Golf Forums - Going Backwards!

I played golf all through the winter months, just so I could keep my swing going for the when the warm weather arrived.

Well what a waste of time that was!!!

Now that the warm weather is here my golf seems to be going backwards.

I was down to a 12 handicap (11.9) and over the past two months I'm now back up to a 14 handicap (13.6).  During this time I've not reduced my handicap once, had about five rounds within my buffer zone, but the rest have been a 0.1 adjustment.

To make it even worse, roughly three weeks ago for a period of two or three weeks I was swinging my clubs as good as I have ever done.  All through this period I was waiting for that great score but it never happened.

I play at the moment and although I play well enough I just don't seem to be able to score well.

Another thing that I have started to do recently is to try and hit the ball correctly, ie, taking a divot.  I went on the practice ground recently and have tried to make the correct contact with the ball, ball first and then turf.  I'm doing this well at the moment but I have noticed the increase in distance contacting the ball this way brings!

My problem at the moment is that when I play a round of golf I sometimes hit the ball fat now, something I haven't done for quite a while.

Being as I'm always looking on the bright side of things I sure it will come good soon.

Does anybody else feel like this?

Russ

I'm sure everybody feels the same as you Russ (probably on a regular basis!). Generally, it's a 'why do I bother?' This is something you hear so often.......'I've kept my swing going/I'm contacting the ball well/I'm getting more distance/     but I can't score!!  All the crisp striking in the world doesn't guarantee that your ball is going down the hole, but practising the short game for at least as long as the long game certainly helps! I think (and I'm as guilty as the next person) that we can get het up about hitting the odd fat shot or losing a few yards whereas a decent pitch or chip onto the green could mean a one putt and save your score.
Try keeping a record of which type of shots are costing you points - you might be surprised!
Of course, I'm very biased...........I don't get a respectable distance off the tee, so have HAD to spend time 'bonding' with my wedges and putter!

Carol, I'm sure you are correct in what you are saying.

Pitching/chipping the ball close will always save you a few shots during a round.

I do keep my stats, but not those you are talking about.  Mine are fairways hit, green hit, sand saves and putting.

I'll have to work out which distance/club is causing me the most problems and then I can practice with them.

Russ