I used to play a lot--then back trouble intervened. Can't hold posture during the swing, which doesn't bode well for the result. Very frustrating--I was able to get my hdcp index down to 6.7, shot a round of par golf on a regulation course following the rules, and I wanted to see how low I could get it.
I've been doing strengthening exercises and workouts and my back is better; might give it a try again this spring.
Played in a best-ball scramble in early July 2015 (last time I played). Was invited onto a team by a muckety-muck, so I said yes. Practiced my short game the week before, and focused just on putting the ball in play from the tee (let the big hitters loose), and hitting decent approach shots.
Well. I have never had a short game as that day. TWO birdies from deep rough next to the green using my 60* lob wedge, chipped in another for a birdie, and ran a long putt in from the fringe. I should have bought lottery tickets that day. My team won. Nice.
The game is still there, I remember what to do--if only the flesh were as wiling as the mind.
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BTW, for PP: most "hackers" spend their time on the practice tee hitting clubs that are only used for about 25-30 percent of the shots; they spend almost no time on the part of the game accounting for 70 percent of all shots, i.e., those close to or on the green. If you want to see your scores drop, invest most of your practice time on the short game. It'll take the pressure off your long game, and that will improve too--just by becoming adept at getting up and down.
And if you're inclined to read a bit, try these two: "Golf is not a game of perfect," by Bob Rotella, and "Zen Golf" by Joseph Parent. These two books were revolutionary in my development as I moved from an 18 to single digits.
Rotella's book, among other things, focuses on the short game and staying in the present. Don't think about the last shot, or how cool you'll feel in the clubhouse w/ the great round you're having. Focus on the immediate process, not the outcome at the end of the round. When I read that, I found myself in full agreement that I should stay in the present, but was left with a question: "How the hell do I do that?"
Parent's book taught me how.
BTW, when you learn to do that in golf, you can use it anywhere. I can focus my mind on what I want to think about instead of what's happening--and it works everywhere from having blood drawn (I *hate* that), to having dental work done. I knew Parent was on to something when I was having a crown put in, and in the middle of all the drilling I was on the 3rd hole enjoying a nice round of golf. In my mind, that was.
I nearly sat up and put the drill through my cheek.
Anyway, enjoy--I'm envious. Maybe this year.....
