Breaking 80
This is the beginning.
I have played golf since I was 12 (possibly earlier). I probably started consistently breaking 100 when I was 15. I was shooting mid 80s when I was 18.
And then I lost it.
I spent a few years doing volunteer work and didn’t have the time to play. I then needed to play less golf to save up to buy an engagement ring (worth every missed round). A wedding, bachelor’s degree, two dogs, master’s degree, and a baby all were (extremely valid) excuses for not putting the effort into improving my game.
Throughout that time I still found enough time to maintain a semblance of a golf game. I probably played 5-10 rounds a year, hit balls on the range about the same number of times, and watched hours of YouTube videos. I did my first golf trip to Myrtle Beach - three rounds of awesome golf over two days.
I have spent a considerable amount of time playing golf between 2012 and 2020, and yet my game hasn’t really gone anywhere! I’ve shot inconsistently between 88 and 105, typically hovering around 95.
It’s time to get serious about improving my game.
The resolution: break 80 by October 2022
Dropping my handicap from 23 strokes to 7 strokes might seem ridiculous, but I think we can do it, and here is why.
Handicap versus low score
We are shooting to break 80, not for a single digit handicap. I’m typically shooting 95, but on a good day I might dip to 89 or 90.
All it takes is a lucky break!
If we can get down to consistent low 80s (82-85) then on a magical day we just might break 80. So really, we are laying the foundation for a mid-handicap golfer, and praying just like everyone else.
Total time
This pledge is being made in April 2020. I need to break 80 by October 2022. That is 2.5 years.
What about the last 6 years? I’ve had twice as long and my game has gone no-where.
I think I have a few things going for me right now:
- Just bought a house - don’t think we are moving anytime soon
- Stable, flexible job - should have ample time and resources to practice and play
- Fundamental knowledge - I know more about the game now than I ever have
Putting all of that together in an applied program should be enough to put me over the edge and have me shooting low. The only thing left now is diligence.
Getting it done
Now, how is this going to happen?
Timeline
I’m breaking down this effort into six time segments, with target low scores by those dates:
| Year | Month | Target low score |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | August | Below 90 |
| 2021 | January | Below 88 |
| 2021 | July | Below 86 |
| 2022 | January | Below 84 |
| 2022 | July | Below 82 |
| 2022 | October | Below 80 |
Besides the first two segments (calendar year 2020) we have six months to drop two strokes off our score. I’ll likely play at least 18 holes of golf a month, and during the peak months can play two to three times in a month. That combined with all the at-home and at-range practice should be ample practice to drop these scores way down.
At least we can hope!
Focus
The biggest difference is going to be the intentional mindset behind golf. For a long time I’ve played golf to play - it’s been fun yet frustrating at the same time. I need to identify key issues with my game and strive for improvement.
I have consumed a ton of content on how to go from a high to mid-handicapper. As of today, there are three things that I need to do, which have impacts on a lot of areas of my game:
1) Hit more fairways 2) Aim for the middle of the green 3) Go for the two putt
I’ll dig into each of these specifics on later days, detailing what I’m doing to address these specifically and how it is changing the way I approach a round.
Accountability
I’ve already shared this goal with one of my close playing partners and my dad (who I golf with more than anyone). I’m also (hoping) to document my efforts via this blog.
I also need to begin logging my practice. I’m exercising, stretching, and practicing swing mechanics, which all ought to be tracked so I can continually improve. Not sure if that’ll be done via blog or an app (I’m using 18 Birdies right now).
I just pray I can be diligent enough to see this through. I’ve had many great ideas and projects that I have begun, but very few that I’ve seen through.
And so it begins, a two and a half year journey to take me from an average golfer to a good one. The only person that asked me to do this is myself, and in a way that is part of the reason why so many people are drawn to golf - there is always room for self-improvement.
Only time will tell if I can make it happen.