Help me get back into things!

[agoodgolfer]

From 2004 until April of this year, I played 5 or 6 rounds and 1 range session - 3 of those rounds where in the same week. Before that, I played 5 or 6 times a week and had an index right around 1 - so to say the least, my swing is far from grooved. Starting 3 weeks ago, I decided to start playing again. I joined the local mens league, and have played 5 rounds since then. I have hit the range 7 times.

 

Even when I had my swing grooved, I always turned to a punch shot when I was unsure. So naturally, I have relied a lot on that shot since I started three weeks ago. With the punch shot, my weight stays more forward in my stance, and my follow throw is shortened. I also do not release my wrists. Its pretty much the way I've played golf for the last two years. I love the shot, and can always count on it.

 

So if I love the shot, whats the problem, right?

 

I cant hit a wood to save my life! I think the follow through of the punch shot has ruined my swing.

 

My wedges to 6/7 iron are solid, but anything above that slowly goes from a slight fade, to a push slice with my driver. My wedges are pretty straight, maybe a slight draw if anything.

 

My guess is I'm not releasing my wrist. The punch shot has probably pleagued me with this problem. When I try to force my wrists, I hit a pull hook.

 

I'm sick of playing golf and being scared of my woods. I played yesterday - I decided pre round that I was going to play with just my irons. I played the first 6 holes 2 under and was pumped. I decided I was swinging well and pulled the driver out on the 6th hole = hit it OB and made double. The 7th is the first one that is lined by other fairways, so I didn't have a reason not to try driver again - I hit it low right into the one thick group of tall bushes, another double. The Last hole is a par 5, with the 8th fairway on the right. I felt my miss with the driver would still give me a chance to get home in two - Nope, welded behind two trees, hit one on the second shot, 3rd into a trap, 4th flubbed onto the front, chipped up, then two putted for another double. I went from 2 under to 4 over in 3 holes... I felt like snapping my driver in two.

 

Anyways, enough of my rambling.

 

I need some help. Any drills that I can do to help? Does anyone think its something besides not releasing my wrists? I know the problem of progressively hitting a bigger and bigger fade, as the club gets longer, is a common problem for many golfers. I feel like I'm back to starting all over with this game, luckly I still remember some of the important stuff - like how to get the ball in the hole.

 

Thanks for your help

Chris