My 8 iron is coming along nicely, but I had a disastrous round with the Driver, normally a consistent club for me, on Tuesday. Will send you a video for analysis if it doesn't sort itself out this week, Tom.
Played a nice 9 hole yesterday and decided not to risk it on the 1st. Hit a middle of fairway, 140Yd 8 iron, then another to side of green, chip and 2 putts for bogey. Same on 2nd hole. Also made bogey on the 472Yd Par 5 3rd with 3 8irons into a headwind, chip and 2 putts. By this hole, I decided to stick to the 3 clubs I'd played with so far, 8, Wedge and Putter. Parred the SI 1 Par 4, and admittedly tripled the 498Yd Par 5 into a strong headwind. Ended up shooting 48, admittedly quite a high score, could have putted much better, but hit every fairway and only one bad tee shot, which still came off middle of club and went 100Yds. May stick with this for a few rounds as it was enjoyable to feel consistency for a change, rather than Disaster followed by Miracle, which has been my norm! Anyone else tried this approach?
Thanks, Tom. Appreciate the help. I read Inner Game a few times and it never really helped, so will delve into those books. When swing fell apart on hole 8, I reverted to playing what felt like 3/4 swing punch shots, will look at drills. Miserable weather over here in the UK today, but I'm going out anyway! Cheers, Adam
Well, @1759adam, that's still one heck of a round. Nicely done!!
If I haven't already recommend it to you, an excellent book that may help you with your overall approach to the game and navigating through the hiccups is "Fearless Golf: Conquering the Mental Game" by Dr. Gio Valiante. I’ve suggested it to many of your fellow online school members and have received excellent feedback from them. Another book that I like is "Play Your Best Golf Now" by Lynn Marriott & Pia Nilsson.
Beyond that, it’s a good idea to have a reliable “default swing” that you can dial up mid-round when you sense that you are beginning to leak some oil. Many members use the swing provided by Drill 2.8, which is actually the full swing minus just a couple of power accumulators. (In fact, one member recently played five consecutive rounds using just 2.8 and he shot in the 70’s each time!) Other good candidates are the 90% Weight Forward/Arms Straight Drill and the Flying Wedge.
Interesting round today, with 8, Wedge and Putter. Obviously pitching in from 110 Yds at the 1st was the high point! 1st 6 holes, I was spanking the 8 iron down the middle, but as always it eventually went wrong. Any advice for keeping a good round, and good swing feeling going. There's always a point where I hit a bad/weird shot and then all my confidence disappears.....
I've oftentimes gone out with just a 4, 7, PW, and putter (or some variation thereof), @1759adam. I think it's great to do every now and then. In addition to taking away the big misses when working on the swing, the big gaps enable you to explore the possibilities with your clubs - how to hit them shorter, longer, higher, lower, etc. It's a fun challenge with plenty of benefits!