Haven’t swung in 2 months

[Captain Hook11]

Played my a** off this season and dropped my HCP from a 20 to a 13, probably played a round or range session twice a week at least, plus chipping in the back yard.  
 

Fast forward, I haven’t swung a club in 8 weeks. I blame the kids obviously. My question is, has anyone ever felt the yips after a long break? I’m almost afraid to hit the range. Is it just a matter of getting an XL bucket and swinging through it?

[iknowbagu]

8 hours ago, Captain Hook11 said:

Is it just a matter of getting an XL bucket and swinging through it?

 

Yes

[OnTheBag]

8 hours ago, Captain Hook11 said:

Is it just a matter of getting an XL bucket and swinging through it?

Not sure how old you are, but that XL bucket after a 2 month layoff can be the recipe for a pulled muscle.  Start with a small or medium to see how you feel.  

 

But yes, a couple of range sessions is the answer to your question.

[St Jimmy]

Forget the range and just head to the first tee box!  

It's 99.9% confidence once you know how to swing. 

[Roody]

You obviously do not live up north where we get a forced 4-5 month break every winter. 

[dfeldss]

For me it's never the swing that goes after some time off, it's the 75 yards and in that's hard to dial in. Partial wedge shots, chipping etc.

 

Honestly a lot of times i strike it great after some time off because I don't have all these random feels in my head that derail me

[ChristopherMcDonald]

Might just be me but when I take an extended break I seem to rid myself of some negative habits and swing more freely. I think it's because I have no anticipation of having a good round which frees me up mentally. 

[lefty1978]

I also tend to strike the ball better after a layoff. My short game suffers though as the feel is not there.

[Cliff David]

One thing to help me on my swing is recording my swings at the range.  You can find a nice tripod for your phone for around $25.  Take your time at the range and look at your swing in slow motion if you're having trouble finding your swing.

[mjtoal]

I live in the UK but haven't played since last September, never play in the winter here. Used to have business trips to Cali or Florida during the winter and would play, but none since Covid. 

 

Funny enough, when I start back (around The Masters), often lay pretty well, so maybe have forgotten bad habits and reboot each season. 

[b.mattay]

Just got to get back on the horse-where I live there is a 6-6 1/2 month layoff every year. Might swing it a few mph slower the first round and have a questionable half wedge game, but that’s it! 

[Captain Hook11]

Forgot all about this topic, and still haven't touched a course since early October. Got back in the backyard and duffed more chips the other day then I did all last year...Good times. Have hit the range a few times and did a quick online lesson to (try and) fix this nasty swing I've always had off the tee. The annual boys golf trip is 3 months out so time to ramp it up....

 

Oh, and as a few other have said, it's been 90% driver and wedge so far. The driver just to correct a few years-long issues I've wanted to tackle, and the wedge for obvious reasons. The only reason I dropped my handicap so much last year was my confidence 70 yds and in. A few chunked chips will remind you really quick how close you are to a blowup hole.

Edited January 24, 2023 by Captain Hook11

[Denny100]

Id say when starting back, youll probably be a little out of shape and swing a little slower.

 

Your chipping and putting will also be rusty, magnified by poor winter greens and the conditions.

 

Id say your game will come back relatively quickly though. I think the putting comes back faster than the chipping, the swing will be back with you inside a week or two no problem.

[ANimz]

On 11/24/2022 at 12:00 AM, Captain Hook11 said:

Played my a** off this season and dropped my HCP from a 20 to a 13, probably played a round or range session twice a week at least, plus chipping in the back yard.  
 

Fast forward, I haven’t swung a club in 8 weeks. I blame the kids obviously. My question is, has anyone ever felt the yips after a long break? I’m almost afraid to hit the range. Is it just a matter of getting an XL bucket and swinging through it?

I chip in a hallway with a LW through the offseason.  For me, it helps to keep some of the fundamentals intact so I am not going through a true offseason.  I also find something to work on a few times a week with clubless drills.  

[Ferguson]

I would never take two months away from anything I love or call a hobby.  

Priorities.