back to shots on my holes played during a round, but not to the level of what you've shown above.  

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Played my first round in league play last week. Shot a 44.  Had not played since I was in Florida and found that my Bushnell range finder was missing.   I guess I left it in the cart in Florida somewhere.  Have had it for 6 years so it was weird playing without one.

Really do not feel like spending 300 on another one..any recommend a good iPhone golf range app?

I use the free swing by swing app. I've only ever played with someone that uses a range finder one time but my app was within a couple yds of him everytime 

 

[gump]

Side question - so my round above - I usually can recite most rounds wihtout anything written. 

I still remember shots, distances, etc.    

Now I know most people remmeber their really good shot - but I was curious if others do this regularly.

One guy I play with thinks I'm a freak - while other decent players can do the same thing

I definitely can recite every shot...clubs used...not exact yardage though.

 

[Jayrok]

Club fitting..  that's the one thing I've never had done, but would like to soon.  I'm happy with my irons but would like to get fitted for driver and 3 wood.  I've always had to adjust to get drivers to work.  I have a different swing with my G30 driver than what I had with the G5 (had it for many years).  G30 is much lighter, imo.  I want to hit a bunch of drivers (with different shafts, etc.) with a pro fitter and get a real recommendation on what I should be hitting.  Same with 3 wood.  

 

[MarvinTScamper]

Side question - so my round above - I usually can recite most rounds wihtout anything written. 

I still remember shots, distances, etc.    

Now I know most people remmeber their really good shot - but I was curious if others do this regularly.

One guy I play with thinks I'm a freak - while other decent players can do the same thing

yep, I can remember them too....for a long time if there's some sort of reference point

1-pulled drive, 200 to green, hybrid skull, left 110 - wedge to back, 2 putts - double

2-3 wood off tee (narrow) - 5 iron to right bunker - hit it to a foot - par

3-caught wedge open slightly, left in bunker, plugged - moved it a foot with first swing, 2nd to 7 feet - made it - bogey  (i think I said double,bogey start, I guess I did forget that)

4-solid drive, solid 3 week to to 140, 8 iron to back left, 2 putts - par

5-pulled drive about 265, left rough...200 yd 5 iron to front, texas wedge to 3 feet, par

6-145 yr 8iron to 3 feet - drano - bird

7-pulled drive, hit 8 iron off side hill over tree to 110, flared wedge open again, but up/down for par from right front...

etc.

 

[belljr]

I have memorable holes where I remember each shot (though not exact distances, that's freaky)  and can think back to shots on my holes played during a round, but not to the level of what you've shown above.  

Now don't be mistaken - I won't remember EVERY yardage - and if I put up a stinker of a round I may forget a few shots - BUT I'll remember the REAL BAD ONES lol

 

[Jayrok]

Now don't be mistaken - I won't remember EVERY yardage - and if I put up a stinker of a round I may forget a few shots - BUT I'll remember the REAL BAD ONES lol

Yep, I do remember the awful shots I hit.  Who can forget that duck hook into the pond.  

 

[Da Guru]

Since I lost my range finder I used the free Golflogix App on my IPhone yesterday.  Actually liked it much better than my Bushnell that I lost.  Was worried about battery consumption but had a full charge when I started and 80% after 9 holes.

Shot a 42 after taking a snowman on an easy par 4 first hole. Rough was brutal and just kept chopping my way to the hole.

 

[mr roboto]

Here's me trying to practice the flatter plane and right hand not gripping. 

http://youtu.be/rH6N1eqPthE

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Here's me trying to practice the flatter plane and right hand not gripping. 

http://youtu.be/rH6N1eqPthE




 

What could go wrong?

 

[mr roboto]

What could go wrong?

Nothing. Except for the ceilings. And the dog...

 

[tommyboy]

Side question - so my round above - I usually can recite most rounds wihtout anything written. 

I still remember shots, distances, etc.    

Now I know most people remmeber their really good shot - but I was curious if others do this regularly.

One guy I play with thinks I'm a freak - while other decent players can do the same thing

I remember every shot

 

[tommyboy]

This is interesting.  I recently changed my swing a little too.  I would really love to hit a power fade, I just can't get it right.  No matter how much I open my stance to the target.  The part I changed was on my downswing, I work to flatten it out just a little bit and have a little more lag to get my hands more out in front to get a nice de-loft with the club.  The result is I'm having trouble getting the club head through squarely at impact, so I'm slightly pushing the driver, and then it fades more right.  After a few swings, I can fix it once I get my right hand down and through.  At that point I can really hit nice straight drives.  I just have to concentrate on staying down (keeping posture) and driving through with my right hand to square the face.  So the first couple of holes I've been missing right, then straighten it out going forward (don't always have time to hit a few balls on the range before a round).  

Like I said, I would really like to learn to hit a nice penetrating fade.  I'm not sure if I could keep my right hand from gripping the club though.  I'll have to try that. The biggest impact I've had lately on my game, though, is I've gotten a lot better around the green.  I bought a couple of wedges, 58 and 60, and have really learned to chip a lot better with them.  I used to try and bump a 9 iron from off the fringe, but most of the time had no touch.  I practiced with the new wedges and I'm really hitting them well.  I've used the 60 out of the sand and have yet to miss a bunker shot.  I chip mostly with the 58 unless I have to lob over a bunker or something.  Been really accurate lately.  

Just the improvement in chipping and putting has shaved several strokes off my normal game.  I've been 80-83 golfer for several years, lately I've been 76-79 with an occasional 73-75.  Those wedges (Ping Glide) have really helped me improve my short game.  If I were a better putter I could be a low handicapper.  

If you will fire your left hip around aggressively on the down swing you'll start to fade a bit. Also check your grip seems pretty strong you might go more neutral. 

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Side question - so my round above - I usually can recite most rounds wihtout anything written. 

I still remember shots, distances, etc.    

Now I know most people remmeber their really good shot - but I was curious if others do this regularly.

One guy I play with thinks I'm a freak - while other decent players can do the same thing




 

I remember every shot




 

Yeah, that guy is a chop.  Don't play with him anymore if you want to get better.  

 

[mr roboto]

The Rotary Swing guys have some really good videos out there. I've been working on some of the fundamentals they teach. Nothing new per se but I like that, instead of random tips, they have a 'philosophy' that's fairly coherent. They really teach posting up with the Lead leg at impact and getting that extension past the ball (vs my tendency to fire early and extend at the ball). 

Full disclosire - I haven't paid anything to join their site and have no vested interest in their business. Just enjoy their teaching. 

 

[Cowboysfan8]

I remember every shot

Same here. I haven't played in a month but I could tell u every shot from the Rd. And my memory of other things is not good

 

[GoBirds]

Getting closer to semi-respectability.

My goal for last year was to break 100. Didn't happen due to a couple of factors (a hand injury which stopped me from playing for a while and then quitting in anger from July-October due to what I'll just call a tough time in my life....). Ended up between 102 and 105 pretty much every time out.

So the goal is the same this year. Played 2 rounds so far (plus a round back in February with temporary greens, which obviously doesn't count) and broke 50 on a side in both times. Unfortunately the other side of both rounds was a disaster (mostly due to short game stuff) so no good yet.

My driving has gotten much better but my chipping is still really inconsistent. Worst part of my game (even though its easily the part I practice the most) is full iron/wedge shots from like 80-130 yards. I really have a hard time committing to a good full swing, so I either pick my head up and thin them or open up to early and leave them short-left. Hit some better ones last week (contact was better anyway) but I'm still struggling to dial in my distances (just got my new clubs back in November and have only played like 6 rounds with them)

Can definitely feel myself getting better (2-3 pars round instead of maybe 1. More bogeys and fewer doubles) but 3-4 bad holes per round and leaving myself very long first putts (due to my bad chipping) is still really holding me back. But at least I'm at the point where I can laugh off my bad shots and just enjoy the game even when I'm not playing well. Going on a trip down to Maryland/DE with my dad, brother and uncle in a couple of weeks (playing Rum Pointe, Baywood Greens and Links at Lighthouse Sound) which I'm pretty pumped for.

I've hovered around this area for years and feel like I've stepped back getting overwhelmed with the many pointers over the years. What are the most effective things you keep in mind to keep swing good enough to be respectable? struggled through a 115 today oof. 

 

[Binky The Doormat]

The Rotary Swing guys have some really good videos out there. I've been working on some of the fundamentals they teach. Nothing new per se but I like that, instead of random tips, they have a 'philosophy' that's fairly coherent. They really teach posting up with the Lead leg at impact and getting that extension past the ball (vs my tendency to fire early and extend at the ball). 

Full disclosire - I haven't paid anything to join their site and have no vested interest in their business. Just enjoy their teaching. 




 

Are you talking about making sure your hands are ahead of the ball at impact?  

 

[mr roboto]

You read a lot of "five lessons?"

Also watch out for the reverse pivot

Never read it. 

The second practice swing I tried to reverse pivot. That's my biggest issue so I wanted to see/feel it on camera. 

 

[mr roboto]

Are you talking about making sure your hands are ahead of the ball at impact?  

That's one result of their method. They teach the big movements of the body and letting hands/arms follow those vs 'making' things happen with your hands and arms. 

 

[Zow]

I start a 5 day, partners best ball tournament this upcoming Tuesday. So pumped. 

 

[Zow]

I've already adopted the new drop rule.

Heck, my normal group probably already plays by 3/4 of these rules. 

 

[JHuber77]

Anyone used Costcos kirkland ball yet?  Wondering what everyone thinks.  Bought a couple dozen last week when they got them in.  Sold out again.  Heard that titleist is suing costco over it

 

[joffer]

Finally got out to Streamsong yesterday.  Loved it.  Pretty long, nice wide landing areas off the tee, greens rolling about 10 and severely undulated.  Had two 4-putts in 3 holes...I haven't had one in years.  Couldn't see any of the hotel but the clubhouse and the rooms above it looked really cool.

And they're building a 3rd course....7500 yard par 73 with 5 par 5s.  It's massive.  It talkers up almost the same area the other two do combined.

Headed there tomorrow.  Staying two nights

anyone else been?

 

[MarvinTScamper]

Headed there tomorrow.  Staying two nights

anyone else been?

Not yet.  I have been lucky enough to fly in and play Sand Hills 3 times now.  Mecca. 

 

[Nugget]

Playing my first round since August 2015 tomorrow. Hoping to break 100.