When I finally took up golf, about 20 years ago, I set a goal of getting good enough to play with anybody without totally embarrassing myself. That is all I really wanted. I soon discovered that embarrassment looms over every shot!mrpatate212 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 29, 2021 5:42 pm
My plan is to find some time this year to commit again and try to play 1 course per week, and add a driving range training session also every week. The goal is to try to get a 10-12 hcp in about 2 years, at least just enough to be starting at the white tee at my home course.
I also think I'll get an appointment with a Clubmaker at the French Basque Country, and do a fiting of the whole bag. I think I then will start to break the bank with the irons as I've always wanted a nice and beautiful muscleback set, and the latest Miura offering is just gorgeous (and maybe a 3 wedges set, and/or a nice putter...). Let's see what happens and if it will make the 10 hcp goal a bit more difficult...
After a few lessons I started playing with a friend of mine who set me on the path of learning the rules and club selection etc. I then decided that a 10 handicap was a reasonable goal. My first full year I was playing to about a 25 so had a long way to go. I attended a couple of golf schools, but more importantly started hitting the range twice a week and playing 18 holes 3 times a week.. It took me 4 years but I did reach my goal of 10 and actually got as low as 9.1 and stayed in that range for several years. As my practice and playing diminished and as I aged a bit, my scores and handicap started inching upwards, but I found I was enjoying the game more. I currently play to a 12/13 but only play 2 times per week and the range is probably 1 per month average.
My point is that if you have the time and the desire to put the work in, get fitted clubs and play in a league or some sort of competitive environment you can achieve your goal. If you are blessed with some natural ability and good flexibility (I have neither) you might even surpass your goal.
I cannot stress enough how important the short game is along with course management. If you make a bad shot, take your medicine and figure out what to do to minimize the damage. Master the short game. It will save your butt. I carry 4 wedges. Most of my pre round practice is spent with wedges and putting. Learn the putting drills. Practice the drills. Practice distance control. Learn to read the greens.
The saying about driving for show and putting for dough is not a misnomer.