My One Year Anniversary in Golf

[J-Rod11]

So, yesterday was my one year anniversary of truly taking up the game of golf. I had played maybe half a dozen rounds of golf the previous 26 years of my life, and gone to a driving range a few times, but never really started learning to play golf. A year ago, I played for the first time with a guy who is now one of my best friends. Our wives set up our outing that day, mainly to get us out of the house. I ended up having a blast that day, even though I shot well over 100, and decided to keep at it and see if I like it.

 

Well, a couple months later, after playing 2-3 more times, I was hooked. Started going to the range, watching videos on youtube, learning about equipment, etc. Here are a few things I've learned:

 

1. Golf is hard, but I love the challenge.

2. There is nothing like hitting a great golf shot.

3. Sunscreen is important.

4. Pace of play is a real issue in the game.

5. The mental aspect of this game is every bit as important as the physical part.

6. Going from 100+ to 85 went pretty quickly. Going from 85-75 is going to take years, haha.

 

 

Some of my stats for the year:

 

 

Score

First round: 100+, probably 110-115 or something

Best round: 81, twice

 

Average Driving Distance

Starting: 180 yards on a good day

Yesterday: 248 (carts on the course we play have GPS, with a feature that will give you driving distance)

 

Number of three putts

Starting out: Every hole

Now: Two, maybe three a round

 

Amount I've spent total, on clubs: $325

 

 

Goals for year two:

 

1. Get fitted for the first time for a new set of irons

2. Break 80

3. Stay relaxed and have fun

 

 

See you on the course!

[DavePelz4]

You know, the proper gift for a first anniversary is paper. Maybe you should get yourself a gift certificate for a fitting and then follow up on it.

Congrats on the first year...you've come a long way!

[llamont]

Congratulations and here's to many more "anniversaries!"

[mark m]

Very impressive.

How many times do you play in the last year?
How often did you practice?

(It might provide inspiration to others)

Just an observation: At first, the typical wife wants you around. That can change over time!

Good luck this year

[Sean2]

You have done VERY well in one year. Nice job! :-)

[J-Rod11]

I usually play once a week, sometimes twice a week. I don't make it to the range as often as I should. I watch a lot of videos during the week, take practice swings at home, etc.

When I play, I really try to focus on what I'm doing. If I get through 5-6 holes, and I'm not playing great, I forget about score, and use the rest of the round as practice. I focus on things like posture, backswing, release, bracing my right leg, keeping my spine straight and my shoulders back, checking my grip, etc.

I'm 27, 6'1, and athletic, having played sports since I was 4, so I think that helped my progression in the first year, being naturally coordinated and such. However, I've reached the point now where I won't see a lot more improvement without a lot more practice. I can probably break 80 at this pace, but getting to the point where I do it consistently will be much tougher.

I think for a lot of people, trying to go from 100+ to the 85-90 range, I would learn how to get off the tee, and then it's all short game. I've found people spend so much time working on their iron shots, but if you can get 240 straight off the tee, (as long as you're playing the correct tees), You'll have maybe 100-150 left to the green on most holes. From that distance, even a duffed iron shot probably gets you to within 20-30 yards of the hole. At that point it's all about knowing how to use your wedges and putting.

Another HUGE help to me was that the guy I play with every weekend is a 1-2 handicap. I think I've seen him shoot over 80 twice all year. He's usually around 74-75. Having him watch my swings, teach me how to manage a course, etc. was invaluable. It was basically an on-course lesson whenever I needed it.

[PeanutsDaddy]

Definitely trending in the right direction. You've made incredible strides in a year.

[Hilldo87]

Very similar background to golf, same age, and I've just had my first year anniversary last month.

I ended up asking a mate if he fancied a round of golf for something to do. After it we were asking each other why we didn't take it up properly when we were kids.
The first first 3 months were infuriating but enjoyable still, I had the worst slice I have ever witnessed. I mean I drove the ball 2 fairways right of the hole I was on.

After spending almost all of my free time on the course, driving range and getting lessons (much to the girlfriends delight) I changed a number of things in my swing / grip and posture. After a few months playing 5 days a week I started hitting scores of 80 and the feeling was unreal as it was a target I was looking for after a couple years playing..

Getting fit for your equipment is so important. I can't stress how much of a difference in my game there was when I was fitted for my current irons.

If you haven't already checked him out, I suggest searching for Mark Crossfield on youtube. I have learned a lot from his videos! He knows good drills to help address most problems I've came accross.

I can't tell you how much I envy that you need sunscreen to play golf!! That is something I've never had to take on the course with me being from Scotland. Though if there is any bonus being from Glasgow it's that I am only 45 minutes away from The Old Course at St.Andrews.

I'll keep an eye out for your posts. Will be good to see how the next year goes for you.

[Snufles]

Somebody is ready for their first set of blades I think.



Just kidding welcome to the game of infinite frustrations if you let them. It will always be a work in progress so don't get hung up on bad shots and most importantly always enjoy yourself out there.

[scooterush]

great job j-rod!!!!!!! keep at it...

[J-Rod11]

[quote name='Snufles' timestamp='1391983799' post='8631329']
Somebody is ready for their first set of blades I think.


[/quote]

Hahaha! No blades for me!

I'm looking forward to getting fit for the right irons though. I currently play Wilson Staff Di-11's, which have been great to learn on (highly recommend them), but they are a long, and heavy. I have a swimmer's build, so long arms, etc., and playing irons that are 3/4" longer than most standard irons is definitely noticeable.

[llewol007]

Well Happy Anniversary. Wow I wish I knew what I know now on my first year playing golf. For one invest in a range card that gets you free buckets of golfballs. Next thing is commit to shoring up your short game. Make that your secret weapon. Up and downs are as good as gimmies. And finally, get ready to own about 5 different sets in the next 5-10 years maybe two at the same time, maybe 3 different drivers, at least 4 putters. Goodluck