Golf Talk Tuesdays 2015-2020

[Huston55]

Golf is my main activity in retirement.

Usually play 2/week, practice and workout 2/week. 4.5 index.

I've been on our state golf association for about 10 years. Really enjoy it. Took the USGA Rules test and scored pretty well. Am now in charge of the U.S. Amatuer qualifier in our area, as well as helping with other tournaments.

Amazing story at this years US Am Qualifier. One player, who played in the U.S. Open and Am last year and is a senior on scholarship at U of Oregon, shot 70-67. This years state am champ, scholarship U of Michigan golf, shoots 72-64(course record). Shooting 68-65 to win by 3, is a kid who isn't on scholarship anywhere, he wasn't even in high school yet, just finished 8th grade! (But there were three other qualifiers younger than him in this years Am.)

Well, Maui is one fine place to live then! I love vacationing there; always hard to choose where to play among all the great courses on Maui. I have to admit though that one of my favorite golf days was on Lanai (while on vacation to Maui). I played both courses on Lanai (the Greg Norman & Jack Nicklaus courses); they couldn't be more different & both were awesome. A wonderful way to spend a long day.

What are your favorite Maui courses?

 

[Shanky]

Since you are in the bay area, you have too many good choices on where to play.
For public play you have Harding Park along with many great choices in the bay area. To your south in Santa Cruz, you have Pasatiempo, which was the inspiration for Augusta National. And in the Monterrey area you obviously have Pebble Beach, Spyglass & Poppy Hills, but a couple of real gems include the old Fort Ord courses, Bayonet & Blackhorse. Also San Juan Oaks is near by. Finally with the NCGA, you can get on private courses like Olympic club for special play days on occasion.


You can tell I miss the golf in that area.

 

[gcgang]

Well, Maui is one fine place to live then! I love vacationing there; always hard to choose where to play among all the great courses on Maui. I have to admit though that one of my favorite golf days was on Lanai (while on vacation to Maui). I played both courses on Lanai (the Greg Norman & Jack Nicklaus courses); they couldn't be more different & both were awesome. A wonderful way to spend a long day.

What are your favorite Maui courses?

Summers I return to Montana, where I help with the golf assn and Am.


On Maui I belong to King Kamehameha. Great course and magnificent Frank Lloyd Wright designed clubhouse.


Most people think Plantstion course is best. I've never played Plantation in Kapalua, although I've walked it several times at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions as a shot link scorer.

Other courses I occasionally play are the resort courses at Wailea, and the nine hole Maui CC. MCC used to be a treat, but it's condition as deteriorated significantly in the last few years.

 

[zinger1457]

Do you guys have a limit to how much you'll spend for a round of golf? I think the most I've ever spent is $75 and I've played at most of the top golf courses in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Palm Springs. I usually stay away from those areas during the peak season (Jan-Apr) when prices are crazy (IMO).

Was on vacation at Carmel/Monterey CA last month and the closest I came to Pebble Beach was walking along Carmel beach next to holes 8-10. The only way to get advanced reservations there is to stay at the resort (~$700/night), then another $495 for golf. If you don't stay at the resort you can only reserve 24 hours in advance and the cost is $495 plus cost of caddie. I have a hard time justifying 6 'Benjamins' for a round of golf.

 

[jjquantz]

Do you guys have a limit to how much you'll spend for a round of golf? I think the most I've ever spent is $75 and I've played at most of the top golf courses in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Palm Springs. I usually stay away from those areas during the peak season (Jan-Apr) when prices are crazy (IMO).

Was on vacation at Carmel/Monterey CA last month and the closest I came to Pebble Beach was walking along Carmel beach next to holes 8-10. The only way to get advanced reservations there is to stay at the resort (~$700/night), then another $495 for golf. If you don't stay at the resort you can only reserve 24 hours in advance and the cost is $495 plus cost of caddie. I have a hard time justifying 6 'Benjamins' for a round of golf.

I struggle with this. If I'm on my own, I will rarely spend more than $50 on a round of golf. I find that I have a lot of fun traveling across the country and playing various munis along the way. You meet a lot of interesting people that way.

When it comes to a "golf trip," then I really don't think about the cost of an individual round, I think more about the entire trip and whether the experience is worth the total outlay. For instance, I went to Bandon Dunes the first week of September (high season). It would be next to impossible to do this for less than about $4000 with airfare from the East Coast. I played 9 rounds of golf. So this works out to about $450 per round. I would never drop $450 on the counter for greens fees, but for lodging/air/golf in this location I feel that I got my money's worth. Rack rate for Bandon Dunes resort guests is $265 for the first round and $135 for the second. If you have the time, energy and buddies who will tee off with the rising sun, the third round of the day is free.

I agree with you about Pebble Beach, as much as I would like to play it, the costs are over my threshold of comfort.

 

[gcgang]

Pebble is on my bucket list. I figure I better spend the $ before I lose it all in the market��.That's great to know they have caddies.

 

[Dawg52]

I played a course in Santa Fe, NM a week ago for just $23 including cart. It was an excellent course with pretty scenery. Wasn't busy either. Wish I could find deals like that in my area.

I've belonged to a club for 25+ years. But now that I spend 1/2 my time on the coast, just doesn't make sense to keep my membership. Plus the club is semi-private now and we don't have all the club things to do as we used to. Main club house only open on weekends. Will probably get out at the end of the year and pay as I go. They do have $30 deals on Monday and I can play a lesser public course for $20 when I'm in town. Will suit my needs. The only problem is not being able to play with my old golf buddies. But I'm not playing with them as much anyway since I'm out of town a lot. Oh well.......

 

[Huston55]

I struggle with this. If I'm on my own, I will rarely spend more than $50 on a round of golf. I find that I have a lot of fun traveling across the country and playing various munis along the way. You meet a lot of interesting people that way.

When it comes to a "golf trip," then I really don't think about the cost of an individual round, I think more about the entire trip and whether the experience is worth the total outlay. For instance, I went to Bandon Dunes the first week of September (high season). It would be next to impossible to do this for less than about $4000 with airfare from the East Coast. I played 9 rounds of golf. So this works out to about $450 per round. I would never drop $450 on the counter for greens fees, but for lodging/air/golf in this location I feel that I got my money's worth. Rack rate for Bandon Dunes resort guests is $265 for the first round and $135 for the second. If you have the time, energy and buddies who will tee off with the rising sun, the third round of the day is free.

I agree with you about Pebble Beach, as much as I would like to play it, the costs are over my threshold of comfort.

+1

I usually play locally twice/week, plus a practice session. Most of the public courses I play here in the SF Bay Area are <$50/ round with a cart (less if you walk, which I normally do). At this price point, even in an area as expesive as the SF Bay Area, there's an abundance of good quality golf courses within a reasonable drive.

When I'm on vacation, my 'math' is different. For a "golf trip", I approach it the same way JJQ does. My golf trips are usually with 4-16 guys, for ~4 days +travel, and include 6+/- rounds. I evaluate those trips by total cost, and compare that total to other vacation travel that I or I/DW would do throughout the year. If it fits into our annual travel/vacation budget, it's all good.

For example, our annual guys golf trip to Kiawah Island, SC is 6 rounds in 4 days +travel, with 8 guys, and is usually ~$2k/person all in. I consider that a decent deal. This Spring, we went to Bandon Dunes instead (a bit of a splurge/bucket list thing for most of us), and the all in cost was ~$3k/person. I'm taking a smaller group (four) to St. George, Utah later this Fall, where 6 rounds in 4 days will cost ~$1k/person +travel; for me, this would be a great deal if the golf is as good as everyone says. (I'll let you know after I return. )

When DW and I go on vacation together to a place that has good golfing opportunities, I will play 2-3 rounds during a 7-10 day period. This usually means resort golf prices ($100-$200+/round) but, I can occassionally find deals (like the discounted greens fee websites in Hawaii). Again, I use 'vacation math*' for this golf, and my guiding principal is whether it fits in to our overall budget for that trip.

* "Vacation Math"=Whatever I spend on golf, DW gets to spend on her vacation pursuits. So, there's a doubling effect.

 

[robnplunder]

Was this year's trip to Bandon Dunes? Nice photo of 16. 3/4 of my group jsut got back from Bandon - I played 9 rounds in 5 days and the others played 7 rounds. For me, Bandon is just about golfing heaven.

You asked about goals - I guess mine is to set a new personal best on my handicap index. I briefly touched 4.4 in 2005 and have been sitting between 6 and 10 for the last 20 years or so.

In this, my first full year of retirement, I should post about 150 rounds - all walking. That's seems to be just about the right number - 4 rounds per week when the weather is nice and get a few in every month during the cold months when I can.

Scratched off Bandon Dunes in my bucket list this March. DW and I planned to go every year though. It's only 8 hour drive from where I live.

I am not retired but DW and I play about 120 rounds per year, most of them at my home course with a few golf trips planned throughout the year.

I practice about 5 hours a week, and play on weekends. Like the OP, I plan to increase my golf practice time when I retire.

Life is good when golf game is good.

 

[Huston55]

I am not retired but DW and I play about 120 rounds per year, most of them at my home course with a few golf trips planned throughout the year.

Life is good when golf game is good.

Consider yourself lucky that you share a passion for golf with your DW. Seems it'd make it much easier to fit more golf into your life.

 

[Huston55]

Based on what you posted on another thread about how much you already play/practice, you may also be in for a disappointment. I was playing about 100 rounds per year before retirement but really wasn't practicing much. I was hoping to increase practice time after ER. Total rounds this year may be about 150 - and I think that's a good number for me. I've got to become a more effective practicer, however.

+1 that we need to be more efficient, and effective at what we practice. Taking lessons and doing recommended drills seem to work best. But taking lessons will stop once I retire. My retirement budget has no room for golf lessons.

You both probably started with lower handicaps than me but, I've seen a marked improvement in my play since retiring. I'm convinced it's directly related to: (1) practice and, (2) lessons, especially lessons.

DW's birthday present to me this year was a series of lessons which I got to select. I chose GolfTec and have been very pleased. It's a methodical, data based system with lots of video bay practice time for instant feedback. My HI has gone down 2 strokes in less than 2 mos, and I can tell I have lots of improvement left. I'd highly recommend a series of lessons.

I'd link this to the "Golf Talk Tuesdays" thread but, I don't know how to do that.

CAN WE GET SOME MODERATOR HELP?

 

[jjquantz]

Consider yourself lucky that you share a passion for golf with your DW. Seems it'd make it much easier to fit more golf into your life.

+1

Two of my golf partners are a husband/wife pair and they don't have any of the issues that I have with DW saying, "I really don't want to do another golf vacation."

Actually, DW is very supportive and walks the course with us on the weekends when the temperature is over 70. But, she has a valid point that golf vacations don't benefit her like they do me.

 

[robnplunder]

Do you guys have a limit to how much you'll spend for a round of golf?

Yes, and no.


It a course is in my bucket list, no. One year, I did Pebble Beach courses. Last year, the Bandon Dunes. The PB courses were pricey.

For casual rounds, yes. My LBYM limit for green fee is $100. Since DW plays, multiply that by 2 = $200.

 

[robnplunder]

I played 9 rounds in 5 days and the others played 7 rounds. For me, Bandon is just about golfing heaven.

9 rounds in 5 days? I can't imagine that. DW and I played 4 rounds in 4 days and that was enough for us. Our caddy told me that most who play two rounds per day barely finishes the 2nd round.

 

[Huston55]

9 rounds in 5 days? I can't imagine that. DW and I played 4 rounds in 4 days and that was enough for us. Our caddy told me that most who play two rounds per day barely finishes the 2nd round.

Our group of 8 played 6 rounds in 4 days (1/2/2/1) and had plenty of light left. Even had time for an hour or so [-]drinking beer[/-] putting on the "18 hole" Punch Bowl course. That was fun.

 

[jjquantz]

9 rounds in 5 days? I can't imagine that. DW and I played 4 rounds in 4 days and that was enough for us. Our caddy told me that most who play two rounds per day barely finishes the 2nd round.

I actually felt pretty good physically at the end of the week. It helped that I was able to play round 1 and round 9 by myself and the courses were pretty empty so it only took about 3 hours for those two rounds. I was mentally shot, however, just no concentration left, at all. I can believe that most people are dragging, my buddy's cousin who joined us this year was one of those. There are a LOT of people walking very slowly around BD.

 

[Dog]

I'm just getting back into golf since retiring last year. Last I played was in a casual league through work back in the 90's. I was never very good. I played in a women's league this spring/summer and had fun. I realize I need to invest in lessons and get a driver. I'd like to get better.
DH likes to golf and takes 2 golf vacations ( desert areas) in the Spring and Fall with the guys. I hope he will join a league when he retires next May. I look forward to some golf vacations in the future.


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

 

[Huston55]

I'm just getting back into golf since retiring last year. Last I played was in a casual league through work back in the 90's. I was never very good. I played in a women's league this spring/summer and had fun. I realize I need to invest in lessons and get a driver. I'd like to get better.
DH likes to golf and takes 2 golf vacations ( desert areas) in the Spring and Fall with the guys. I hope he will join a league when he retires next May. I look forward to some golf vacations in the future.


Sent from my iPhone using Early Retirement Forum

As I said in an earlier post, I'm a fan of lessons, and the current series I'm now taking was a gift from DW. I hope you do get to a point where you and DH can take golf trips together; sounds like a great time.

I don't know much about the courses in your area, especially on Whidbey Island itself. The only course I've played in the region is the one at Port Ludlow. DW and I took a vacation to Seattle/Olympic Penninsula/Victoria/Whidbey Island ~15 yrs ago, and I played then; she rode in the golf cart and read a book, occassionally helping me look for a lost ball.

 

[Huston55]

This Week's Lesson

So, as I noted in the OP, I'm taking lessons and they are helping me improve my game; so far, by lowering my Handicap index by ~2 strokes. Since I've been taking these lessons for only 2 mos, I'm pretty pleased with that.

The first 6 weeks of lessons were all on the full swing. The past two weeks have been on the short game. This week's lesson (taken yesterday, Monday) was a putting lesson. It's probably the most important part of the game so, it's an important area to be proficient in. But, based on the stats from "Swing-by-Swing", putting is not a weakness in my game. I average 1.7 strokes/hole & 1.9 strokes/GIR; both figures are pretty respectable. Frankly, I'm surprised they're that good. But, I typically play on courses with moderate difficulty (not super-undulating) and moderate speeds (9-10 stimp).

Anyway, the way my lessons always progress are, me swinging (putting in this case) the way I normally do, observed by my instructor and recorded on video (as the "before" swing). My instructor then gives me feedback on what's good and what to change. I then practice this several times, going through several iterations with continuing instructor feedback, all on video. Then, when I produce what he's looking for, he asks me how that feels to me; we record that plus any other key points from him in the notes for the session, along with video of the properly produced swing (putt). Those notes and video go into my online file, along with some standard GolfTec "drills" for whatever it is one is trying to do. All of this is then immediately accessible by me from any device on which I've downloaded the GolfTec App; I chose my phone. I thought the golfers on this thread might be interested in the structure of the lessons, which I find very 'data based' and effective. And, the immediate accessibility anywhere is great!

Now for this week's lesson...putting. I use an Odyssey White Hot blade putter modified with the fattest Super Stroke grip made. We went through the process described above, and my instructor told me to make the following changes:

1. Locate the ball 'one ball' forward of the middle of my stance.
2. Make my putter shaft a bit more vertical, aligning with my forward arm.
3. Use a bit more forward press than I'd been using.

Everything else: position, stance, routine was good.

All of the recommended changes are to get the ball rolling forward as quickly as possible. The video (a worm-cam) showed that my putts actually skidded forward almost a foot before rolling, which is not good. After making the recommended adjustments, the putts were rolling after 2-4 inches, which was clearly visible on the video.

After that, we went to the practice putting green to test how well I'd taken the lesson on board. My instructor also recommended the "Ladder Drill", where you line up putts that are progressively one foot longer each time (typically from 3-8 ft).

OK, there you have it---this week's lesson.

 

[gcgang]

I use putting drills from Pelz.

3 balls
20 footers, different angles. Get 10 (in a row) to the hole and no more than a putter length beyond.


Make 10 putter length putts (with your eyes closed).


40-60-50 foot lags.


Takes 10-15 minutes on a good day.


Really teaches distance control in line with his " optimum speed of 18" beyond hole" theory.

 

[Huston55]

I use putting drills from Pelz.

3 balls
20 footers, different angles. Get 10 (in a row) to the hole and no more than a putter length beyond.


Make 10 putter length putts (with your eyes closed).


40-60-50 foot lags.


Takes 10-15 minutes on a good day.


Really teaches distance control in line with his " optimum speed of 18" beyond hole" theory.

Great drills! Especially for speed control & lag putting.

I'm going to have to try the 3-footers with my eyes closed. Seems it would give one confidence on short putts.

 

[Huston55]

I played Rancho Solano in Fairfield, CA for the first time yesterday. What an awesome course! It's as good as described in the great Golf Advisor reviews it's received. It is also a great deal @ $32 to walk 18.

The course is very well watered & lush considering the drought. And, the greens are as large, undulating & difficult as described in reviews.

I highly recommend this course if you live nearby or are in the area.





You may be whatever you resolve to be.

 

[robnplunder]

Here it is. It includes 5 courses and 3 practice ranges in my area. I already play regularly at two of these courses. I plan to buy the $800 card, which will give me a 33% discount on golf. I can use it to play in the Ladies' Leagues at these courses too.

Play Golf Kelowna : It's okay to play around.

I don't know why more courses in join force to offer cards like this. That'd be much preferable than playing the same course over and over (the situation I am in).

 

[robnplunder]

Took another golf lesson yesterday and found that my bad swing habit (lack of shoulder tilt at address, head behind the ball) keeps coming back. No matter. It's two steps forward and one step back, 2 forward, 1 step back, 2 ....

 

[Huston55]

Took another golf lesson yesterday and found that my bad swing habit (lack of shoulder tilt at address, head behind the ball) keeps coming back. No matter. It's two steps forward and one step back, 2 forward, 1 step back, 2 ....

I know what you mean. If I'm not very thoughtful while practicing or playing, my bad habits also return. Although my lessons have helped tremendously, it is still not yet second nature for me; I have to think about the lessons & concentrate.

A good example is last week @ Rancho Solano. I'd just taken a putting lesson & did very well on the indoor artificial green. Then, I had five 3-putts in my next round.

Large, undulating tough greens but, come on! Five 3-putts? Lots of work to do. ️


You may be whatever you resolve to be.