Golf Confessionals: Struggle, Struggle, Struggle
Throughout the past two years I have covered a few instructors, theories, and mechanical tips regarding the golf swing and how I attempt to incorporate these teachings into my game. I have shared my ups and downs with the process, especially during the span when I had no formal lessons or training... which is approximately 16 years of my life. In fact, it hasn't been until recently when a golf pro has taken a look at my swing from an analytical standpoint.
I have learned a great deal from both instructors -- Brant Kasbohm and Greg Baresel -- in regard to swing plane, takeaway, release, and posture. However, perhaps the most important lessons I learned during these two short sessions is that improving my game will take a little time and a lot of hard work. At least, to get my game to where I can score below 80 on a consistent basis.
As of today, my handicap index is an 8.8; approximately a full point higher than it was when 2011 began. I know this is technically better-than-average, however I will also make the argument that seeing improvement at this level is incredibly difficult to achieve in comparison to higher handicaps. For example, it is of my opinion that a drop in handicap can occur more dramatically for players with an index of over 15-20 than for players under an index of 10. This is primarily due to what I will call the "adjustment factor"; the amount of strokes that can be saved by making a fundamental change in a golfer's swing or mechanics. For players of a higher handicap index, this adjustment can be something as dramatic as a complete swing overhaul aimed at helping the golfer establish fundamentally-sound mechanics (to fix a slice, hook, topping the ball, etc.). For players of a lower handicap, however, this factor will focus more on intricate "tweaks" to a swing that may not yield immediate results on the course.
Short game is always something that should be practiced on a regular basis as most strokes are saved or lost on or around the green. That much is certain, and this is a belief that I have established into my own practice routine. However, I have become somewhat obsessed with the proper movements and theories involved in the full swing... especially involving iron play. Making a divot after the ball at impact. Starting the club back on the proper plane. Making the correct transitional move from the top of your backswing. These are all aspects of my game that literally keep me up at night.
As I continue my journey to "sub-80 Land", I will continue to post my tranistions and lessons-learned in the Golf Confessionals section. Perhaps we can both learn something along the way in the process.
Golf Confessionals: Salt Creek Golf Club
This morning I decided to wake up and play golf in 43 degree weather in the Western Suburbs of Chicago because, well, I'm kind of an idiot. Maybe saying that I'm an "addict" is more accurate, especially when that temperature is accompanied by 25 mph winds. Even with three layers of clothing, a stocking hat, and thermal socks I managed to freeze my butt off. It was pretty impressive actually; feel right off and landed in a greenside bunker. Was the damndest thing. Read on to see how my round went.Anyway, Salt Creek Golf Club was my choice of course this week; an executive 18-hole, par 63 course in Wood Dale, Illinois just a mile or two off of I-290. I know what you're thinking: why the heck am I doing playing golf on a par-63 golf course in the middle of April? The easy answer is that I have a golf outing next weekend at this course and I wanted to try it out before the event. The real answer is that, as I mentioned above, I am a golf addict and this was my latest "fix". Let's just go with the former. At 8:40am this morning I walked up to the clubhouse directly across from Top Golf and was greeted by the pro shop clerk/starter/head pro along with a 60-something man who was going to be "my partner for the day". Not only that, we were both riding for the round, so the Mr. Starter Guy basically informed me that I better introduce myself to this other player quick because we would be sharing a cart for the round. Awkward.
Long story short, the round went by fine even though I played pretty awful (78 on a par 63? Good lord...) and my playing partner was hilarious. Not only was he a pretty decent player, but whenever he would hit a bad shot he would scream a curse word at the top of his lungs. I mean every word in that previous sentence, by the way; he would scream a curse word. Why was he hilarious? Because when asked what he did for a living, he told me he was a retired Psychologist.
The highlight of the round took place on the back nine of our round when I was about 20 yards short lying 3 on the par-4 11th; Sigmund Cuss-a-Lot was about 30 yards short off to the left of the green. I hit a pitching wedge chip into the cup for birdie, then he does the exact same thing. Never seen that before in my life.
Quality of the Course: 5/10
Price: 8/10
Overall Value: 7/10
