Conference 7.286::golf

    Hello Fiona
    
    My name is Pam and I've been playing golf for almost a year now.
    Consistancy won't come over night, it will probably take years.
    I got hooked real quick.  Have played about 65 times this year.
    My goal for this year was to break 110 for 18 holes.  I scored a
    102 at Jackolantern in Woodstock, NH.  Next year I want to break
    100 and consistantly shoot in the 90's.
    
    I was playing very well this summer and then my game went downhill.
    The strongest part of my game used to be off the tee.  Now it's
    the worst part.  I am very good around the green, putting and chipping.
    Some of my putts amaze people that are watching.  But then again,
    I'm not always consistant there either.  Some days I am so hot at
    putting and other days I can't hit a 1 footer.  I'm still learning
    so am not going to worry about anything.  I plan to take some more
    lessons in the spring.  It's too late now.  The seasons almost over
    and I would probably forget what I learned by the spring.  I only
    took one lesson this year which helped a lot with the fundamentals
    like a good grip, etc.  I was told that I have potential to be a
    very good golfer.  I'm hoping.  I don't like to do anything half-a**.
    I don't want to always shoot in the triple digits.  If I can get
    into the 90's and stay there I will be happy.
    
    I was in an accident 8 weeks ago and haven't played a decent game
    since.  Just a case of whiplash.  I was playing very consistant
    before that, now I can't get off the tee for the life of me.  My
    average drive used to be 150 yards with a good one at 175.  Now
    I am lucky to hit out to 100 yards.  Very depressing.  But, next
    year is a new year and I'll take a few lessons to see what I'm doing.
    I haven't been able to figure it out.  I'm wondering if the muscles
    in my neck are still tight.  The doctor said it could take a few
    months to completely heal.  It's just strange how I haven't had
    one decent game since the accident.  Everyone I play with notices
    and asks me what happened to my drive.  I lost distance on every
    club. 
    
    I love the game !
    
    Pam

    Hi Fiona,
    
    I wish I had thought of starting such a note!
    
    In my experience, consistency will only come with practice, practice,
    practice, practice... In case you didn't get the point, you must play
    a lot to get things to come together consistently.
    
    I started playing golf about 8 or 9 years ago. The majority of that
    time I spent on a par-3 course, and I played a lot. My 9-hole handicap
    got as low as 8 on this course, and my short game really improved.
    
    Somewhere in the middle, I played very little golf for two seasons.
    At the same time, I started playing on a regulation course (well,
    it's not a very long course, but compared to the par-3 course I had
    been accustomed to, it was long). My game fell apart! I was used to
    being on or just off the green with my tee shot; trying too hard 
    just makes things worse in golf, and I tried to compensate for the
    extra length by swinging too hard. Of course, I had not middle game
    either. Needless to say, my confidence in my game went down the tubes
    until I reconciled myself to the fact that I couldn't play the game
    the same as on a par-3 course.
    
    Slowly but surely, my game has improved. I'm hitting woods this year
    (I needed only irons on the par-3 course, and I carried this over to
    the regulation course, but it didn't work). My middle game has really
    come around this year, and I'm starting to shoot lower scores more
    consistently. But it took a lot of work! I would guess that I have
    played on an average, 3-4 times a week.
    
    My advice to a beginner would be to concentrate on etiquette and rules,
    and let your game develop for you. It will. I think lessons will
    definitely help things happen faster for you. I regret not having
    taken any, and after reading some of the notes in this conference
    about taking lessons, I'm seriously considering it for myself.
    
    Enjoy yourself, and don't take the game too seriously. Don't worry
    too much about inconsistency. This is the biggest downfall of my
    game, but a lot of practice helps to straighten it out.
    
    Patti

    Hi Fiona,
    
    PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE! That (after your lessons) in my
    estimation is the key. I have been playing for 6 years, took lessons
    from three different pro's.....I figured some of this will have
    to sink in after a while, and after nearly driving my poor husband
    crazy, by making him drive around on weekends looking for golf courses
    that were not crowded??!!@# No such animal!  Mainly because my knees
    used to knock on that first tee, with about 100 men standing there
    and watching, and my praying....."please let me hit it".  So after
    I got over that fear, and believe me, that took a long time, I
    preceeded to practice very often. I play as soon as the snow leaves
    the fairways, and play in the fall until you can't see your golf
    balls because of the leaves. I play just about everyday after work
    in the summertime (thank God for DEC flextime/and day light savings,
    cause I get 18 in mostly everyday, then on weekends, I play 18 with
    girlfriends, and my hubby plays in the mornings with his foursome,
    then we join forces and usually go out for another 18!!  Needless
    to say, I been bitten by this golf bug, but love it!
    
    Keep at it, definitely, I would get some lessons, and hit a driving
    range, or there is a wonderful par 3 golf course for beginners,
    where you don't have to feel intimidated, because of playing slow
    or whatever....it's called Middleton Par 3 right on rte. 114 heading
    out towards Peabody, Ma. I don't know where you live, but that's
    a great 18 hole par 3 course that is manicured impeccably. Or just
    go to the range, and hit bucket after bucket of balls.
    
    Good Luck,
    M. Barber
    
    I realize it was worth all the practice now, that I put into it,
    with all the knee-knocking to go along with it. So hang in there

    PRACTICE is the key, as long as you practice correctly. Keep track of
    the number of balls you hit, and count the ones that went where they
    were supposed to go.  I have been playing for many years and was at my
    best when practicing and playing 5-6 times a week. Now I don't have
    that kind of time and my game has deteriorated to once a week golf.
    
    Don't take a lot of lessons together, concentrate on one thing at a
    time, (ie. driving, or chipping, putting, etc.) and practice that.
    Often people think they can learn to play the entire game in a year and
    expect to play it well. Professional golfers take lessons all the time
    as parts of their games come and go.
    
    The most difficult part is to have the patience necessary to learn it
    well enough to develop consistency. It is more mental than physical and
    takes a lot of discipline.
    
    To me, golf is the ultimate sport, as it fully integrates mind and
    body. Can you physically execute what your mind says you must? No one
    else controls the placement of that little sphere but you! Can you meet
    that challenge on a consistent basis?
    
    It is the greatest game in the universe!
ENJOY IT!
    Sharon
    

    I agree with .4.  All the practice will not help if you don't know what
    you are doing wrong.  
    
    I've been playing for about a year and a half and only recently 
    everything came together for me.  I can finally hit a driver now.  
    I get about 190 to 210 yards consistantly, and I get good height 
    with my irons.  My biggest problems was not getting enough height
    to make the ball sit and pushing the ball to the left.  My goal is 
    to break 50 for 9 holes before the year is over.  I've gotten 
    several 50's and 51's, but didn't quite do it.  Whenever it came 
    real close, I became very nervous and blew the putt...
    
    I joined a league in August of this year which made me practice 
    a lot more.  But my game was still very inconsistant.  Just about 
    everyone told me what I was doing wrong.  Some of the comments were 
    contradicting which was very frustrating.  I also read a lot of books
    on golf and saw a couple of video tapes.  One day, I was reading
    Golf Digest and saw a picture of a golfer just after the ball
    was hit and it suddenly dawned on me what I was doing wrong!  So,
    I went to the driving range and worked on fixing my problem and
    since then I've been hitting the ball straight and high in the air.
    
    I've never taken a lesson from a pro.  My fiance is my teacher. 
    He has a DEC league handicap of 2 at Stow Acres, I guess he could
    be considered a pro!  I am happy with the way I've progressed and
    probably won't take a lesson unless I get a real bad problem that
    I can't fix.  
    
    I am so glad I picked up golf, it really is a good way to forget
    about all your problems and everything else, too.   Since I've
    started playing golf, my house is a mess, no ironing ever gets done!
    I am getting married in June next year, and even the wedding plans
    are being put aside because I rather go golfing ;-)
    
    Fiona, my recommendation would be to figure out what you are doing 
    wrong (really know what your body is doing) and keep working on 
    fixing it.  Most of all, don't worry, one day you will pull it all
    together!
    
    Eunhwa

    Thank you everyone for your advice .... I cetainly am practicing
    hard although the driving range is quite a distance from where I
    live at the moment which is a bit of a pain. Never mind, in a months
    time I'm moving to just round the corner of a DR so they'll be no
    excuse for not practising then!
    
    Re no.5..what was it that you were doing wrong? I find that most
    of my balls have started going to the left?  I also find that when
    I consciously relax I hit a much better shot than if I am all tense
    and trying too hard? Is this just coincidence or general?  I'd be
    interested to hear how you corrected hitting left in case I'm making
    the same mistake.
    
    I've got another lesson tonight so I shall put all your advice into
    practice....
    
    Fiona  (I think I'm getting hooked as well!!)

    Hi Fiona,
    
    I was doing two things wrong.  Basically you want to be square to the
    ball when you hit it.  
    
    1.  I was overswinging.  I was bringing the club back around so much
    	it was pointing way to the right of the target at the top of my
    	swing.  Therefore, my swing plane became inside out which would 
    	put a right to left spin on the ball and cause it to go left.  
    	Sometimes, I just closed the club face too much (this happened
    	during my swing and not at the setup time) and just hit it to
    	the left.
    
    2.  The most important thing I discovered was that I was turning and
    	locking my right knee just prior to impact.  My hips and legs were
    	turning way ahead of my club.  So my body was not square to the
    	ball at impact.  The locking  of the knee created the effect of
    	lifting, so I scalded the ball, etc...
    
    Now, I concentrate on keeping my knee slightly bent throughout the
    swing and taking a slow backswing so I can control the club and not
    let the club take over.  Of course, don't ever take your eyes off the
    ball until you've hit!  You don't have to keep your head down, just
    don't take your eyes off of the ball!
    
    The reason why you hit better when you are relaxed has a good reason
    to it.  If you become tense and/or grip the club too hard, your body
    tends to lift just before you hit (trying kill the ball).  so, you end
    up scalding the ball.   I've gotten my longest distance when I swing
    most effortless.
    
    Good luck tonight,
    Eunhwa
    
    

I know this is a women's topic so I hope you don't mind if a
man types in.  (not that you've got a lot choice now. :-))

As part of being a club fitter, I look at a lot of swings from
people just getting started OR trying to break 100.  One thing
that they seem to have in common is they spend too long 
addressing the ball.  It's al though they are thinking of 
EVERY tip they ever got before they start to swing.  Does this
'internal conversation' sound familiar?
"Lined up square? Weight on the inside of the feet, knees bent,
arm stiff no straight, turn the shoulders, keep the club low
............."?

What I'm trying to say don't clutter up your mind with too many
thoughts.  I like to use the 3 piece golf swing.  Set up to
ball correctly (grip, stance....) then forget it.  Think about
ONE (1) thing to start the backswing.  When that's started
then switch your focus to ONE thing on the downswing.  Don't
spend a lifetime over the ball.  As I tell my wife (a new 
player) and customers just starting out, "hit IT before IT 
hits you, let your natural abilities take over.  Take your
stance and hit the ball.  The other advice you got was to 
practice.  Lessons and practice are important.  The practice
area is where you'll pick out your "swing keys", the golf
course is where you'll use those swing keys to keep the 
swing as simple as possible.

Another good learning tool is to play with a good player if
you get the chance.  Study that players swing, and the way
they play the course.  Watch their work around the greens,
watch what they do when in trouble.  I learned a lot from 
watching good players.

And lastly, be careful when taking advice.  I've heard it said
that free advice is worth every penny, and I do believe that
there's a point there.  Anyway, there's nothing more 
irrational on a golf course than an 18 handicapper giving
lessons to a 20 handicapper.  (Apologies to you 18 & 20 
handicappers but I do have to chuckle)  When someone is
slashing it around the course for a smooth 110 and they offer
you swing advice, smile politely, say thank you then forget
what they just said.  If they know enough about the swing
and the game they wouldn't be shooting 110 in the first place.
They only thing you have to gain is another bad habit.  See
your local teaching pro for advice on your swing.

Enjoy the game, have fun with it don't let a bad shot get to
you.  A pro once told me to use the 3H 1F method of golfing

		Hit it
		Hunt it
		Hole it
		Forget it

					KO

                  < ANOTHER NEW GOLFER!!!>
    Hi Fiona,
    I started playing in Feb. of '89 so I really don't have too much
    advice to give.  But I do have a story behind how I got started.
    My husband plays golf and in trying to get me started, he signed
    us up for the DEC golf league (called the Duffers).  We went out
    to play one week before the first league game was to take place.
    He took me to a course by the Bay, in the afternoon.  This means
    there were close to gale winds on the course which made it not alot
    of fun.  But I thought, "this is how all people play golf, so I'll
    stick with it!"  
    
    The following week we arrived for our first game
    with the Duffers and I was nervous, but excited.  It was cloudy,
    but we didn't think anything of it......until of course it started
    to rain.  Then the wind kicked up, well I had played in the wind
    already so this was normal to me.  We put on our rain gear and were
    set to finish our 18 holes.  Again I thought, "golfers are certainly
    a persistant bunch of people", so I finished out the day.  I was
    soaked through and through, but was told that the 19th hole would
    cure all.
    
    I got through the worst I could possibly experience in my first
    couple of months playing golf, without giving it up, infact I've
    become somewhat of a fanatic.  I try to play at least twice a week
    the go to the DR at lunch time.  I try to take my clubs with me
    on business, if I know I'll be staying over a week-end to play the
    local courses and we've just come back from a golf vacation on Sanibel
    Island, Fl. 
    
    I do recommend taking lessons from a golf pro.  The one I take lessons
    from has improved my game by 20 strokes so far and tells me I should
    break 100 before the new year.  I'm still not as consistant as I'd
    like to be, but am usually scoring between 102 to 116.  
    
    Also one last thing, as helpfull as everyone tries to be, only remember
    what your golf pro tells you and discourage helpful hints on the
    course.  Rely on "muscle memory", and you'll be..............
    
    TEE-RRIFIC!!!
    Rachel
                                                

    Thanks again everyone for your encouragement - my last lesson showed
    that I don't move my hips very well so practice is being concerntrated
    on that for now.
    
    One thing that annoys me is how men can hit the ball so confidently
    and cleanly and so far - when I ask why, I get the answer because
    they are so much stronger. This is true, but are there any exercises
    that I could do to strengthen the "golfing" muscles I need??
                               
   Fiona 
    

    I used to have weak wrists...  I tried the wrist exercise machine a 
    couple of times, but what strengthened them is just playing a lot of
    golf.  I became used to the weight of the club.   
    
    Since the club head speed is what gives the distances, as long as we
    hit the ball with a good shoulder/hip turn and break the wrist at the
    correct times, I think we can hit the ball just as far as any average
    men golfers (of course, you maybe using your driver while he hits
    his 3 iron ;-) )  I would like to hit as far as my finance does, but 
    I know that somethings just aren't possible.  He gets anywhere from
    280 to 320 yrds with his driver...
    
    It's technique not just strength!
    
    Eunhwa 
    

>    I know that somethings just aren't possible.  He gets anywhere from
>    280 to 320 yrds with his driver...
    
         The longest male hitters on the PGA tour average between 270
       and 275 off the tee.  If your fianc� hits it that long I'd be
       surprised.  The longest female hitters on the LPGA tour by
       contrast can average it near 250.  Laura Davies averages up
       near 260 I believe, and can crunch an occasional 300 yarder.
       So the differences between the men and women aren't as much
       as you think.  Keep practicing Eunhwa and you'll be right out
       with him before long. Good luck! 

    -rick
    
    ps.  Work harder at the short game.  Let your fianc� outdrive you
        all day long, but beat him on the scorecard.  Chipping and putting
        well, will do that for you.    

    Gee Rick, I just checked with Walt Lenehan, my fiance, just so I won't
    be telling a lie.  He said that he hits anywhere from 270 to 320. (I've
    witnessed him hitting 310 on two occasions).  What gets me is that he
    is also accurate most of the time.   
    
    Well, I think this is quite enough discussion on Wally, he has a big
    head as it is...   He did give me a few good tips on how to get more
    distance, and I drive further than most women and some men, too.  
    ( I am just 5'2.5" tall).  I am going to work on my putting all winter
    so I can at least give Wally a good game.
    
    Thanks for the encouragement, rick.
    
    Eunhwa
    
    

    re .13
    
    I played with Walt in the scramble.  He can bust the ball out there! 
    And I'd believe 320.

    I don't have anything new to add to this discussion since all the
    advice has made alot of sense - just want to be counted as one of
    the growing legions of women who would rather play golf than do
    anything else. I really feel badly for men who love the game and
    have to justify the time spent in playing it to their wives. Guess
    if wifey didn't understand the passion I'd have to divorce her. 8>).
    
    Just a quick word to Pam in .1 - Six years ago I broke my neck in
    a winter driving accident and was back playing golf in August of
    the following season. Unless you're getting medical advice to the
    contrary I wouldn't worry about the whiplash permanently imparing
    your swing. Once we're in to warm weather again you'll probably
    find that everything loosens up and is back to normal.
    
    Nancy Z.
    
    PS Eunhwa-We've got all winter to catch up on the ironing and
    housekeeping - See you at Twin Springs!
    
    

     
    RE: .10
    
    Fiona,
    
    There are several devices on the market that claim to be good for
    the "golf" muscles. My thoughts are that an overall exercise program
    is better than just the specific "golf" muscles... Take a look at
    note 179 and its replies. If you want info on specific devices for 
    exercising the "golf" muscles just let me know and I can post some
    info on them...
    
    Gene

    RE .15   Is this the Nancy I played with a couple of times whose
    husband smokes a pipe while golfing?  I forgot his name...
    
    I maybe playing at Westminster if not crowed or Twin Springs this
    weekend!
    
    Eunhwa

    re .17
    
    Yes, Eunhwa, we are one and the same - pipe and all.  May have to
    wear our mittens, but we'll probably be at Twin Springs, too. Every
    weekend we say, just one more game....
    
    Regards,
    
    Nancy Z (other half of Stan and Nancy)

    re .13
    
    Eunhwa, what was the advice you got for hitting it long distances??
    (not that I'm concerntrating on distance at the moment - hitting
    the ball is hard enough!)
    
    re . 16
    
    Yes please Gene, I would be very interested to see some of the "golf"
    exercises.
    
    Thanks
    
    Fiona
    
    (PS I'm being it loose on my first nine hole course tomorrow - so
    anyone thinking of going to Ascot- unless you get there very early
    you could be in for a long wait!!)

    Tips wally gave me:
    
    	1. Good shoulder turn on the backswing.
    	2. Accelerate on the downswing.  Smooth and slow at the beginning
    	   then speedup about half way down.
    
    	3. Slight lateral hip push to the left as you hit the ball 
    
    	4. Don't forget to break the wrist.
    
    This has the effect of whipping a string with weight at the end.  If
    you try to whip it by moving your entire arm, it's not going to have
    any speed.  But if you do it by moving your hand and wrist only, it's
    going to whip around really fast.  So, the uncoiling of the shoulder
    turn and the hip and the wrist breaking all adds to the speed of the
    club head.   This is not too easy to accomplish, though ;-(
    
    I still don't have all of them put together, but even if one or two
    parts come together, I can get a pretty good hit.
    
    Hope it helps,
    Eunhwa
    

    
    	Here are a "few" of the gadgets made for "GOLF" exercises...
    
    	The Lone Eagle Swing Plane Trainer... isometric exerciser designed
    	to help your muscles memorize the feeling of a proper swing plane.
    	It uses a cord attached to a suction cup (which you stick to a wall
    	of a mirror) the other end of the cord attached to what is basicly
    	a cut off golf shaft with weight on the end. $49.95
    
    	GolfGym... this device uses a special golf training grip which
    	makes it possible to isolate and strengthen then muscles you
    	need for maximum distance. It uses a stretchable cord, you stand
    	on one end and the grip is on the other (these are hard to discribe
    	without a picture). Various exercises can be done with this device.
    	$24.95
    
    	The Marcy Wedge... This is NOT a club, it is a device for
    	strengthening the flexor and extensor muscle in the hand, wrist
    	and forearm... $49.95
    
    	Power Flexor... Used to strengthen your grip. Adjustable tension,
    	rotary action wrist and forearm exerciser. $14.95
    
    	Powerstroke... Elastic tubing, one end is attached to a good anchor
    	point (door knob, railing, etc) and the other end is attach to a 
    	golf club, just below the grip. You swing the club with one or both
    	hands through a short arc through the normal impact zone. $12
    
    	Warm-Up Practice Weight... Just like the doughnut that baseball
    	players put on their bats to warm up. This doughnut shaped weight
    	simply slips aroung the shaft on any of your clubs and you sming
    	the club to exercise or warm up. $3.95
    
    	There are many more but this gives you some idea of what is out
    	there. Some are advertised in golf magazines and some can be found
    	in your local golf discount store. You can also look through some
    	back issues of various golf mags for specific exercises and 
    	"STRETCHES" that you can do without needing ANY gadgets...
    
    	Hope this helps and if you need more info or do not have access to
    	old issues of golf mags let me know...
    
    	Gene
    

    Hi,
    
    	I noticed that the last note entered here was in november of last
    	year.  How are all of you women golfers doing this year?  I am 
    	driving off the tee better this year. I drove 245 yards the other day!
        But you all know long drives don't mean low scores...  My game
    	still hasn't come together yet, it's my 3rd year at golf.  I was
    	putting very baldly until two weeks ago.  I finally got fed up 
    	and hit the books again.  And I've 3 putted only once per nine
    	holes on the average.  My current problems are on my second shot
    	and/or my approach shot.  For some reason, I hit the ball with the
    	toe of the wedge and goes straight in front of me, and I
    	slice(strong fade) my fairway wood shots or top it.  I have not 
    	figured out what I am doing wrong, yet.  But I will soon get it 
    	together I am sure.
     
    	I wanted to break 50 for 9 holes in the beginning of the year but
    	it didn't happen till about 3 weeks ago.  I am running about
    	3 months behind schedule ;)  My next goal is to break 100 for 18.
    
    	Eunhwa
    
      

    My game is comming along.  This is my second season playing.
    My goal for this year was to break 100 and consistently play
    under 110 (ok guys, don't laugh now).  Last year I was shooting
    around 122-132.  This year I average around 108.   My closest
    to breaking 100 for 18 was a 102.   My best for 9 was last
    weekend at Stratton CC.  I shot a 50 on the Lake Course (previous
    day shot a 59 on the Lake Course).   I'm close to breaking 100.
    
    I wish I had more power behind my drives.   MY average drive is
    150 yards (But at least it's nice and straight).  Best drive
    was 180 but that was only once.   (I'm only 5'3", 110 lbs, but size
    doesn't matter right?)  I need to learn how to use
    my lower body better.  Luckily I can putt well and my fairway
    shots are good.  I hit a 5W just about as far as I hit off of 
    the tee.
    
    It's a great game!!!!!!
    
    Pam
    
    

    
    Reply .22
    
    	Eunhwa,
    
    	You said , you were putting very "baldly" until two weeks ago.
    
    	Ahem ... just curious, but what exactly did you do to correct
    	that problem? Not that I am not proud of my shine :) !
    
    	Or did you mean "badly" ... and just suffered a marital freudian
    	slip????????
    
    	Love Walta

    Oops, it has to be a marital freudian slip because I had to re-re-re-
    re-read your note to notice that "l" in between "ba" and "dly". ;)
    Or, I need a new brain...  
    
    	me too, eunhwa
    

    
    I knew that there had to be some women golfers somewhere...
    This is my third summer of golfing and I'm just crazy about the 
    game.  My rounds average around the mid 90's (sometimes higher,
    ah those putts do add up).  I'm only playing two or three times
    a week so I don't expect to be getting any better this year.
    
    I'm looking forward to seeing more women on the courses.  I play
    in two leagues where I am the only female, and it gets lonely out
    at those red tees...
    
    -laura

    	Hi Laura,
    
    	That's great that you shoot in the 90's after only 3 years of
    	playing.  I know I should be shooting much better, but I think
    	a mental problem is keeping me from improving than the physical 
    	ability.  I get up to my beautiful drive and take out my 3wood
    	because I know I can get it on the green with it.  But I am 
    	thinking "oh no, what if I slice it" so I set up way to the 
    	left.  And guess what?  It doesn't slice!  ;)  That's just one
    	example of my lack of confidence...   
    
    	I am trying to get more of my girlfriends to pick up golf, so
    	I will have more women to golf with.  If any of you ever want
    	to golf together sometime, let me know.
    
    	Eunhwa
    

>    game.  My rounds average around the mid 90's (sometimes higher,
>    ah those putts do add up).  I'm only playing two or three times
>    a week so I don't expect to be getting any better this year.
    
>    -laura

	Boy, I'm jealous.  Wish I could play that often!!!  Five times in 2 
weeks, and I'd have to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming!!!  Must be 
single, or have no kids.  One or the other.  

Beak

    
    
    No husbands, kids or pets.  
    All my time and money is spent on me (and it's still not enough...)
    
    

Hope it's okay for a guy to enter a response here ":^)=    
    
Anyhow, while my wife and I were playing our semi-weekly-sometimes round of golf
before work today (alarm sounds at 4:30 A.M.; on course as sun rises), she
mentioned that "maybe next year" she'd like to join a league and play after 
work once a week.  She works in a field research site of MIT in Westford and
there is no obvious company league for her to join.

Any suggestions?  (Works in Westford, lives in Carlise, MA, averages just under
110 at this time...has shot several MANY sub-50 "rounds-of-9" though.)

Thanks,
John, happily-married-to-someone-who-likes/hates-the-game-as-much(?)-as-I

    
    John
    
    I am the secretary of the Northboro golf league. Our league rules
    state that DEC employees, retirees, and spouses are eligible to play.
    Of course you would have to join the league as a team.
    
    We play at Juniper Hill in Northboro which can't be more than a 
    1/2 hours ride from Westford. Send me mail if you'd like more info.
    
    Randy
    

Guess I missed the boat on this one. I'm *way* behind on reading
in this notes file.

Because it's now 1991 and the middle of winter, all I can do is
comment on my game last year. Thank goodness it's in my past!
I had a terrible year. The ole cap moved up a few pegs; not
exactly what I had in mind when the season began. But there's
always next year, right?

I don't know how it happened, but I forgot how to hit an iron!
Any shot between 30 to 100 yards into the green, and I lost it.
My new woods worked like a charm, but my [lack of] middle game
killed me!

Actually, I have been playing golf this winter...computer golf.
I think I'll be in trouble when I actually get on the course though.
I'm getting too used to selecting clubs the way pros would: a whole
lot different than the clubs I select for *myself* on a real life
course. Time will tell.

Anyhow, THINK SPRING! IT'S RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!

Patti

    Hi Patti,
    
    	Ya, it seems as you get better on your weak part of the game, all
    	of a sudden you lose your strong part.  Maybe that's because I 
    	take it for granted and don't concentrate anymore...
    
    	As for me, I did pretty good last year and was able to break both
    	50 for 9 and 100 for 18 holes.  Then I got some new irons, Tommy
    	Armours, and lost the consistancy I used to have with irons.  When
    	I hit it in the center it goes unbelievably nice but when I don't
    	it goes to the right a lot.  The irons are a good inch longer than
    	my old ones.  That probably has lot to do with why I cannot control
    	them as well.  
    
    	Well, I am going to have them cut about 1/2 inch and going to
    	practice a lot at the driving range as soon as it gets warm.
    	I heard that your golf game gets better when you are pregnent,
    	lower center of gravity ;)
    
    
    	Eunhwa

>>                      <<< Note 803.33 by MAST::LENEHAN >>>
>>                           -< golf during pregnancy >-
>>
>>    	I heard that your golf game gets better when you are pregnent,
>>    	lower center of gravity ;)
>>    
>>    
>>    	Eunhwa

	Could it be the Lenehans are trying to tell everyone 
	something? Are congratulations in order here? 8^)

	P

    	Hi Patti,
    
    	It's true, I am five months pregnant.  I don't think it will slow
    	down my golf too drastically.  I just got a 7 wood with my winnings
    	from Stow league, and Walter and I are going down to Cape this 
    	weekend to golf.  I figure there are lots of people with big stomachs
    	doing just fine.  Guys with beer bellies ;)   
    
    	Do you know where they might sell golf carts with baby carriage 
    	attached?  Just kidding ;)
    
    	Eunhwa
    
                         

Well, well. Congratulations! If that child doesn't come out screaming
"fore!" it will be a miracle.

Best of luck to you both. 

Sincerely,

Patti

    
     My wife was still golfing 3 weeks before we had our first baby. She
    had a slightly modified swing, but she was still fairly straight off
    the tee, and long!!  Putting was/is a different story........
    
     As long as you can still enjoy it, do it!
    
     Good luck.....Dave

    
    
    Well, spring is here and I've started my weekly morning golf.  The ball
    just doesn't seem to go very far in the cold.  I boggied the first 
    4 holes and things went down from there to finish with a 48 for 9.
    I'm just not ready for golf season...
    
    -Laura