Conference 7.286::golf

    
    My goal was to get the old handicap down to single numbers...!
    I started the season at a 15, now my index is a 9.2 - home coourse 10.
    I turned in a 72  a couple of weeks ago, but I don't know if it
    will get me down to a 9 (it was close any ways)...
    
    The 72 was my career round for 18. I was one over on the front,
    1 under on the back (second sub nine of my career), with "6"
    birds for the round (ya, I know that means there were some bad
    holes in there - one three putt for a double and 4 boggies).
    Of the other events of the season the two that were the best
    were a hole-in-one and coming in in first place in our DEC
    league with my wife as my partner (she carried me at the end
    of the season).

    
    Gene (who_is_still_playing_about_45_hole_a_week)

    Well its not the start or the end of the season here in Oz, just
    the start of taking an esky with you. Can't understand why I'm still
    on 13 as I've only played to handicap once in six months. The good
    news is I haven't hit the ball better in my golfing career and am
    looking forward to getting down to at least 10 in the next few months.
    
    The unhighlight of the season was last Saturday our open day at
    the club named 'The Bungool Cup'. I was as keen as mustard but teed
    off in the worst winds ever. It was a westerly that blew up at about
    10.30am and didn't stop until I finished my round, besides the wind
    it was about 32 degrees (celcius) not good fun. I teed off at 11am
    the scratch winner had a par round and finished at 10am, good luck
    to him. looking forward to dropping 3 or so strokes !!
    
    
    
    
    							LFB

    
    BTW, the handicap cards came out for the last time at my course on
    Friday and my index was down to an 8.1, home course 9...! Boy
    did that 72 bring my index down (must have replaced a high score)...
    
    
    Gene (who_will_be_shooting_for_a_7_next_year)

    Overall, not very satisfying: started off with a goal of consistently
    breaking 90 (or 45 for 9) and rarely came close. Best 9 holes was
    a 41, but that was the exception that proved the rule. So I'm setting
    the same goal for next season, and hope to apply some of the lessons
    I learned so painfully this year to achieve it. Chief among those
    lessons will be: use the wedge only when there's no other choice.
    I tried all season long to come to terms with the P club and last
    weekend finally resigned myself to the fact that it's just not my
    club; started pitching with 6, 7, and 8 irons instead, and got much
    better results (six bogeys and a par, and we won't discuss the other
    two holes). If my DEC league partner reads this, he will be greatly
    relieved, since that's what he was telling me all year! I guess
    I was too Irish to give in.

    	I have to agree with Frank on my year not being overly satisfying
    either. I did finally break 90, (89 at CCofNH in Sutton), but other
    than that, no improvements wer made. In fact, at the end of this
    season I'm hitting the ball as bad as I ever have, so I've pretty
    much given up. I know what my problem is, I'm just too stubborn
    to try to slow down my swing and concentrate on turning over my
    wrists. I've got a terrible slice due to above. I played last week
    and started  to slow down the back and down swings, and actually
    hit some real good balls. Nice and straight, or else just a slight
    fade which I can live with. Then I figured, I could swing hard again
    while still concentrating, and hit real long balls. WRONG!! Slice
    city.  As Frank also said, I've got to give up the P wedge on the
    short, unobstructed shots from 50 yards in. I use a 7 normally for
    anything in close and play a partial hit and it works well. Try
    to use a wedge and I chili-dip-it or top it. Stubborness, again.
    Oh well, theres always next year. Good luck to all, and may you
    get those new clubs you want for Christmas!
    
    						Keith

    I just started this year and I'm hitting high 90's.  I can't
    complain and never do.....I'm not out to win a Major!  I just 
    love to be outside and enjoy playing a new sport.  I started the
    season around 120.....blah!  But I was able to learn a lot of golf
    this year and hope that I'll run into the same people that helped
    me out this year in the coming years.....I've been lucky!!!  I play
    Wayland, Stow, Juniper Hill, Berlin, and Stowaway.  See you there
    someday!

    
       How was my year?   Not very good I'm afraid.  Hit the ball
       more consistently than I had in a very long time, but quite
       frankly, dweebed it around the greens.  If you can't chip
       and putt, you can't score in this game no matter how far or
       how good you hit it.   I'm itching to get back next year with
       a more confident outlook around the greens.  
    
    -rick

    well i did alright this year,though 9 or 18 a week does not let
    me improve that much,still shoot 38/45 or 78/90.
       anyway i did find 2 new clubs in my bag this year that saved
       me alot of strokes. the first was my 2 iron off the tee on 
       dogleg par 4s or narrow landing areas holes.after trying the
       3 wood then the 4wood and 5 all for controll, the 2 iron
       finally gave it to me.
    
    the other club / shot i discoverd was the sandwedge from 80 yards
      in, this shot takes practice but its a fun shot. i got sick
      of hitting homeruns with my PW.
    
    all these years ive been playing and i finally try something new
    now if i didnt have to put them away for 4
    months.............................................bob
    

    Well I guess I was happy with the year overall.  Played 3 times
    more this year than the last 2 combined.  Still no back to the pre
    1986 level thought.  Most rounds in the low/mid 80's.  VERY FEW
    in the 70's.  Made a 2 iron that was more useful than I could ever
    have imagined.  Going to get its' mates this winter.  
    
    The wedge(s) were magic again, but I need a good heart to heart
    with the mid irons.  Like everyone else 'next year'!  
    
    
    
    						KO
    

    
    I am actually pretty pleased with my progress this year.  I am down
    from 22, at the first of the year, to 16.  This is only my second
    year.
    I had a 38 on the back nine, and an 82 that round, both were new
    records for me.
    My drives really improved, as did my short game and putting, but
    like KO, I really need help with my middle irons.
    
    Question: Do I start all over again next year with my handicap or
              do I keep adding to this years?? (told you I am new! :>)
    
    						...mike
    

	My year was about average.  This year was my first year in the
	Maynard golf league.  I didn't score as well in the league as
	I had expected.  It did help my game, especially putting.  Early in
	the league season I found myself getting nervous over critical short 
	(4-8 ft.) putts.  By the end of the year I was able to block that all 
	out & calmly stroke & make the putts (generally).

	The highlight of the year came one week too late.  The week after the
	league finished we went out & played nine holes.  I shot a 2 over 38
	on the front nine of the North Course at Stow.  It was especially
	amazing since I started bogey, double!  Unfortunately it was one week
	too late.  We tied for the last playoff spot with the group we played
	the last week.  We had lost 5-4.  The tie break was head to head
	competition.  We lost by 1/2 pt.  (If only I had that round a week
	earlier!)

	The last month of the season I developed a hook (not a draw) that
	I just couldn't shake.  I think I may go to a golf school in the spring
	to try to improve some more.

	At least for this winter I can sit back and remember the day when
	all the shots were dead on the flag & the putts were dropping!

    I think I have had a good year so far (don't forget there is still
    2 months left), I droped my usga index from about a 14 to in the
    9's. If I could putt (average 36 putts per round) I think I could
    be lower.
    
    My goal for next year is to average 32-33 putts per round which
    should alone drop my index to around 6. I also want to make more
    birdie's, I only average 1 per about 5 rounds.
    
    I have 2 highlights, one is where I shot a 76 a Amherst CC to win
    a friends tourny, and the other was in a tourny at Charmingfare
    playing with Gene Kelley as my partner in a $10,500.00 calcutta.
    I shot a 76 on the final day and Gene and I came in 5th place and
    cashed for $150 each. Gene (shank) Kelley also didn't do too bad
    concidering the bad case of the s.... that he had.

>    I shot a 76 on the final day and Gene and I came in 5th place and
>    cashed for $150 each. Gene (shank) Kelley also didn't do too bad
>    concidering the bad case of the s.... that he had.

      So that's why Gene entered the S____ topic awhile ago!
    
    -rick    

    re. -1 yes that's why he entered the topic, i learned to never stand
    ahead of him on this right....

    
    Overall, I'd have to say I'm real pleased with my year, although
    it could have ended on a better note.(I'm still hoping)  Got my
    handicap down to a 3.4 index, home course 4 for trhe better part
    of the season then in the last month or so developed a pull/hook
    for some odd reason.  I kind of overplayed for a while, got out
    almost every day for the season and it took its toll on me in the
    end,  needed a layoff to get things back in perspective.  So after
    not playing for the last 2 weeks I'm ready to go out and get it
    together again.  Played real consistent all year, hit more greens
    than ever but was absolutely useless with a putter in my hands.
     Best putting round I had was a 3 club cramble, used my driver and
    ank everything in sight!!!  Shot in the 70's all year but never
    had a sub par round (9 or 18)  which is my major goal for next season.
    Also I've got to get the putter working.  Its not even over yet
    and I can't wait for next year!!!  Something about playing in cold,
    raw,wet that takes a little fun out of the game!!

    I guess I've got to face the music.  The year is over.
    
    My year was consistantly frustrating.  I couldn't seem to put my game
    completely together during the season.  Whenever I was nailing my
    woods, my short game was off and vice versa.  Oh well.
    
    I do recall a span of about two weeks in which I was shooting in the
    mid 40's for 9 holes pretty consistanly plus a 30 for 9 holes on a Par
    3 course, but my best 18 hole round of the year was 91 (I've never
    broken 90).  Anyway, as soon as hunting season is over, I intend to
    start working on my game with my new net (indoors of course).
    
    The best thing that happened was my wife started playing golf this
    year.  Although she wasn't too thrilled (in fact mostly frustrated and
    discouraged) with a regulation course, she did enjoy the Par 3 course
    (even got her first birdie!).  I anticpate many years of enjoying golf
    with my best friend (my wife).
    
    +- Mark

    How was my year?  If I can go out and hit  a  ball  I can always say:
    GREAT!!!  I hope I can continue to say it until I die.
    
    And on top of  that, I  improved my handicap from 11 to 9 in 9 holes,
    and for  the  first time in my golf life, I can say that I don't feel
    frustrated (well, most of the times) by the way I am hitting the ball
    from the tee and fairway, (if only I could putt!).
    
    I managed to get my  first  score  under  90  (87), and had two eagle
    opportunities (missed both).
    
    But wait, this note might be too early, I still can squeeze a round a
    week probably until early December the way the weather is  going,  so
    if something else happens I'll come back to brag about it! :^)
    
    Tavo

    Hi...
    
    First time 'noter' here ... I had, what I consider, a fantastic
    year.  I do most of my golfing at Tory Pines in Francestown, N.H.
    and mid-season had a USGA handicap of 25.3, home course 25.
    
    Played in several scrambles and few pro-am's and this past week-end
    played 36 holes in the fog on Saturday and finally broke 90 with
    a score of 89 ... almost duplicated the effort on the 2nd 18 but
    three holes came up and bit me towards the end winding up with a
    92 ... but it was wonderful to end the season on that fine note.
    
    Upgraded my clubs from Wilson 1200 GE's to Slazenger irons and
    persimmon woods ... luv em' ... Goin to a golf school in March down
    in Florida for a week ... and then play the Black Diamond course
    with the pro's from Tory Pines and Farnam Country clubs ... and
    then some fishing out on the Gulf ... started shooting in the 90's
    consistently when I decided to swing easy and got my head on straight...
    
    Discouraging at times when after taking lessons from four different
    instructors, I encountered contradictory methods/philosophies/mechanics
    regarding stance, swing, etc....
    
    Thats why I'm going to this particular golf school ... it is strictly
    golf, golf, golf .... hit thousands of golf balls ... one of our
    members reduced his handicap from 22 to 12 this past year, which
    he attributes to this school...
    
    Looking forward to next season...
    
    Ralph J.
    
     

    
    Gee, after reading all the great improvements I'm a little 
    ashamed  to write this, but what the heck, I'm a league 
    champ!!!!!
    
    This was my first full year of playing, after 3 years of going
    just once in awhile.
    
    I'm still shooting in the mid 50s for 9, but I make more good shots
    then I used to.
    
    I had three highlights this year:
    
    1) Learning to use my 3 wood off the tee, and being able to
       find the ball.
    
    2) Winning the BTO League with my partners our first year in it.
      
    3) Chipping in for a bird on a par 5 the last round I played this
       year.  (I figured I'd better quit while I was ahead).
    
    Shane who's not very good, but is very addicted!!!!!!!!!!
    
                             

    It was a little frustrating, but it was a good year.  We purchased
    a house in June so I didn't get to play 2-3 times a week.  Fortunately
    I had joined the Maynard league which was pre-paid so I got to play
    at least once a week.  Our close brush with the playoffs was described
    in .11.
    
    On the good side, my ball striking improved greatly, my league handicap
    went from 14+ to 10 (for nine holes).  The short game was good to
    me, putting was fairly steady.
    
    Highlights include:
    
    Two eagles (not on the same day) at the infamous Stowaway course.
    
    A one over 37 for nine at the above course.
    
    A 43 during league play on Stow Acres North front nine.
    
    A third shot, 5 wood on Stow South #6 from 190-200 yards that bounced
    off a mound beside a bunker and rolled to about 5 feet from cup.
    (A shakey putt in the side door gave me a bird to steal the hole.)
    
    Just recently, hitting the driver from the fairway, clearing an 8 foot
    rise about 50 yards away and landing the ball about 230 yards away
    in the middle of the fairway (I don't have metal woods).  That's
    better than half of my tee shots end up. :^)
    
    Oh yes, and the mysteriously bent 5 iron, which is fixed.  Thanks Gene.
    
    Lowlights.. I'm trying to forget..
    
    I got to play plenty golf... it was a good year.
    
    -Alan-

    Well, I got out one last time over this past weekend. Took a
    vacation day Friday and played the first 5 holes at Pine Meadows
    as a singleton...started double bogey, then got into a "zone": on
    the 2nd, hit a career pitch shot (with a 6 iron!), a foot from the
    hole, and parred that li'l devil for the first time EVER!

    Went on from there to par the next 3 holes, was 2 over after 5. Then, as
    luck would have it, I caught up with a guy, and played out the 9 as a
    2-some. Lost my rhythm and wound up with a 44 (played the last 4 holes
    7 over!).
    
    Played again Saturday, but never caught the magic, though I hit some very
    satisfying shots and made some good putts.

    Summary of the season: Love my 3-wood (wish I could play it on every shot);
    hate my wedge; feeling better about the chipping & putting; gotta get more
    consistent with the irons. Key to success: Less pressure to hit "perfect"
    shots, more concentration on swing keys, especially weight transfer...wind
    up with weight on right foot on follow-through (no good). Gotta fix
    that reverse pivot!

It was a very good year for me. It started last winter when I committted to
work on a new grip, balance, timing and a more compact swing. Through December,
January and Feburary I worked on the above. Believe it or not, in the living 
room. The ceiling has a couple of dents to prove it! During March, when I got on 
the course it was awful, 95 to 105, when you are used to 80-85, it is not good. 
(My brother-in-law loved it!) I did not have much sucess in Myrtle Beach for 
seven days in early April, although the weather was perfect, 70-80 and sunshine.
However, I stuck with it. July 8, it started to come together. I tied for low 
gross in the DT Open (53 players) at Colonial C.C. with a 79. In August I shot a 
36 on the front nine at Stow South the last night of the league to guarantee a 
spot in the playoffs. (My partner had a little to do with making the playoffs, 
too!). Then in September I managed to fire a 78 at Nashua C.C. and win low gross 
in the New Hampshire Telecom Association Tourney (56 players). I followed that
with a 3rd low gross in Rick Blaisdell's United Way Tournament with an 80 and 
struck the ball poorly (relatively). The next day I was low gross with
an 82 at Stow Acres-North in another United Way Tournament (67players). On the 
disapointment side I played poorly in about seven tournaments in the spring and
summer. I failed in my bid to qualify for the Massachusetts Publinx
Championships in early August. And, we got blown away in the league
playoffs. At this point I think I am a little tired and burned out, but 
pleased, none the less. Now, I begin all over in the living room.....

                                                        Richard

    Re:< Note 432.18 by JAWS::DIAZ "Life is to be lived!" >

>    But wait, this note might be too early, I still can squeeze a round a
>    week probably until early December the way the weather is  going,  so
>    if something else happens I'll come back to brag about it! :^)
 
    I'm back!!  I had yesterday  my  best 9 holes ever, a 40 in the front
    nine at Stow Acres South, and my putt in the 9th for a birdie stopped
    less than an inch from the hole!!   I  got so excited that I blew the
    back  nine with two triple boggies (yes, you guessed  right,  in  the
    10th and 16th) for a round total of 88. 
    
    Tavo

    I guess my year isn't over yet!  Went out and played nine holes Friday
    afternoon.  The weather here in Colorado has been fantastic.  Go skiing
    on one day (in the mountains), golf the next.
    
    The temps have been in the high 60's during the day and below freezing
    at night (which helps keep the lakes frozen).  Anyone ever hear of an
    Ice-wedge?  :-)
    
    +- Mark

    As noted in the previous reply, the weather here in Colorado has
    been fabulous!! Friday played with a friend, the Blue Course at
    the Eisenhower course at the Air Force Academy.  Played 18 in about
    3 hrs 40 min (with cart).  Tee boxes frozen so had to whittle points
    on tees to get them to stick(I'm not kidding!) and a few of the
    greens in the shade were like concrete.  Friend sailed in a high
    arcing shot on a par 3, hit in the center of the green, ball bounced
    about 20 feet in the air, over the knoll behind the green and into
    the woods.  Never found the ball. Just to be playing golf on Dec
    2 was a joy!! Score wasn't all the bad either.
    
    Maybe more golf later this week.
    
    Chuck