Random conversation thread

[scomac2002]

 

I dunno sco, these players have some pretty darn nice touch around the greens, although Augusta greens are nasty. I do agree that bomb and gouge has become the strategy du jour though. Who cares where you hit it when you only have 130 left on a 450 par 4? Don't worry though, plenty of non-bombers still win their share showing that shot making is not a lost art.

 

Perhaps it was simply the luck of the draw in that my local broadcaster was carrying select group coverage for the first two days. I got to endure the full rounds of Bubba Watson's group and Jason Day's group. Let's face it, even at the best of times these guys are difficult to watch what with their routines and mannerisms. The fact that they weren't playing very well or very consistently only serves to compound the issue.

 

Yes the greens at Augusta are tough and quick. I have no doubt that I've never played on anything like it. Yet, I have to ask with so many guys seeming to be adherents to the flavour-of-the-month putter, grip and stroke club; is it any wonder that their strokes seem rigid and mechanical? I don't know how you feel, putting that way. The greens only compound this sense of tentativeness that is regularly on display.

 

As far as who cares where you hit it if you only have a short iron or wedge left to the flag: That advantage is the most overrated in golf if you can't consistently hit the approach shot closer to the pin that your opponent. Again, perhaps it's just the luck of the draw that I'm watching approach shot after approach shot come up short and/or off line while the fellow that's 50 yards behind off the tee is hitting his approaches closer!

 

Perhaps I'm looking back at the past with rose coloured glasses. I find little compelling about the game today. Even the feel good stories begin to wear thin fairly quickly.

[NRJyzr]

Yes the greens at Augusta are tough and quick. I have no doubt that I've never played on anything like it. Yet, I have to ask with so many guys seeming to be adherents to the flavour-of-the-month putter, grip and stroke club; is it any wonder that their strokes seem rigid and mechanical? I don't know how you feel, putting that way. The greens only compound this sense of tentativeness that is regularly on display.

 

Generally speaking (there we go with "generally" again, lol), the players that go to such strokes are not naturally good putters. If they were, they are having issues now, and seeking some way to regain that which they had. Some may even completely lack the feel of which you speak.

 

At that point, mechanics are nearly the only option remaining. It would seem "feel" cannot be taught.

 

 

Perhaps I'm looking back at the past with rose coloured glasses. I find little compelling about the game today. Even the feel good stories begin to wear thin fairly quickly.

 

Some of the wearing thin could be related to the modern media age. Everything is told and retold, and hyped or processed in order to one up their media competition. And there are a great many more voices relaying the stories in sports these days. Nearly every shot is covered.

 

Contrast that with 30 years ago, we heard from relatively few sources, at least compared to today. Considerably less action was shown on TV.

 

In times past, Ernie Els' disastrous first hole may not have received mention, possibly minimized to avoid embarrassment. Those days are no more, obviously.

 

Sco, your "rose coloured glasses" comment reminds me of comments Jack is reported to have made (may be apocryphal). He stated to a reporter that he'd never three putted. When evidence to the contrary is produced, he insists he had never three putted. It's obvious that he had indeed done so, but he either truly didn't remember such occasions, or chose not to.

 

Point being, human memory is fallible. :)

 

Which brings me to.... because I'm me (LOL), I have to bring up Jack's recent comments about the ball going too far... it really isn't. The ball now goes no farther than it did several decades ago. In fact, it's relatively shorter now, due to the adjustments in the ODS.

 

Remember the furor over the J's Professional Weapon driver? Jack was gifted with one from Jumbo Ozaki, and at age 50, was reportedly hitting tee shots of 330 yards or more using it. What would he have done in his prime with such a driver?

 

He seems to have forgotten this when he speaks about the ball going to far. :)

 

The complaints about the ball are much ado about nothing.

 

I'm all over the place this morning, aren't I? LOL at me.

[Fellaheen51]

Good points Sco & NRJ. All I will add is that I've already become bored with watching the Masters. May just skip watching anything today, saving what interest I have remaining for the final nine Sunday. When an outcome is TBD.

 

While I love playing at golf, and chattering about it a bit, watching.....not so much.

[oldschoolrocker]

OSR and Juice at the James Island county park. I am the old heavier set one on the left. A big thank you to Juice(Jay) from the Columbia area. I was able to locate a club locally on Craig's List that he wanted and lo and behold look what the young lad gave me. And notice how he stamped it. I am quite at a loss for words.

We were not standing sideways.

Thank you Jay.

 

Randy

[Fellaheen51]

Good show, Randy. To the both both of you. Have a feeling that may be a lucky putter.

[scomac2002]

Well done lads! :good:

[Nomad Golfer]

Considering the way in which the Commonwealth countries have been treated I think you are all entitled to be as derogatory as you think fit,you all got the brown end of the stick as far as I'm concerned,the lure of Europe overcame any loyalties owed,a case of 'Thanks for all the lifeblood you've spilt on our behalf but we now prefer to be toadies and lickspittles to the French and Germans.'

How about 'Breaker Morant' as a good Aussie film?

I love the idea of Australia but I don't like snakes,in fact I am terrified of snakes and laugh to bust when someone says that the snake is equally scared,that's not the bloody point!Those brown jobs are the 2nd(?) most venomous snake in the world and a few drops injected mean Adios Amigos so meeting one on the golf course might mean a club throwing session followed by a sprint to the clubhouse for a change of underwear.

The brown jobs I refer to are the Brown snake variety not the 'browns' as in 'greens' as seen in your avatar,where is that located?

Brown snakes are common where I live, but we had a metre long red-belly black snake in the hallway a couple of weeks ago. The blacks will give you a nasty bite but nowhere near as venomous as the brown. The browns are on the increase in this state because they have learned not to eat the poisonous cane toad but their natural predator, the red-belly black, hasn't. Death Adders and the truly bad bad Taipans are also common. Usually see a few snakes on the golf course - just have to aware they are around (anywhere) and I carry a snake bite kit in my bag. Aussies and browns, Texans and rattlers.

[Fellaheen51]

Shouldn't have read this ^. Snakes totally freak me out. Don't like them, not one bit! And I'm just talking about the common garter snake variety. Can't even imagine trying to play and/or live with 'Death Adders' around.

 

Played a round in Tucson once. Hit a ball off into the desert scrub. Went chasing after it. The ranger came by and said I should not go looking for balls hit into those areas. Rattlesnakes were known to be in the vicinity. Said he had seen one out there a couple of days prior. Geez Louise! Never left the middle of the fairway for the rest of the round. I'd just drop a ball and play from there.

[thug the bunny]

Shouldn't have read this ^. Snakes totally freak me out. Don't like them, not one bit! And I'm just talking about the common garter snake variety. Can't even imagine trying to play and/or live with 'Death Adders' around.

 

Played a round in Tucson once. Hit a ball off into the desert scrub. Went chasing after it. The ranger came by and said I should not go looking for balls hit into those areas. Rattlesnakes were known to be in the vicinity. Said he had seen one out there a couple of days prior. Geez Louise! Never left the middle of the fairway for the rest of the round. I'd just drop a ball and play from there.

 

I guess I kind of understand the fear of snakes, it's a deeply rooted ancient response almost at the genetic level.

 

But, out modern brain and knowledge can override that. Fella, I'm guessing you wouldn't enjoy hiking or camping with my family, where we often go snake hunting, turning over logs and rooting in the leaves. We love to find and pick up wild eastern ring necks, black rats, kings, and garters. Black racers are mean and will keep biting you so they're not that fun, and northern water snakes have the worst smelling pee I have ever smelled so we leave them alone as well. We used to own a captive born black rat snake we named Cupcake. When she got about 5 ft we let her go.

 

A diamond back won't bite you just by walking in the desert (without ample warning). You will only get in trouble sticking your hands in holes and under rocks.

[Fellaheen51]

You crazy TTB. My fear is biblical:

 

"Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?" - Matthew 23:33

 

Man was not meant to mess with snakes.

[Nomad Golfer]

Here is a pic of a king brown snake (the large variety) we encountered in New South Wales at a small lake. It crossed the track in front of us and we gave it a wide berth. Browns of this size have the potential to wipe out a football team. But if you want to be close to the most venomous snake in the world, take a trip to Birdsville on the Queensland/South Australia border and meet the inland Taipan or fierce snake, luckily a shy reptile that you don't see that often.

[oldschoolrocker]

The national average score for a 18 hole regulation course is around 100. If that is the case, then I would think that an Average Joe would be bogey+ golf. There as a time, prior to the internet, where consistently breaking 90 was the sign of a good golfer.

 

I think the progression on WRX is to start as an Average Joe with honest numbers and then slowly inflating those numbers to get acceptance on one of the main forums; eventually making it to the classic forum where you don't give a...

 

I used to enjoy the classic forum but it has evolved (???) into goodwill equipment buying.

 

John

 

Looks like we are getting some bad press on the other side of the fence.

[Fellaheen51]

The national average score for a 18 hole regulation course is around 100. If that is the case, then I would think that an Average Joe would be bogey+ golf. There as a time, prior to the internet, where consistently breaking 90 was the sign of a good golfer.

 

I think the progression on WRX is to start as an Average Joe with honest numbers and then slowly inflating those numbers to get acceptance on one of the main forums; eventually making it to the classic forum where you don't give a...

 

I used to enjoy the classic forum but it has evolved (???) into goodwill equipment buying.

 

John

 

Looks like we are getting some bad press on the other side of the fence.

 

Short of providing verified proof of hdcp., score deflation has been going on for as long as there has been golfers I surmise. Yes, playing at golf has greater rewards than simply score. For all the reasons that we are familiar with in our own, individual spheres. And as you say, we just don't give......around here. But with that said, strive to be a reasonably consistent "in the 80's" golfer. Can navigate myself around most golf courses with some degree of decorum. Good enough, and I'm OK with that.

 

Goodwill buying? Assume your referencing "John". To each their own I suppose. But that is a major component of why I enjoy Classic. Rejoicing in discoveries. Learning from others 'finds'. However and wherever we find our treasures. And what's wrong with Goodwill buying (aka thrifting). We've all found some damn nice golf equipment while doing so. For pennies on the dollar. Its a guilty pleasure all unto itself.

 

"John" sounds grumpy. Hope he stays <. That way we do not have to work so hard trying to make him feel welcomed.

[scomac2002]

There is a certain element of truth to what has been said, however, I still get enjoyment out of seeing what other members are finding. That being said, there's a lot more here than meets the eye and I don't really think we're in need of a PR campaign to deal with the press.

 

I never ever posted about one of my rounds on the other side of the fence because I knew no one would give a toot. Here it's different as often times it seems we talk as much about what we're feeling and experiencing as we are about results.

 

When I login, I come here first. Sure, I'll browse over the other forums, but for the most part I avoid as far too many participants have the attention span of a five year old not to mention the temperament too!

[oldschoolrocker]

Sorry guys,

I copied and posted that in a bit of haste after having read it on the other side. Thought I had deleted it, but I guess not. Just got me a bit riled up and I didn't want to get into a shouting match.

[Juice__25]

I enjoy the goodwill finds, and all the history lessons that follow.

 

Speaking of snakes, last summer my girlfriend and I did come across a Pigmy Rattlesnake (pictured below) here in South Carolina. I won't let her go hunting for balls in the pine straw anymore!

 

When I was in high school, I hit a real nice fade up the right side of the fairway, but it found the cart path on that side and took a big bounce into some open prairie, not a part of the golf course, but not considered OB due to local rules. Found my ball about 20 yards deep sitting beside a pissed off Western diamond-back rattlesnake. I am guessing the ball must of disturbed his peace. lol.

 

I let him keep that one as a souvenir.

 

Edit: Picture is not my own, just a google.

[tlhorsh]

OSR and Juice at the James Island county park. I am the old heavier set one on the left. A big thank you to Juice(Jay) from the Columbia area. I was able to locate a club locally on Craig's List that he wanted and lo and behold look what the young lad gave me. And notice how he stamped it. I am quite at a loss for words.

We were not standing sideways.

Thank you Jay.

 

Randy

 

Great looking randy

[Juice__25]

OSR and Juice at the James Island county park. I am the old heavier set one on the left. A big thank you to Juice(Jay) from the Columbia area. I was able to locate a club locally on Craig's List that he wanted and lo and behold look what the young lad gave me. And notice how he stamped it. I am quite at a loss for words.

We were not standing sideways.

Thank you Jay.

 

Randy

 

Ha, how did I miss this! Just hit the hybrid OSR Randy found me today at the range. It was a delight and may replace my 7 wood.

 

Thanks again Randy! If every WRX'r is as good as Randy, well what a fine place we live in!

[thug the bunny]

I believe I'm getting randy.

[Nomad Golfer]

I enjoy the goodwill finds, and all the history lessons that follow.

 

Speaking of snakes, last summer my girlfriend and I did come across a Pigmy Rattlesnake (pictured below) here in South Carolina. I won't let her go hunting for balls in the pine straw anymore!

 

When I was in high school, I hit a real nice fade up the right side of the fairway, but it found the cart path on that side and took a big bounce into some open prairie, not a part of the golf course, but not considered OB due to local rules. Found my ball about 20 yards deep sitting beside a pissed off Western diamond-back rattlesnake. I am guessing the ball must of disturbed his peace. lol.

 

I let him keep that one as a souvenir.

 

Edit: Picture is not my own, just a google.

 

pretty snake, would you like to swap?

brown

mulga

taipan

fierce

tiger

adder

red-belly black

and 14 others - choose one

[jonnygrouville]

Yes, you can keep all of those.

 

Cobras used to swim past at the course I played at in Vietnam. Creepy. As.

 

A couple of these might liven up my commute. As it is, I am not sure what I am going to do the next time I am held up by someone who turns out to be walking along watching some dirge like Game of Thrones on their phone. Dragons?! Grow up. And get out of the way.

 

Apologies if any of you are fans of Games of Thrones, but I can save you some money. Instead of expensive DVDs, just watch Lord of the Rings, stop it every ten minutes and watch some porn.

 

[Nomad Golfer]

Yes, you can keep all of those.

 

Cobras used to swim past at the course I played at in Vietnam. Creepy. As.

 

A couple of these might liven up my commute. As it is, I am not sure what I am going to do the next time I am held up by someone who turns out to be walking along watching some dirge like Game of Thrones on their phone. Dragons?! Grow up. And get out of the way.

 

Apologies if any of you are fans of Games of Thrones, but I can save you some money. Instead of expensive DVDs, just watch Lord of the Rings, stop it every ten minutes and watch some porn.

when I was stationed in Singapore we had cobras wandering in and out of the barracks. found one in our bath one morning -they are very sociable. The local lads used to pickle baby cobras and sell them to the tourists. I was in Saigon in 1958 and didn't see any snakes but the cheap french wine was poison and the food delicious.

[jonnygrouville]

Sounds like Saigon of the fifties is a lot like modern Hanoi. We did used to say "We will shortly be landing in Hanoi, please set your watch back twenty years."

 

[Nomad Golfer]

Saigon in the 50's was a lovely town, wide boulevards, very French, lots of French bars and restaurants ( I had escargot there ).

Some of my drinking companions were a bit suspect, possibly FF Legionnaires who stayed behind after DBP - they were certainly scary. Charlie was around even then and we did some risky trips out into the paddyfield bars. Well almost as scary as a ride in a 2CV with a drunken French driver with his head out the hatch and steering with his knees. Didn't need cash for anything in Saigon, I had an almost endless supply of duty free cigs, and soap both of which were much in demand. There are some good golf resorts up on the east coast north of Saigon, Phan Thiet eg, cheap accomms and games. I can see the Vietnamese developing their courses to compete with other Asian destinations.

[jonnygrouville]

Sounds like Hanoi now!

 

[thug the bunny]

Yes, you can keep all of those.

 

Cobras used to swim past at the course I played at in Vietnam. Creepy. As.

 

A couple of these might liven up my commute. As it is, I am not sure what I am going to do the next time I am held up by someone who turns out to be walking along watching some dirge like Game of Thrones on their phone. Dragons?! Grow up. And get out of the way.

 

Apologies if any of you are fans of Games of Thrones, but I can save you some money. Instead of expensive DVDs, just watch Lord of the Rings, stop it every ten minutes and watch some porn.

when I was stationed in Singapore we had cobras wandering in and out of the barracks. found one in our bath one morning -they are very sociable. The local lads used to pickle baby cobras and sell them to the tourists. I was in Saigon in 1958 and didn't see any snakes but the cheap french wine was poison and the food delicious.

 

Yes..cheap French wine is a killer. Great hangovers.

[scomac2002]

Have you ever had one of those rounds where nothing goes right? I'm not talking about a bad round, but one of those soul searching rounds that makes you question why you even play the game. One of those rounds where it becomes a war of attrition where the few good strikes get so completely overwhelmed by the mistakes and errors leaving you in a total sense of despair with no clue as to where to turn next. I had one of those rounds today. In fact I probably had two or three in the past couple of weeks without even realizing the first one was anything more than a fluke and the second anything more than a weather related fiasco.

I came home and immediately texted my best golfing friend to tell her of my woes. I think I just needed a sympathetic voice. She was very good at saying all the typical reassuring things that friends do. It's probably something small she said with one thing leading to another (and then all manner of odd compensations rendering every aspect of your game virtually useless).

I was distracted thinking about what had transpired. I couldn't even enjoy the ballgame on TV. The only thoughts that occupied my mind were: Just what the heck am I doing to cause all these issues and what do I do to try and fix it? There would be no peace on my Sunday afternoon.

I pulled one of my vintage irons out of my back-up bag and went outside with a shag bag of balls to see if my hooks were going to be present with different clubs in my hand. Ugg...a low left hook. I drop another ball down onto the sun drenched turf and make a few practice swings. Everything feels fine. What the heck am I doing to cause this? I address the ball again with my typical forward press and make a slow motion swing back to the address position. Hmm that doesn't look right. I do it again two or three times. Same result. I'm not returning the club to the address position during a swing. At impact, the club doesn't have a forward press and the club face is now closed as a result. Sh*t! My address position isn't representative of my impact position. All the other little adjustments I've been trying to make have been about trying to compensate for this one fundamental flaw...or at least I think that's what's going on.

Alter the address position to remove the forward press I was placing on the club, square the club face and swing. Right down the target line with the expected trajectory! I hit two more. Same thing! Is that it? I'm too tired and too sore from the day's play to hit anymore.

I walk out into the field to retrieve my balls and find those three shots in a straight line about ten paces apart from left to right. We'll see if this holds true as I'm playing again on Wednesday, but it feels like it's right as there are no awkward compensations, just a nice comfortable square set-up with the address position hopefully more representative of the impact position. I'll bet this little set-up error has leaked into not only my full swing, but chipping and putting set-ups as well thus resulting in the trifecta of lost causes from a performance perspective.

They say it's darkest before the dawn. I can only hope that a new day is rising.

[birly-shirly]

All the best for Wednesday. Sometimes, and probably more often than that, it's just the littlest things that throw us off our usual game. Here's hoping that's the case here and that you're back on track now. Far better to discover these things in May rather than October!

[TimV]

S2002, I think you're overthinking all this... but I'm a feel player anyway.

Regardless, I hope you have a great round Wednesday. I believe that's when I'll next be out as well.

[scomac2002]

S2002, I think you're overthinking all this... but I'm a feel player anyway.

Regardless, I hope you have a great round Wednesday. I believe that's when I'll next be out as well.

 

You could be right. My wife tells me that when I get pulled out of my comfort zone, I'm not a happy camper. It could be as simple as that. I'm going to try and be mindful of that going forward.

 

Thanks for the well wishes all the same, Tim! :)