Golfstinks.com Asks: "Are we too Lazy to Get Better at Golf?"
by Greg D'A on Feb 16, 2011 10:14 AM EST
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PrintHere's a great guest post from Greg D'Andrea of Golfstinks.com. His question is really good, as is their blog...I recommend that you add it to your daily rota of golf web sites. Enjoy....Charles
Practice makes perfect…Or so the saying goes. What that little phrase fails to articulate is how much practice it actually takes to make things perfect. Throw in an impossibly difficult sport like golf and attaining perfection becomes perfectly ridiculous.
Now don’t get me wrong, there are a select few who not only have the raw talent to be great at golf, but also have the drive to spend countless hours on the range or putting green practicing…But I’m not one of them. And I surmise not many of you are either. As far as I’m concerned: I’m just too lazy to work that hard at something I’m never going to make a living at in the first place.
Now before you think less of me, let’s examine this thought process further:
Having the raw talent is one thing. But when I speak of drive, I’m not talking about mashing an orb off a tee-box with a club-head measured in cubic centimeters. No sir. I’m talking about that internal force with which we reach down within ourselves to gather the extra physical momentum needed to reach a set of preconceived goals that will put you on a path (you hope) to perfection. Phew. I got exhausted just typing that.
This type of drive is typically what’s needed to attain anything close to perfection, but yet the average golfer rarely puts that sort of effort into their game. Is this because they don’t have the time, or is it because they don’t want to spend time on something they’ve already subconsciously accepted as fact: That they stink at golf?
It’s no secret golfers all over the world want to constantly improve. Ask any one of them what their goal is for the upcoming season and you’ll probably hear the same thing: I want to break… (Insert any number that’s above scratch here). And if they don’t provide a number, you can bet your bottom dollar it’ll still be something that has to do with improving: I want to hit longer (or straighter) drives; I want to have less 3-putts; I want to hit more greens in regulation; I want to get over my fear of water hazards; etc.
But what about a goal of just wanting golf to be fun? That’s a decent goal, right? I know what some of you are thinking: "But I can’t have fun if I stink." That’s the biggest bunch of BS around. Consider this: If you currently average anywhere above 75 for 18-holes, then you already stink. Oh, I know, conventional wisdom suggests 75 is a damn good score. But is it really? I mean, if you practice your derriere off and still shoot 75 all the time, can you make an honest living playing golf? Not likely. So if you can’t make a living at it, then you’re just playing for fun, right?
Of course you’re just playing for fun! Otherwise you’d be out on the range hitting your irons for 6 hours a day and working on chipping and putting for another 4 hours. Dusk till dawn baby, all day every day – practicing golf. How many of us really do that? But more importantly, how many of us would do that even if we had the time to spend all day practicing?
Think about that as you momentarily click away from this post to check your work email. Why would you ever want to practice that much? Well, if you had the raw talent to make a living playing golf, I suppose it would make sense to practice all hours of the day. Of course, if you had the raw talent to make a living playing golf, you probably wouldn’t be in a career that requires you to check work email at all hours of the day either. Regardless of this fact, we could still put in the effort if we really wanted to, right? But in the end, we don’t.
Which brings me back to my original point: We’re just too lazy to work that hard at something we’re never going to make a living at in the first place. And that’s just dandy with me – it helps keep everything in perspective: Golf is a game; you should have fun playing it.
Greg D’Andrea (affectionately known as Stinky Golfer Greg) is a regular contributor to the Golf Stinks blog – a blog that is taking the frustration out of the game of golf! He is also co-founder of golfstinks.com – a forthcoming social media site appealing to average hacks!
FanPosts are written by Waggle Room members. Viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect those of WaggleRoom.com, editor, Charles Boyer or any other writer or member.
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I’d have to rephrase the question and remove the word “lazy” – most people are either too busy to spend extra time practicing or taking lessons, or they just play the game for fun and aren’t all that interested in getting a whole lot better.
Here in the States, we have softball leagues and bowling leagues where people get together for a couple of hours each week to play and have fun. They generally aren’t meeting the guys to play catch or run bases or work on double plays. Most bowlers play in their league, have a few beers, and show up the next week for a few games – but they don’t take lessons or practice, either.
Golf is just a game to most people – and it’s a tough game that takes a good bit of time to play. Most people just don’t have time or that much interest in getting a whole lot better.
Pretty sure that any professional golfer would cringe at the suggestion that they are where they are based just on raw talent. The game just isn’t that easy. And the guys who shoot 75, you can bet are spending a good bit of time at the range and putting green to maintain that level. When you consider that the average handicap in the US is 16, that a huge percentage of golfers will never break 100, much less 90 – shooting 75 takes a lot of talent and a good bit of time. To be a pro takes even more talent – more practice – more coaching – more mental focus….
You mention “just wanting to have more fun” – my former sister in law was that way. She liked improving and hitting the ball straight more often and a little farther – but her game improved more when she took the score out of the equation. Her score card became a series of faces drawn in the boxes. If he was happy with how she played a hole – it got a smiley face. Not happy – it got a frowny face. So-so got a straight face. It was a good round if she had more smiles than frowns…and that usually happened. (we kept her score anyway – and she improved more when she stopped thinking about the score)
I’m pretty sure a hard working family person would disagree with the supposition that they are in any way “lazy” where golf is concerned. People who truly want to improve at the game will spend time practicing – people who don’t, usually won’t.
Terrific web site Greg ! I’m adding it to my list. It’s pretty clear that you’re not too lazy to put together a good web site.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
It depeneds on the kind of person you are.
I’m a driven person. People like me don’t have fun playing golf if I play rubbish for my standard. Golf is fun when I work at it and do it well. There is great satisfaction shooting a certain score. If I am an 80 shooter, golf is a horrible game if I didn’t break 90. Doing the best you can ( in the available time one has ) is the real fun in golf. For a person like me improving is the essence for me. If I reach 70 and can still break 80 now and then, I will be well pleased. On the other hand, if you are someone that doesn’t mind hacking it around and just glad to be in the fresh air, thats fine too. Just donb’t take 6 hours for 18 holes ! :)
exactly ! but if someone came up to you and accused you of being lazy because you don’t put in more time and get down under 75 regularly ?
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
They would be right about my chipping practise :)
But on the question of shooting 75 regulary, that takes talent that most people haven’t got. Had he set the number at 85, he would have a point.
Even 85 takes talent and work – 2/3’s of the people who play the game.never break 90.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Hogan once said
an average person could break 80..but I’d say 85 is more realistic. Talent to play sports helps a lot…ie hand/eye coordination, etc.
better than 18 !
if she’s breaking 90 regularly, she’s lower than an 18. By the formula, you should only beat or tie your handicap once every four or five rounds.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
ah – good point – her course couldn’t afford two more shots worth of yardage to make it a real course ? (ducking) :-)
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
I fear the 18 flatters to deceive
My course is actually par 69 off the reds, and I’m just as likely to get low 90’s.
Remember I play it regularly; if you took me to another course – even another par 69 – I doubt I would break 90. Having said that, I am DETERMINED to play off a genuine 18 by August!
You should hook up with Heather Jones and become the British correspondent. Her goal was to get down to a single digit and finally got under 10 last year. She and her buddies really push each other.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
I have the greatest respect for Heather, Court
as you know, I do follow her and did follow her progress. At least two reasons why I can’t/shan’t emulate her – but the main one is that it’s not worth the divorce which would ensue ;o)
I'm sure you will Wendy
You will probably birdie the first when we play and I will think "what have I let myself in for ? "
Thanks Court...
By in large, I agree with your statements – and as far as taking the score out of the equation – you should read this post I did last year: http://golfurl.net/irwb
More good stuff, Greg. We disagree on some terminology – and disagree that Woods or Fowler would say that you or I “stink” at golf. If you could buy your way onto the PGA Tour and shot the scores you do, they might say that. But in golf, for the most part, the better you are, the more gracious and understand you are about how difficult the game is.
You said a brand new golfer “flubbed” every shot he hit – I’d say he did his best. As his friend, you might get to joke around about some of his bad swings (after you’ve bought him a beer or two) – but you would do it in the way friends do. You wouldn’t call him names because he wouldn’t want to play with you anymore. A flub is a mistake you make when you have some idea of what you’re doing – someone who doesn’t know the game can’t make those mistakes – he hasn’t learned or played enough to learn a good swing.
I get your humor, and the use of “stinks” that goes along with the site name – but you wouldn’t talk that way to someone outside the game who wants to try it.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Very true, Court. Golf Stinks is for a golf audience – and to truly appreciate our humor, you’ve probably been hacking up the course for a while!
Just read it Greg
I would say, no golfer “stinks” if they try their best. And for some people (like me) not reaching their potential, golf is a waste of time. I would hate to look back and say, "I should have done better " If most average people had time to practise and discover what it feels like to strike the ball properly, they would have twice as much fun as someone who is “lazy” as you put it and duffs it along the ground.
I Wish I Had More Time For Practice
I enjoy practice. I live across the street from a driving range. I can walk ten houses down my street and practice putting. But I also have a demanding job, not to mention a startup company and then a family to tend to. Lately, I am lucky to get in 18 holes and too often can only spare the time for 9.
As a result, I suck. I wouldn’t bet on me in a game against a 10 indexer if you gave me another 10 strokes. I play by the rules and count all my shots, good or bad, and right now I come too close to triple digits for comfort.
And that sucks.
Charles, I see you went right past Wendy and Easy's rubbish
and like me, right to SUCKS….welcome bro…STUB
STUB
yeah, I have gone from a first flight trophy winner to this
It’s like being a former beauty queen with a spare tire for a belly and droopy, saggy boobs. Ain’t no fun, but hey, the days are getting longer and I am going to get a lot better at making time to play. And with an index lag, too, LOL.
by Charles Boyer on Feb 16, 2011 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
Ok – do we need some history, CB ? Have you at some time in your past been a beauty queen ? :-D
One thing I have really liked from the Limbaugh edition of the Hank Haney Project was Haney trying to get Limbaugh to just make 100 swings a day – not even hitting balls – just making 100 swings to concentrate on the technique. Seems like something as simple as that, plus a little bit of chipping and putting around the house could pay off on the course.
And what do those neighbors 10 houses down think when you show up to practice putting ? (lol)
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
LOL, I will make this admission: I am as ugly as Cinderella’s stepsister in a dress, but I once wore a miniskirt and high heels and raised $7,000 for United Way in a beauty pageant. I won, BTW.
by Charles Boyer on Feb 16, 2011 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
well ok then – $7000 for charity – you’re allowed a little saggage :-)
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
It was horrifying, but worth it knowing we helped a family burned out of their home.
Women go through an incredible amount of work to look good. I did maybe 10% of the things they do for that pageant and no thanks, I am glad I can stand up in the bathroom, thank you very much.
by Charles Boyer on Feb 16, 2011 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
Charles, boy did that bring back a bit I did
one New Years Eve…I dresses as a “Flapper”, for a party down the block…It was about zero out, and I was goiing back to our house to check on the Kids, and than back to the party….Damm near froze my ****** off….Sure gave me a greater appreciation when I’d see Women standing on the corner waiting for a bus…Don’t know how they stood it….By the way, I didn’t win anything other than a few Gropes by some of the other Drunken guys….STUB
STUB
ok – you guys are scaring me !
I’m on the other end of the swing – wondering what is wrong with the women who choose to wear short skirts and open toed shoes in the middle of winter ! :-D
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Your right...My legs got so cold that
night, and I only had to go maybe 6-7 houses between walks…My wife said that the stockings used to keep their legs warmer, but it was still cold, especially if there was a wind blowing too…I’m with Charles…Glad I stand up in the bathroom….STUB
STUB
Just as a matter of interest
Understand why you would stand up in a public toilet, but why not sit down in comfort in a domestic environment?
WHAT ? That would be Manly
blas-fha-me…We are trained very young (by a woman no less) to STAND and deliver….STUB
STUB
Sucks...rubbish
all equates to a bad day at the course. You know the look…you are in the clubhouse and someone walks in like he/she has been told they have 5 minutes to live. One thing is certain…a bad round is just one swing away. Golf will get you in the end.
Yes, it always does
Golf is like a beautiful mistress with a capricious cruel streak. She’s lovely, all dressed in bright colors of green, with bright blue skies for her eyes. She always, and I mean always gives hope with a blank scorecard on her first tee. Then she plays “I love him, I love him not” for eighteen holes as she takes the petals of your soul and rips them off one by one with a smile. Yes, she’s golf and she knows you will love her no matter wha cruelties she visits upon you, for she knows that her affection and kindness is more intoxicating than any whiskey and Scotsman ever dared distill.
She gives tender kisses, and sometimes they are not at all deserved.
On other days, she cannot be pleased no matter the effort, no matter the will. She gives bad bounces on good shots, she covers the cup when a ball is destined for the bottom, and she blows a breeze that puts a fair shot to the green into deep sand.
Then she will kiss you again, and invite you back.
by Charles Boyer on Feb 16, 2011 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
ah – but those Scotsmen DID distill the Whiskey…and that mistress drove them to drink more and more of it !
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Indeed, sir, they do
And a victory cigar, lit or unlit leaves a nice taste in the mouth as well.
by Charles Boyer on Feb 16, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
Now you guys are talking
A good Sour Mash that ya kin roll around yur tongue and a smooth Maduro Cubano….Ahh, Life is good…..Than, back to Reallity…..Drats….STUB
STUB
You can still enjoy the cigar, albeit unlit.
Me, I love the way Miguel Angel Jiminez waltzes down the 18th fairway with his stogie when he has the tournament in hand. That’s just awesome to me.
by Charles Boyer on Feb 16, 2011 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
Somewhat more poetical
than stomping back to the car park shouting “It’s just a game, it’s just a bloody game!”
FOR SALE:
Like new AP2 Titleist Irons, G15 10.5 Driver (severely challenged), G5 3 wood and Hybrid…..a lot of balls and various other golf related rubbish. Odessey 2 ball blade putter with amnesia (can’t freakin remember how to get a ball in the hole).
Golf Stinks….Yes indeed. I am taking suggestions for some other activity to become addicted to……and I also need information on available 12 step programs for quitting golf.
Thank you.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
lol !! Careful em – you know the old truism about golf and sex being two things you don’t have to be good at to enjoy – if you give up golf….can the other be far behind ?
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Not to worry Court......
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
whew !
Remember what Stewart Maiden said – “take two weeks off, then give up the game completely” :-)
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Have you ever tried to
slit your wrists with an 8 irons…….ouch.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
Oh, em!
I once gave up golf in disgust for two whole weeks. No amount of cajoling or persuasion could get me back on the course during that time. Then just went to caddy for husband …………
I hear this is the first step......
“Hello, my name is em66, and I’m a golf-a-holic!”
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
Friend just called....
we have a 2:00 tee time……gotta go.
Oh, thanks for the therapy. Are you guys licensed psychiatrists?? Send me a bill……:)
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
careful with that em – Wendy might prescribe Titleist supositories !
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
You know golfers.....
We’ll try anything is we think it might help……..:)
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
Wendy.......Ok, Ok.......I LOVE GOLF!
Glad I didn’t sell my clubs. Played much better today……quitting for 20 hours must have done me some good. Not sure how you quit for two weeks…..that’s an eternity in golf…….:)
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
I seem to remember em, you playing every day.
Ever think 4 times a week would stop you getting stale mentally ? Do you ever feel at times you are going though the motions ? A few days off can sometimes recharge the batteries, so to speak.
No, that is not the problem....
I only got to play twice during January and twice so far in February……so I’ve had a lot of days off…….rust is more likely the culprit.
The Saints were the SUPER BOWL CHAMPS for a year...hope I don't have to wait another 44 years for #2....WHO DAT!......:)
That just shows how badly I was playing at the time, em
I actually swore that I would stop for the season, but there you go.
Hey Easy...that's already happened...now, it's
because Sir is whoopin up on her with his new Cobra sticks vs her Pings…hahaha lol…..STUB
STUB
Great article Greg
However I disagree with the notion that people are “too lazy” to score better at golf. As another poster suggests above, the time commitments are likely more to blame for the 16 handicap average across the United States.
On the other hand, I don’t believe that gofl requires “being a certain type of person”, either. I’m a 7 handicap currently. Does that make me more “driven” than the next person? If you ask my wife, she’ll tell you I am pretty damned lazy most of the time (and she would be correct). I think proper technique and instruction make the biggest difference to any golfer’s scoring level. This can be seen when a veteran golfer takes a lesson from a new instructor and drops 5 strokes from his or her game. Is this to suggest that they somehow became more “driven” to succeed and improve? Obviously not.
www.ChicagoDuffer.com
I have to believe it's mostly the time thing
I know for me, the only time I go to the range is warming up before a round. I would rather spend what time I have actually playing golf rather than practicing. But hey, only 10 years or so till retirement, then I’ll practice / play daily and finally become a good player, (at least that’s what I tell myself).
The man who never alters his opinions is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.
~ William Blake
Too Lazy?
Eh, Greg D’A….For some yes. For others no. I thought Tom Weiskiopf recently said a mouthful. “Think about it this way: we’ve got 26 million people defined as golfers by the national golf foundation, but 92 percent of them cannot break 90,” Weiskopf said. "It’s a very difficult game; it’s a slow game; it becomes even slower watching these guys. They’ve(the Pro’s) slowed the game down and take so much time. Money is not the most important commodity it’s TIME. To consistently break 90 you gotta play more than once a week and the question is what’s your fun factor divided by TIME invested. Otherwise smile and say it was a good walk spoiled by trying to hit that d….. little white ball.
Weiskoph makes a good point.
Recreational golfers tend not to improve much. Entering competitions at ones local club brings reality into it. There are no mulligans, no better ball, just you. And you can’t hide that it’s all down to you. That’s when I find people practice more…they were embarrassed. Playing for fun, they know it doesn’t matter. And , if I may use the word, “true” golfers care …because it matters…those are the ones who practise and improve to a good standard. Here, I reckon only 25% of memebers enter competitons. No wonder so many can’t break 100.
Maybe less than 25%?
Eh, Easingwold….Valid observation/comment. You know E it might even be less. Whether you call them Rec or Social golfers they are the majority. I imagine for them it is the social, ambiance, and maybe even status that brings them to the tee box. Nonetheless be they “true” as you say or Rec or Social golfers it does weave a unique social fabric between the levels with understanding/patience and camaraderie. Four and half hours reveals some interesting character traits.
It sure does...learn more about a person in a round
You might be right about less than 25%. The majority they are and clubs couldn’t exist without them.
Enjoyed your post!
And all of the comments, too. It’s funny, as I finished reading this, I took a few moments to think about where I fit into all of this…lots of things came to mind. As far as practicing goes, I’l admit I am not a range rat…during a season in MN I can probably count on 1 hand the amount of times I go to the range…but I am fortunate that much of what I think of as practice I do on the course – in the evenings I can often go out and hit 3 or 4 balls and putt 10 or 20 times on the green if I want to. I have never taken an official lesson from a Pro…I’ve had lots of advice given to me over the years, and I’ve read and watch lessons in magazines or on the web, but have never forked out cash to get a lesson.
Last year I asked our Pro what it would take to teach me how to hit a draw…he said it would be big change and I’d probably have a full season of hitting some pretty awful shots (keep in mind my season is about 5 months long) but I could probably get there. I decided that I was not willing to sacrifice a season of bad golf at this point in my life even if it meant adding another “tool” to my bag…I decided I was content shooting high 70’s, low 80’s (from the Red Tees!) and just trying to improve my consistency with what I have. I’m not sure if that’s lazy, but I am definitely making that choice not to try to improve that part of my game.
When I can be golfing I want to PLAY. Is May here yet? :-)
I write about golf at www.tees2greens.com, too.
Red, I don't know who your Pro is, and I have no axe to grind
with him…BUT…that reply of his was (Wendy’s favorite word)….RUBBISH !…You want to hit a draw, here is all you do…..1. Shut down, or Close yur clubface when taking your grip.
2. From the LEFT side of the Tee Box, Set up, or align your self towards the RIGHT HAND side of the Fairway.
3..Assuming, that your swing is slightly IN to OUT, which is correct, make your normal swing..Because of the SLIGHTLY closed club face, the ball starts out on the line you selected and will curve slightly back to the Center (for right handed golfer)
The amount of closed face you have, and your selected target line will depend on how much DRAW you want….A little practice and you will be able to do it any time you want…..STUB
STUB
Agree with Stub &
maybe strengthen your grip a click or 2. A strong grip allows the club to be closing at impact. (stronger grip: rotate hands a couple of degrees clockwise for a righty) But, regardless of the efforts to hit a draw, you’ve got to come at it from the inside.
I LOATHE practice. Golf is supposed to be fun. Why muck it up with WORK?
Oh, I’m a 3.7, play 50-75 rounds a year, am 53 & found a 7 iron when I was 5. Never had a lesson, & will “practice” (a large bucket at a range) before the City Tournaments. I’ll loosen up before every 3rd or 4th round with 20 balls, (normally just slap on the “Igotcha Ready” for 30 swings) ALWAYS spend 5 minutes on the putting green & will chip 3 or 4, before teeing off.
I “play” golf. It’s NOT MY JOB.
I've been known to be opinionated.
Talented Randy
but I have to practise with less talent. Those shots you bring off with ease I can do sometimes as well. But I can do them more often if I practice at it. And that is a lot more fun than hitting bad shots. But, I enjoy practicing, so I’m liucky there. It’s not about being a job, it’s about being the best you can be. Who knows ? With practise, you might be scratch…but I guess you have been there done that.
Eas – how old were you when you started playing ? I was in my mid-20’s and will need help and practice to get down towards scratch (something I think I could do if it weren’t for this annoying work thing – lol). Randy picked it up when learning things like golf was easier and more natural, and are a lot easier to hang onto through the years. He did his practicing early on and doesn’t need it as much as you or I.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
I was 33 when I started court
and been down to 10 at best. With good chipping, I think I could play to 8. I agree about young starters…they can turn up after a layoff and shot 76.
How does the handicapping system work there ? Since 1983 we have this one. 0-5 player down.1 every shot under SSC (standard scratch score) ,6-12player .2 13-20 player .3 and 21-28 player .4 down. All go up .1 for every shot over in competitions Men here get a maximum handicap of 28. Standard scratch at our club is 72 so off 10 shooting 81 you would come down to 9.8. We can only come down in competitions between April and October. Is yours different ?
Pretty much the same except we don’t have a maximum handicap and we don’t have the April to October thing.
I just think we should have rule allowing us late starters to step on the ball of these early starters once a side. (lol)
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Lol
I’d call myself a late-ish starter…not you :) Took me 10 years to get down to 10…I crept up a bit since.
Did you play any stick and ball sports growing up ? (soccer doesn’t count – completely different set of skills)
I broke 100 my 3rd round out, and broke 90 six months later – but have been floundering around in the 80’s ever since with short stretches in the 90’s and the occassional round in the 70s. Had only a few lessons and have never had a year when I practiced regularly…maybe some day.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
I liked basketball when I was Stateside.
I played baseball, but never tennis or other racquet sports, except badminton. Did cross country, American Football in High school until I came back to the UK. Here, I played rugby. So, I didn’t do a lot of ball and stick games.
Seems like you could play off 5 if you gave it more time. Funny thing, I broke 100 in my 3rd full game also ! Braking 80 took another 4 years. I shot 69 once with one hole closed :) But 72 was my best with incredible luck. I holed an 8 iron for an eagle and holed 3 25 footers for birdies at a time when I didn’t think much and my shoulder was in good working order. I’m thinking well now, but the right shoulder is shot for good.
What happened to the shoulder ? Rotator cuff ?
Closest I’ve been to par is a 76 – only round where I ignored the score and just hit the ball – beats me why I still haven’t learned to do that all the time.
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
I don't think being told
that it was obvious that I had played hockey was exactly the compliment I had been looking for – I proceeded to demonstrate the ankle jerk move that I had perfected at age 11 ;o)
I was at school
but at college we used to play against local works teams – every time I dashed up to tackle this giant everyone would fall around laughing. Played a couple of games much later in life for my own works team, but obvious I had run out of puff – can’t run for a bus these days.
I would give a Pence or two, just 2 see you
trying that tackle…Was it in Long Johns? BAAAAWWWAAAA….oh my gawd, I can still see that….Haw, Haw, Haw…Easy, ya gotta admits tjhat would be a sight to behold…Oh and Wendy ….your invitation to the Royal Wedding went into the post on Thursday so you should have in a couple of dys….Pay attention to the Dress required,, and don’t forget your dancing shoes, cause your also invited to the Palace to Dance and drink the evening away…STUB
STUB
I thought it was the rotator cuff
I had an x ray only last week. Turns out I have no cartilage between the ball socket of my arm and the shoulder joint…I was advised to wait until I am 60 to get a shoulder replacement…so it lasts.
ah – so that socialized medicine is working out for you, eh ? only have to wait 10 years to get your shoulder worked on. ;-) (just teasing – had a friend here get told the same thing – I still don’t know what the deal is with being 60 to have things like that done)
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
What the doctor said
is they drill into the shoulder ball socket ot put in the “new” cartilidge. It lasts about 15-20 years. Then, to do it again, they have to drill down the upper arm bone 5 inches to secure the 2nd one. Better to get it done once, if I can stand the pain. I’m not on painkillers just yet.
I guess that makes sense – but your chances to win the Claret Jug is going to drop the older you get. I’d rather get it done sooner than later. I might not be around to play down the road. Glad you’re not on painkillers yet – but you can pick up extra strokes if you start wearing the braces and bandages. :-D
Fathom the odd hypocrisy that the government wants every citizen to prove that they have health insurance, but people don't have to prove they are citizens.
Gawd a a mighty Easy...here's yur edge
when ya go to play the match with Wendy, ya can limp in and ask for strokes….yea right, let us know if ya gets any…..STUB
STUB
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