Hill Valley Golf Club - Episode 34 Off the Beaten Track
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- Опубликовано: 18 окт 2024
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Just an Average Golfer giving unbiased opinions on all things golf, product tests, Golf travel vlogs and golf news!
I'm almost 70 and playing the best golf of my life. Dig deeper and don't complain. Life is wonderful. Golf is a gift.
@@bobsanders8030 wonderful words
Same here, 70, handicap is 12, heading to single figures soon
Same here. I’m 73 and play off 10.7
I’m off 10.7 and I’m 73 and just had my best round this year. 78
YOU MUST HAVE BEEN A REAL HACKER WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG THEN ?
As to your question about lowering your handicap--You can't go low without trying to go low. All of the conservative play off the tee and into greens will keep you from scores getting out of hand, but it will also keep you from going low. If you want a lower handicap, remember that only 8 of 20 scores count for handicap purposes, so accept that you will shoot some higher scores on bad days if you adopt an aggressive style of play, but you will also shoot lower scores on the days you are playing well. You go low by trying to go low, not by avoiding going high.
There is also a mental aspect to it. You learn to go low by experiencing what it's like to go low. The more times you do it, the easier it gets. And it doesn't happen by "protecting" a good round. 2 under after 10 holes? Instead of trying to keep from making mistakes, play to go 3 under, then 4... Always favor an aggressive approach unless you are in the last few holes of a tournament or match you can only lose by screwing up. (Even in those circumstances, however, I stick with what got me the lead.)
Fairway woods off the tee and aiming for safe layups and the center of the green? That's a good way to avoid high scores, but it's no way to shoot low scores, and low scores are how you lower your handicap.
Well said. I'd have to agree with your philisophy.
Always a good escape when I watch your videos. Golf is not about a number, it’s always the experience.
I couldn’t have said that better myself.. a lot of players get caught up in trying to score low. I much rather enjoy my time playing a game I love. If the score comes it comes
I'm 65. Life has been hard on me physically. I spent 28yrs in the US Army, infantry. (surgeries, injuries, etc.) A lesson I learned early was never give up, never give in, never surrender! I make that philosophy encompass my life. Also, I am thankful to God for each day. I mean that strongly. I have experienced near death. I am not afraid to die, however, I have a family and would prefer to live a long life and enjoy them more. I am thankful I have food to eat, clean water to drink, and I am not starving. Be thankful. Beyond what I mentioned, things like golf are blessings. A cold beer with my golf friends after a round? Priceless. Good golf, bad golf? I have it. For me every day is a sort of holiday, a present!! If all of us could Praise God in our darkest times, our darkest days, then our good days would be special. Golf gives us some special days. Never give up, never give in, never surrender....even on your golf game.
From one old vet to another...the Army sure didn't help our games later on. Bad golf is still a nice day with a nice walk and a chance to converse with God. I thank him every day I am on a course, how bad can the day be? I'm on a golf course!
Thank you for your service and sacrifice for this country!
I watch a lot of golf content and I continually and intentionally hold back your vids until the end of the evening. It's the most relaxing, upbeat, positive content in my feed. Thanks. 🙂
Andy! I'm 58 years old. Self taught. Have been playing since 1987. And, at 58, I'm scratch. Not from the back tees but from the mens tees. I feel like over the course of 37 years that I've tried everything and what's left is so simple that it's hard to make bad swings and decisions. I'm excited for turning 60 and competing for the senior club championship.
Great golf Tim, keep it going pal
NO WAY THAT YOU ARE A SCRATCH MARKER TO YOU PLAY OF THE REAL MENS TEES AND WIN SOME THING IMPORTANT, THE NEW HANDICAP SYSYEM IS GARBAGE NOW , I WAS A SCRATCH MARKER IN 76, SAME AS JACK NICKALAS WAS THEN . YES I WAS GOOD AND A WINNER !
You can do it! I’m a scratch golfer at 51. I’ve been scratch for a long time but I keep getting better as I get older.
Experience is everything 👍😂
Ive only been playing golf for 3 1/2 years but I've put a lot of hard work into my game. I'm 53 years old, my driver distance off the tee is around 220. I play 4 to 5 times a week and practice regularly. I've really focused on mid irons, short game and putting. My first full year, my handicap was 18 second down to 9 and now I'm at 3. My focus this year has been chipping and putting and it's improved tremendously. This is by far the hardest game I've ever tried but I absolutely love it. My goal is to get to scratch by years end or next year for sure. Everyone has told me that I've picked the game up faster than anyone there ever seen. My advice is if you want to get to scratch then practice practice practice and play every single day you can. Good luck to you Andy.
It was great to see this course again, I have done a few 3 day trips there to play both courses, absolutely loved the golf and hotel
Had a golf weekend there this year you made a tricky course look pretty easy! Your swing is looking great probably the best I've seen it.👌🏻
I’m 62 and a 9 handicap, hovered at 15 for a year, after being a 7 for years… I’m still hitting the driver 270. I reluctantly went to the Cleveland Halos, the 2021 model I found brand new at TGW, and I am playing the best golf of my life. I also bag a G425 Max 12 degrees driver with a lighter stiff shaft (Ventus 5S) to find more fairways instead of chasing distance. I will get to 4 or 5 soon. Getting older is a part of this glorious game that we have no control over. You sometimes have to go to against our egos… I saw you do a review of the Halos and you hitting them great. You have a great fluid swing/tempo, you will get there!!!!
I am 65 and at a 9. I too play the Halos, they sure make the game a bit easier. I doubt they will ever leave my bag.
I’m 57 on my next birthday and just getting back into the game after almost 20 years
Played off 3 in my early 30s
I fully intend to give it a go to get back to a similar level
Keep going 👍
I'm on the same as you Andy, the short game is where the lower handicap does it.
There are less than 1% of ALL golfers are scratch or better. So the odds of a 50 yr old or older would be probably much more rare - but - not impossible. My friend who retired at 62 - was a 8.7 handicap and 2 years later he is a 1.4 handicap. But the work needed to reduce to a scratch golfer is quite a huge task. People tend to focus on the physical capabilities and neglect the mental aspect of the game. The ability to process as many of the variables and elements and execute and focus on the shot on hand without thinking about what happened in the past.
Wise words 👍
Absolutely beautiful course! I would struggle with the narrow fairways! Tracy A is my photo choice. Keep up the great videos!!
I don’t have a clue as to why u don’t have a million subscribers.. your content is as real as it gets
I wished I knew the answer!
We have an anual trip to Hill Valley every mid July, 2 nights/3 rounds, course always in great condition, we do not eat & drink there though , too expensive, but a stroll into Whitchurch at teatime fir food & the night out is the perfect way to end a golf day.
Andy, I’m 73 with a 6.5 handicap. I would love to be a scratch golfer but there are distances of some holes such as longer par 4’s that are tough to par. Playing in the 70’s is fine with me as I can still hit the ball decently. I could get lower if I make more putts. My short game got me to where I’m at today along with hitting more fairways and aiming away from trouble. You can do it.
Love the channel and the swing. I wish ud do a vid on ur swing it’s compact efficient and repeatable. Something us average golfers all need. Amazing vids as always. Cheers Nigel
My love for golf deepens as the years pass by. I take inspiration from players like Tom Watson, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington, Steve Stricker and others.
It's Andy b for me, no doubt. As far as your pursuit to becoming a scratch golfer all I will say is that I wish I could play as well as you do. In any case who cares about the score, just to be able to play in such magnificent surroundings is worth it all.
You will manage Andy. Took me 3 years to go from 6 to 2 in the 1980s but these days you can manage it in 3 months. Short game 100% required Andy
Distance, GIR, and short game. Good luck! I’d love to scratch too but I’m heading up at the moment. I’m hoping lessons and a change of equipment will help
Well played on a lovely course, only played it once 30 years ago, Shifnal is not far away and definitely worth playing. Tracey B for the photos.
Tracy C. Some pretty decent golf there Andy, played well. Episode 35, cant believe it. Winning series, its not one to forget I don't agree with you there. You are showing us these course that we would never come across, yet another course too put on bucket list, keep them coming.
Enjoyed the video as always. You've got such a good smooth swing it's become my goal swing. (sorry to tell you I'm a 70 year old returning to golf codger. I understand the hair in the ears thing 😀). My main improvement focus right now is just making a clean strike on the ball dependably. Photo of the week I'll give to Tracy b, I always enjoy pics that show a beautiful approach to a beautiful green! Thanks for the video!
Just turned 60 here and returned to golf after 40 years away from it. Been physically active during that time away, so not unfit, but definitely will be spending time over the Winter on strength and flexibility, mainly to avoid getting injuries, which do take much longer to recover from as you get older. Driving range mats take a noticeable toll on the joints compared to hitting off grass, so practice on grass whenever you can. You don’t have to build big muscles, but strength training is so important as you age. 50 is nothing, as long as you stay fit.
Hi Andy
I'm now 59 and have started playing again after moving country in 2022. Prior to leaving my former home, I was playing off +2.6. But like you said I think the WHS favoured me somewhat and I didn't feel like I was quite at that level. However, I did work very hard on aspects of my game for around 2 years leading up to that point. I had suffered multiple injuries and had many surgeries to repair my shoulders, elbows and wrists and my clubhead dropped off dramatically to around 98mph from a previous high in my 30's of 125+. My handicap also went from a +3 on the old system to around a 4.
I hired a personal trainer with the aim to get clubhead speed back to around 105 - 108 which I was able to do within 6 months (hard work I can tell you) and fortunately I have managed to maintain that despite breaking my shoulder in January 2024. I was recently fitted for a new driver at 110.
Now I am not fixated on speed only. But I have found that having speed and still being able to hit the ball a reasonable distance has definitely allowed me to maintain a low handicap (currently a 2.0 after the shoulder injury). I am confident I will be able to get back to scratch by focusing on maintaining decent distance (>265y) off the tee, having a really sharp short game and good course management.
The new WHS with the way courses are rated definitely favour guys who can hit it longer. Really sharpen your game up inside 30y and especially around the greens and that scratch is well within reach. I also don't worry too much about how I play par 4's. I want to make sure I can hit it there or thereabouts on the par 3's so I can rely on my sharp short game to make easy pars and then focus on making birdies on the par 5's which fortunately I can still reach when playing off the men's tees and probably 60 - 70% off the championship tees. Using this strategy it is hard to shoot over 75 or 76 unless I play really poorly. With the new WHS, a few scores of 72 - 75 on courses with a slope in the mid 130's - 140's and you'll be of scratch in no time.
Thanks for such an insight and great feedback
Hi Andy. Reagarding the WHS, I think its a fine system. Shows Your form over time.
Being a scratch golfer means You need to play 8 round in par or better from the last 20, which is very difficult in my opinion. I am of 6,4, 52 years and playing better than ever and still dreaming of my first round under par. Shooting fairly consistant in the mid to low 70s at the moment but always have a couple of errors pr round which reminds me how hard this game is. Good luck, hope You succeed.
I had aspirations at 40, 50 and 60 but now having turned 70 I play golf for the enjoyment and life is good. As for the WHS handicap system it seems u cannot get away without having 2, crazy. Tracy a for the photo
(Andy E best photo.) Some very tight drives there mate. Looked like you were hitting the ball really well.....Good luck getting your handicap down....but don't let it reduce the enjoyment you're having out on the fairways just now.
It’s a very valid point David and will probably be the biggest issue, as soon as you focus on score the game gets less enjoyable so I am aware that might be my biggest issue
I have found recently concentrate for 18 holes when playing shots but relax when walking. Also course management had made a big difference. No just hitting it, think about the hole do you get a shot, if so use it as anything better is a bonus. Slowly you will play the game differently as you plot your way round like the pros do
Keep up the good work Andy, short game, short game, short game, it costs nothing to practice short game but is the most expensive part of golf in terms of shots lost. The ability to get up and down and to be able to put without consequence and let the put go and stop trying to have the ball die into the hole you will be surprised how many putts you will hole. I noticed how many putts you left short. Have a inner belief that you are going to make a putt, your clutch putting is so good, but you do seem to take little time over your long putts just a little more care over line and pace and you will start sinking more of them! Just line them up with care then let them go free without consequence. Good luck.
I’m 68 shot one under my age the other week and still nudge it 283 yds average down the fairway, I have good days and bad but I have learned to smile at my good shots and laugh off my bad ones and have fun on the course!
Photo (a) Andy !! PS what was your final score?
I think you are spot on Andy. Like my game and yours and ALL golfers, consistnecy across the board is key. And I believe that consistency comes from a strong mental game. The ability to dial in FOCUS on every shot. The ability to be relaxed and confident no matter the circumstance. Making good decisions. Seeing the shot and executing. Forget the past and focus on the present. I believe that you are more than capable. Keep them coming Andy and I'll keep watching. 😊
Its pre-Covid since I played this course, also it was Autumn and quite wet under foot. I will look at visiting again in 2024
I think you are right. Most low single figure players I see have very sharp short game. Their handicap is nurtured on their home course and their strategy is very on point. You mentioned the first bunker you found, by surprise. That was strategy. Scratch players would normally, I guess, research or know away courses to maintain their chances to play their best. So short game and strategy, although you do play well. Thanks for the content and thank you PXG.
Yes I agree
Hi Andy, Faldo's #1 is shot to the green & that makes sense to me, Alan HGC.
Sorry, Andy. Tracy A.
And yes, a worthy goal. I got close a couple of years ago (2.0), but back to 4.9 due to a back issue this spring and just now beginning to play better (I was higher earlier this summer), so all good! Oh, and I am a lot closer to 60 than 50!
Thats great golf
Andy great video. Keep swinging you will get there.
I am 65y and started a few years ago again after a 30 years pause. Used to be solid single hcp. I love the game even if I am not yet able to play same scores as in the early 30:s.
If I were you, I would try to fix that inside takeaway. It's a big reason for the fade shots and pulls as you come slightly over the top. Especially when we get older, we need every meter of extra distance and an inside downswing path will give as more distance.
Great video andy, and looks a lovely course.
I've only been playing 4 years and have fell in love with the game.
What im fighting this last year is my body, only 51 but 3 months out with knee opp, and now sitting out for 7 weeks with tfcc tear. Not all golf related but finding it hard.
Got to 11 but my swing i believe is way too body taxing...just trying to keep up with the 30 year olds i play with regularly (which i do).
I just cannot seem to find a way to dial the swing back a bit...????
Andy e pic...all are great but like it the best. I am no where near a scratch golfer. Have fun with it Andy. My short game around the green needs the most work improvement. Great video!
@@J2P4J you are very true about having fun and not spoiling the game
Being 73 y.o. I've been working on a senior swing that provides enough distance. I have gone through some equipment changes that has helped as well. An ever present goal
is to become more consistent and eliminate the lack of focus on some shots.
Just down to 9 at 66, and looking forward to getting to 7 by the end of the season. Fitted for a full bag of PXG, they’ve help with consistency on fairways. I’ve worked hard on the short game and that’s where I’m succeeding. No longer hitting 260 yard drives, so scrambling and good course management. Good luck for scratch, I’m sure you’ll do it. 👍
Tracy E As for getting handicap down to scratch not easy, put all approach shots next to pin for tap in putt, good luck😄
Andy ! Always love the content !!!
I invested in a Ping Sigma Fetch putter a couple of years back, means I can pretend I use it because it's a good putter when in reality the putter head which fits neatly into the cup and picks up the ball was a major attraction 😜
71, playing off 8, shot 74 recently, to win a Seniors Open, best handicap was 2, (too) many years ago. Still enjoy the competition and still practice the, (saviour) short game
Andy im only 5 minuets in,and i would recommend that you are getting the ball pin high,as step one sir.this alone makes things a lot easier. just getting this part better first,then step two,whatever it may be. step one is the key first Andy! the golf ball does not lie mate.
I’m in my early 50s and just completed making some significant changes to my swing. It’s finally starting to pay off in consistency. I’m still working on my putting.
I always carry a golf ball retriever. Nothing more fun!!!
If I’m playing an unfamiliar course, I like to do some layout research beforehand. Must have a flyover and course guide. I make notes for each hole.
If available I will buy a course guide book in the pro shop. This may take a shot or two off your score.
Also, as we get older, fitness is a big deal. Maybe do some regular Yoga or gym to help with flexibility and strength. Again may take a shot off your score.
Do you get tired after 13/14 holes? Maybe get a buggy or remote trolley. I used to be knackered coming down the stretch but feel much better since getting a Stewart follow.
Andy b and e - the most engaging compositions to my eye.
Hi again Andy,
Regarding the handicap system as only been playing again 3 years it’s what it is. What I don’t like is that we have what was always recognised as the simple system of the charts showing handicap V WHI and we would then take 95, 85% or whatever and round the number.
At one course if you log in via how did I do you see the playing handicap, and this can appear lower than taking the number of the chart, it turns out how did I do uses the actual index number to a few decimal places, calculates the shots and then rounds down or up as appropriate.
If you don’t use the app, and calculate the old way you can be a shot out on your allowance. This ultimately makes more work for the match secretary checking score cards.
What I do
Like though is apps like my England golf showing a history of submitted cards and the 8 that are counting for your index out of the last 20, so you can see what is going to be dropped as more cards go in. Also entering via the app general Play cards 9 or 18 holes to get a handicap
Great video show casing a lovely course, your golf looks good Andy. Keep it up. I think the photo comp is a draw...
You seem to have got rid of the fade Andy with the woods well done
Yes the movement at the top of the downswing is a lot better
I’m 59 And, I thought you were older than 50 😂 sorry.. but I now take some comfort at your yardages being much longer than mine. I’m currently off 19.2 (Golfshake data - not membership based) and don’t expect to improve with age. Just had my first lesson after playing since my mid teens. Partial loss of sight resulted in a 10 year absence from the course, resuming play around 2018. Course management is my strong point. Happy to have a cheeky 9 sometime as you know… young fella!!
tracy D. I do love these courses; no houses and cars in sight.
I do enjoy playing Hill Valley, but the greens weren't too brilliant last time I was there.
Very enjoyable. Thumbs up and thanks.
Poetic golf.
Scratch golfer no! I will soon be 69 still tickled to have a round in the 80s when having a great round. It is amazing to see what others shoot when in a tournament !
Andy, consistency is defined as "the achievement of a level of performance that does not vary greatly in quality over time".
In order to shoot the scores you want to bring down your handicap to scratch you need to be able to score lower (duh). To do that, you may have to make some changes in the way you approach playing a course to allow those lower scores to happen. Play aggressively when the shot allows and consequently ramp up the short game to allow you to play more aggressively when the shot calls for it, so that you can get up and down when needed.
But, from watching you play for over a year the #1 thing you may want to consider is improving your flexibility. It will allow you to make a fuller swing, improve your timing and increase power without having to do anything else. If you wanted to add some basic body weight training to help with your range of movement and strength that wouldn't hurt either.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck in your journey and I'm rooting for you!
Great feedback, thanks Mark
I like the current ghin system. It's tough to play to, but it should be. I'm 72, and a 7.4. It's my goal to get to scratch.
Enjoy your videos.
Dale Forbes. Preacher
Great video, nice course which I have played before and I am looking forward to playing there next month with my golf society. Your game is looking tidy at the moment with no obvious weakness, so time to change the name to "better than average golfer"? Consistency is the key. Tracy C for me this week.
At 6months short of 80 I am a 12.6 handicap. And this year I have shot my age twice nd had a 78 a couple weeks ago. I believe as I have aged the game has become more fun just for the opportunity to still be able to play. I spend more time on my short game,100 yards nd in. If u never get any better b thankful, u have the health, talent nd opportunity not afforded to all
Try the Decade system. It was invented by Scott Fawcett, one time PGA tour pro, now coach. It's based on statistics and knowing your dispersion. Essentially, everyone misses a shot from time to time but when it happens, leave yourself in a position where you can recover, don't short side yourself. Avoid the big numbers.
Andy B this week. Like you, I played Hill Valley lots of times in days gone by but I don't remember it being like this. It must have matured significantly while I've been elsewhere!!
I must confess to being a little surprised as to how good it was John, green fees are very reasonable for the quality and condition of the course
@@TheAverageGolfer We used to rock up there and play both courses in a day. Soup & sarnie lunch and home by 8pm.
The ball tracker is a great addition to the podcast. I'd say improvement would
come with more course management. Which must be hard always playing a new
course and not knowing the layout. I also think concerns about filming the podcast
takes time away from course management.
Great video as always Andy. I made good progress with my handicap recently thanks to my chipping. Missing the green in reg. but still getting a par due to a good chip near the hole. And I vote for andy b.
Bloody hell Andy I hope so..... I'm 69 and play off 3 but still aspire to getting to scratch.... you had me worried then, I was thinking that I was old and knackered and never going to get to scratch........oh well I suppose I'd better get some slippers,pipe and a Zimmer cheers Andy...🌟🎊🤩🥳
haha great golf John
Good luck with the quest Andy. What was your final score? ‘Andy B’ for me this week. Personally, I struggle with dispersion from about 170 yards and longer. I tend to lay-up to about 50 yards and rely on my short game. I restarted golf after a near 40 year hiatus and over the past 3 years I’ve got down to 13.4, but I need to work on my dispersion as I’d like to get to single figures. Nice video BTW, the course looks great. All the best.
Tracy e this week. As for your game, I certainly am not even close to your game. However, being analytical, I agree with something you said. The short game could be improved to put the ball in one-putt range more often. As for me, I am struggling with hitting center club strikes resulting in "army golf," left right, left right. lol Once again, Andy, truly enjoyable video, excellent cinematography, outstanding coverage of the amenities, engaging discussion. Keep on your track, I'm constantly interested.
Thanks for the positive feedback Ron, hope your game comes good
I’m a scratch golfer here, when I hit my best shot of the day and it goes straight into the woods I just stand there and “scratch “ my head and wonder why! Hang in there.
Back in the dark ages i used to play the Hill Valley open every year. There was an old guy who was the official starter. He told me Ian Woosnam used to work behind the bar at the disco's they used to have on a Saturday night. He also doubled as a bouncer if the locals kicked off 😂 Tracy A for me, sorry Andy.
I certainly know he okayed a lot of golf there back in the day
At least you can scratch your😅..
I love your videos and hope you come to Kerteminde Denmark
After 50it's all down hill Andy
You will need a mini driver off the tee ,hybrids for the fairways and game improvement irons for distance and forgiveness and a great short game just to keep your handicap where it is for the next 10 years ,good luck
😂😂👍
Ok - WHS is a problem - members can put cards in whenever - they can manipulate those cards as they are usually playing social golf with their buddies - this can be be either manipulating up or down - at our club we now see less people in the comps as traditionally they played in comps for handicapping purposes now they do not have to - the worse case I saw was two weeks ago where I played a guy of 28 and gave him 19 shots - he was known for manipulating his hcp at his club - 5 yes 5 net eagles on the bounce later around a championship course and I saw why - and so complicated for most people they dont bother to try and understand - on a good note great vids - and because of your vids just got fitted at PXG Esher - excellent Andy👍
Totally agree regarding WHS, it is so easy to manipulate, I could be off scratch by next week 😂 but seriously I find it very poor system.
Hope the customer got went well and they all looked after you 👍
@@TheAverageGolfer keep them coming Andy hopefully you will get down my way soon - golfing heaven around Sunningdale area 👍
50?! Hell, I’ve got shoes that old. Don’t complain.
🤣
Stunning course And, traceyc for me in the photo of the week, damn she is good. Struggling of the tee with direction, irons need to be better, short game and putting good, a bit like your game apart from off the tee. Stick at it, enjoy golf with all its endless mysteries, you will get there. Me too hopefully.
Always enjoy Tony is good advice
Pitches to the green that are giving you chance if a single out are key - I cannot do it but my pal is a 2.8 and nails to with 3-4 ft from 140 yds in
Hes better than the best in the world! I am sure he averages a lot higher, but you just remember the the good ones.
Working on increasing from half to full back swing and at the same time not losing consistency in my ball striking!
Played and stayed a few times Andy my picture of the week is Tracy A great volgs Andy
Andy what was your lowest handicap ever? Would be good to know so we can judge better where you might be able to improve. No obvious weakness I would say, maybe too many 4 woods off the tee, longer clubs in making it harder to hit the green?
To me, you're essentially a par golfer. Yes, you get bogeys; usually the result of one shot that is just "not far" off- a bit left, a bit right, a bit short. But you rarely hit a truly bad shot. You do this with what seems to be muscular-skeletal flexibility issues typical of many of us beyond a certain age.
You have the privilege, but also the disadvantage, of playing courses you're not familiar with. I don't know if you figure all of those scores into your ledger, but tour players do get practice rounds on tournament courses...
Whatever the handicap, you embody the most important thing of all: the love of the game. Whether the handicap is 6 or 3 or 0, you're a good player.
For me your short game has always been good and tee shots now a lot better with recent swing change. Proximity to the hole particularly with your shorter irons should be a focus as this will improve your chances of a birdie. On the first 9 you hit 7/9 GIRs which is very good. Unfortunately most were a long way from the hole and you only really had one decent birdie opportunity. You could improve your distance off the tee to have one less club in but this could be harder to achieve over 50. You need to start checking your stats using shot scope or another device and seeing what you need to improve versus your HCP target.
I think you have it spot on Neil 👍
Pity you didn’t travel another ten miles down the road and visit us at Hawkstone Park. Let me know if you’d like to visit, I’m a member and would love to see you here. We have two great courses,
You need to carry it 270 to get to scratch. My guess is that you don’t do that - so you need to hit it further. For that you need to move your body better: currently you create speed from arms and swinging harder but that’s not what you need. Don’t buy a gadget - You need to get a gym training program to move your pelvis better, do glute training, and use your legs and the ground better. You don’t need to bulk up or anything, just teach your body to move better. You can pound balls forever and take lessons till days end, but that won’t get you better. Spend the time from November to February in the gym 3-4 times a week with a golf specific program. You got this!
Distance is not the answer to get to scratch, I hit driver 230 and I'm a 2 handicap. It's about the short game. But cheers to the guys who carry it 270 and can't break 80....
@@kellycoates5027there are obviously different ways to play scratch and distance isn’t everything but the stats are clear: you’ll hit it closer with a PW than an 8i, with an 8i than a 6i, and so forth. (Check Lou Stagner’s blog as a reference). So if Andy could add 20 yards at the same dispersion, he will lower his score. For that he needs to move his body better. After 50, he’ll soon lose distance unless he improves how he moves.
There is simply no way that he can shave off 6 shots with short game alone. If he hits it better, he’ll score better. But of course distance alone is not enough ( and it’s not what I said).
Average tee shot distance for Scartch golfers is 259. Over 50's 255
Andy B for the photo.
You are swinging well enough to lower your handicap. But in terms of getting the iron shot closer to the pin the key stats are from the PGA tour: from 100 yards PGA pros will on average be 15 ft from the pin, from 150 yards they will be 20 ft from pin and from 175 yards 25 ft away (2020 figures but more recent numbers have not changed much). Those are the best in the world so maybe Andy should be a bit more generous; say 20 ft from 100 yards, 25 ft from 150 yards and 30 ft from 175 yards. Those are still birdie chances and you will convert a couple every round if you do that
Yes maybe you are right, I am certainly having decent GIR numbers but not converting too many into birdies
Short game is key - there are probably 6 to 8 strokes lost per round due to a sloppy (or not very sharp) short game. It’s like threading a needle - you must concentrate - not stab and hope to get the thread into the needle. I struggle with that at times, but I try to make every shot within 40 yards go in the hole. You’ve got to read the green and figure out the role. Maybe holdout or at least have a gimme putt.
First up ..... Photo is Tracy A. Re your ambition of reaching scratch .... if you don't have a fully developed handicap yet (i.e min 20 records on your database) I expect your current one will drop further being the ave of the best out of 20 most recent scores. From what I see in your videos your all round game is in good shape, accurate off the tee, short game sharp, putting pretty solid. Your approach shots with your irons could be more precise as you acknowledge yourself albeit you hit most greens in reg. Scratch golfers are generally tighter to pins when hitting into greens which sets up birdie opportunities and virtually guarantees pars.
Just wondering what's wrong being the best you can be which may well be low single digit and maintain that handicap over time ?
If I can maintain a low handicap I would be happy enough but no harm in a little goal
@@kieranocallaghan8197 Hi Kieran, the issue as ever is that golf is black and white, there is par and then whatever you score. I’m still in the crazy addicted stage having started again 3 years ago at 61. Ambition is this summer to get into the teens, and while I’m having lessons I’m playing more than I practice. 3 rounds of 9 during the week, then two games at weekend (Sunday comp).
That 12 inch putt still counts a
The same as a 260 yard drive. my eclectic card has me sub par, every hole has been parred and some birdies, yet to break 90 of the yellow tees never mind whites.
Importantly I enjoy the rounds with whoever I’m playing , have not met anyone yet that I’d turn down playing again with
@@TheAverageGolfer agree with setting realistic goals, just don't overstretch theses and take the enjoyment away. The same applies to all sport , we all have our ceiling.
My local course and two minutes from my front door can’t beat it. Did you manage to get on the sapphire also? Fantastic little course
No I didnt have time, the condition of the emerald was excellent
If you’re in Shropshire come south to Herefordshire and try the Ross on wye golf club, be great to meet you 👍
I don’t see how you call yourself an average golfer Andy. I’d kill to have your hcp! I used to be off 9 in the good days and had long break. Now I’d class myself as an average golfer I am not consistent enough. Reality has bitten me but now I’ll be trying to play at-least once a week. Funnily though I play my best golf when I visit UK using borrowed clubs. Probably because on holidays I’m relaxed and enjoy the game more. Enjoyed the video keep playing well. If you’re average then I’m Crap!
I played golf with alot men 80,90 years old one man turned 98 last week I'm 79 we had 72 golfers last week and average age was 75.
We play every Thursday
If you can't get the distance off the tee to have a short iron into the green or scoring iron then it comes down to how good is your short game
Nice you are not the Average golfer if my high ++ handicap life is anything to go by !
Tracy all day !!
My comments- good driving, relatively weaker approach play, not giving enough easy par / potential birdie chances.
Good assessment 👍
I am about a 8 handicap and I am really trying to work on course management...I strike the ball ok, but sometimes I overestimate my strengths or abilities...
In your quest to improve (i.e. lower your handicap) I would ask this: Do you have a swing coach? A mental coach? A physical conditioning coach? My point is 1. How much of a commitment are you willing to make to the process, and 2. Trying to accomplish this by yourself just makes it harder. So, be realistic and Clint Eastwood once said - "A man has got to know his limitations". Anyway, good luck.
Someone also said the more I practice the luckier I get 👍
@@TheAverageGolfer That was Gary Player, talking to an onlooker while practicing as he holed three bunker shots in a row (true story!).