Hi All,
Just wanted to get the group's thoughts on practice frequency and quickly dropping handicap. During my round on Monday, one of my playing partners asked how often I practiced/played (was playing pretty well thanks to @Tom Saguto.) I told him that i try to get to the range about 1-2 times per week for an hour and play at least 9 every other week (tough to get out more frequently with 2 small kids, wife, and FT job!!). The guy remarked that I probably wouldn't get much better than being a solid golfer (whatever that means).
I feel there is an opportunity and have gotten significantly better over the best year with Tom's system.
What's the fastest everyone has dropped their handicap and frequency of practice? Obviously, I would expect the lower the handicap, the harder it is to shave strokes. Thanks in advance for the feedback!
The beauty of the short game is athleticism and "power" are not required. What is required is "trust" and a little experimentation to discover how to throttle up, or down, to hit longer or shorter shots. The key for me is knowing the low point, which is what Tom already teaches. For example, if you attempt to hit a short shot and your left shoulder "drifts" to the left vs. rotates, chances are you'll blade the shot because the club will follow the left shoulder's drifted movement.
Hey guys, this was a great thread!
I agree that Chipping, pitching and putting are critical - and “mastering” shots from a your precise distance is a pretty good recipe for success!
At the moment there is also the small but exciting issue of “recalibration” - as we master the Saguto lessons!
Mr Hogan’s comment “It’s just a game Byron” is one of my favourites but it’s really challenging to anticipate the effort and talent he had!!!!
I think folks avoid short game shots because those shots "should be easy", or maybe the mindset is "how could I not hit a 20 yard pitch?". Thus, practicing short game shots can be quite humbling. Ever try to hit a 60* wedge just 5 yards from a tight lie? It's the most frustrating shot in golf. My old golf coach used to make us hit shots in increments of 5 yards up to 50 yards, then back down...50, 45, 40, etc. Then he'd say "15 yards now"...then after that shot he'd say "Ok, 5 yards now", or a random requirement whereby we had to adjust on the fly. It's actually a fun game / practice session on the range with other guys.
I agree with Russell too on this one. A good short game is not only about form, it's about feel, you won't get the feel, or touch without the time put in. Under your circumstances Pat, just play and have fun and don't worry too much about score. That's not really that important in comparison.
I guess it depends on your handicap. Your friend is probably right. If you aren't playing very much, it's hard to get "good". Playing golf is much more than being able to hit shots on a range. However, you are certainly practicing enough to be "solid".
Easiest way to drop your handicap will be to practice short-game. Pitching, chipping and putting with 2/3 of your time.
Thanks Tom, awesome post!
@PatD - This new post by @kelton4 just played right into your hands!!