***Official 2025 Golf Thread, tbd*** (8 Viewers)

[Zow]

To be clear, I was just teasing. As @Zow knows (IIRC) the golf season Minnesota is about 7 months long.

I'm glad some people get to play year 'round and can get that many rounds in. I'd have to play about 25 times a month to get to 75!

Didn't golf much in MN but basically you got 7 months of the year to do anything outside comfortably.  

 

[belljr]

Interesting. Obviously my fitter is financially invested in me purchasing more equipment, but he recommends far more often than what you do. I also assume that my swing will change over that time period and, assuming so, a different piece of equipment would become more ideal so the switch is worth it. 

I get my loft/lie checked every couple years. I think I got them tweaked once in my entire life ...... Forged ftw.     My swing is the consistently awful or awesome

 

[Mookie]

I have another round of noob questions:

1. I’ve finally got a consistent enough swing and distances to get a set of clubs actually made for me and not the random off the shelf set from 2015 that I started with to learn. Any tips? It’s a 4-hr session. 
 

2. All my research thus far is indicating Ping is likely the best brand to go with, as far as a mix of quality and yet still forgiving. Any thoughts?
 

3. I’m actually really really good with my pitching, approach, and sand. Like at their distances I feel fantastic about hitting the green with consistency. But…they don’t spin much. It feels like it may be the wedges (7 years old now and not that nice to begin with), since I’m getting the distance and the ball flight I want to see. Think that’s a reasonable hypothesis?

4. I have a lob because I felt like I should have a club for sub-80 yard shots that was better than trying to half or three-quarter swing a sand wedge. But I really suck with it for anything other than a full swing too. Is it just a bunch of time chipping and getting a feel for the non-full swings?

5. How do you choose what to chip with right around the green? I’ve been experimenting with the sand, lob, and 7/8 irons all to varying success. 
 

I’m losing strokes off the tee from distance still but hitting like 1/3 of fairways (vs 1/18 in January), and when I’m just off the green out to like 30 yards. But finally having some success with irons, pure striking my 4H almost every time…and having a blast. 
 

It’s crazy what playing like 20 times with an hour practice beforehand will do for getting better. 

3) Lack of spin could be your wedges, but it could also be your technique, lie, ball and any number of factors.  Get fitted for wedges and you will get it figured out.  I like to get comfortable with my wedges and change them out every 5 years or so and play about 40 rounds per year.  I'll gladly sacrifice spin for having my feel and distances dialed in.

4) I love my 60, but only use it for certain shots.  My go to is my 56, which I feel I can hit from just about anywhere around the green in a variety of ways.  Like Zow said, get comfortable with one club around the green while practicing and then build off that.  I am a big believer in little or no wrist hinge in the chipping stroke and a brushing contact (more of a putting stroke), as opposed to hinge and a downward stroke.  I feel it results in far more consistent contact and control.

5) picture how you would underhand toss your ball to get it close to the hole, then match up the club and shot that mimics that toss.  Generally, loft is a killer on shots where you have a lot of green to cover - get the ball running with a pw or even 8 iron if you have a good lie. Heck, even putt it - the goal is to consistently get it as close as you can.  Once you have the club, loft, and weight of the shot in mind, your entire focus should be on making solid contact - AND KEEPING YOUR HEAD DOWN - don't try to lift the ball.  If you don't hit your chips/putts squarely, you will get lousy results.

 

[Mookie]

2. All my research thus far is indicating Ping is likely the best brand to go with, as far as a mix of quality and yet still forgiving. Any thoughts?
 

I was fitted for all of my clubs (Ping G425 Max, Ping I500 irons, and Vokey SM8 wedges). at Golf Galaxy.  If you buy your clubs from them, the fitting is free so it's a no brainer.  I was a straight Titleist guy until I got fitted and it has made a HUGE difference in my game.  Everyone's swing is different and it is incredible how certain club/shaft combos line up. Be open minded and trust the process.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I can't stop telling people how glad I am that I bought the Ping G425 Max and the 48/52/56 SM8 wedges this year. I have so much more confidence off the tee and near the greens.

One thing about the SM8's...the Jet black finish looks cool new but wears off the face surprisingly quickly. I wish I'd gone all chrome.

 

[Gilroy34]

I can't stop telling people how glad I am that I bought the Ping G425 Max and the 48/52/56 SM8 wedges this year. I have so much more confidence off the tee and near the greens.

One thing about the SM8's...the Jet black finish looks cool new but wears off the face surprisingly quickly. I wish I'd gone all chrome.

Are the wedges Ping?

 

[Zow]

I can't stop telling people how glad I am that I bought the Ping G425 Max and the 48/52/56 SM8 wedges this year. I have so much more confidence off the tee and near the greens.

One thing about the SM8's...the Jet black finish looks cool new but wears off the face surprisingly quickly. I wish I'd gone all chrome.

I went Jet Black both this year (SM9s) and last year (SM8s). Agree the finish wears but I love the look and feel and if I'm buying new wedges every year anyway...

 

[Zow]

Are the wedges Ping?

No, they're Titleist (Bob Vokey design - their top of the line wedge). 

 

[encaitar]

I have another round of noob questions:

1. I’ve finally got a consistent enough swing and distances to get a set of clubs actually made for me and not the random off the shelf set from 2015 that I started with to learn. Any tips? It’s a 4-hr session. 
 

2. All my research thus far is indicating Ping is likely the best brand to go with, as far as a mix of quality and yet still forgiving. Any thoughts?
 

3. I’m actually really really good with my pitching, approach, and sand. Like at their distances I feel fantastic about hitting the green with consistency. But…they don’t spin much. It feels like it may be the wedges (7 years old now and not that nice to begin with), since I’m getting the distance and the ball flight I want to see. Think that’s a reasonable hypothesis?

4. I have a lob because I felt like I should have a club for sub-80 yard shots that was better than trying to half or three-quarter swing a sand wedge. But I really suck with it for anything other than a full swing too. Is it just a bunch of time chipping and getting a feel for the non-full swings?

5. How do you choose what to chip with right around the green? I’ve been experimenting with the sand, lob, and 7/8 irons all to varying success. 
 

I’m losing strokes off the tee from distance still but hitting like 1/3 of fairways (vs 1/18 in January), and when I’m just off the green out to like 30 yards. But finally having some success with irons, pure striking my 4H almost every time…and having a blast. 
 

It’s crazy what playing like 20 times with an hour practice beforehand will do for getting better. 

1.  Don't overswing.  A lot of guys can't help but try and "prove" they hit the ball farther than they normally do.  The fitter has likely seen guys with 125+mph swing speeds.  You're not gonna impress him and swinging "out of your shoes" isn't going to help your game.  Think a solid 90-95% swing on all your swings, your average golf swing.  A good fitter will get you here anyway, but you could waste a solid half hour if you don't come in with this mindset.

2.  Have absolutely zero club expectations going in.  Clubs are constantly changing and every major clubmaker has some solid stuff.  However, their clubs fit each person differently.  You never know which setup will be best for you and coming in without a certain club in mind is the best bet.

3.It could be your clubs.  Get a groove tool and try sharpening up your grooves(be careful as overdoing it will cause them to cut your golf balls).  If they immediately spin more, then it might be time to update the wedges.  If not, then it's likely your swing style.

4.  I carry a 58, but only use it on full swings and on flop shots.  I use my 54 almost exclusively around the greens for any type of chipping.  The reason actually has to do with the bounce of the club.  Each wedge is setup to react to the ground differently and my 58 is setup to be a trouble club in my opinion(out of the rough etc.)  Trying to hit it from the fairway(other than a full swing) just doesn't feel right to me.  There's a good chance your lob wedge could have a bounce that you're just not comfortable with.  

5.  Feel.  Chipping is a feel game.  You could be given 1000 answers and none of them might be right for you.  Chipping is all about confidence and feel.  That comes with a whole lot of chips.  Keep practicing the different ways of chipping and different clubs.  You'll settle into the best thing for you.(although getting some YouTube vids about different chipping methods would be solid.  If you don't practice the techniques right, then you'll never do them right)

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I've learned quite a bit from Danny Maude videos. Chipping

Also, even though it's Phil...Chipping

Short story is weight and hands forward.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

man, i’m honestly thinking of pulling my 3 hybrid and carrying 2 putters until the greens out here (not cal) transition to being slow. right now half are slow and half are fast and i struggle on fast greens with my blade and am garbage on slow greens with my 2 ball. my blade is much heavier and easier to control distance on slow greens but i mentally struggle with it on fast greens. up here in marin they shag out the greens in summer to keep them from dying with our current drought and  i’m losing 4-6 strokes a round misjudging speed which is the difference between shooting sub 80 and posting 85.  

 

[BeTheMatch]

I've learned quite a bit from Danny Maude videos. Chipping

Also, even though it's Phil...Chipping

Short story is weight and hands forward.

Mr. Short Game has a ton of videos on different chipping styles. I like him a lot.

 

[Instinctive]

Thanks for all the helpful thoughts from everyone here! Some interesting takeaways, after I went in as recommended with a super open mind. To the point that I asked him not to tell me brands or price on stuff until we finished testing them. Mostly I couldn't tell what club it was during a swing, so it worked out somewhat nicely. Some takeaways:

1. My misses are definitely the pull I thought, but learned that it seems like I close the club face often. That's something to go get a couple lessons to focus in on, I think. It's very consistent with the driver, but with irons it's actually a split between actual great straight hits and the straight pulls.

2. Clubs:

Driver: Ping 425 MAX 10.5, Diamana stiff shaft - They have the spec set up to counter the current pull by putting the weight all the way to the toe and two notches open. Really got it going in fairly consistently (after testing like 6 different heads as he dialed me in). Swing speed in the high 80s/low 90s generally, ball speed around 125-130 (smash 1.47 +/- .02). On top of which, I can freely have it adjusted at any time, so as I fix the swing flaw that has me pulling everything they'll adjust anything closer to normal. 

Irons: Tour Edge Exotics E722 with a 115g Accra shaft, 6-7-8-9-PW-AW - I LOVED these. I seriously cannot wait until they come in. I knew where the club head was always, I get a great height, I get a way better spin rate, ball speed way up, landing angle way up...I can't wait to use them. We tried Callaway Rogue, Ping G425, Cleveland something (launcher?), something Titleist, and I think another Callaway one?

Putter: a stock TaylorMade - kind of a cross between a blade and mallet. He said it was the highest lie angle he's ever fitted (76 degrees) but we tested a bunch, the machine spat it out as ideal, and we did a bunch of putting and found that, yeah, it seemed to fit me best. Crazy I guess.

3. Putting is definitely my strongest piece of the game. I was really pleased. Got all the stats on the plane of the stroke, consistency of speed and line, etc...I have a fantastic line, and am super consistent about hitting that line, as well as really consistent on pace control. Two issues - one is with my current putter apparently I line up just slightly off center because the club's not upright enough at the natural spot so I'm a bit visually tricked on where the ball vs line is. Second is that I very consistently close the face one degree at impact. Which apparently is not a big deal but it's hilarious that even in the putting I have the same straight pull.

 

[MAC_32]

To be clear, I was just teasing. As @Zow knows (IIRC) the golf season Minnesota is about 7 months long.

I'm glad some people get to play year 'round and can get that many rounds in. I'd have to play about 25 times a month to get to 75!

Our kids are aged 6, 9, and 12. I just decided to get new clubs next year (they are 25-45 years old) cause I can now find time for 10 rounds per year. If I've played 75 rounds since we started having kids it happened last year and I'd bet against it.

 

[Da Guru]

Played at The Grande Golf Club in Jackson MI yesterday.  Very nice course about 45 minutes from my home.

It was busy but the par 3s got backed up a little.  We pull up on this first Par 3 and the guys are waiting to hit and my one friend who plays out there says "That is Jeff Daniels in the group ahead of us." he plays here all the time.   I knew that Daniels lives in Chelsea MI about 15 minutes from there.

We don`t say anything, then on the next par 3 we pull up again and they are waiting so we start BSing a little.  Daniels was very nice and actually quite a good golfer.

Much bigger in person.  I am 6-1 210, standing next to him he had to be 6-3 and at least 225.

 

[TLEF316]

Got sort of back on track yesterday after...an interesting week of golf.

Had a match in our year long 64 person tournament last friday. I'd been playing really well and the guy I was playing (who I was giving 4 strokes) hadn't broken 90 at our course all year....so I was feeling really good.

Of course, I develop a case of the shanks with my irons. And I dont mean "flying off to the right a little bit"....I mean...."not getting off the ground and fouling it off into the first base dugout". Obviously I knew I was doing something VERY VERY VERY wrong but couldn't figure it out. Thought maybe I was standing too close....maybe grip...maybe swinging too hard...maybe not swinging hard enough....couldn't diagnose it.

Basically did it 4 times on the front 9 (3 of which went dead OB) and the match was essentially over at the turn. My opponent ended up shooting an 86 (so I would have had to play well to beat him) but I shot a merciful 97   On the 15th hole, my brother (who was simultaneously playing a match of his own) noticed that I was literally opening up the club like 75% right before I took it back. (so I was basically hitting the ball with the side edge of the club on the way down)  I've been trying to focus on keeping the face a little more open (because I often close it down and hit the ball too low) but obviously I was greatly overdoing it. Brutal.

Went to the range right after and "fixed it"....had a bad round again on Father's day (just basically due to absolutely ZERO confidence and just focusing on NOT doing THAT) and then took the week off. Shot a decent round yesterday (could have been good were it not for 1 bad drive and just not making any putts) but man... Friday was humiliating. I could have scored better putting the ball up the fairway that day (as I drove the ball pretty well)

And now I have to see that 97 on my GHIN ap for the next 6 weeks or so. So bad.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I played poorly enough to quit the game entirely on Friday.

But alas, I have mentally recovered and decided that I will indeed keep playing.

So...headed to Myrtle Beach at the end of the month. I think I've narrowed my choices down to one of these four, with Pine Lakes really piquing my interest. Opinions on these four?:

Tidewater
Pine Lakes
Shaftesbury Glen
Glen Dornoch
 

 

[TLEF316]

Tied my best round ever yesterday (79) despite not making a putt all day.

Probably 5-6  edge burners in the 5-10 foot range. 3-4 putts from outside 20 feet that were perfectly on-line but stopped less than 6 inches short and 2 lipouts...including a ~15 foot birdie on 18 that would have made it a 78. 11 pars (pretty sure all but 1 or 2 were tap-ins) , 7 bogeys.

Just absolutely painful, especially the last one. To be fair...the shorter misses were just bad reads on my part. I kept putting them just outside the hole and they just never came back. And then some shorter ones that I was way too timid on.  Incredibly frustrating not to get that personal best score. 

But still...objectively my best round ever. Only my 2nd time breaking 80 and the other round had some fluky stuff (a miracle chip in and then a completely flubbed chip where I got totally undeservedly lucky. Plus a couple of pretty long putts)

Went out and played a second 18 in a cart since I was feeling so good. Shot an 85 with only SLIGHTLY more success putting. Was definitely tired and came up short on some iron shots on the back 9.

Down to a 9.5 index. My all-time low. We march on.

 

[belljr]

I played poorly enough to quit the game entirely on Friday.

But alas, I have mentally recovered and decided that I will indeed keep playing.

So...headed to Myrtle Beach at the end of the month. I think I've narrowed my choices down to one of these four, with Pine Lakes really piquing my interest. Opinions on these four?:

Tidewater
Pine Lakes
Shaftesbury Glen
Glen Dornoch
 

I quit 3 times last year

 

[Da Guru]

Pulled the trigger this morning on a Callaway Mavrik Iron set. 

Been using the Callaway Razr Irons for over 10 years and was ready to upgrade.  They seemed great when I was at the store.  We will see when I hit the course.

Anyone hitting these irons?

 

[TLEF316]

My course is hosting a Metro amateur qualifier today. On Thursday night, I played 9 holes with one of the outside guys playing in it (he drove down from NYC for a practice round). We played the back 9 (easily the harder side of our course). He was obviously just trying to learn the course, but it was clear he's a very good player (looked him up...he's a 1 index)

Our club tweeted out a link to the live standings today, so I was just curious to see how he did.

He teed off the on the front, went bogey, bogey,  par, triple, QUINTUPLE, bogey, par, Double and then withdrew after 8 (I assume he actually played the 9th hole and just didn't record a score before calling it quits. Otherwise that's a pretty embarrassing 400 yard walk in)

A) this makes me feel a lot better about myself

B) That's a ROUGH drive back up North to NYC

Sorry if you're a FBG, Alex. Golf is hard.

 

[belljr]

Officially hanging it up for the year. Worst round in 10 years. I have zero clue , I did nothing right today. Hit 3 good shots 

Imy hcp is up almost 3 shots, and I'm almost into double digits. My avg score for the year are 5 shots higher than the prior 3.

 

[TLEF316]

Officially hanging it up for the year. Worst round in 10 years. I have zero clue , I did nothing right today. Hit 3 good shots 

Imy hcp is up almost 3 shots, and I'm almost into double digits. My avg score for the year are 5 shots higher than the prior 3.

See ya on Saturday!!

I'm thinking of adding some additional "process" into my short putting. I'm just really struggling on 5-10 footers. Constantly burning edges.

I'm really not very diligent about lining up pre-shot. I obviously read the putt from behind but then I just kinda line it up over the ball. May need to take my time a little more if I want to make them more consistently.

 

[BeTheMatch]

See ya on Saturday!!

I'm thinking of adding some additional "process" into my short putting. I'm just really struggling on 5-10 footers. Constantly burning edges.

I'm really not very diligent about lining up pre-shot. I obviously read the putt from behind but then I just kinda line it up over the ball. May need to take my time a little more if I want to make them more consistently.

Keep moving your feet up and down until just before you putt. Been a game changer for me on those.

 

[Zow]

Got sort of back on track yesterday after...an interesting week of golf.

Had a match in our year long 64 person tournament last friday. I'd been playing really well and the guy I was playing (who I was giving 4 strokes) hadn't broken 90 at our course all year....so I was feeling really good.

Of course, I develop a case of the shanks with my irons. And I dont mean "flying off to the right a little bit"....I mean...."not getting off the ground and fouling it off into the first base dugout". Obviously I knew I was doing something VERY VERY VERY wrong but couldn't figure it out. Thought maybe I was standing too close....maybe grip...maybe swinging too hard...maybe not swinging hard enough....couldn't diagnose it.

Basically did it 4 times on the front 9 (3 of which went dead OB) and the match was essentially over at the turn. My opponent ended up shooting an 86 (so I would have had to play well to beat him) but I shot a merciful 97   On the 15th hole, my brother (who was simultaneously playing a match of his own) noticed that I was literally opening up the club like 75% right before I took it back. (so I was basically hitting the ball with the side edge of the club on the way down)  I've been trying to focus on keeping the face a little more open (because I often close it down and hit the ball too low) but obviously I was greatly overdoing it. Brutal.

Went to the range right after and "fixed it"....had a bad round again on Father's day (just basically due to absolutely ZERO confidence and just focusing on NOT doing THAT) and then took the week off. Shot a decent round yesterday (could have been good were it not for 1 bad drive and just not making any putts) but man... Friday was humiliating. I could have scored better putting the ball up the fairway that day (as I drove the ball pretty well)

And now I have to see that 97 on my GHIN ap for the next 6 weeks or so. So bad.

Crap, I’ve been in jersey all week. Leaving tomorrow though. Should have hit you up. 
 

Had so many missed calls. Had to decline an invite to Saucon Valley and two private club options in jersey (Mendham and Metedeconck) were thwarted by member guests. 

 

[TLEF316]

Crap, I’ve been in jersey all week. Leaving tomorrow though. Should have hit you up. 
 

Had so many missed calls. Had to decline an invite to Saucon Valley and two private club options in jersey (Mendham and Metedeconck) were thwarted by member guests. 

Next time GB.

 

[Zow]

Came back from down three on the back nine yesterday to win 2 and 1 in the first round of my club’s summer long match play event. Kept grinding and my opponent, who birdied one then ripped off nine straight pars, finally gave a few back to me and the course and made a huge birdie on 16 (stuck it to three feet after he hit a nice shot to ten feet). Closed it on then on the long par 5 17th with a solid par and he missed his par putt. Guess he is a former pro. Felt good. 

 

[TLEF316]

Got the uber shanks (again, we're talking grounders into the first base dugout) late in the round again on Saturday...finishing double, triple, bogey and turning a likely 81-82 into an 86.

Then I shot my 3rd best round ever yesterday (80) despite a bad driving start and chipping like crap most of the round.(had 3-4 easy ones that I left way short, turning easy-ish pars into Bogeys)  Semi-chunked my approach shot on 18 but then holed out a chip from like 25 yards over a bunker.

Golf is weird.

 

[belljr]

Update!!!! Still haven't touched a club since Friday!!!!!   And my next 4 weeks are booked so definitely won't be playing!!!!! Forgot I'm going to Pinehurst in the fall, I should look for a refund......... 

 

[Gilroy34]

I am terrible at putting.  In my last 27 holes I have three putted 8 times.  Is it a thing to get fitted for a putter?  I haven't bought a new putter in 25 years and probably need to switch it up.

 

[3 hour lunch]

I am terrible at putting.  In my last 27 holes I have three putted 8 times.  Is it a thing to get fitted for a putter?  I haven't bought a new putter in 25 years and probably need to switch it up.

Yes it is. Not quite as many metrics as other clubs but you might find it helpful

 

[3 hour lunch]

Update!!!! Still haven't touched a club since Friday!!!!!   And my next 4 weeks are booked so definitely won't be playing!!!!! Forgot I'm going to Pinehurst in the fall, I should look for a refund......... 

Seems extreme? Don’t touch the clubs for a bit and when you pick them up, just do the range until you find something in your swing? 

 

[Zow]

I am terrible at putting.  In my last 27 holes I have three putted 8 times.  Is it a thing to get fitted for a putter?  I haven't bought a new putter in 25 years and probably need to switch it up.

It's very much a thing to get fitted for a putter.

There's a real possibility that you are not playing the correct putter for your stroke. The main difference to determine is whether you have an arced stroke or a straight back straight through stroke. If you're the former, you want a toe-hang putter (probably a blade). If you're the latter, then you likely fit much better into a face-balanced mallet putter. 

I didn't know any of the above myself until a few years ago. I had a toe-hang blade putter, did the fitting, and realized quickly how that was the wrong putter for me. My putting stats have now improved significantly since switching to the face-balanced mallet. It's been especially better inside of ten feet. 

 

[3 hour lunch]

Thursday: found a slot/groove with my irons with a little more shallow swing, my last 5 shots were all bullets right at the pin.

Saturday: despite searching all day, never found the same slot and could barely find a green.

Sigh. 

 

[Zow]

It's very much a thing to get fitted for a putter.

There's a real possibility that you are not playing the correct putter for your stroke. The main difference to determine is whether you have an arced stroke or a straight back straight through stroke. If you're the former, you want a toe-hang putter (probably a blade). If you're the latter, then you likely fit much better into a face-balanced mallet putter. 

I didn't know any of the above myself until a few years ago. I had a toe-hang blade putter, did the fitting, and realized quickly how that was the wrong putter for me. My putting stats have now improved significantly since switching to the face-balanced mallet. It's been especially better inside of ten feet. 

This explains it well:

https://golf.com/gear/putters/toe-hang-face-balanced-putters-how-to/

 

[MAC_32]

I am terrible at putting.  In my last 27 holes I have three putted 8 times.  Is it a thing to get fitted for a putter?  I haven't bought a new putter in 25 years and probably need to switch it up.

Despite atrocious putting (zero one putts) I found myself just +4 through 12 yesterday...then somehow didn't break 90 on 41 putts  after shooting an 81 despite 38 putts the week before. I may detour to a practice green before a scramble this weekend.

 

[Instinctive]

Got another score in the 90s today. Driving was pretty poor until the final 3 holes or so. I have to eliminate the blow up holes. Here's a sequence that killed me on a par 5 (and tell me if I'm scoring wrong): 

1. Aggressive drive down right side of fairway barely slips over a berm and into the creek.

2. Drive a slightly less aggressive line, but take a weird bounce to top of the berm...and rolls down into the water.

3. Drop where 2nd drive rolled down.

4. Hit back across fairway, beautiful strike...touches the tree in middle of fairway and bounces left 20 yards into a pond.

5. Drop where it went in pond.

6. Pretty good sand (54) wedge ~105 yards pin high but just off the green to the right

7. Chip on right by the pin from the rough-edge of the edge

8. tap the putt in.

So two drops, and an additional drive that went off to the right. Beyond that, actually striking the ball really well, short game is on fire generally...but a triple bogey.

Or another one:

1. Drive splits fairway 230 yards

2. Five iron a bit right, but pin high on the rough off green.

3. Chip is thin, pops over green

4. swap to an 8-iron to bump and run it, green really fast as the back nine dried out by 9am or so

5. long putt, just off but great pace

6. tap in

If the first chip is good it's a par. I'm getting much more consistent, but 2 strokes on a hole i actually felt pretty good about getting right by the green in two was very frustrating.

I think if I can get the 2-4 holes like those two under control, suddenly I'm under 90. Then it becomes whatever challenge is next to get under 85 and then 80. 

 

[belljr]

Got another score in the 90s today. Driving was pretty poor until the final 3 holes or so. I have to eliminate the blow up holes. Here's a sequence that killed me on a par 5 (and tell me if I'm scoring wrong): 

1. Aggressive drive down right side of fairway barely slips over a berm and into the creek.

2. Drive a slightly less aggressive line, but take a weird bounce to top of the berm...and rolls down into the water.

3. Drop where 2nd drive rolled down.

4. Hit back across fairway, beautiful strike...touches the tree in middle of fairway and bounces left 20 yards into a pond.

5. Drop where it went in pond.

6. Pretty good sand (54) wedge ~105 yards pin high but just off the green to the right

7. Chip on right by the pin from the rough-edge of the edge

8. tap the putt in.

So two drops, and an additional drive that went off to the right. Beyond that, actually striking the ball really well, short game is on fire generally...but a triple bogey.

Or another one:

1. Drive splits fairway 230 yards

2. Five iron a bit right, but pin high on the rough off green.

3. Chip is thin, pops over green

4. swap to an 8-iron to bump and run it, green really fast as the back nine dried out by 9am or so

5. long putt, just off but great pace

6. tap in

If the first chip is good it's a par. I'm getting much more consistent, but 2 strokes on a hole i actually felt pretty good about getting right by the green in two was very frustrating.

I think if I can get the 2-4 holes like those two under control, suddenly I'm under 90. Then it becomes whatever challenge is next to get under 85 and then 80. 

Why did you hit 2 drives in the first example? And yes your score is wrong if you hit 2 drives 

 

[TLEF316]

Yeah I would assume that creek is a red stakes hazard. You didn't need to reload after the first one went in. Should have been hitting 3 from point of entry

 

[Instinctive]

Why did you hit 2 drives in the first example? And yes your score is wrong if you hit 2 drives 

It went super far right - what should I have done?

 

[belljr]

It went super far right - what should I have done?

Was it OB or in a hazard? You said right side of fairway.  I'm thinking the creek was a hazard

If it was OB then you are hitting 3 off the tee.

If it was a hazard you drop 2 clubs from where you think it crossed or  keep the spot between you and wherever you drop or replay the shot from the previous spot (as you did but with penalty)

To me drive 1 and drive 2 didn't sound that much different 

 

[encaitar]

It went super far right - what should I have done?

If it's red stakes, then you still drop at point of entry.  Or, anywhere back on the line between the hole and your point of entry.  You are also allowed to retee.  It seems that this is the path you took, however, you still need to take a penalty stroke.  You'd be hitting your 3rd off the tee after taking your penalty.

 

[Instinctive]

If it's red stakes, then you still drop at point of entry.  Or, anywhere back on the line between the hole and your point of entry.  You are also allowed to retee.  It seems that this is the path you took, however, you still need to take a penalty stroke.  You'd be hitting your 3rd off the tee after taking your penalty.

Was it OB or in a hazard? You said right side of fairway.  I'm thinking the creek was a hazard

If it was OB then you are hitting 3 off the tee.

If it was a hazard you drop 2 clubs from where you think it crossed or  keep the spot between you and wherever you drop or replay the shot from the previous spot (as you did but with penalty)

To me drive 1 and drive 2 didn't sound that much different 

Ok this makes sense. 

I always wondered what the difference between Ob and Penalty (white and red) actually was. Let's see if I comprehend:

If you hit it outside of red stakes, you can either re-tee the drive, or drop by point of entry. Either case, you hit it once, the drop/re-tee is two, and your next hit is 3.

If you hit it outside of white stakes...you do the same thing?

 

[belljr]

Or new rule if it is OB you can drop at point of entry and take 2 penalties - so hit 4 from OB point of entry.

THis is to speed up play and having to go back to the tee once you realize you are OB (but different situation here)

 

[Mookie]

If it's red stakes, then you still drop at point of entry.  Or, anywhere back on the line between the hole and your point of entry.  You are also allowed to retee.  It seems that this is the path you took, however, you still need to take a penalty stroke.  You'd be hitting your 3rd off the tee after taking your penalty.

Exactly.  It was a 9.

 

[belljr]

Ok this makes sense. 

I always wondered what the difference between Ob and Penalty (white and red) actually was. Let's see if I comprehend:

If you hit it outside of red stakes, you can either re-tee the drive, or drop by point of entry. Either case, you hit it once, the drop/re-tee is two, and your next hit is 3.

If you hit it outside of white stakes...you do the same thing?

White stakes you now have 2 options......

Rehit  from spot (your case the  tee) and take 1 penalty. So hitting 3 off the tee OR

spot it went OB drop and take 2 penalty shots (hittting 4).... this was implemented so people didnt go back to the tee when they realize their ball is OB.

Its also why provisionals exist

 

[Instinctive]

White stakes you now have 2 options......

Rehit  from spot (your case the  tee) and take 1 penalty. So hitting 3 off the tee OR

spot it went OB drop and take 2 penalty shots (hittting 4).... this was implemented so people didnt go back to the tee when they realize their ball is OB.

Its also why provisionals exist

So the difference between OB and any typical hazard (e.g., hit it into the pond), is that you should rehit from same spot if OB, but drop by entry if a hazard? (And then new rule is you can drop, but it's an extra penalty on top of the penalty?)

So a provisional: I think it may be OB, so I go ahead and hit a second. if it was indeed OB, I am not hitting my "4th" shot from the fairway where my amazing provisional landed?

 

[Mookie]

Ok this makes sense. 

I always wondered what the difference between Ob and Penalty (white and red) actually was. Let's see if I comprehend:

If you hit it outside of red stakes, you can either re-tee the drive, or drop by point of entry. Either case, you hit it once, the drop/re-tee is two, and your next hit is 3.

If you hit it outside of white stakes...you do the same thing?

No.  If you hit it into red hazard, you can drop within two club lengths of where it went in or go back as far as you want on line with where it went in and hole.  Take 1 penalty stroke, but you get the benefit of the distance the ball travelled before going in the hazard.  Hitting your third stroke from that dropped spot.

If you choose to re-tee, you lose stroke AND distance, meaning that 2nd drive is your 3rd shot - so the lesson here is to not re-tee if you hit it into a red staked area unless you absolutely have to ( for example, if you top one down a steep hill into red staked area 30 yards off the tee - it's better to re-tee than to drop in downhill rough with little distance gained).  This stroke AND distance penalty is the same penalty as hitting it beyond white (out of bounds) stakes or a lost ball.

 

[Instinctive]

No.  If you hit it into red hazard, you can drop within two club lengths of where it went in or go back as far as you want on line with where it went in and hole.  Take 1 penalty stroke, but you get the benefit of the distance the ball travelled before going in the hazard.  Hitting your third stroke from that dropped spot.

If you choose to re-tee, you lose stroke AND distance, meaning that 2nd drive is your 3rd shot - so the lesson here is to not re-tee if you hit it into a red staked area unless you absolutely have to ( for example, if you top one down a steep hill into red staked area 30 yards off the tee - it's better to re-tee than to drop in downhill rough with little distance gained).  This stroke AND distance penalty is the same penalty as hitting it beyond white (out of bounds) stakes or a lost ball.

This is interesting. So let's say I drive the fairway (hooray!). But my second shot I dead pull left, and it ends up in some water. Near the water is a bunch of trees between point of entry and the hole. My options are:

A) drop within two clubs of where it went in, in any direction

B) drop farther back along the path from where I hit it to the water, even if I want to go back like 40 yards to avoid the trees, knowing I have a club that can cover that 40 and now I have a clean shot at the green

is that right?

 

[belljr]

So the difference between OB and any typical hazard (e.g., hit it into the pond), is that you should rehit from same spot if OB, but drop by entry if a hazard? (And then new rule is you can drop, but it's an extra penalty on top of the penalty?)

SO there used to be 2 hazards, RED and Yellow and OB.

THey simplified this to RED and WHITE (OB)

Here are your options.  You hit into RED hazard.  

a) You can edrop where it crossed within 2 club lengths of where it crossed.  Note its not where it lands its where it corsses the hazard line do if you hit a giant slice for example,  its where you think it crossed the line.

b) drop anywhere backwards as long as the spot it crossed the hazard is between you and the ball. Meaning you would be hitting "over that spot"

c) hit from the same place you just did but with a shot penalty. So hit 1, drop/retee 2/ hit 3

WHITE OB

a) you rehit from the spot you hit from (retee) - same penalty hit 1, drop/retee/hit 3 (stroke and distance)

b) NEW RULE - like the hazard you drop 2 club lengths form point it entered OB.   But its 2 penalty strokes so you will be hitting 4.   Lets say for example, you just retee - ( drive OB, 2- retee, 3- second drive, hitting 4 from the fairway )  so if you use the new rule you are hitting 4 from the point of OB.

This is why people hit provisionals.  You hit a drive and are not sure it went OB. You announce privsional, and this would be your 3rd shot.  If you find your ball didnt go OB, you play the first drive.

ETA: I see this was answered