I finally got out and played this weekend for the first time in two weeks. I didn’t shoot my lowest score of the summer by any means but I finally felt comfortable and confident over every shot. It was clear that I need to work on my putting, but my irons, driver and short game were all in good form.
The main key for me recently has been my grip pressure (keeping it lighter), using a 3/4 swing and having a swing thought of an “oily” swing. I have noticed a huge leap in my accuracy when I actually implement these keys. It can sometimes be scary to take one extra club and swing smoother, but it really is the best practice for more controlled shots. I have had to re-think all of my previous distances, but I think this change is going to be a huge help for me for the rest of the summer.
I started out my nine-hole outing +2 over my first 5 holes and then played the last 4 holes at +5. It was very frustrating to finish so poorly, but I missed a few very make-able par putts coming in. That was the real difference in my score. Had I made those putts I would have been closer to 40 or sub 40 which is where I am trying to get. I need to find a way to focus my practice time to continue making progress on my swing but also incorporate more putting practice.
It is tough in the city to find anywhere that has decent practice facilities, but that isn’t going to stop me. Anyone out there have any good recommendations for indoor putting aids that I can use in my apartment? If I can start hitting more putts from that dreaded 3 to 5 foot range my scores are going to start dropping and dropping fast.
All in all, I was very happy with the way my swing felt and I feel good about continuing my quest to break 80 this summer. I still need to drop 5 shots off my handicap to get to a single digit handicap, but have to take it one step at a time. As long as I keep making good swings on the course I know my goals will take care of themselves.
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