With 20 rounds, I started tracking a HCP last year.
It's currently at 26 (I've got a major problem with swaying during the full swing, and my chipping ability is close to zero. However, I'm deadly with a flatstick, and am capable of par when my sway is in check).
I had a couple swings last year where I'd go par-par-birdie-par-bogey, but then I'd go double, triple, double, quad, double, between making poor choices (hitting driver on a tight hole), or chunking an approach, then leaving the next one short, then pitching long (or right).
Once I get on the green, I'm usually two strokes or less away from being gone (my putts per hole is 2.04)
I'm not a great golfer (yet), but I feel I'm quite capable. I'm well read, and most of the fixes I offer I've used personally (whether that's good or bad is up to you).
A couple times I went out with a 6,8,PW and played the last 3 holes of my course (a par 5, 4, 3, respectively), and made par bogey par (putting with the PW). Two putts per hole. I did this a couple times, and another time I played 6 holes this way, and went bogey par bogey double bogey par. It's shown me
1) The importance of course management.
2) Straight > long.
3) Aiming for the middle of greens is a fine way to play.
4) Putting is surprisingly easy with a wedge.
Hence, my plan for this year is to get my HC into the low teens through course management and really dialling in my chipping and pitching. I'm going to invest in a net or some astroturf so that I can work with real balls.
I know at the outset I really confused Ian because I seemed to know alot, but have this terrible handicap. It's true - I know a fair bit, and like to be educated, but I make a lot of mental mistakes on the course (mostly trying to play like Tin Cup).
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