testing focus

It has been quite some time since I've attacked to blog here. Work has picked up and sent me on some grand adventures, seeing sights, meeting new people, etc...Now I'm back and ready to regain my form! All this time away has given me a good chance to reflect on my golf game and most importantly my life in general. Getting a chance to step away and really see things for what they are has helped out quite a bit. Perspective has been gained on many fronts. I was able to watch first hand some nurses who give new meaning to hard work and sacrifice. I witnessed a nurse put in 18hrs for her shift. She was there when I left in the evening and was still there when I arrived in the AM. What was most amazing was her composure. She was still patient with all the chaos going on around her. This made me re-evaluate my scheduling with regard to practice time and how I approach it. I need to have a better plan for practice. I have gotten much better at the basics and I now have to realize it is going to be the little things that are going to make the biggest difference regarding shaving strokes. Instead of being content with 25 feet for birdie from 100yds, I have to start to get more consistent putting those shots to a distance that is more conducive to making birdies, 15ft and in. That leads me into the most important part. It is no longer acceptable to just lag my 15 foot putts "close". I need to raise the level of skill and subsequently raise the expectation to make a higher percentage of putts from 15 feet, 10 feet and in! The short game work is going to be of the highest focus this summer. Club fitting is going to help, fitness makes a big difference but I think my level of golf game has increase to the point where I need to raise my expectations and not settle for average but to strive for greatness!

Fairways and Greens!!!

VICTORY!

It has finally happened!! I was able to hold on to a first round lead and win the second major of the season. After the past months results, I have a new feeling of belonging. What I mean is that I truly feel like I have arrived as a single digit handicap. Prior I was feeling like I could not compete and put up the scores my fellow competitors were. The past month has not yielded really low scores but shooting low 80's with quad bogeys tells me I'm just one step away from being in the 70's on a regular basis. I really need to now focus not on making any changes but drastically improving my 100yd and in game. I've been able to get much better with the flat stick and chip shots from 15yds in. The really glaring weak spot in my game at the moment is my sand game. I simply don't have the feel for the concept of a proper sand shot yet but that is going to be a priority over the next month until the next tournament. I'm going to reflect in a very positive manor after this victory and really try to dial in my weak points over the course of the season. It feels really good to know that I have a "muscle memory" swing now which takes a huge weight off my shoulders worrying about keeping the tee shots in play or knowing what shot shape I'm going to hit. Relief and Joy are the words of the month so far and the focus is to keep pushing to excel at short game!!

(see video!)

Fairways and Greens