Question:
<snip Rick and Teresa’s stuff… refer to their posts for specifics I haven’t talked to my pro in over a week. I need help, but more than that I think I need to work some things out on my own, particularly where my attitude lies. Yesterday I had an incredibly frustrating practice session, but I went back a couple more times and managed to practice without getting overwhelmed with frustration. I was glad to see that happen and hope I’ve turned a corner. Maybe now I can be more realistic and less emotional and actually get down to business. Off to the range…. BW (Jeff Buege)
I’m confused about your relationship with your "pro". Is this someone you just talk to, or do you actually take lessons? I had the power of lessons reaffirmed just recently when I broke down and took a lesson. The Pro pointed out exactly what my main problem was, and how to fix it. I started hitting the ball like a god (relative to before), and it hasn’t worn off yet. My FIR, GIR, and distance on all my shots is up. Unfortunately so are my scores, because my short game seems to have taken a hike. But I do enjoy hitting the ball better, I guess. Go see a pro, it could be something very simple to fix. Trying to figure it out on your own can be a problem. Remember: "Practice makes permanent." "No practice is better than bad practice."
Response:
<snip Rick and Teresa’s stuff… refer to their posts for specifics This is all really interesting to me. Teresa suggests "you think too much… just trust your swing and go with it". I’ve always thought that I don’t think *enough*… that once I’m out on the course I’m so disjointed and disconnected, it would be IMPOSSIBLE for me to zero in on a single swing thought — even if I wanted to. My pro asked "what are you thinking when you take this shot?"… my answer… "I have no clue". I just step up and hit it… and it’s afterwards I realize what I’ve done wrong (didn’t keep my eye on the ball… bad tempo… bad take-away, etc). I think I’m more obsessed with the abstract… consequences, etc… than actual execution. This would include stressing over dangers (don’t go in the lake again… this shot is all carry, so you have to get it there… you’re on the outer edge of this club so you have to get all of it…). Rick, you mention a routine… and I know mine is hit or miss. I did take several practice swings while playing with you and Greg, because I remember at least a couple of times when one of you commented that my practice was perfect but I turned to spaz when I stepped over the ball. I also know that several times recently I took a perfectly straight divot with my practice swing and an ungodly outside-in divot when striking the ball…. leaving a pattern like this: | However, I know at times I don’t take a practice swing, and if you ask me why I can’t say I have a good answer. I think I tend to ALWAYS take a practice swing if I’m uncertain about the lie or other aspect of the shot… in other words, I need to build confidence in my ability to pull it off. This would suggest that I skip the practice swing when it’s an "easy" shot, and that’s not the case. I remember some at OGA when I took a couple of practices while telling you "I have this shot"… and then I pulled it off. I think there are a variety of reasons I skip the practice… all relating to patience. I think it’s an easy shot… the shot bothers me and I just want it over with… pace of play needs to pick up… etc, etc. No real good rationale related to performance. Another thing my pro picked up on is that I’ll too frequently take a BAD practice swing and then step up to the ball. Sometimes I’m just looking for tempo, and my plane is all out of whack… if I’m satisfied with the temp, I consider myself ready to go. She disagrees. Then there’s the matter of "trusting your swing". This comes up a lot in here and among my pros and fellow golfers. My response is this… when my swing has let me down as often as it has, how CAN you trust it? For example, at my home course the par 3’s are all short. On most days, the longest is about 155-165. But there’s a creek in front of the green, and I’m nearly always in the creek… even if I take two extra clubs. I’m just psyched out. I KNOW the shot from this side of the creek, so now I lay up to that point and save myself a stroke… play for bogey. Isn’t THAT "trusting my swing"? I trust what it’ll do… cause a splash. Isn’t it good course management and "trusting your swing" to steer clear of an assured bad consequence?? While I’m at it I might as well kiss my sister, because this is an entirely unacceptable and unsatisfying approach to golf! At my age and with my ability, a 160 yard shot should not bring me to my knees! Now for the updates… because things happen quickly in this wild and wacky world of mine. I’ve been going to the range regularly… a couple of times a day. I’m actually hitting my short irons fairly well and with confidence. It’s been falling off the table at about the 6-iron, and the 5-iron is unreliable altogether. When I get it going, I hit my 6-iron straight and high and about 160 yards. I then go to 4-iron and 3-iron and driver, and hit each about 160 yards. Lately, I’ve been leaving those clubs alone… I just want to savor the successes with the shorter clubs. My driver I don’t have to worry about… after messing up with it a few times the other day, I tossed it to my bag and finally found a good, whippy "release"… it snapped in two on the bag stand. What was funny is that a guy walked up next to me moments later and said "Hi… how’s it going?"… I answered "oh, the usual…". He then looked down and saw my driver laying in pieces and his eyes got big… to his credit, he didn’t move down a few stalls lol he just said "well, it just gets better from here". Too true. I haven’t talked to my pro in over a week. I need help, but more than that I think I need to work some things out on my own, particularly where my attitude lies. Yesterday I had an incredibly frustrating practice session, but I went back a couple more times and managed to practice without getting overwhelmed with frustration. I was glad to see that happen and hope I’ve turned a corner. Maybe now I can be more realistic and less emotional and actually get down to business. Rick… you have a place to stay and a round of golf anytime! You don’t have to buy your way into that… jeez. Off to the range…. BW (Jeff Buege)
Response:
FWIW Jeff, I hope you never give it up. NEVER!!!
(subject to revision)
Response:
2 quick questions? What are you expecting from your game? Some semblence of consistency, and/or reduce the "bad" in my "bad shots". For example, most people I play with will go an entire round without a shot as bad as my average… and my "bad" shots are something to write about. For instance, last time I played, I hit a shot from #12 tee onto the #11 green — maybe 10 yards forward and 60 yards to the right. Gotta get rid of that… costs too many strokes)
If I am to hazard a guess, (and my apologies to Peter for this) I think you are too much thinking with the wrong head. (Hear me out before you ROTFL…) (BTW, I usually read your posts for some sembelance of how your game is.) Golf is not like chess, where you can master the strategy and the knowledge to play. (thank goodness for it!) The human body is a complex and wonderful machine, full of quirks and foibles. But the best part is the grey matter between your ears. Even if you think you are "perfect" in everything, the little bit of grey matter (even one stray thought, such as *Water* will destroy concentration and possibly cause error.) Another possibility is thinking too much while you are out there. (The mantra: shoulder turn,shoulder turn, shoulder turn) might get you to focus on this one part of the swing, but it does nothing if you aren’t aligned properly. What I am getting at is this: trust your game. (Even if it is a failure in your opinion.) I will make an example: professional athletes. (and we’ll include the professional chess player too…) How many hours did they spend on their game? More than you and I are willing to count. But they also do something else when they compete. They trusted themselves when they were out on the playing field. (hang in there, it’s getting better..) They didn’t focus on the negative. (i.e. Jayzuis, I hit that shot worth crap; Why did I play the knight into his sublte position, etc.) They focus on the positive. They trust their abilities to adapt, overcome, and succeed. (He won’t beat me on this post pattern; I’ve got 135 to the pin over sand, and the pin is tight. I’ve hit that shot a thousand times, I can do it again.) So, I would *suggest* that when you are in a practice round, whether it is on the range or the course, hone your skills there. Work on the shoulder turn, alignment, distance control in that forum. When you step on the course to compete/play, think with your "other’ head. (Most 19 year olds I’ve dealt with think with this one more than they should and it gets them in to trouble sometime. But they also have fun doing such.) Focus on trusting your swing (I’ve driven the ball 230 before on this hole, I can do it again; the shot is 120 to the pin. i can hit that with my 9 iron with no problem.) and focus on the positive. This should get your grey matter out of the way and let you relax, thereby enjoying the 4-5 hours of chasing the little white ball. Also, wasn’t it Ben Hogan who said that he hit maybe 2-3 good shots the entire round? (and he was a reputable ball striker, so I understand…) Secondly, I think your expectations might be out of sync with your abilties (at least for the moment.) (There are 3 intertwined circles of thought on ability:) Ability – lacking the trust in it to break through and succeed Aptitude – motivated by joy of the game Attitude – frustrated by lack of on-course success. So, if I was to hazard a suggestion for you it would be this (and you can take it with a pile of salt, pepper, Cayene, and Paprika…) Work on the ability, and the attitude will fall into place, where Aptitude will grow. Personally, I know you’ve got the game, you’ve got the skills to play the game, and the desire to play it by your own standards. I just think that you are in your own way. (Thinking with that grey matter too much while you are out there.) When I am out on the course, and even if I am having the round from you-know-where, I am not concerned with mechanics nor swing thoughts or anything else remotly connected with my practice regimen. I am out there competing against the course and my own brain. That is enought for me. If my mechanics suck for the day, I still trust it. I have nothing else to fall back on. I am out there trusting my swing, trusting my mechanics, and only thinking about course management and maybe, just maybe about what to fix for dinner. When was the last time you had fun on the course? I had a lot of fun the day before Bandon… when I played with Rick and Greg near Portland. I shot 102 or so… had my struggles… but it was a great time with very fun company. Had my moments of glory along the way… Then a week after Bandon I went out with Doug (a friend who’s not on RSG but attended RSG-NW so some of you are familiar with him). Again, I had my moments (in both directions), but we had a great time and I totally enjoyed myself. I actually *usually* enjoy myself on the course (I can cite recent exceptions), but afterwards I lament about how I wish I had played.
So, that one sentence show me tons about you: I actually *usually* enjoy myself on the course (I can cite recent exceptions), but afterwards I lament about how I wish I had played. Next time you play, have a journal readily available. When you play next time, write down your good shots, and what you think you need to work on. (Concrete results for you.) What this will also do is reinforce the positive shots, and give constructive self-criticism for your practice sessions. For now, work on having fun out there. Things could be much worse…… (I have an idea here, but I want to know what you are thinking.) Let’s hear it! BW (Jeff Buege)
HTH, -Mother T- *Queen of the Herbal Cabinet*
Response:
2 quick questions? What are you expecting from your game?
Some semblence of consistency, and/or reduce the "bad" in my "bad shots". For example, most people I play with will go an entire round without a shot as bad as my average… and my "bad" shots are something to write about. For instance, last time I played, I hit a shot from #12 tee onto the #11 green — maybe 10 yards forward and 60 yards to the right. Gotta get rid of that… costs too many strokes When was the last time you had fun on the course?
I had a lot of fun the day before Bandon… when I played with Rick and Greg near Portland. I shot 102 or so… had my struggles… but it was a great time with very fun company. Had my moments of glory along the way… Then a week after Bandon I went out with Doug (a friend who’s not on RSG but attended RSG-NW so some of you are familiar with him). Again, I had my moments (in both directions), but we had a great time and I totally enjoyed myself. I actually *usually* enjoy myself on the course (I can cite recent exceptions), but afterwards I lament about how I wish I had played. (I have an idea here, but I want to know what you are thinking.)
Let’s hear it! BW (Jeff Buege)
Response:
FWIW Jeff, I hope you never give it up.
NEVER!!!
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve held off a week bringing this up for obvious reasons, but it’s a relevant RSG golfing tale. I was slated to join Scott Newell, Mark Koenig and Lyle Ivey for a few rounds at the wonderful Bandon Dunes Resort on the Oregon coast last weekend, but things didn’t turn out as they were planned. On Friday morning I met Scott and Lyle at Fiddler’s Green, a fantastic golf shop in Eugene. We dinked around for a couple of hours checking everything out. They have a range where you can try different clubs, so we test drove several makes and models. I played the day before in the Portland area with Rick Rider and Greg Schoenberg and experienced my classic "trouble getting off the tee" syndrome. So I concentrated on woods… but couldn’t hit any of them. I just couldn’t find a rhythm or groove. No big deal… saved myself a couple $100’s. We then continued on down to Bandon where we checked in and went to the driving range to prepare for our 3:30 tee time. I’d been hitting my wedges especially well the day before, so I thought I’d start with those and build a bit of confidence before working my way up to the longer sticks. It didn’t happen… I couldn’t hit anything. I took a divot with my pitching wedge, but the ball still didn’t get up in the air. They had a barrier rope strung along the front of the tee area — about 3′ off the ground — and I was hitting wedge shots UNDER it. I went through the bag… and didn’t hit a single good shot. Scott was next to me on the range, and while his caddie was watching Scott he also noticed what I was up to. My anxiety began to run extremely high, and I decided this whole thing was just not a good idea. I said "I’m going to bag this… I shouldn’t be here" and Scott’s caddie offered to give me a ride back to the room so I could get my stuff. He thought my idea to not play was a good one… said I wouldn’t do well out there and wouldn’t have any fun. I packed up, went to the pro shop and told them I’d be withdrawing for the weekend, and drove home. A 990 mile round trip to hit a bucket of balls. Can anyone claim a longer drive than that??? lol In truth, I got to play the round with Rick and Greg along the way and that salvaged the whole trip… that was tremendous fun. But you can imagine I still came home pretty discouraged. It was raining too hard to see any dumpsters along the hiway, so I still have my clubs. I talked to my pro about this… she’s at a loss of what to do next. I did hit the range a couple of times last week and played one round. I considered putting out an "I’ll Pay Any Price To Fix My Swing" plea, but I’ve seen people go that route before without success. I know where my problem is… I just need a Helen Keller-esque "eureka" to do something about it. Meanwhile, I’ll lay off the resort courses and golf marathon weekends and continue to pitty-pat my way around the local muni’s. And now that I’m out with this story, maybe Scott can FINALLY post his Bandon trip report without having to worry about "what am I going to say about Jeff?" lol I appreciate the opportunity, Scott… maybe I’ll be back next year to tell a completely different story! BW (Jeff Buege)
2 quick questions? What are you expecting from your game? and… When was the last time you had fun on the course? (I have an idea here, but I want to know what you are thinking.) -Mother T-
Response:
<summer bummer snipped FWIW Jeff, I hope you never give it up. If I can be some inspiration, I was a 19 one year ago….now I’m trending 11. I KNOW for certain I’m not any better athlete than you are. I’m concerned about your pro giving up on you. I think there are two types of pros….those who teach technique….those who teach feel. Usually the "feel" pros can create a euphoric driving range experience, but give you little permanance when the session ends. It’s kinda like church camp….great while you are there….then you go home. "Technique" teachers usually disect a swing, then give you coordinated steps in rebuilding it. That’s what my pro did, and it eventually works if given enough desire, patience, and direction. Tiger had the same experience with Butch…..it took him two years to finally "get it." I’m wondering if you need to see one of these kind of guys….maybe a Laville GSEM in your area…..perhaps a guy who uses videotape. My 2 bits, pard! -Greg
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve held off a week bringing this up for obvious reasons, but it’s a relevant RSG golfing tale. I was slated to join Scott Newell, Mark Koenig and Lyle Ivey for a few rounds at the wonderful Bandon Dunes Resort on the Oregon coast last weekend, but things didn’t turn out as they were planned. On Friday morning I met Scott and Lyle at Fiddler’s Green, a fantastic golf shop in Eugene. We dinked around for a couple of hours checking everything out. They have a range where you can try different clubs, so we test drove several makes and models. I played the day before in the Portland area with Rick Rider and Greg Schoenberg and experienced my classic "trouble getting off the tee" syndrome. So I concentrated on woods… but couldn’t hit any of them. I just couldn’t find a rhythm or groove. No big deal… saved myself a couple $100’s. We then continued on down to Bandon where we checked in and went to the driving range to prepare for our 3:30 tee time. I’d been hitting my wedges especially well the day before, so I thought I’d start with those and build a bit of confidence before working my way up to the longer sticks. It didn’t happen… I couldn’t hit anything. I took a divot with my pitching wedge, but the ball still didn’t get up in the air. They had a barrier rope strung along the front of the tee area — about 3′ off the ground — and I was hitting wedge shots UNDER it. I went through the bag… and didn’t hit a single good shot. Scott was next to me on the range, and while his caddie was watching Scott he also noticed what I was up to. My anxiety began to run extremely high, and I decided this whole thing was just not a good idea. I said "I’m going to bag this… I shouldn’t be here" and Scott’s caddie offered to give me a ride back to the room so I could get my stuff. He thought my idea to not play was a good one… said I wouldn’t do well out there and wouldn’t have any fun. I packed up, went to the pro shop and told them I’d be withdrawing for the weekend, and drove home. A 990 mile round trip to hit a bucket of balls. Can anyone claim a longer drive than that??? lol In truth, I got to play the round with Rick and Greg along the way and that salvaged the whole trip… that was tremendous fun. But you can imagine I still came home pretty discouraged. It was raining too hard to see any dumpsters along the hiway, so I still have my clubs.
That is what the ponds scattered around the course are for! I talked to my pro about this… she’s at a loss of what to do next. I did hit the range a couple of times last week and played one round. I considered putting out an "I’ll Pay Any Price To Fix My Swing" plea, but I’ve seen people go that route before without success. I know where my problem is… I just need a Helen Keller-esque "eureka" to do something about it.
Hang in there. I bet your problem is nothing more than tempo. My .02 is to take a lob wedge and practice with that until you can it it consistantly, which will force you to work on your tempo. Continue working on this tempo with the other clubs, don’t worry about distance, keep your head down and I bet you work your way out of this funk. Remember, it is always darkest before the dawn. Good luck! Meanwhile, I’ll lay off the resort courses and golf marathon weekends and continue to pitty-pat my way around the local muni’s. And now that I’m out with this story, maybe Scott can FINALLY post his Bandon trip report without having to worry about "what am I going to say about Jeff?" lol I appreciate the opportunity, Scott… maybe I’ll be back next year to tell a completely different story! BW (Jeff Buege)
– Don Ward Caldera 3.1.1
Response:
I’ve held off a week bringing this up for obvious reasons, but it’s a relevant RSG golfing tale. I was slated to join Scott Newell, Mark Koenig and Lyle Ivey for a few rounds at the wonderful Bandon Dunes Resort on the Oregon coast last weekend, but things didn’t turn out as they were planned. On Friday morning I met Scott and Lyle at Fiddler’s Green, a fantastic golf shop in Eugene. We dinked around for a couple of hours checking everything out. They have a range where you can try different clubs, so we test drove several makes and models. I played the day before in the Portland area with Rick Rider and Greg Schoenberg and experienced my classic "trouble getting off the tee" syndrome. So I concentrated on woods… but couldn’t hit any of them. I just couldn’t find a rhythm or groove. No big deal… saved myself a couple $100’s. We then continued on down to Bandon where we checked in and went to the driving range to prepare for our 3:30 tee time. I’d been hitting my wedges especially well the day before, so I thought I’d start with those and build a bit of confidence before working my way up to the longer sticks. It didn’t happen… I couldn’t hit anything. I took a divot with my pitching wedge, but the ball still didn’t get up in the air. They had a barrier rope strung along the front of the tee area — about 3′ off the ground — and I was hitting wedge shots UNDER it. I went through the bag… and didn’t hit a single good shot. Scott was next to me on the range, and while his caddie was watching Scott he also noticed what I was up to. My anxiety began to run extremely high, and I decided this whole thing was just not a good idea. I said "I’m going to bag this… I shouldn’t be here" and Scott’s caddie offered to give me a ride back to the room so I could get my stuff. He thought my idea to not play was a good one… said I wouldn’t do well out there and wouldn’t have any fun. I packed up, went to the pro shop and told them I’d be withdrawing for the weekend, and drove home. A 990 mile round trip to hit a bucket of balls. Can anyone claim a longer drive than that??? lol In truth, I got to play the round with Rick and Greg along the way and that salvaged the whole trip… that was tremendous fun. But you can imagine I still came home pretty discouraged. It was raining too hard to see any dumpsters along the hiway, so I still have my clubs. I talked to my pro about this… she’s at a loss of what to do next. I did hit the range a couple of times last week and played one round. I considered putting out an "I’ll Pay Any Price To Fix My Swing" plea, but I’ve seen people go that route before without success. I know where my problem is… I just need a Helen Keller-esque "eureka" to do something about it. Meanwhile, I’ll lay off the resort courses and golf marathon weekends and continue to pitty-pat my way around the local muni’s. And now that I’m out with this story, maybe Scott can FINALLY post his Bandon trip report without having to worry about "what am I going to say about Jeff?" lol I appreciate the opportunity, Scott… maybe I’ll be back next year to tell a completely different story! BW (Jeff Buege)