The OS Golfer's Thread!

[BD8802]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

So any tips for a first timer? I know the basics of etiquette since I have read up on the rules, replace your divots, rake the bunkers, etc.

Keep up with the group in front of you. But most of all, have fun!

[BD8802]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

I went and hit the range today. I have never had anyone show me how to play. What are some good tips to hit straight (veering to the right off drive or just shanking to the right) I tried being smooth with my swing today and keeping my eye on the ball the whole time and was hitting better with my 3W than with my driver. Any help?

Most people would probably play better if they just used 3W off of the tee. Modern drivers are so long and light that they are hard to get and keep on plane.

First place to start is probably your stance, alignment, and grip. If those are good, here are a few things to think about as possibilities.

a) Transferring weight to you front foot too soon. This is one I can show better than I can type, but I see lots of golfers do it. The first move on the downswing is moving weight to your left side, your hips clear too quick, and the only thing you can do is cut across the ball hard.
b) Not releasing your wrists. The clubface will be wide open, the shaft can't catch up. This will cause you to block your shots out to the right. usually with a fade.
c) Swaying rather than rotating hips. Another culprit of the open clubface. Your body gets out in front of you swing, and there is no way the clubface can catch up.

Another thought, most self taught people swing WAY past parallel (think John Daly). Most of the time what you think is a "full" swing is probably more than a full swing. Try to only take a 3/4 swing. I bet it will be more like a full swing and your accuracy will skyrocket.

[ASB37]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Most people would probably play better if they just used 3W off of the tee. Modern drivers are so long and light that they are hard to get and keep on plane.

First place to start is probably your stance, alignment, and grip. If those are good, here are a few things to think about as possibilities.

a) Transferring weight to you front foot too soon. This is one I can show better than I can type, but I see lots of golfers do it. The first move on the downswing is moving weight to your left side, your hips clear too quick, and the only thing you can do is cut across the ball hard.
b) Not releasing your wrists. The clubface will be wide open, the shaft can't catch up. This will cause you to block your shots out to the right. usually with a fade.
c) Swaying rather than rotating hips. Another culprit of the open clubface. Your body gets out in front of you swing, and there is no way the clubface can catch up.

Another thought, most self taught people swing WAY past parallel (think John Daly). Most of the time what you think is a "full" swing is probably more than a full swing. Try to only take a 3/4 swing. I bet it will be more like a full swing and your accuracy will skyrocket.

I am definitely worried about my accuracy off the tee so I will be using a 3W and only half swinging, I have very little accuracy with my driver, and I need to work on it a lot.

My iron and short game is decent enough at the driving range, but I am worried about judging my distance to the pin and deciding what clubs to use because I have never played a course before I am sure I will be leaving a lot of shots short or long.

[BD8802]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

My iron and short game is decent enough at the driving range, but I am worried about judging my distance to the pin and deciding what clubs to use because I have never played a course before I am sure I will be leaving a lot of shots short or long.

Most places will have some type of yardage marking. Sprinklers with distance on them, a tree or post at 100/150/200 yards away, or cart paths marked. You will not just be wildly guessing.

[ASB37]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Most places will have some type of yardage marking. Sprinklers with distance on them, a tree or post at 100/150/200 yards away, or cart paths marked. You will not just be wildly guessing.

I think my concern is more of my lack of knowledge how far I can hit a ball with a particular iron.

[SinisterAlex]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Fix ball marks on greens. Nothing annoys me more than that while playing golf. Especially if one happens to be on my putting line....

[BD8802]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

I think my concern is more of my lack of knowledge how far I can hit a ball with a particular iron.

Clubs are usually 4 degrees difference. In my case, that equates to about 10-12 yards per iron. Figure out how far you can hit one of your short irons, and just kinda wing it with 10 yards per club. In time, you will know what you can hit what distance.

It is an art, not a science.

[ASB37]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Clubs are usually 4 degrees difference. In my case, that equates to about 10-12 yards per iron. Figure out how far you can hit one of your short irons, and just kinda wing it with 10 yards per club. In time, you will know what you can hit what distance.

It is an art, not a science.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

Should be interesting to say the least.

[ImTellinTim]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

I'm starting to get the itch so bad, but we just got another foot of snow. We're supposed to get another storm on Sunday and possibly ANOTHER one next week.

I'm desperate, so I'm picking up Tiger Woods 14 after work today.

[kerosene31]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

Should be interesting to say the least.

When I started out playing, I was taught to pretend that there were only odd numbered irons in the bag and work from there. Then when you can't decide between a 5 and a 7, you obviously have the 6. It sounds strange, but it worked for me when I was starting out.

It never hurts to find your 150 yard club at the range either. That gives you a good place to start with with the 150 marker out on the course.

If there's nobody behind you, you can pace off from a marker too.

Also, never be afraid to keep your ball on the fairway. Short and on the fairway is never a bad thing. Don't be afraid to drop down to an iron off the tee if the course isn't too long. Better to play bogey golf rather than spend your day in the woods. When I was learning the game it took me a long, long time to figure out that 200 yards off the tee and in the fairway was a lot better than 250 yards 2 fairways over from my hole.

[Flightwhite24]

Tee time at 1:16 pm tomorrow. Gonna try not to look at my phone at the Master's scores. DVR is my friend

Gotta say my game is way ahead of what I thought it be this early in the year. Hitting the range twice a week has helped tremendously! !!

Getting all my clubs regripped with Winn Dri-Tac has helped my game. Love the sticky/spongy feel when holding my clubs

Sent from my SCH-i705 using Tapatalk 2

[Matt10]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Good luck Flight! Dri-Tac is great, that's what I have on my mp33's.

Played today - shot 85 - with a terrible swing, saved by decent up and downs.

My buddy is playing in his first Golf Channel Amateur Tour round tomorrow - so I was there to make sure he was on track. Wish I could be playing too!

[Skyboxer]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

I have the Dri-Tac's on my driver and 3W. Really like them.
I do have the "Secret Grips" on my wedges. So far I like them as I've been more consistent with them. Placebo? Maybe, but I ain't questioning it lol

[BunnyHardaway]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

First outing of the year on Tuesday...wanted to have a new driver by now, but no dice. Really worried about how this is going to go

[orthostud23]

Re: The OS Golfer's Thread!

Played my first 9 holes yesterday at my home course. Hit the ball ok. Need to find a drill so I can stop taking the driver past parallel. I also felt very steep on my wedges. Was taking massive divots. Look forward to playing tomorrow.