18 Is Never Enough

I played 27 holes yesterday at Charles T. Myers in Charlotte. I paid $16 so that's 59 cents a hole. Jimmy played nine holes before he had to leave. I've been working on my driver, and I got off the tee pretty well to start the day. I missed the greens on my approach shots and that meant that I was having to get up and down to save par. At my skill level that usually translates in to double bogeys. I'm still not good enough to hit all of my clubs well for even nine holes but I can hit them well enough to make a few pars and maybe even a birdie to help my score. My goal is to improve my misses and I guess that would by definition mean I'd be more consistent. Jimmy wasn't hitting it his best, but he started to come around toward the end of his nine. Why is it that people always figure their game out when they're running out of holes? I absolutely murdered (in a bad way) holes 6-8. I couldn't even hit a wedge without slicing it. That used to be a problem that I couldn't overcome during a round, but I now know that bad swings and holes happen. You have to remember your practice and rely on fundamentals. I used to try to change my swing during the round if I hit bad shots. That doesn't work. Now I trust my swing. It's usually a minor detail that is causing the poor shots. Jimmy and I both made par on the par-five ninth hole and then he had to go. I moved on to the back nine where my driving wasn't as sharp as it was to start the day. I was by myself, so I took the time to think through my swings until finally I realized that I was still coming to impact with a closed club face. That explained why I had no loft and a lot of pulls and hooks. I opened the face ever so slightly and began to hit much crisper shots. Of course I realized all of this toward the end of my second nine. The course was wide open so, I went back tot he tenth tee and figured I'd play another hole or two, which turned in to nine. I shot a 99 on my first two nines which included a 53 on the front and 46 on the back. The second time I played the back I shot a 42. It felt great to play so many holes with no one around. I think Im going to find some money games to play in so I can learn to play under pressure because these casual rounds are fun, but I need some competition! I'm going to the range today and maybe I'll try to play nine more holes who knows, that nine might turn into 18! Hit 'em good!

Help!!!!!!!!!!

Shawn Clement gives good online instruction. Check out his videos!

Still at it!

I'm still playing as much as I can. So many other things are going on in my life, but golf is a good diversion. I'm steadily getting better. I went back to Renaissance with Joey this time, and shot a 97. Not great, but 19 shots better than the 119 I shot the last time. I'll probably withdraw from a round like Tiger did at The Players before I shoot a score that bad again. The moral of the story is, if your game is that bad on a particular day, quit before you embarrass yourself and blame it on an injury, or the heat, or something like Tiger. If we could all just be like Tiger life would be great. I'll write about Tiger another time. I shot a legitimate 86 at Sunset Hills. No mulligans, and I was playing with two guys I hadn't met before. That felt pretty good. I expect to play bogey golf consistently now. I still suck at driving the ball, and refuse to put the driver away. Even when I can hit two easy 7 irons to a short par 4. I've also played twice down at Tega Cay recently. They have 3 nine hole courses. The Cove is the cheapest out of the three. For only $13.50 it can be yours! I played with Jon Black once and Jimmy once. I also noticed a pattern. My golf buddies are Joey, Jimmy, and Jon. Random, I know. I guess if I beat them at golf I can call it smoking J's. Ha! That should make them want to kick my ass and talk shit. I won't make it easy for them! I haven't played with Eric or Kevin in a while. Little babies and expectant mothers make golf more challenging. That is to say that they make it challenging to even go play! I'm happy for my friends and their happy families though. I'm watching videos now to improve my driver. I'll let you know how it goes. Hit 'em good!

It could be worse, but not my score!

I played like shit. That pretty much sums up my round yesterday at Renaissance. It could be worse. At least I was playing golf. Eric and I went to play a twilight round and ran in to a couple of other players, Rachid and Meagan, who we asked to join us since there was a foursome in front of us.

Rachid said he was playing from the black tees, so I knew he had to be pretty good. Anyone who isn't good doesn't make a fool of themselves by trying to play a tough 7400 yard course from the tips for fun. It would not be fun or productive.

Meagan said she played college golf at McMurry University, so I figured she had game too. She was alternating between the blue and white tees depending on distance. She is thinking about trying to play professionally, so she was out for some practice.

We started on the back nine, which is considerably more difficult than the front, in the scorching heat. We were all dripping sweat before we even teed off. We all took two balls off the tenth tee. The nerves and tension of playing with strangers always has some affect until everyone calms down. No one hit their best tee shot. However, in hind sight, being behind a tree 137 yards from the green with somewhat of a shot would qualify as one of my best tee shots all day. Seriously. Rachid, as I expected, hit lasers that drew a little more left than he wanted on such a narrow hole. Meagan has a long fluid swing, and her first two shots drew as well, but I could tell she had good instruction. Eric hit a three wood that was a little short for him but in a good position to approach the green. His wedge came up short. I punched out from behind the tree, but then hit a wedge that was off target and off the green. The four of us ground(fyi....grinded is not the past tense of grind....I had to Google it because spell check underlines grinded) it out on our first hole. Rachid got up and down for par, and the rest of us didn't.

From there it's all a blur. I mean, I remember most details about the round but I just wasn't as in to it as I normally am. Mainly because I had to take a drop after every tee shot on the first nine we played. I felt like LeBron in game four against the Mavs. I was there, but didn't rally contribute much to the team.

Meagan made par on the eleventh hole after she hit a nice tee shot from 150 yards. I think that settled her down some. She would hit some good and bad shots along the way, but overall I think she played fine. Her short game was money. Every time I thought I hit a good chip, she would chip it closer, and she made some putts. Meagan played nine holes with us until the heat and hunger kicked in and we parted ways. I think she would have played better on the front because it cooled down a lot, and it is easier. She mentioned that she hadn't played competitively in two years. I assume that with consistent practice and coaching, she can compete professionally. The swing and short game are there. She said that she works for Wells Fargo, so I'm sure it's difficult to find time to work, practice, and have a life! Whatever she decides......Good Luck!

Rachid played like a scratch golfer. He may be the best player I have ever personally played with. His routine and swing are amazingly consistent. He was always in the fairway. If his approaches weren't on the green, he chipped to within three feet to make par.......every time. Every putt was on line, and either holed out or burned the edge. He didn't leave many short. I didn't get his score, but I'm sure it was close to par. Rachid has played in a few amateur tournaments. I'm not sure what his golf plans are, but his game seemed comparable to that of the guys on the Carolinas Pro Tour. On the elevated thirteenth tee, Rachid used a three iron to reach a 236- yard flag. All in all, it was a good experience to play with a player of his caliber.

The thing I respect most about Eric is that no matter how well or poor he's playing, he plays every shot as if it were the most important shot of his life. He is always in the moment. If I'm not driving the ball well, my mind wanders and my focus wanes. Not good characteristics for a golfer. I think I expect to do well because I practice a lot and I'm a good athlete, so if I don't do well, my pride is hurt and I give up a little. Not Eric. He is good at forgetting his previous shot and making the best decision for his next shot. Maybe that is why he shot a 92 and I shot a 116 yesterday. Eric shot a very respectable 42 on our second nine, which was the front. Eric's best shot was probably on the par three, fifth hole. I've heard a lot of people say how difficult they think the hole is due to the length, and contour of the green. We played it form 185 yards, and Eric hit a pretty shot to within five feet of the flag. Unfortunately he missed the birdie putt, but it was still a nice par. I shot a 62 and a 54. Even by my standards, that was bad. So, of course I have physical adjustments to make, but I know for certain that my biggest hurdle is mental. I actually hit some very nice shots on the second nine, which is why I'm sure that the issue is mainly in my head. I also know that I need some instruction to solidify the positive aspects of my game and eliminate the negative, so that I can limit my swing thoughts.

I didn't have my camera, so I don't have any pictures from this round. I'll remember it next time out. That 116 hurt. Oh well, I'll be back. Hit 'em good!

Carolina Lakes

A few weeks ago, I went out to Carolina Lakes to watch a Carolinas Pro Tour event. While there, I thought to myself, "man, I would love to play this course!" It's a big, nice course out in Indian Land, South Carolina. From the tips, it is 7140 yards and the course rating is 74.1. So it's long and hard. (Insert joke here) Joey lives out that way, so we decided to get a twilight tee time. The twilight rate is only $32. I thought that was a steal for this course. The only problem is that it was nearly 100 degrees, even at 3:20 pm when we teed off.

We were dripping with sweat on the first green! I'm not used to courses that big. I hit into the bunker and it took me 2 minutes just to walk around the massive bunker to a point at which I could enter. I knew it was going to be a long day. I've been working on my grip, and it seems to be helping a bit. I think technically, I'm using a weaker grip. My right hand is more underneath the club, and my left hand is more on top. I also finally understand what instructors mean about your left thumb fitting in to the pad of your right hand. My hands function more like one unit now. The other technicality I've been focusing on is the amount of shoulder turn I get in my backswing. A few months ago, I adopted a slower take away that allows me to create more potential energy. My ball striking improved, but my distance was still lacking. I was still only getting 150 yards out of my 7 iron which will be fine when I'm 60, but at 31 I think I'm capable of greater distance. So, I started trying to turn my shoulders a little more in my backswing, and I was amazed at how much higher and farther the ball traveled. The par three fourth hole is listed as 163 yards. It is probably elevated 15-20 yards and the pin was in the front. I pulled out my 150 yard club and figured any decent shot would be somewhere on the green. Well, I hit a decent shot but since I applied my new shoulder turn to the shot, the ball flew completely over the green and in to the hazard behind it. It sucked because I made double bogey on that hole, but it was a revelation of sorts as well. I felt like Luke Skywalker because all of sudden I heard voices saying, "The force is with you!"

So, I hit a lot of good shots that had bad results. I learned that together, my grip and shoulder turn adjustments will produce more distance. Joey played up and down as well. I think the heat snagged him too. He played from the sand enough that he might as well have been at the beach. Bunkers are waiting on every hole. Like all amateurs, we both play well in stretches. We kept score, but I didn't bother to add mine up. If I had to guess, I'd say I shot around 105 and Joey may have been in the 90's. No birdies, a few pars, and a lot of other stuff. I took the positives from the round and kept it moving. According to my computer, its only 86 degrees, so I'm going to the range to continue working on my adjustments. Until next time.......Hit 'em good!

3/29/11 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good: When I'm focused, I feel like I finally have a swing I can trust......sorta!

The Bad: I lose focus more than a hyper active toddler!

The Ugly: My score!

The last two times I've gone out I've met, and played with, someone....and their boss. Last Friday it was Jeff and his boss Mike. Today it was Eric and his boss Heidi. I had fun both times, but I learned the same lesson twice which I will address later. I use the term boss lightly, because the employees and bosses did. It's good to know that the professional and personal lines can be blurred for golf.

Mike and Jeff work in Information Systems for Carolina's Medical Center in uptown Charlotte. They were enjoying a day off with a leisurely round of golf. Mike said that he was just Jeff''s boss temporarily but Jeff, however, was still on call because his wife is preggers and apparently due at any moment. I'm surprised he was able to get out for a round of golf! I caught up to them at Sunset Hills, where I wanted to get some practice in on an easier course. The thing about practice is that it's only as good as you make it, and lately, I haven't been making much of it. We all had our issues whether it be off the tee, or on approach shots. Some times both. Jeff and Mike were light hearted fellows just looking to have fun, and once every one became more acquainted, I think we all settled down and hit some good shots. I made par on the eighteenth hole which was a good way to end a less than stellar round

I shot a one-something on an easy course mainly because I kept flubbing wedge and short iron shots, and then four putting. A total lack of concentration. I used to blame my astronomical scores on my driving, but apparently my whole game is suspect. Thanks for letting me play with you guys Mike and Jeff. I hope to see you on the course again soon!

Today, I went to good ole Renaissance Park golf course. People either love the course or hate it. I love to play it, but hate the scores I take. I think I'm traumatized because Renaissance is one of the first course I played. It's a long course and has a lot of trouble. I think I lost a dozen brand new balls in one round there last year. Actually, I don't think....I know. I was hittin 'em good on the range until a piece of divot hit me in the eye. I figured it would rub out but it didn't. I tried to wash it out, but still no luck. So, I just sucked it up and played with blurry vision in one eye. I'm not very good with two good eyes, but oh well. Rich came out and met me for what is becoming our weekly round. He just hates the course and he reiterated that fact on several occasions. I like that he has a passion for playing, and is trying to get better. I can see improvements each round. A lesson would probably be good for him. I'm sure Brad at GolfTec has some good counsel for him. Brad taught me a few basics that have helped me as I've crafted my own swing.

Anyways, Eric was playing by himself, and caught up to us on about the fourth hole. He joined, and then said his boss was going to meet us on the back nine. Eric was pretty long off the tee. He should probably play with my boy Kevin, and they can have pissing contests with their drivers. No, seriously, Eric was a solid player, and he said he tries to play three or four times a week. For playing with one eye, I was making good contact. I think having one eye made me focus on the ball more. Although, it did screw up my depth perception and gave me a headache. Once again though, I was killing myself with wedges and short irons. On holes that I should have been putting for birdie, I was routinely putting for bogey or double because I couldn't hit a sand wedge 50 yards in the right direction. I made par on the eighth and then blew up on the ninth hole, and that's when I really lost what little focus I had.

Eric warned us about his Boss, Heidi. They work at Coyote Joe's in Charlotte. Eric is a bartender and Heidi is the bar manager. I might have to stop by and get a drink or twelve because I've heard that Coyote Joe's is a good time. Back to golf. Eric told us, "She hits it long and straight." He wasn't lying. I think she hit every fairway and I'm pretty sure she out drove me most of the time. She drove one so straight, that she had to move the 150 yard marker to hit her second shot. She said that she grew up playing with her dad. Just like at Sunset Hills, It took a little while for everyone to get comfortable, but after a few holes we were having fun. Or at least they were. I was mad at myself for losing focus again, which only made me play worse. I'm noticing a pattern. Rich actually played better, and even birdied the par 5 fifteenth hole. I was just lost. I could hardly keep up with my score. Or maybe I just didn't want to. Eric and Heidi were cool, and eventually, I remembered what I always remember. I'm not very good, and it's a blessing to be able to play. I do want to get better though.

Which leads me to my self observation. I've gotten better with my irons. I'm more confident in my distances. I can use the hybrid off the tee. My last two round have been lost to focus. The problem is that golf is for obsessively compulsive people who pay absolute attention to details. No offense, but people who have five locks on their door, and lock them in a certain order repeatedly until they feel safe would probably do well at golf. People who count their footsteps, would probably be excellent golfers. The point is, you have to be ridiculously consistent to play golf well, and that hasn't always been my strongest trait. Don't judge me, I'm trying. The desire to organize my golf game is making me more organized in other aspects of my life. My third grade teacher, Mrs. Nelson, always said, "Organization is the key to success!" She was so right. I lose focus because I'm not organized and consistent. The loss of focus makes my already shaky mechanics go tot hell, and then I get frustrated. Such a vicious cycle, but I'm driven, so I'll get better. Time to meditate!

Westport with Rich

Rich and I went out to Westport on Monday. I like taking people to Westport because it always exceeds their expectations. The course is in good condition, and most people like the layout. My only gripe is that the greens are a little slow. I'm still learning about grass types and green speeds, but I know when I have to blast my putts to get a good roll on them. Westport is located in Denver, North Carolina, which from northwest Charlotte is not a bad drive. It's rarely crowded and the twilight rate is $25.

I thought I played well, but I shot a snowman(8 strokes)on the first and last holes and ended up with a 101. That's a combined seven strokes over par on two holes. Even if I would have just bogeyed both holes I would have been in the mid-nineties. Just like all amateurs, I add strokes in the short game. The wedge mishits are killing my game and I don't make enough ten to twelve foot putts to make up for the flubs. My iron play is getting longer and more reliable. I finally understand the coordination of the hips and hands in my swing. I can almost repeat it consistently which allows me to focus on specific aspects of my swing without thinking about the whole process while I'm practicing. When I'm actually playing a (semi)competitive round, I don't want to have to think at all. The less thoughts the better.

My goal is to break ninety (yes 90) in a round in this calendar year even if it's from the ladies tees! I'm only kidding a little bit. I'll need my driver to accomplish my goal, so if you need me, I'll be at the range!

I think I Need a Shrink!

Until recently, I wondered why athletes needed sports psychologists. How could talking about mommy and daddy issues help an athletes performance? Now I understand! Even when things are going as well as possible in my life, it is extremely difficult to block out irrelevant thoughts while I'm standing over a golf ball. I have to constantly talk to myself throughout a round in order to maintain minimal focus. Once I've exorcised the demons in my head the issue becomes getting my body to do what my mind thinks. Assuming what I'm thinking is correct, coordinating the mind and body is still very difficult. Recently, I'm having trouble hitting my wedges during rounds. I hit them fine during practice time, but during a friendly round, I completely mishit the majority of my wedge shots. I understand that it's almost impossible for amateurs to have all aspects of their game working at the same time, but I practice with my wedges more than any other clubs. I consider them the foundation of what little game I have. I figured I could hit a wedge from the tee to the green. Not so much my last three rounds. So, my irons are improving and my wedges are regressing. My driver comes and goes like a teenager without a curfew, so I don't depend on it right now. I know it's all mental but I'm having to resist urges to throw my faithful wedge in to the nearest body of water. I need help for my wedge complex! Even if it means lying on a couch and talking about my childhood for an hour.

Golf in Paradise!

I recently traveled to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands where I was able to play a round of golf at Carambola Golf Club. My hostess Jen has a few friends who work at the club and were gracious enough to help me out with a tee time. I have to say thanks to Carl and Scott for hooking me up! Stephanie and Jen weren't thrilled about waking up at 6:30 am so that I could make my tee time, but they were going to hang out at the beach, which was some consolation. Thanks Ladies!

The weather was perfect. When I arrived at 7:30 am it was 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I paid $35 to rent my clubs, and the pro shop threw in some range balls and tees as well. The clubs were Top-Flite XL 5000's. Not that it mattered to me or my score, but they were a decent set of clubs. I hit them well enough on the range (even the driver) and felt ready to tackle the course. I walked over to what I thought wasthe first tee and smashed a drive about 270 yards right down the middle of the fairway. I ended up making a seven on the hole and then moved on to number 2 which I realized was actually number 11. I was riding around as if I'd never been on a golf course before but, since I made a seven, I decided to find hole number one and start my round over. On my second first hole, I hit my drive a little right and off the fairway. I was about 140 yards from the flag with a tree between me and the green. At first I thought about taking a low lofted club and hitting under the trees. Then I realized a real golfer would go over the trees. So I grabbed my 9 iron and stuck it about 12 feet from the flag. I actually felt like I knew what I was doing. That feeling lasted all of one hole. I two putted for par and moved on to the real number 2. This is whennovices including myself completely forget everything we think we know and start hitting golf shots that look like slap shots in hockey with every club we swing. I did this for the about seven holes. I seriously couldn't get the ball off the ground. I'm an admitted badgolfer, but when I go from hitting a Mickelsonesque shot over trees to impersonating Sidney Crosby with a driver, it's still frustrating.

Finally, I looked around and remembered that I was on a beautiful island surrounded by picturesque mountains, and playing a $35 round of golf on a top notch course. Life is good. Once my perspective changed, I was able to recall the few fundamentals that I practice constantly on the range at home. I choked down on my 7 iron took an abbreviated swing and started making crisp contact. After a while the other clubs felt better in my hands as well, and the round was generally more enjoyable because I remembered that I'm not very good and stayed within my limitations!

The moral of the story is to always enjoy the round of golf you're playing because it is a fun game, and a blessing to have the time and physical ability to play. I also learned that my game travels well. I can shoot a 100+ at any course in the world! Until next time......hit 'em good!