Oz on a mission.

20/09/2017

Firstly apologies for the lack of recent posts. To be honest my golf has been mediocre at best recently and there has been a lot going on with holidays, etc.
Cast your minds back to April when I had a season ahead of me to reduce my handicap from 6 to 1.4 or lower. To me this seemed doable given the amount of golf i was to play but in hindsight this was a tall order for someone of my age.
The things I had not considered were how long it would take for out of season swing changes to bed in and the detrimental effects it had on my scoring ability. Together with the strain on my body with the heavy golf schedule (over 64 competitive rounds played since March 28th) starting at 6.3 handicap.
I managed to get down to 4.9 after the Bramley Open on 9th July then proceeded to have a run of bad form back up to 6.1 by end of August. I felt over golfed and coming back from holiday gave me time to rest. Since then I have been a lot steadier and the swing and results are much more encouraging.
Good results at Sandy Lodge (3rd nett) despite a 2 shot penalty for being late on the tee and the last comp in the Surrey order of merit the Guildford Open (3rd nett) means I am only 0.3 away from a 4 handicap with just one more medal left at Coulsdon on October 7th to compete in.
So what next you ask! Having a regular income again is the priority. Over the next month or so I will review all my stats on Game golf and work on 4 key areas through the winter off season. These areas I will be looking at are;
1. Putting - Alignment and technique and get fit for a new putter which suits my putting characteristics. I recommend any keen golfer has this done.
2. Swing tweaks - Further work on honing in my swing changes and making fine tweaks where needed.
3. Fitness - This is key, especially mobility and core strength. Through Pilates lessons and regular stretching I am again able to swing freely with a full shoulder turn. Touch wood I have no other conditions that I know of which will cause discomfort or injury.
4. Club fitting - Clubs do make a difference especially if they are custom fit. All of the main brands offer this. My clubs were good 5 years ago but are too light for my style of swing. Even though lie, loft and grips have been changed they are not the right swing weight. I will look to purchase new clubs ready for next season.
So what in 2018.... From 4th March I will be eligible to play in the amateur senior comps. This is a fast growing sector in golf with a number of Tours available to join and one I hope to be able to compete in. These will consist of 36 hole medal comps in the main held over 2 days rather than 1. The entry criteria will mean I can get into most if not all of the national competitions off a 4 handicap. The dream off playing off 1 is still alive. It will just take a wee longer to get there 😎.
Finally, thank you all for your support this year, it has certainly helped keep me going. I hope to be able to bring you a quick final update at the end of this season if anything changes and then further updates in 2018 if you are interested.
I do hope you enjoy your golf social or competitive and that it improves and makes you happy. See you out there sometime. Keep on swinging ⛳🏌️‍♂️

18/07/2017

Time for another quick update on tournament results... some bad and some good....

Went into the club championship over 2 weekends feeling confident of a good result however erratic driving (seems to be a regular issue at the moment) caused a number of dropped shots resulting in a 77, 5 off the pace.

During the last week I played at Bramley GC a great course and started well with a 72 to be in 4th place going into PM round to then shoot a disappointing 77 in PM round. Finished 9th overall to lower handicap players. -0.4 on the day.

Then at Mitcham GC where I shot a 77 (2 triples) + 75 (2 doubles) to finish 9th again... Buffer on the day. Should have done better given opportunities I gave myself but felt good for the Surrey Mid Age at Cuddington on Friday.

This is where it all went wrong. I tried too hard and could not score. A disappointing 79 (8 over following a run of 6 bogeys) put me middle of the pack. In the afternoon I must have had too much food & drink because I came to the Tee and hit 2 identical drives just OOB (RHS) on my first hole ( Par 4 - 10th) when I should have hit a 3 wood same as in the AM and played safe. The result a 9!!! All my shots gone in 1 hole! I tried to claw the shots back without any success to shoot a year high 86 to finish 29th out of 48 players and worse + 0.2 on the day..

Alas the 2nd round of club championship the next day did not go to plan. 2 x double bogeys put an end to any comeback. Birdying the last did not help, so another = 0.1 which put me back to 5.2 where I had started in July 😕

My last comp was at Letchworth GC a bit of a track as 82 miles away. I had forgotten how bad traffic can be on a Monday and barely got there for my start time...poor preparation which resulted in a double bogey, bogey start... The greens were some of the trickiest I have ever played on and on par with links golf courses. Once you were on the wrong side of the hole it was a 3 putt min. The 3 of us in group not having played the course before did not help. So an 84 (13 over) was the result with lots of 3 putts.

In the afternoon I felt good and played steady and put the ball in better positions. My concentration was a lot better and I holed approx 70ft of putts for a 4 over (75) which helped me win the afternoon nett prize and finish 14th out of 44. - 0.1 on the day for handicap of 5.1

Assuming I get into RAF I only have 3 more 36 hole comps left for July (Downs trophy was cancelled due to lack of interest....poor show) and they are at some great venues, Stoke Park (tough, long course) on Friday and Liphook (Tough Heathland course rated 67th in UK with what quality players have said the best greens they have ever putted on...) on Sat, followed by Royal Ashdown Forest (RAF) the following Sunday. Only played at Stoke Park before so will have to map out my game and make the best of last 6 rounds. Lets see if I can at least get down to 4 by end of July. 🤔

04/07/2017

Hi Guys, Update from my last 2 comps and PLANS FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

The first comp was at Farnham GC "Silver Frigate trophy". Unfortunately a fuzzy head following a stag do the night before did not help my start. 7 over after 3 holes finishing on a 10 over 82!! I really tried in the afternoon and played well but was unable to capitalise on a number of good opportunities as my chipping and putting went cold resulting in another 82. Therefore + 0.2 on the day taking me back to 5.3. Not what I had wanted. A lesson learned...dont mix your drinks 😨 I just cant recover from even a moderate drinking session the night before as quickly as I used to.

The next comp was at Clandon Regis GC a course I had not played before. What a nice track. Immaculately presented by the club. Know as the friendliest club in Surrey and from what I could see it certainly was. All the members and helpers were helpful and enthusiastic about the competition. The course was in great condition and greens smooth as billiard tables. After Franham I wanted to make a good start and I did. Shot a 77 (5 over) which was amazing considering I lost 2 balls from 2 wayward shots. - 0.1 drop in handicap. The PM round started really well but I had a brain fart on the 16th and triple bogeyed from nowhere taking 5 shots to get down from 80 yards!!!! In the end it was a 79 (7 over) which was a buffer score. It was one by one of the clubs scratch golfers in a playoff with a + 2 player from West Hill GC. A lot of people had NR's as the rough was penal. Overall I finished 11th gross and 6th in the Nett just 3 shots off the winning score. Handicap slightly down to 5.2.

Unfortunately I did not get into the English Mens Mid Age Comp e day event at Beau Desert Golf club due to ballot to 3.5 handicap. Sorry Sox your caddying services are postponed 😞 Disappointing as it is a national competition however this allowed me to enter our Club Championship 1st round this Sat and another 36 hole comp at Bramley GC on the Sunday. 😲

In July alone I will have played 20 competitive rounds of golf. I think I should get a medal for that alone 🏅⛳. Concentration and preparation will be key to more consistent scoring with an aim to getting down to at least a 3 handicap followed by a well earned 2 week holiday and rest in America in August. There will be a further 24 rounds of competitive gold to the end of Sept after which the medal comps dry up greatly reducing my chances of further handicap reduction opportunities. Make or break time to get down to 1 handicap.

If you guys have any questions please do ask. Happy to try and answer them. I have not said it enough but Thanks for all your support. It does mean a lot to me. 🤗😘

23/06/2017

As I did not meet handicap I was not able to play in the Justin Rose Cup at Northants GC (Ballot at 2.5 hcap) on Monday 19th so only one comp to report on this week which was on Wed 21st, the hottest day of the year 😅at the East Berkshire GC. Fittingly having just come back from Mike Salmon's stag weekend it was named the "East Berks Stag". A beautiful course Par 69 SSS 71 (just one par 5).

I was able to have have a practice round the day before so that helped me a lot not having played there before. An opening 75 (6 over par) was my best start to date. I played really solid the front nine for a one over par score of 35 hitting 7 greens in regulation so had loads of birdie chances and made none 😞. The second nine was a different story. The wind swirling between the large trees made club selection difficult. I short sided myself a number of times as a result and was unable to get up and down on 5 occasions resulting in 5 bogeys.

Due to the heat play was very slow and we only had 15 mins between our AM/PM rounds to eat and drink so went back out dehydrated and tired having gulped down lunch. The heat then really picked up and some players actually walked in with exhaustion and sun stroke!I barely made my tee time and was thinking it may be worth a 2 shot penalty, ironic I started the second round with a double bogey following a plugged lie in the greenside bunker and poor chip. The round didn't get better and a triple bogey 7 (4 putts from the fringe 10ft from pin) showed I was not concentrating. I tried to rally but I was running on fumes and the back nine was a struggle for me as well. 36 Holes in such heat was Ok for the young guns. The top 5 were all under 21 years of age (scratch players and scored remarkably well in the PM under the conditions, see photo below.

I have to mention and praise the organisation of this comp generally and the value for money it affords at £46 you cannot beat this kind of event. 3 rounds of golf on a quality course, hot food and prizes, spotters at key holes, lots of water and fruit on tees for players. I will certainly play in this one again. They even had a pro - type score board See below.

Next week I will report back on the 2 comps first at Farnham "The Silver Frigate" which I have played in before and the Clandon Regis Trophy a new one for me (both Surrey Order of Merit events). The aim is to come down at least 0.7 shots to hit a 4 handicap from these 2 comps to keep on track. I hope the heatwave is over for a while... best of luck with your golfing endeavors.

13/06/2017

OK folks, quite a bit to update you on. Played 7 rounds of competitive golf from Thurs - Sunday. 3 x 36 hole comps and a singles match play. I make these updates too long (when I leave it for a while so will just give you the headlines.

Thurs 8th - Rochester & Cobham (Brice Bowl). Tough course Par 71 CSS 73 AM/PM. Shot an 80 and 75 to win the comp net prize. Handicap reduced by 1.2 should have been a better PM score!

Friday 9th - 1st round in Match play in national Titleist/FJ comp. Was 4 down after 6 but turned game around to win on 17th.

Sat 10th - The Addington Scratch Open. Great course, hot and very windy. Par 69 CSS73 AM/PM. My driving was off and 3 x triple bogeys in first round took the wind out of my sails. Tried to rally and do better in PM round but didn't happen shot an 88 and 82 so up 0.2 on the day. It had already been a long day but I wanted to sort my driving for Sunday so hit the range afterwards for an hour. Driving sorted :)

Sun 11th - West Surrey Open. Another great course in great condition. Slick greens, Par 71 CSS 72 AM and 73 PM. Started well but a few wrong club choices gave me 3 triple bogeys! Shame as I shot an 82, 1 shot outside buffer. PM round was much better a 75 gross which was enough to win the PM net prize and drop my handicap by 0.5 over the day.

So I am now back to being a CAT 1 golfer (exact 5.1 handicap). My goal was to be playing off 4 by the end of June so that is still possible...Overall a good week (better late then never) and I am feeling more confident with my abilities to score and improve. As at cat 1 golfer it will now be that much harder to come down quickly as only 0.1 reduction per shot (was 0.2 as Cat 2) and only 1 shot buffer instead of 2, see what I mean :(

A timely golfing stag do in France this weekend will give me the break I need away from handicap worries/counting rounds and I am really looking forward to it. 🙂

When I get back I have a 36 hole comp at East Berks (funnily enough named the "East Berks Stag" so maybe that is an omen for me to do well. Then another one on Sunday 25th at Farnham GC then a bit of a rest until Sat 1st July when there are 3 choices on same day... I have to chose the best option.

Will do an update after my next 2 comps. France here we come... See screen shot of my handicap cert below.

02/06/2017

Well overdue on comp updates. Sorry guys a lot going on off the golf course as well which has taken my mind off the game a bit. Things looking better now so hope to bounce back and get some results.

So played 36 hole comp at Orsett GC 28th April, a course in good condition but short gameand putting was off and shot 83 am and 85 pm so up 0.2 for the day and 44th overall. A young +2 handicaper won it with one over par. Not a good day...😟

Next comp was at Princes GC on Sun 30th April. Great course (played Shore/Dunes combination both rounds). Shot 84 am worst of conditions and 82 pm. Windy day so scores were high. Overall I came 14th gross and 8th nett which was Ok considering the field of 60 but should have been better as I dropped 3 shots on a par 5 with a wedge in hand when I shanked it OB trying to keep it under the wind... Buffer both rounds.

Next up was the Nick Carter scratch 18 hole comp at Coulsdon on Sat 6th May. Shot a 74 gross (+4) dropping 3 in last 3 holes. Tied 1st so have to do an 18 hole rematch to decide winner. came down -0.4 😀

The next day it was West Kent GC Open and I should have been in good form after Sat but I got off to a shaky start and lost a ball from a good drive and ended up with an NR. Tried in the afternoon but had lost interest a bit so +.1 on the day, not good!

Wanted to play in Burhill Open but was balloted out and also failed to qualify for the British Mid Age as entry standard was so high (3.4 and under only got in). Very disappointing.

Last week I played in 2 comps. Bletchingley Open (18 holes). The course was in excellent condition, I did not get a chance to get a practice round and ended up hitting some wrong tee shots. Was the hottest day of the year so thankfully 18 holes was enough...😅 Together with very fast undulating greens and pin positions which were ridiculously hard the whole field suffered on the greens with lots of 3 putts resulting. Round was therefore non qualifying for handicap with only reductions. A 1 handicapper won it by about 4 shots with a 1 over score. I finished mid field.

My last comp was at Old Fold Manor GC near Barnet on Friday 26th May. A lovely course in amazing condition. I managed to play a practice round so that helped. I Struggled on the greens morning and afternoon getting the read and speed as they were running at 11+ on stint meter. Not good when your putting stroke is a bit jerky... Anyway Shot a 82 Am and 81 Pm (dropping 5 shots in last 3 holes) just trying to hard to post a good score. Finished in top ten I thing but still waiting for results sheets to be issued. Both rounds buffer. Should have done better...

As it stands my handicap has therefore gone up, down and back up to 6.6 where it is at the moment. Monthly medal tomorrow so hoping for a good round.

Next 36 hole comp is at Rochester & Cobham GC on Thurs 8th June and then Sat 10th at the Addington GC if I get in.

Until next update have a good one.😆

My golfing journey in 2017 to lower my handicap from 6 to 1 for eligibility into the European Seniors Tour qualification school in Portugal in Jan 2018.

27/04/2017

Important to perform over the next 3 days. Orsett GC 36 holes tomorrow (may stay dry) and Princes GC 36 holes on Sunday (looks like rain). My handicap must come down.....the pressure is building.

Watch this space for updates on my results for each event.

02/04/2017

Littlestone GC competition update.

What a great event! My first of the year. 76 players (36 holes on the Tues) with top 32 making the cut for Wed. Played well all day but failed to maximise on my opportunities. My approach shots and scrambling were just not good enough. Winds gusting from 20-40mph made club selection very hard indeed. Playing Links golf is very demanding as shot making is essential. I learned a lot from my playing partners.

I shot a respectable 79 AM and not so good 83 PM to finish 32nd in the field, some 20 shots more than the leader off a +2 h'cap. Unfortunately the Wed round was my worst (86) but I felt I hit it the best, strange! Overall h'cap went up by + .1 not what I had hoped for but great to be back playing competitive golf again on a superb course.

Also played on Sat monthly medal at Coulsdon Court GC. Hit the ball great but compared to Littlestone it was like playing a different game. a disappointing 81 net 75 and another + .1 which now makes me 6.5 (playing 7). Not the start to my season I wanted but I know my game is getting there. Hope to report scores soon.

My next 36 hole competition is at Milford GC on friday 7th so wish me luck. :)

18/03/2017

Sutton Coldfield GC the Walton Heath of the Midlands....what a lovely course. Heathland at it's best. I pitched up yesterday lunchtime to see if i could play and was greated by a very friendly club pro who said he would get me out. Within 10 mins i was on the first tee with Mark and Steve (both keen horse racing fans who had bets on the days races at Cheltenham.

I must say I preferred SCGC to WHGC especially when the round cost me £20! Compare that to the winter rate of £75 at WH and £150 per round after end of March... Each hole challenged positional play, bunkers were placed well and the greens were firm and probably the best I have played anywhere at this time of the year. The rain held off for us and the course was bone dry, with tight lies just like playing in the summer.

Finishing my praise for this course lets get back to my less spectacular round :) I started strong and had a good first nine before bogeying the first 3 holes on back nine but then steadied the ship playing the last 6 holes to par to shoot a 5 over par 77 (off the tees of the day). The strong breeze made the course play tough like a links course testing my shot making skills even more. I can see 4 putts being made on this course when the greens are at full speed. I will definitely be making a return visit.

Next week is going to be a busy one as such my time to practice will be limited, no actual rounds of golf. Short game practice and a club distance gapping session on Trackman are planned. The 28th/29th March comp at Littlestone is fast approaching, I must perform well and keep my cool, the pressure is on.... until next time

18/03/2017

Been a busy 4 days... on Wed played a four ball at Chartham Park on what was a glorious day. The course was in very good shape. Bit of a messy front nine for me dropping silly shots from good positions. Found the greens very tricky but we were still 2 up at the turn and I got it together on the back nine (-1) and finished with a 2 over 74. Equaled BK's score of years gone by :). Which was enough to win our match. On back nine Had birdie opportunities from 15ft on most holes and almost holed a wedge from 120 yds to get my only birdie. A satisfying round with good company.

See round summary below. Yesterday I played at Suttion Coldfield. A lovely course. Summary coming in my next post...

12/03/2017

Yesterday I played at Cuddington in the Hilliard league match, the course was in fine shape and greens magnificent, a credit to club. Mark Pierce and I played OK but were totally outputted on the tricky greens and lost our match with CCGC losing 2-1 overall to a determined home club team. Good practice for me however for the Mid Age Comp being held there in July.

In preparation for my first main competition on 28/29th March at Littlestone GC I was pleased to play a practice round with KCS today. Conditions could not have been any better. Kev said he had never seen it so calm. Hopefully we will be fortunate again on the comp dates with the weather although I somehow doubt it.

We played off the back tees and the course was in great shape and a very good challenge (especially the back nine) which I played much better than the front 9 despite having a good start. Things to take away from today is
- Keep out of the pot bunkers (now that I know where they are)
- Know where/when to lay up
- Play to the correct side of pin on greens
- Be patient as it is a fair course.

Notes made of the greens/slopes/key distances to hazards etc. I really do hope I post some good scores in the comp. We will see!

Next week I am playing on Wed at Chartham Park with friends and hope to book time to check my gapping and firm up my club distances using Trackman. If you have any questions drop me a line and I will reply. Oz over and out until the next update.

Below is a summary of my round.

08/03/2017

An acknowledgement for being slack on the updates recently so thought I would drop you a quick update on my March medal result from Sunday 4th (also my birthday). Basically my driving and club selection let me down and cost me at least 8 of the 10 shots I dropped. Had my scrambling been better I may have played to my handicap but 2 double bogeys on holes I should par cost me. Some encouragement from my ball striking and iron play is a positive to take away.

I am playing a club match on Saturday at Cuddington and a practice round at Littlestone with my golfing buddy KCS on Sunday in preparation for my first big event of the year - South East England Mid-Am championships on 28-29th March also at Littlestone GC. I will aim to provide a further update beforehand on my lead up.

Below for your info is my stats for the Medal round. MUST TRY HARDER! Wish me luck :)