My 2019 season is over and it was the best ever!!!

[OrangeCrush]

Just flew back from a long weekend in NW GA to golf with family down there. Ended my season on a real strong note and played to my lowest HDCP for a season ever.

 

Two years ago I was diagnosed with a fractured L-5 and told I may not golf again for a long time if ever depending on what recovery options I chose. I took a full year off before trying to play again. Summer of 2018 ended with 6 rounds but my back held up pretty good. I was scoring in the low mid 90's where I was pre-injury so I was elated. Having a bad back made me slow down my swing and I made better contact with my clubs. I did lose 20-25yds off the tee with my woods but my irons were still there. Distance was always a key to my game so that was a reality check to think "well this is your game now!"

 

Felt good about heading into 2019. With being a divorced dad, trying to get my photography business off the ground and have a life I managed to play 10 rounds this year. I decided to log them on a HDCP app. I had more rounds in the 80's than I ever did in one season, by the latter half of the season I regained all my lost wood distance and I was just seeing the course better.

 

For the last 6-7 years I was never better than a 16hdcp. For 2019, I finished at 11.7! The weather is starting to turn here in N.E. and my photography work is picking up so the clubs are away for the season. I can't remember ending a season more excited for the next one!!!

[Kgglonghorn]

congrats!

[vbb]

That's great, especially after an injury and personal issues (divorce). Did I read this correctly though that you only played 10 rounds all year? Hopefully you can play more next year.

 

I got down to an 11.9 this year for my lowest ever index, though I'm back up to a 12.7 now. Made some good improvements in my game and got fitted for clubs for the first time in my 15 years of playing. I'm more frustrated than ever though, haha. Before I didn't have the shots to be a single digit handicap, so it didn't bother me so much that I wasn't. Now I know I've got the shots and dumb mental mistakes are what seems to be holding me back now...which is somehow worse. I need to take a step back and be proud of the progress like you have done.

[Qqq123xx]

Congrats. May your good vibes continue on and on.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

What a great success story. Congrats.

 

I'd you don't mind saying. What surgery or procedure did you have to correct your issues. I have issues with my L4 and L5 as the disk between them is almost worn.

[eastriver]

yes, congrats!

 

I started the season as a 15.8, got down to a 13.9 in June, but ended back up at 14.8 for the end of the year. Frustrating! I thought I was on the right track, but I lost it along the way.

[cardoustie]

Way to go Crush

[Bigarch]

Congratulations Crush. Not only for the great scores but for sticking with it and making it pay off in the end. Good work!

[Xander_Reigns]

That's fantastic to hear! Congratulations.

[OrangeCrush]

> @"Carolina Golfer 2" said:

> What a great success story. Congrats.

>

> I'd you don't mind saying. What surgery or procedure did you have to correct your issues. I have issues with my L4 and L5 as the disk between them is almost worn.

 

Well taking a full year off wasn't "elective", I couldn't rotate more than a 1/2 chip shot without pain. I did a lot of core work in the gym, LOTS and LOTS of stretching which was key. Before I might take 2 mins loosening up. Now it's a 10-15 mins working my back and hamstrings which I didn't know have a HUGE effect on your back.

 

I am not too sure how the injuries are different. I still have my days of not feeling great. I am a human barometer now but June 2017-Spring 2018 SUCKED so I will take the occasional ache.

[OrangeCrush]

> @vbb said:

> That's great, especially after an injury and personal issues (divorce). Did I read this correctly though that you only played 10 rounds all year? Hopefully you can play more next year.

>

> I got down to an 11.9 this year for my lowest ever index, though I'm back up to a 12.7 now. Made some good improvements in my game and got fitted for clubs for the first time in my 15 years of playing. I'm more frustrated than ever though, haha. Before I didn't have the shots to be a single digit handicap, so it didn't bother me so much that I wasn't. Now I know I've got the shots and dumb mental mistakes are what seems to be holding me back now...which is somehow worse. I need to take a step back and be proud of the progress like you have done.

 

Correct, we had a real late start to the season as it rained for what seemed like a whole month in April-May. My personal life and now new business take up a lot of time. To me a "successful" season is 14-15rds so we are getting there!!

[2much2ask]

Awesome! Great post!

[zerotiger]

congrats man, way to go!

[Ifelloffladder]

This is a true testament of how swinging slowly could be better for many of us. LOL Anyway keep up the good fight, dude!

[Hawkeye77]

So kind of a photo finish? Great job!

[strength115]

Awesome! Glad for you.

[koleschofield34]

Congrats man! Keep working at it!