On the PGA tour with 72 players coming down the stretch on Sunday afternoon it is quite interesting to see how many miss greens on par threes. The stats will surprise you with the number of greens missed. The long par threes are understandable but the shorter ones seem to plague the pros too. They are a problem for us ordinary golfers, as well.
Yesterday, I had a typical practice round but I was waiting to arrive at No. 8, a short par three. In my previous Journal I mentioned my customary shot at that pin, long and left. I also said I could tee up a second ball and be sure to turn away adequately and hit safely to the green. Believe me, yesterday was an interesting happening!
For your information, I have several new items added to my address and back swing, previously discussed. Yesterday I walked briskly to the tee and smiled (and even chuckled) as I thought, "I need only add a good turn away to this shot and I will have a greenie!" I did not waste any time. I teed it up and turned away correctly and hit a perfect shot to the front of the green (a little short- probably 15 feet shy). I had my greenie. I knew what to do and swung with total confidence and - BINGO! I did it.
My point is that by example, without bragging, I can confirm that game improvement does happen. Notice I did not discuss my other shots on the previous seven holes. Some were good and others not great. My round was typical as practice rounds go. But remember, I was looking forward to the eighth hole from the start.
So, now I have parred the par threes and look forward to the long par fours. Always a source of bogies. My driver is working well. I am now twenty yards closer on those long par fours when I hit my second shot from the fairway. Yesterday on the long par four No. 6, I marveled at being inside the 150 yd. marker with my tee shot. Two years ago I was hitting from at least 175 yards most often. I do like my Taylor Made R-7 driver and that helps. You will see your improvement, over time, as the foregoing demonstrates.
I always say to friends and family, as we talk about our round, "It is best to notice your improvement rather than your score." Especially if you are working on your game. I made a few changes in my chipping game which has vastly improved. From that fact I realized that I had better improve my putting game or the better chips shots do not improve my score. It is much like learning to hit further without hitting greens. Still chipping!
Being satisfied with improvement in the elements is very important. Far more important than your score. Eventually the score improves also, but not necessarily at first. There are so many elements that we cannot expect score to improve immediately.
Be happy with your progress. Good luck!
Richard
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