The Golf Thread

[Krazy8]

Sergio...every time

 

[George Reilly's Hairpiece]

Clearly Dustin Johnson is a Jedi Master. Suspends his club behind a golf ball and can make it roll back towards it. Not sure it's fair that he can drive the ball 375 yards and then use his mind to move it a couple of millimetres.

 

[Super_horns]

He really doesn't have much luck when leading a major but this time it didn't cost him!

 

[Ciderup]

Clearly Dustin Johnson is a Jedi Master. Suspends his club behind a golf ball and can make it roll back towards it. Not sure it's fair that he can drive the ball 375 yards and then use his mind to move it a couple of millimetres.

Talking about the distance they drive, I'm sure I heard Monty say, in commentary, his first 4 drives yesterday totalled over a mile!
He uses a Taylor Made M1 / M2, has anyone tried one as I'm thinking about changing my driver as I'm still using a Cobra 440? My Cobra is great but technology seems to have made it a bit 'old hat' now.
Anyone tried the new Taylor Made?

 

[slaphead]

He uses a Taylor Made M1 / M2, has anyone tried one as I'm thinking about changing my driver as I'm still using a Cobra 440? My Cobra is great but technology seems to have made it a bit 'old hat' now.
Anyone tried the new Taylor Made?

Yep, got a TM M2. Not into all the adjustable stuff, upgraded my R11 driver to an M2. 9.5 degree, 60g tour stiff Fujikura shaft. Gained an average of about 10 yards, but way more consistent now.

 

[Ciderup]

Yep, got a TM M2. Not into all the adjustable stuff, upgraded my R11 driver to an M2. 9.5 degree, 60g tour stiff Fujikura shaft. Gained an average of about 10 yards, but way more consistent now.

Only goes down to 9.5 degree I notice. As I was fitted for my cobra, I was advised to have an 8.5 degree as I used to hit a 10.5 too high. Is there such a thing as an 8.5 M2 as I can't find one?

 

[slaphead]

Only goes down to 9.5 degree I notice. As I was fitted for my cobra, I was advised to have an 8.5 degree as I used to hit a 10.5 too high. Is there such a thing as an 8.5 M2 as I can't find one?

Try one, and get it fitted. I hit a very high ball and all my other drivers have been 8.5 but I seem to hit this one lower, but that may be the shaft which has a low kick point. I'm lucky, Taylor Made's office is in Basingstoke and I know one of the pro's there so I got to go and play with loads of options, but any good pro should be able to fit you.

 

[Ciderup]

Try one, and get it fitted. I hit a very high ball and all my other drivers have been 8.5 but I seem to hit this one lower, but that may be the shaft which has a low kick point. I'm lucky, Taylor Made's office is in Basingstoke and I know one of the pro's there so I got to go and play with loads of options, but any good pro should be able to fit you.

Thanks for the advice fella. It sounds like you were hitting your old driver like me. There are some good pro's at my local range. I might nip down there after a few more rounds once my arm is stronger.

 

[Ciderup]

Just sat watching the Euro Pro tournament from Cumberwell Park, where I played last month. Jeez, they play a different game to me! Their course management is just sooooo good compared to a club golfer. It's nice to watch the pro's play a course I'm relatively familiar with but it's humbling, 65 around there is just plain obscene!

 

[shane]

I'm getting more into golf. I've played at 28 for years but thats mainly down to 1) Not playing nearly enough 2) Having the patience of Happy Gilmore so never really getting going but I've started to play a bit more regularly and am really enjoying it.

Slowed my swing right down and its paying off. I'm now hitting balls cleanly and relatively accurately. I'm only using irons (and a 3 hyrbrid) at the moment. I've tried with drivers/woods but I can't get my head around the weight/length so staying off them till next Summer. I'm down to 26 (using OnlineGolfClub) and am confident that I can still go lower as my short game is generally pretty abysmal so every round I'm comfortably leaving 10 putts out there, which I can improve with practice.

Going to a driving range is one thing but how do you improve your short game without being a member of a club?

 

[Matt_]

Going to a driving range is one thing but how do you improve your short game without being a member of a club?

Short game should be considered as everything from 100 yards and in. Improving in that area is where you'll see the fastest reduction in your scores.

There should be a range somewhere near you which have specific short game facilities that you can use, I know of a few around me, i.e. within 20-30 miles. Otherwise, when you're at the normal range focus on improving the consistency of your shots to the 50, 75 and 100 yard markers if they are there so you can play shots to these distances almost instinctively by feel.

The vast majority of your practice should be on the shorter shots, i.e. 100 yards and in, I use to force myself to do this by only taking wedges to the range.

 

[slaphead]

Going to a driving range is one thing but how do you improve your short game without being a member of a club?

In a words, lessons. Go to your local club and speak to the pro and enquire about packages, most do some very good deals if you buy lessons in groups. Many will also allow you to practice at the club you are having lessons at too, there is a lot of competition out there and they will be keen to keep you.

 

[shane]

Short game should be considered as everything from 100 yards and in. Improving in that area is where you'll see the fastest reduction in your scores.

There should be a range somewhere near you which have specific short game facilities that you can use, I know of a few around me, i.e. within 20-30 miles. Otherwise, when you're at the normal range focus on improving the consistency of your shots to the 50, 75 and 100 yard markers if they are there so you can play shots to these distances almost instinctively by feel.

The vast majority of your practice should be on the shorter shots, i.e. 100 yards and in, I use to force myself to do this by only taking wedges to the range.

In a words, lessons. Go to your local club and speak to the pro and enquire about packages, most do some very good deals if you buy lessons in groups. Many will also allow you to practice at the club you are having lessons at too, there is a lot of competition out there and they will be keen to keep you.

Short game should be considered as everything from 100 yards and in. Improving in that area is where you'll see the fastest reduction in your scores.

There should be a range somewhere near you which have specific short game facilities that you can use, I know of a few around me, i.e. within 20-30 miles. Otherwise, when you're at the normal range focus on improving the consistency of your shots to the 50, 75 and 100 yard markers if they are there so you can play shots to these distances almost instinctively by feel.

The vast majority of your practice should be on the shorter shots, i.e. 100 yards and in, I use to force myself to do this by only taking wedges to the range.

In a words, lessons. Go to your local club and speak to the pro and enquire about packages, most do some very good deals if you buy lessons in groups. Many will also allow you to practice at the club you are having lessons at too, there is a lot of competition out there and they will be keen to keep you.

Cheers.

By "short game" I was referring (incorrectly it would seem) to shots of about 20 yards and in, including putting. I basically want access to a chipping green and putting green.....

I had another lesson last week and despite playing well in my previous two rounds (30+ in both), the guy unintentionally destroyed my confidence. He corrected my backswing to include more body movement and its like starting from the beginning now. No consistency. Its early days obviously and I'll need a lot more practice over the winter but its still a bastard after finally improving my game...

 

[The_Boss]

There shouldn't be a whole lot of body "movement" in your back swing, should be more about "turn". Getting your belt buckle facing away whilst taking the club back, and then driving with hips on the way back down. Sounds so simple doesn't it!

I'm hoping for a fairly mild winter, didn't get to play anywhere near enough this summer due to a newborn, so how I've managed to stay off 8 I'll never know! Long way off, but still got goals of getting down to a Cat 1 golfer.

 

[Super_horns]

Dustin Johnson out.

A struggle for some in the wind but a good English representation on the early leader board.

 

[Ciderhead]

Gripping climax at the Masters, Rose and Garcia both playing brilliant stuff pushing each other on. Obviously rooting for Justin but couldn't not be happy to see Garcia get it, on Seve's birthday as well.

Just glad I've watched this all after turning over last year to see Speith 5 shots ahead and switching off!

 

[Super_horns]

Very popular winner and glad he won after missing the chance to do so earlier on the 18th.

As Ciderhead says very fitting given the occasion too.

 

[Ciderup]

I thought Rose had him when he started making mistakes as he is very good at applying pressure and I thought Garcia was rattled . Given Sergio's previous failures when in winning positions, I thought he was in trouble but I'm glad he won and it was compulsive viewing. His Mrs is tidy as well!!
Just Mr Westwood needing to win one now!

 

[Dave]

US Open starts on Thursday, who've you got your money on?

I've gone:

Thomas Pieters 45/1
Rickie Fowler 22/1
Danny Willett 250/1
Bubba Watson 80/1

 

[Ciderup]

US Open starts on Thursday, who've you got your money on?

I've gone:

Thomas Pieters 45/1
Rickie Fowler 22/1
Danny Willett 250/1
Bubba Watson 80/1

I would like to see Jason Day win this one as he has the right attitude about the 'unfair' rough. Yes. it's tough so don't go in it, simples!
Bloody moaning Yanks. Rough is punishment for a crap shot and you shouldn't be able to reach in one if you go in there.

 

[Dave]

Looks a good US Open for the bookies....

Fowler -7
Casey -6
Koepka -4
Westwood -3
Garcia -2
Rose E
Projected Cut E
Spieth +1
D.Johnson +3
Bubba +4
Pieters +4
MIlroy +6
Day +7
Willett +9

 

[Ciderup]

Played Cumberwell park this morning (near Bath). Very nice indeed and I would recommend it if you're ever in that area. 4 x 9, each with a different theme, water, links, forest and parkland as well as a decent looking par 3 course.
We played the forest and water 9's to make our 18 and it was a decent challenge off the yellows with a few mistakes due to not knowing the course but ended 2 over. Looking forward to having another go in a couple of weeks although the water course might be a bit much for a handicap of over 20 as there are a couple of 160 yard carries plus a 3/4 'island' hole which 'did' me for a 6. . I don't know what it is about water but we all tend to mis-club IMHO rather than trusting our swing. 172 is an easy 7 iron all day long for me but, like an idiot, I used my 8 and paid the price for being a long way short.

http://www.cumberwellpark.com/cp2009/default2011.aspx?var=Course Information

Very nice indeed, 8/10.

 

[Ciderup]

Had a lovely day at the Vale of Glamorgan, where they played the Welsh open before Celtic Manor was opened. All I can say is, when in South Wales, try and play it. Take plenty of balls though!
I didn't get near my handicap but it's a stunner!!
94 off the yellows.
http://www.vale-hotel.com/Golf/The-Lake-Golf-Course
Absolutely beautiful. 9/10.

 

[Super_horns]

British Open starts today..

Tommy Fleetwood was the big local hope - maybe not any more though after a very poor round of plus 6.

Will there be a first time winner of a major once again?

 

[GodsGift]

I don't think McIlroy has found the fairway or the green yet.

 

[Super_horns]

I don't think McIlroy has found the fairway or the green yet.

Well he is hopelessly out of form isn't he?

Quite a few of the big names are or have been injured.

 

[Ciderup]

I don't think McIlroy has found the fairway or the green yet.

He's playing like a high handicapper! WTF??
I reckon he's targetting even 5's which is what I normally do, playing off my handicap!

 

[shane]

His back 9 was brilliant and hes playing some very good golf this morning. I backed him or Johnson to win at 8/1. Also bet on Fleetwood and my customary bet on Lowry.

I play off 25 having really got into it this year. If I could putt just half as well as some of these guys I reckon I'd halve my handicap overnight. I can understand massively improving your drive, getting a grip on chipping or even learning something like flop shots. I really just cannot get my head around putting.

 

[Ciderup]

His back 9 was brilliant and hes playing some very good golf this morning. I backed him or Johnson to win at 8/1. Also bet on Fleetwood and my customary bet on Lowry.

I play off 25 having really got into it this year. If I could putt just half as well as some of these guys I reckon I'd halve my handicap overnight. I can understand massively improving your drive, getting a grip on chipping or even learning something like flop shots. I really just cannot get my head around putting.

He certainly turned it around! That front 9 yesterday was dreadful, absolutely shocking for him.
Putting is something that only comes with practice IMHO. I took 1.5 inches off my putter and fitted a thick grip on it and it made one hell of a difference from the full length one. It's whatever suits you really. A mate of mine putts with a half length putter, it looks ridiculous but it works for him!
The weather is picking up so this might be about to get more interesting.

Great to see a big City fan, in Chris Wood, hole his 2nd on the 18th to secure his place for the weekend!

 

[Super_horns]

Fair to say it's been a tough day weather wise!