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SOUNDS LIKE YOUR ON YOUR WAY TO GOOD GOLF! KEEP IT UP! KNOWING WHEN YOUR PLAYING TOO MUCH IS GOOD!
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HEY ON THOSE 45 SLANTS JUST TRY AND KEEP THE BALL BELOW THE HOLE! REMEBER THIS WHEN TAKING YOUR APROACH SHOTS TO THE GREEN GOOD LUCK DREW
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HEY WORK ON THAT PUTTING AND YOU WILL GET THERE
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JUST PLAY PLAY AND PLAY! YOU WILL GET THERE! LATER DREW
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HI YOU SEEM LIKE A GREAT GUY TO PLAY GOLF WITH! GREAT POST! LATER DREW
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This past golf season, I actually had a few notable things happen: 1. Shot even par for nine holes for the first time in my life. 2. Had my first hole in one. This was especially neat because it was witnessed by a fellow rsg poster. 3. Built my first set of clubs and none have fallen apart (yet 
) 4. Most important of all – it seems that my daughter has finally discovered golf!!! My wife and I have played for years, but the kid was never interested. She is in her senior year at college and took golf this past semester for a PE credit. This past weekend she jumped at the chance to join her mom and I for 18 holes and the three of us had a blast. I wish she had taken to the game years ago, but better late than never. Believe it or not, this one means more to me than 1,2, and 3 put together. Kenny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Last March I set a few goals for the season: 1. Break 80 – did that twice, finally!!! 2. Learn to really understand the golf swing – failed. Learned something new though. 3. Win a longest drive in some tournament – wasn’t even close, big disappointment 4. Play better in club tournaments – big improvement. I played three of my best 5 rounds in a tournament! 5. Have more fun on the course and accept all those bad shots. – Succeeded but I’m afraid that led to being too careless sometimes. 6. No four-putts. – Failed poorly. Four-putted the second hole of my first round… choker… After all, I’m quite pleased. Maybe if I could break 75 next summer. And really learn to master the golf swing. And next year no 4 putts… – J.T.
Kenny Stultz RSG Roll Call: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/stultzk.htm
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got my ‘cap back to 0, so that was a goal fulfilled. But that was more of a product of another goal, which was to make some swing changes to facilitate better ball striking. The change was to get into a better position at the top. Not quite there, but close. Despite this, though, the biggest difference in my game this year can be attributed solely to my new 975D driver. Having hit persimmon up until this year, the driver made a HUGE difference for me off the tee. I was much longer and more consistent. Also played in 4 tourneys this year, too. Shot 83 at the first one (my first round of the year) and 71-78 at Predator Ridge for 5th place (home of the Canadian Skins Game this year). My best round of the year was an even par 72 at Rivershore in Kamloops (6900 yards, 137 slope) on a very windy day. I won my first tournament in 17 years. And shot a 1 under 71 at our "Tour Championship" (Shapeupnow.com Tour) and finished 3rd. A friend shot 66 – tough crowd! Looking forward to getting out in the spring to start where I left off this year. Tough playing now as it is -2 C (28 F for you Americans) with flurries. Blaine, I see you’re a player. I’m just wondering whether you know Jack Frank. He’s a BC native who lived here for 6-7 years and has moved back to BC now, i think in the Vancouver area. He would no doubt still play in the top provincial amateur tournaments. Just curious. Bruce
I don’t know him, but I checked on the BCGA web site, and saw that he finished tied for 32nd in the 2000 BC Amateur in Prince George. BTW, when I played on the BC Junior team in 1983, we beat NB in a playoff for the National Team championship at the Vancouver Club. The NB players were Andy Dickison, Mike Graham, Darren Ritchie, and Steve Garagon. Do you know any of these guys? Garagon finished 2nd overall to Brent Franklin, who happened to be on our team. Brent shot 71-74-69-69 to win by nine shots. — F. Blaine Dickson Kelowna BC Canada
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WORK HARD ON YOUR PUTTING AND SHORT GAME(ANYTHING INSIADE 100YRDS) YOU WILL GET THERE! GOOD LUCK DREW
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I don’t know him, but I checked on the BCGA web site, and saw that he finished tied for 32nd in the 2000 BC Amateur in Prince George. BTW, when I played on the BC Junior team in 1983, we beat NB in a playoff for the National Team championship at the Vancouver Club. The NB players were Andy Dickison, Mike Graham, Darren Ritchie, and Steve Garagon. Do you know any of these guys? Garagon finished 2nd overall to Brent Franklin, who happened to be on our team. Brent shot 71-74-69-69 to win by nine shots.
Sure, I know _all_ of them. Darren, BTW, won the 1992 Canadian Amateur in a playoff with Mike Weir. Andy won four consecutive NB Amateurs in the early 1980s, I think all of them as a junior. Mike tried his hand at professional golf and regained his amateur status just in the last year or two. Steve lives very close by and I see him from time to time. These are all guys I played with during the 1980s. Small world. Bruce RSG Roll Call: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/newmanb.htm http://go.to/bruce_newman
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got my ‘cap back to 0, so that was a goal fulfilled. But that was more of a product of another goal, which was to make some swing changes to facilitate better ball striking. The change was to get into a better position at the top. Not quite there, but close. Despite this, though, the biggest difference in my game this year can be attributed solely to my new 975D driver. Having hit persimmon up until this year, the driver made a HUGE difference for me off the tee. I was much longer and more consistent. Also played in 4 tourneys this year, too. Shot 83 at the first one (my first round of the year) and 71-78 at Predator Ridge for 5th place (home of the Canadian Skins Game this year). My best round of the year was an even par 72 at Rivershore in Kamloops (6900 yards, 137 slope) on a very windy day. I won my first tournament in 17 years. And shot a 1 under 71 at our "Tour Championship" (Shapeupnow.com Tour) and finished 3rd. A friend shot 66 – tough crowd! Looking forward to getting out in the spring to start where I left off this year. Tough playing now as it is -2 C (28 F for you Americans) with flurries.
Blaine, I see you’re a player. I’m just wondering whether you know Jack Frank. He’s a BC native who lived here for 6-7 years and has moved back to BC now, i think in the Vancouver area. He would no doubt still play in the top provincial amateur tournaments. Just curious. Bruce RSG Roll Call: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/newmanb.htm http://go.to/bruce_newman
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In general, I came up short on most of my golfing goals in 2000. To the best of my recollection, they were: 1. Travel more and play golf in "faraway" places. Well, I did play several new (to me) courses this year, but I only really traveled to do it once. I didn’t do the Tennessee mountains like I’d hoped. It’s probably too cold now. 2. Practice more. I played a lot of practice rounds, but I don’t think I visited the range (other than warming up before a round) more than a time or two. This is undoubtedly the reason for why my game deteriorated this year. 3. Lose weight. Why did this come up the day after Thanksgiving? I don’t recall any other goals I set for 2000, though I imagine if there were any, I probably fell short. Golf became more of a habit this year, and less of a passion or escape. That’s my own fault, as I let my everyday routine get in the way of my commitment to a practice regimen. Funny, but without the requisite practice, it’s unrealistic to expect too much in the way of performance. Fortunately, I realize that fact, so I was able to keep my temper in check for the most part while enduring those less memorable rounds. All in all, I shot some decent scores this year, so it wasn’t a total loss. But consistency became a huge issue, as I was more prone to having wild swings in my scoring from one round to the next, which in recent years had been less of a concern. This was undoubtedly due to the lack of time I invested in my game, and the fact that I’ve been distilling some new information that is not completely harmonious with the fundamentals I’d previously learned. It’s too early for me to start thinking about goals for 2001. Heck, I’ve still got 10 or 15 rounds yet to play in 2000.
I got my ‘cap back to 0, so that was a goal fulfilled. But that was more of a product of another goal, which was to make some swing changes to facilitate better ball striking. The change was to get into a better position at the top. Not quite there, but close. Despite this, though, the biggest difference in my game this year can be attributed solely to my new 975D driver. Having hit persimmon up until this year, the driver made a HUGE difference for me off the tee. I was much longer and more consistent. Also played in 4 tourneys this year, too. Shot 83 at the first one (my first round of the year) and 71-78 at Predator Ridge for 5th place (home of the Canadian Skins Game this year). My best round of the year was an even par 72 at Rivershore in Kamloops (6900 yards, 137 slope) on a very windy day. I won my first tournament in 17 years. And shot a 1 under 71 at our "Tour Championship" (Shapeupnow.com Tour) and finished 3rd. A friend shot 66 – tough crowd! Looking forward to getting out in the spring to start where I left off this year. Tough playing now as it is -2 C (28 F for you Americans) with flurries. — F. Blaine Dickson Kelowna BC Canada
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Well, here in the UK, my goals were, to play some new courses, get the one where I work better, and get the handicap down, oh and enjoy my golf. Played some new courses, Stoneyholme, Foxton Hall, Duns, Southwyck and Memorial Park. Hope the course I work at was better, its a long term thing!! Got my handicap down from 12 to 10. And, yes its golf, so of course it was enjoyable!! — Alan Campbell
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This is a great topic for a Thread – thanks for starting it J.T.!! Well, lets see how my year went. First – joined a local club with the intent of playing a lot and establishing a handicap. Now at 20.2. Played a whole bunch of golf – in total from February (3 rounds in Florida) until November – total rounds 121. Most were for 18 holes – a few 9’s thrown in, couple of 27’s and a few between 9 & 18. This is because the course I joined is never crowded during the weekdays. On May 12 got my first Ace! What a feeling – highly recommended to all. I would gladly sacrifice getting another if you all (those that haven’t) could get just one – ya just can’t believe the moment until you are there. Started posting on RSG – hopefully I didn’t piss off too many people.:-) Met and made some good friends through RSG. With Dave Sneddon, organized the 1st RSG Detroit (Detroit and Canada actually) Outing. Hopefully this was the first of many to come. Learned something about Match play and hope to win the Can/Am cup back next year. Played in RSG Ohio – met a bunch of good guys and had a great time. Hopefully I will return next year. This outing along with the RSG Detroit is highly recommended. Managed to WIN $1 US mind you – from Sneddon! It is still in my wallet and it plans on getting some company (provided by Dave) next year. Speaking of next year – plans thus far. Going to the PGA Show (Orlando) with Dave Sneddon the end of January. Back to Florida in February – R&R including some golf. March – Hopefully start playing golf in Michigan. April – Go to the Master’s with Dave Sneddon. All in all my 2000 Golf Season was pretty good. Most importantly through RSG, I met some people that I never would have if it weren’t for RSG. To all of those (you know who you are) I met, I only hope that your meeting me was as enjoyable as my meeting you. Wishing a great 2001 Golf Season to all – with many more to follow. Sincerely, Don Lets talk Golf!!
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Thanks everyone, Congratulations, Jeff. I’m glad you are enjoying the game and I know you will meet a lot of wonderful people along the way. Good luck!
Thanks Bruce. My new pet project is to see how many of you good folk I can meet and shot a round with, even the ones I don’t agree with. I have always met wonderful people on the course. Maybe it is due to the fact that we can all identify with our struggle. Jeff
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks everyone, Congratulations, Jeff. I’m glad you are enjoying the game and I know you will meet a lot of wonderful people along the way. Good luck! Thanks Bruce. My new pet project is to see how many of you good folk I can meet and shot a round with, even the ones I don’t agree with. I have always met wonderful people on the course. Maybe it is due to the fact that we can all identify with our struggle.
I sometimes wish I didn’t live in this far-flung corner of North America so I could participate and meet some of you. My "portfolio" so far is only two RSGers. Text only communication is so misleading and I just know that half of the nonsense that goes on in RSG would never occur in real life. If you ever get up this way–or even in New England–give me a shout. Bruce RSG Roll Call: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/newmanb.htm http://go.to/bruce_newman
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In a nutshell: Went to Luray Caverns for three days in March and shot in the low 100’s After years of using off the rack clubs, finally got a fitted set of irons (Ping I-3 o’size) and a lesson. What a difference on ball flight and accuracy Bought a discount card from the Lung Association and travelled across Central PA exploring new courses Watched Arnie’s final farewell at the Senior Open, and marvelled at the shot making of the guys I marvelled at as a kid. Got my game down into the low 90’s, but could have been into the 80’s on several occasions if I didn’t have to play from 100 yds and in! (At least that sets my lesson plan for the winter and spring!) On the last round of the season (or not, supposed to be in the 50’s next week) thought I lost a tee shot in the leaves and the twilight, only to find it — 300 yards from the teebox! No idea how that happened! Went to the range yesterday with a token I found in the bottom of my bag. Had the place all to myself on a sunny 32 degree day, and spent an hour of blissful practice. A good but at times frustrating summer, but after giving the game up for a decade I’m glad to be back and hooked! Happy Holidays all SteveP One of Weir’s Weirdos
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"J.T." wrote … Last March I set a few goals for the season:
In general, I came up short on most of my golfing goals in 2000. To the best of my recollection, they were: 1. Travel more and play golf in "faraway" places. Well, I did play several new (to me) courses this year, but I only really traveled to do it once. I didn’t do the Tennessee mountains like I’d hoped. It’s probably too cold now. 2. Practice more. I played a lot of practice rounds, but I don’t think I visited the range (other than warming up before a round) more than a time or two. This is undoubtedly the reason for why my game deteriorated this year. 3. Lose weight. Why did this come up the day after Thanksgiving? I don’t recall any other goals I set for 2000, though I imagine if there were any, I probably fell short. Golf became more of a habit this year, and less of a passion or escape. That’s my own fault, as I let my everyday routine get in the way of my commitment to a practice regimen. Funny, but without the requisite practice, it’s unrealistic to expect too much in the way of performance. Fortunately, I realize that fact, so I was able to keep my temper in check for the most part while enduring those less memorable rounds. All in all, I shot some decent scores this year, so it wasn’t a total loss. But consistency became a huge issue, as I was more prone to having wild swings in my scoring from one round to the next, which in recent years had been less of a concern. This was undoubtedly due to the lack of time I invested in my game, and the fact that I’ve been distilling some new information that is not completely harmonious with the fundamentals I’d previously learned. It’s too early for me to start thinking about goals for 2001. Heck, I’ve still got 10 or 15 rounds yet to play in 2000. Randy Charter Member, RSG Clique BRAND NEW WEBSITE: www.YouGoGolf.com My RSG Roll Call profile: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/brownr.htm RSG FAQ: http://ttsoft.com/thor/rsggolf.html Voiceovers/Narration/Production Services: www.randybrownproductions.com
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Lesse. Started back in April, shot a 116. Just carded my last game at 92 (on Tuesday, y’all have to come to San Diego). Went from hitting my Driver 175 to 240. Game is going in the right direction. And Had a lot of help here with mentioning of good golf books. And May God bless my instructor. Thanks everyone,
Congratulations, Jeff. I’m glad you are enjoying the game and I know you will meet a lot of wonderful people along the way. Good luck! Bruce RSG Roll Call: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/newmanb.htm http://go.to/bruce_newman
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I started "playing" this past spring although I had already had several lessons and hit many, many range balls prior to that. My first few rounds were in the 118-125 range. I had one of those good days in mid summer where I shot a 101 (on a course with a higher slope than my home course, 122 vs 107), but then it was back to 110+ scores. I hit streak a couple of weeks ago where things really seemed to start coming together. Over a period of 10 days or so I shot scores of 101, 102, 89 (two nines of 44/45) and a 98. But I’ve struggled the last couple time out and scored 108 and 110. I have mixed emotions about my progress. I was feeling really good until those last two rounds because my tee game and second shots were starting to show some consistency. That 98 could have been a lot closer to the previous 89 if I hadn’t managed to find every bunker on the course or had made some more putts. But the 108/110 was more a result of not getting off the tee in good shape, or hitting second shots that got me ‘near’ the green in regulation. So it seems to be a case of "the timing comes and the timing goes." I’m just going to play through the winter with what I have and maybe start looking for some help if I’m not hitting it more consistently by the time daylight savings rolls around. One thing’s for sure–I’m hopelessly addicted!! Dave Clary/Corpus Christi, TX
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Lesse. Started back in April, shot a 116. Just carded my last game at 92 (on Tuesday, y’all have to come to San Diego). Went from hitting my Driver 175 to 240. Game is going in the right direction. And Had a lot of help here with mentioning of good golf books. And May God bless my instructor. Thanks everyone, Jeff
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let’s see. My handicap went from 10 to 18, then back to 11.5. I’m having rounds where I hit 50% greens…I still can’t putt. I regularly hit 100% fairways…but I still rarely break 80. I made a major swing change that has taken me 3+ years, from a wristy slap sort of cut to a near no wrist kind of draw, and the major event of 2K seems to be that I am finally getting comforatable with the new swing; far fewer atavisms creeping in, especially on key shots. So I’m happy…so far; there is a month+ to go! Rob — RSG Rollcall: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/hamiltonr.htm Charter Member, RSG Clique
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Let’s see. My handicap went from 10 to 18, then back to 11.5. I’m having rounds where I hit 50% greens…I still can’t putt. I regularly hit 100% fairways…but I still rarely break 80. I made a major swing change that has taken me 3+ years, from a wristy slap sort of cut to a near no wrist kind of draw, and the major event of 2K seems to be that I am finally getting comforatable with the new swing; far fewer atavisms creeping in, especially on key shots. So I’m happy…so far; there is a month+ to go! Rob — RSG Rollcall: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/hamiltonr.htm Charter Member, RSG Clique
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People report their holes-in-one. Anyone want to compete with me for the record for 5-putts? Univ. of Md. course has some "45 degree" slopes on their greens. On in one. Off in two. Back on in 3: and two more putts. Yup. More than once (23 years ago). I’m getting better now, even before my new PeggIII putter: down to 3 putts. Today, however, is a very different story. No more guessing whether the putter is on the line I choose; no more relying on "feeling" for distance control. Just let the stroke [with amplitude taken from my calibration chart] impact the ball somewhere near the sweet spot, and… Well, THAT is the mega leap in MY golf game for the year 2000!
George, five putts is nothing! Ten or so years ago, I had this experience. Our club has a men’s night each Wednesday and, from time to time, they set us up on the Tiger tees. (This is pre-Tiger Wooods.) All the tees are back and the pins put in all those places you have never ever seen them before. On #16, a par three, the pin was back right–the steepest slope on this green, although it is not really extreme. However, the greens were shaved pretty close that day. Anyway, I hit a sweet 6 iron to 8 feet directly below the hole. My first putt was just about perfect and curled in the side door on the high edge…lipped out and came right back at me. Now, I had 10 feet back up the hill. Well, I stroked a lot of really nice putts that day and they were all repeats of that one…nearly perfect. Eight times I lipped out. For my _ninth_ putt, I actually missed the hole and slid past it, only to roll back into the cup. I tried my best on every one but, at the end, I was laughing so hard I could hardly stand up. Easy 10. As for my Summer 2000, it was great. I played a reasonable number of rounds (64) for the first time in ten years. Although I didn’t score low (only a solitary 67 under 70), I also didn’t score high (just three 80’s…81, 83, 83). Maybe that reflects my attitude though: I no longer care about being a world-beater, but I still _hate_ shooting 80. Scoring average: 75.4. My main objectives for 2000 were to get some exercise and to re-connect with golf and all the people I have met and enjoyed over the years. In that regard, I was very successful. I lost 37 pounds without dieting in any way. I was also moved at the number of people who approached me, offered a handshake and simply said, "Good to have you back, Bruce." It was a good summer indeed. Bruce RSG Roll Call: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/newmanb.htm http://go.to/bruce_newman
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It’s the same old story for me, which means a completely different story every year! Started off great. First time out after a two month layoff, I played Fort Myers (FL) CC for the first time ever, using a 1/2 set of clubs I had never played with before (long story – in-laws drove down and we flew. They took clubs and at last minute said they didn’t have room for two full sets in the trunk and we didn’t want to check our clubs on the plane for a short trip when we weren’t even sure we would have time for golf.) The set was a mismatched 3-5-7-9 of Hogan Medallions (the three was the earlier model with brass medallion, 5-7-9 were the Sunburst model). Also carried a Taylor Ti-Bubble 9.5, an old Hogan 47 Sand Wedge and an old John Reuter Bullseye. Fort Myers CC is an old Donald Ross design with tiny greens. I had one OB, two three putts and hit Driver-Driver to 8 feet on the par 5 18th. Nailed the eagle for a 75! Followed that with the best 81 of my life. It was a very difficult local course and the wind was howling 40MPH+. It was at least a 5 club wind. It was also about 40F degrees and I had so many layers of clothing on I looked like the Michelin man! The 81 felt like a 71. Then, it went downhill from there. I struggled through most of the summer with a sore wrist and my handicap ballooned to its highest point in ten years. I cut down my playing time towards the end of the season and after not picking up a club for two weeks, I played a local course for only the third time ever and I choked a 4 foot eagle putt on the par 5 18th that would have given me an even par 71! Hmmm . . . Over the next 6 weeks, I played in 2 scrambles and felt like I shot pretty well. Finally, the last round I played after a 2 week layoff on a local course that I hadn’t played in 3 years, I shot a 2 over 72! So, I think I have my game figured out again. I have to layoff for at least two weeks in between rounds and I have to play courses that I am unfamiliar with! I guess at least one thing is consistent — I always find the solution to my problems about the time winter hits! — Barry http://www.golfopia.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last March I set a few goals for the season: 1. Break 80 – did that twice, finally!!! 2. Learn to really understand the golf swing – failed. Learned something new though. 3. Win a longest drive in some tournament – wasn’t even close, big disappointment 4. Play better in club tournaments – big improvement. I played three of my best 5 rounds in a tournament! 5. Have more fun on the course and accept all those bad shots. – Succeeded but I’m afraid that led to being too careless sometimes. 6. No four-putts. – Failed poorly. Four-putted the second hole of my first round… choker… After all, I’m quite pleased. Maybe if I could break 75 next summer. And really learn to master the golf swing. And next year no 4 putts… – J.T.
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Last March I set a few goals for the season: 1. Break 80 – did that twice, finally!!! 2. Learn to really understand the golf swing – failed. Learned something new though. 3. Win a longest drive in some tournament – wasn’t even close, big disappointment 4. Play better in club tournaments – big improvement. I played three of my best 5 rounds in a tournament! 5. Have more fun on the course and accept all those bad shots. – Succeeded but I’m afraid that led to being too careless sometimes. 6. No four-putts. – Failed poorly. Four-putted the second hole of my first round… choker… After all, I’m quite pleased. Maybe if I could break 75 next summer. And really learn to master the golf swing. And next year no 4 putts… – J.T.
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People report their holes-in-one. Anyone want to compete with me for the record for 5-putts? Univ. of Md. course has some "45 degree" slopes on their greens. On in one. Off in two. Back on in 3: and two more putts. Yup. More than once (23 years ago). I’m getting better now, even before my new PeggIII putter: down to 3 putts. Today, however, is a very different story. No more guessing whether the putter is on the line I choose; no more relying on "feeling" for distance control. Just let the stroke [with amplitude taken from my calibration chart] impact the ball somewhere near the sweet spot, and… Well, THAT is the mega leap in MY golf game for the year 2000! George – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last March I set a few goals for the season: 1. Break 80 – did that twice, finally!!! 2. Learn to really understand the golf swing – failed. Learned something new though. 3. Win a longest drive in some tournament – wasn’t even close, big disappointment 4. Play better in club tournaments – big improvement. I played three of my best 5 rounds in a tournament! 5. Have more fun on the course and accept all those bad shots. – Succeeded but I’m afraid that led to being too careless sometimes. 6. No four-putts. – Failed poorly. Four-putted the second hole of my first round… choker… After all, I’m quite pleased. Maybe if I could break 75 next summer. And really learn to master the golf swing. And next year no 4 putts… – J.T.