See the little pink monkey hanging from that awesome lime-trimmed Birdie Girl bag? That's Mashie, my little mascot. Sometimes she really helps me with my game, other times she totally jinxes me. On Saturday she did a little of both resulting in a score of 121.
Ok, I know, many of you would probably say that was a lamentable score. Some would rather admit to partaking in Satanic rituals or having a social disease, than a 121. But I was quite OK with it. In fact, I practically skip-walked to the 19th hole. Where I relived the glory of my 20 foot putt and my magical chip shot over a couple/few glasses of Chardonnay.
Needless to say I wasn't dwelling on the shanks or the fades or the foozles...or that farcical chili-dip. They were noted and I'll work on them. That's the way I've always been about my game. To be perfectly honest, during the two years I've been playing golf I've never much bothered with keeping score. It might seem implausible and irresponsible to some, but I just didn't feel ready, I was still learning, and frankly I didn't want to see 150 on my card.
I think if we want to attract new players to the game, and not have the majority of them bail after the first season, we need to be accepting of more relaxed attitudes. Some beginners will immediately want to track their game, establish a handicap and compete and that's great, however we must allow others, like me, for example, to play purely recreational golf...even if that means not keeping score...for as long as they feel they need to... and just enjoy it. Eventually, they'll probably want to take stock and work on their game in a more methodical way.
Well, you'll be happy to know I'm finally ready, and I've found way to take my game to the next level. It's the Golf for Women Challenge. It's a free game improvement program that's ultra simple and extremely user-friendly. It's part of the Golf Digest Challenge which is an equally awesome program for guys, and includes an amazing selection of on-line lessons, health and fitness tips, free swing analysis and a tracking program to map your progress. There's a great sweepstakes too, with weekly golf travel and equipment prizes. The biggest prize for me for me would be to achieve my uber ambitious golf goal of breaking 100 by the end of this season.
So, I'm psyched, and I'll be posting my progress regularly over at my GFW blog, Red Tee Tales. For now I'm off to the practice range to work on those mishits.
Everybody who plays golf starts as a Beginner...there is no skipping that part of learning to play golf. So, with that said, everyone has shot 150 or more. Even Tiger Woods and Lorena Ochoa shot those numbers, thought they probably were three or four years old when that happened. But the point is,,,everyone has to go through being a beginner and even in some cases stay a beginner due to their interest level. So, hang in there. You have made the first step towards throwing off that title 'Beginner' that usually is like an anchor around your neck when it comes time to swim in the big pond called playing 'social golf'...the next step above 'recreational golf'. Keep us in the loop on your progress.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, and the last comment was right on too! I've been playing off and on most of my life, and am still VERY happy to break 100. Trick is not to focus on the score and let it get you down, but instead concentrate on what went right with your round; the parts of your game that show improvement, and great shots for you. It is important as a novice especially not to judge yourself by what you see others doing, but against yourself and by your own progress, no matter what the pace. Most of us will never be pros, so the biggest thing is to make sure to have fun with it! :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Patricia! I'm excited for you to take the GFW challenge and look forward to reading about your progress. I love your attitude and your bag. Birdie Girl rocks. Go Mashie!
ReplyDeletedid you get over the water on 3 and 5? I've only legitimately been under 100 once at Richter. I could probably have done it a few more times if I were willing to lie on my card. My first round of golf ever in my life (I was 12) I kept track of everything and shot a 183. Next time was a 140.
ReplyDeletei just signed up and will finaly begin to track my game results but anyway it's much eaiser, not to mention safer and less embarassing to be a novice golfer than a skier, skater or swimmer ;)
ReplyDeletemr. business golf has got to be the biggest dufus on the planet. i'll bet a bobby jones hybrid that he goes to bed every night with his winkie in he left hand and a pix gg in his right hand----- and chokes his chicken (limp of course) until blood blisters form on the helmet.
ReplyDeleteAdvice for Patricia:
ReplyDeleteIf you are trying to break into the golf media industry I would not go around publishing the fact that you are a 48ish handicapper.
When you opine about the game and its professional players and then state your lack of aptitude for the game you lose all credibility.
My advice to you is to stick to fashion statements and keep your golf scores (and nick's) to yourself.
First off - NICE MONKEY ! :-)
ReplyDeleteI just have one question - how long did it take to play that round of 121 ?
As much fun as social golf can be, we do have a responsibility to the other golfers on the course to keep moving and do our best to play in less than 4 or 4 1/2 hours (as a foursome).
I love those days when I have the course to myself, so to speak, and can play extra shots and work on things, but those days don't happen very often.
Players who can't play in a group in a decent pace belong on the range, a par 3 course, a 9 hole course, or an executive course. Just paying the green fee doesn't make it right to just play at any old pace and back the course up.
My (former) sis-in-law came up with a terrific scoring system for herself until she was confident that she could break 100. If she was happy with how she played a hole, she drew a smiley face. If she didn't like how she played the hole, she drew a frowny face. If it was just so-so, she drew a straight face. In all cases, if she couldn't get or or around the green in par, she would pick up and move along...unless, of course, there was nobody behind us.
At the end of the round, she would count her faces and decide how she played...and then have a beer, regardless of the outcome.
She understood her limitations as a beginning golfer, and we taught her the ettiquette of the game - she never complained when she had to pick up or let other group(s) play through.
Improving your score and enjoyment of the game is something we all want to do - but there has to be a level of respect for the rules and ettiquette as well.
Personal improvement comes with lessons and practice - the game will grow if we set a good example by not holding the course up and working on getting better away from the course.
MBG, Rebecca GolfChick, JL, Anon I - Thanks for the comments and encouragement.
ReplyDeleteAnon II - Whatevs.
Anon III - There are many highly respected baseball, basketball, football writers who don't even pretend to play the sports they cover. They just know them and write about them in an engaging way.
So I'd suggest you just not read blogs by writers you feel have no credibility. K? But thanks anyway for the advice on breaking into the golf media industry.
Court - I totally agree with you on the etiquette and pace of play issues, and always, always respect them. That said, there's absolutely no reason why a foursome (like the one I played with) can't play in under 4 1/2 hours. We did on Saturday, and we always do. And that's MY whole point.
If relative beginners know the rules and etiquette, and respect them they should NOT be shunned from playing on a course or discouraged from doing so. I'm all for lessons and working at the range, they are essential elements prior to getting onto the course and throughout one's golfing life, however, once a player has the fundamentals of the swing, game, rules and etiquette down...and is committed to respecting them...the best thing he/she can do is get out onto a course and play, and I maintain that this is how we'll grow the game.
And you know what? Most of the slow players I see out there are not women, and they're not guys who consider themselves beginners or high handicappers either.
d;o)
Right on Patricia! It's amazing how many golfers just don't get it. They intimidate new players from playing then complain that rounds are down.
ReplyDeleteYou're right that as long as pace and rules are respected beginners should have no problem playing on a course. I'm quite sure the average adult beginner would have to take lessons and practice for at least two to three years to then be able to go out and play scores much lower than yours. Joseph Lemay had a good comment too about scoring. That is that hardly anyone ever counts everything but they say they do and they even end up believing it!
Thanks agian for the great post.
When you're a beginner it is a good idea to play "better ball" (the beginner brings his/her ball to the spot of the best shot of the foursome and plays from that spot). This is a great way to keep pace and play from decent places on the fairway. Pace is never a problem and it gives the beginner a chance to interact with "better" players and see up close how they plan to play different shots and then try to do the same themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt also gives you insight into the mindset of the beginning golfer. If they really want to learn the game and play on bigger courses without slowing play and frustrating the other golfers, this format can be a really rewarding process and enjoyable for everyone.
However, beginners who insist on hitting every shot (including 5+ shots out of bunkers and searching for every ball hit in the woods) drive everyone crazy and slow play considerably. The golf rangers can be called in to deal with these players.
Hot chicks get away with anything, I guess that's the moral of this story.
ReplyDeleteHiya GG - Here's the thing, you didn't mention anywhere that you kept your round under 4 1/2 hours and didn't mention the etiquette of not holding up the course.
ReplyDeleteOn the other side, I never said women are the ones holding up the course, and I didn't say that slow players are always beginners.
However, playing a 4 hour round while shooting a 121 isn't easy - remind your readers to keep an eye on the clock and the groups behind and in front to make sure they aren't holding up the course - beginners or not - women or men.
After all of it, Patricia - keep in mind I sell these great little golf flasks - and I have them in pink, black and.. lime green!
ReplyDeleteKeep goin' for your goals, golf girl!
All you broads need to learn to stay home, do the laundry, cook a good sauce, practice your meatballs and work on your bedroom moves. That is how to keep your man happy.
ReplyDeleteI really think this blog is making a mockery of golf.
ReplyDeletePlease respect the game and don't try to make the game to fit your life style.
Perhaps change the focus to tennis or figure skating?
Hey Anon
ReplyDeleteFuck you and your mockery crap, you snobby, country club loving, limp dicked asswipe with a pole stuck up your anus.
ps Fuck you and the high horse you rode in on!
anon 4:50AM your post begs the question.. why r u up @ 450 in the morning reading a blog u you hate? it's not writen for u and there are many who do like it as indicated by it's popularity
ReplyDeleteanon 3:21 many of us don't have a man in our lives...we have men and trust me they're happy :)
anon 9:37
ReplyDeleteit sounds as though you are quite the little slut. most whorebags have "men" in their lives because they dish it out so easily. it sounds as though you fit into this category, you fly bitten little strumpet
I'd prefer that people refrain from foul language and vitriolic comments.
ReplyDeleteK? Anything else is fine :o)
Thanks
Oh yes, and strumpet counts as foul language. I think.
ReplyDeleteGolf Girl you are too funny.
ReplyDeleteWait - strumpet counts as foul language ? But what about all those orchestras, jazz and marching bands around the world ? Won't they be missing someth...oh wait...nevermind... :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks GG.
ReplyDeleteFor those who are blinded by hatred, please proceed to the "hate blogs". You will find many other haters to rant with all day (and night) long.
Got nothing to say about your post, you really got an awesome blog. Would you mind if i ask you for a link exchange?
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Pat,
ReplyDeleteHave you taken any golf lesson
It could serve 2 purposes:
- material for your blog
- improve your golf score to make the game even more enjoyable
I have taken and continue to take golf lessons. I'm signed up for a bunker class and hope to write about that. I also hope it helps my get out of bunkers. :o)
ReplyDeleteHere's something to help you with your short game skeeelllls. Pick up a copy of Dave Pelz' "Short Game Bible". You'll find drill after drill after drill to work on every aspect of the short game. My brother and I worked on the bunker drills chapter for a couple of hours one day and have had very little trouble there since.
ReplyDeleteThe book I'm working through right now is Bobby Clampett's book "The Impact Zone". More good stuff from the putter on out.
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