Which should I abandon...?

[ac26xp]

I read in another post "Things you hate the most..." or something like that where one person said they hate it when a player plumbs and lines-up putts when that player's score on the hole is already 8+.

 

I am new to golf and of course am shooting in the 110+ with plenty of duffs, shanks, and 3+ putts. I guess my pace of play is that of... well... a raw beginner.

 

Should I abandon either: 1) any sort of pre-shot preparation because "Hell, it's my 9th stroke on the hole and what do I need to that sort of thing for anyway,"; or, 2) playing on the course all together until I master the range, chipping area, and putting practice green?

 

I would think that anyone serious about golf is not going to give up any pre-shot preparation he has been instructed to apply.

 

Thanks

 

(p.s. there might be just a little sarcasm in this post... but only a little...)

[hobbes]

Neither. If you want to be considerate to the other people on the course that's great, one way to do it is to attempt to play when the course is less busy. I tend to play a lot of after work, 9 holes is typical. When you get a late start you don't usually have too much competition as most people around here want full rounds. That should keep you from having to worry about groups behind you. If it is your playing partners that are causing problem then play alone for a while (you'll likely enjoy it.)

 

If you were taught a routine and it helps you then by all means keep it. 3rd stroke or 10th, sticking to your guns will help you get better.

 

Range time is only worth so much. It doesn't really replace real situations you will see on the course, so giving up real rounds to not productive. Range time IS worth doing though, in addition to your normal play.

[change81]

u should not worry too much. just try to keep up a decent pace of play. but try playing the 5 minute rule for lost balls. if it went into an area that overgrown, and everyone saw it go in, then take a free drop after 5 minutes of searching. cuz straight up. its not the extra shots that take forever. its the idiots that look for 10-15 minutes for a single ball in the same spot.

if u didnt find it 5 minutes ago... the chances are... ur not finding it.

 

but get some range time and hit the putting green alot. it's about experience at this point. but you want to groove in your swing. obviously lie changes will affect your ball striking in the beginning as this is not something you can exp at the range, but with time, you'll learn to adjust.

but when at range. focus on clean ballstriking, to reduce topps and duffs and fat shots.

 

and to cut back on shanked chips and 3 putts, work alot around chipping greens and putting greens. that will drastically cut down ur score.

 

but keep hitting the course, but mix in a lot of range work too.

 

practice practice practice

[mcbush25]

Well, you don't need to rush yourself or you wont get any better. Like it was said above try playing later in the afternoon. I play after work and I get nine holes of quality golf in each time I do. Usually there is no one around me and I can play comfortably without the pressure of having someone breath down my neck.

[Joe Schmoe]

u should not worry too much. just try to keep up a decent pace of play. but try playing the 5 minute rule for lost balls. if it went into an area that overgrown, and everyone saw it go in, then take a free drop after 5 minutes of searching. cuz straight up. its not the extra shots that take forever. its the idiots that look for 10-15 minutes for a single ball in the same spot.

if u didnt find it 5 minutes ago... the chances are... ur not finding it.

 

but get some range time and hit the putting green alot. it's about experience at this point. but you want to groove in your swing. obviously lie changes will affect your ball striking in the beginning as this is not something you can exp at the range, but with time, you'll learn to adjust.

but when at range. focus on clean ballstriking, to reduce topps and duffs and fat shots.

 

and to cut back on shanked chips and 3 putts, work alot around chipping greens and putting greens. that will drastically cut down ur score.

 

but keep hitting the course, but mix in a lot of range work too.

 

practice practice practice

 

I agree, but would actually say cut down the looking time to about 1-2 mins. Drop and continue playing. Secondly if you're playing with others encourage them to play ready golf as well. Don't worry who is away/off the green, take your turn when your ready. Around the green no one should take two shots in a row, unless the second shot is a tap in.

[ac26xp]

Thanks for all the advice.

Like any good beginner, I am using balls purchased out of the barrell at sports consignment and the lower end golf stores, so the looking for my ball part isn't that big of a deal. Don't get me wrong, I walk into the salad when I can, but quickly give up searching after about a minute. I carry "plenty" of balls (there's a lewd pun in there, I'm sure).

 

Anyway, I figure that pre-shot preparation should not change regardless if on first shot or 12th.

 

Thanks

[withdrew]

after "mastering" the range, i graduated to a local pitch & putt. this particular pitch & putt was in pretty bad shape, usually empty and you tee off of mats. if there were any golfers there at all, they sucked too, so i felt good there. all short holes, the LONGEST is about 120 yds. everything par 3, the holes average 60-75 yds. i would bring my PW, SW and putter, built up my confidence and now i can go there with one ball, my SW and putter. after that, i moved up to a longer "executive" course, with average holes about 80-100 yds. i pack a day bag with 7-8-9-PW-SW-Putter. after getting comfortable there, i started playing a good 9-hole course, and then moved up to a regular par 72, 18 hole course.

 

there's nothing wrong with trying to learn, but you gotta pick and choose your times carefully. weekends, holidays, etc...go to the range. once you get comfortable and can get the ball airborne on 99% of your strokes, you are closer to ready.

 

i am going to put my wife through the same battery of testing that i went through.

good luck to you!