Feels
I feel motivated and determined this week. I have spent some time practicing and playing which has added a layer of confidence. I have resubscribed to another Unlimited Month with Ryan on Skillest, to check in with my swing and to explore the short game. Everything points towards progress but I have to show it over 18 holes.
Practice
My practice this week had one intention; make it challenging and uncomfortable!
I have had several shots lately that have given me a feeling of discomfort including;
tight lies (following the removal of preferred lies from winter)
mud balls
in divots
My practice was replicating many of those lies and finding a solution.
Random
Variety of clubs - SW, GW, PW, C, 9-7i Set up and strike x 28 total (4 balls with each club)
Each shot was towards a target (an alignment stick around 25y away).
Competitive
Added target area (2x2y square) 10 balls assessing lie and selecting club each time.
I managed to get 4 in the square, 4 very close and 2 more than 1y away.
My findings were that a less often club helped me with strike. In this case, my PW, 9i and Chipper all gave me solid results versus my 50 and 56-degree wedges. 8 and 7i would be useful when loft provides no advantage, e.g. from the fringe.
I have added a Buy Me a Coffee link if you care to support my writing (mostly done in a coffee shop).
Play
I have played 2 rounds this week.
Round 1 was a casual round. I had 37 Stableford points with 2 lost balls (both plugged somewhere), 1 birdie and 1 double.
I was level on the back 9 until my double on 17. I drove it very well (+1.3 vs 5hc) and the short game and putting came in at +0.8 on a 5hc. My approach play SG, however, came in at -4.2 versus a 5hc, which was the worst it has been for a while. I couldn’t settle over the ball and hit a few fats. I ended up with as many shots short of the green as on it, over the entire round. Very poor!
My second round was another casual one. I wanted to play stroke play to get a full look at my stats using Arccos. I have decided to give Arccos a try for the season, subscribing for 1 year. My usual SG graphics and deep dives into stats will now be from that platform.
Headline stats include a minor improvement in approach play from the previous round and a slight decrease in the other 3 areas.
2 doubles early in the round (2nd and 3rd) didn’t derail me and I managed to play the other 15 holes 7 over. I never got my short game into a place to hole the putts for up and down, often leaving 10-20 footers for par. My solid rounds over the last 4 months have come with higher GIR % but also when the short game has given some solid chances at par (inside 6 feet).
I am looking forward to getting out on the practice green to work on speed control now that the greens are quickening up. I am also looking forward to working with Ryan this month. The first port of call is to iron out any minor kinks in the swing ready for the start of the competitions. I am hoping to explore the short game and some putting with him too, so keep an eye out for some video content in those areas.
What’s in the bag for the coming season?
Driver - Titleist TS2 10.5 degree
Hybrid - Titleist TS2 19 degree
Irons - Ping i210 4-PW
Wedges - Cleveland CBX2 50 and 56 degree and Cleveland Smart Sole Chipper (42 degree)
Putter - Ping Tyne 4 with Super Stroke Slim Grip
There is room for one more, probably a 5 or 7 wood, but prioritising lessons and sticking with 13 clubs for the next couple of months.
Reflective Questions
Are you adapting your practice plans for the start of the season?
What is the most important stat to track in your own game?
Is your bag set up to enable you to play your best golf?
I want to get fitted for another hybrid and change out my longer clubs.