In this episode, our resident high handicapper takes you out on his first 18 holes of the year as he begins his never ending quest to lower his handicap.
I may have slightly underestimated it Luke 😂 To be honest I had no idea it would get so many views. If I had, I probably wouldn’t have done it 😂😂 but I’m delighted I did because the comments have been brilliant. Thanks for watching Luke, much appreciated 👍🏻 Jamie
Cheers Neil, glad you’re finding it relatable. Should have the next course footage episode out in the next couple of days so hopefully you’ll give it a watch 👍🏻
Just came across this video today. What a breath of fresh air. Don't get me wrong, I love to see all the pro's hitting their stuff but as a guy who is in his late 50"s and only started playing the game late last year, it's great to finally find a high handicap golfer who's willing to show us all his shots on the course 'warts and all'. Brilliant, thanks for posting and keep it up. I'll now go and watch your other vid's and follow your challenge to lower your score, with great interest.
Thanks a million mate, glad you enjoyed it. The whole aim of this channel is to document everything, both good AND bad. I want people to have a real understanding about the difficulty of golf and In particular for high handicappers trying to learn the game. I think it’s probably more important to showcase the ugly stuff than the good. Hoping to have more course vids out soon if this Irish weather would ever stop being less Irish 😂 best of luck with your game in 2022 👍🏻
I have been playing golf since I was 10 yo and now I am 73. During that time frame I have had many good rounds. Although I have lost allot of distance in my game now, no matter what my handicap would be if I were to still keep one, I feel if I can still walk and play the game, I will still keep on chasing that little white ball around the golf course Cheers mate
Cheers mate, I absolutely love this comment and your continued love for the game. Trust me, I’m right there with you. The thumbnail of the video is just tongue in cheek at my playing ability at the moment. I love this game and 100% am a life member 😄 Thanks for watching and the great comment 👍🏻
Loved this! I'm a high-handicapper lady player having just got to 36 - this really resonated with me and you made me laugh in a good way! I'll enjoy the journey with you and look forward to seeing you deal with the OAFs!
Haha I’m glad you found it relatable. And welcome to the club 😀 Thanks very much for following so far, it means a lot. The OAFs are a work in progress but I’m confident we’re getting there 😂 I’ll have a new course footage episode out very soon so hopefully you’ll enjoy that too. Thanks again 👍🏻
I had your game a year ago, shaved 10 strokes by not making your 2 mistakes: -Always take 1+ club longer with a smooth swing when not sure about distance. -take a second extra to pick up ball and read the 1st putt, always take a second to read the second putt. Also your driver stance looks great. Once you learn to slow and shallow the driver in transition, you'll gain 15+ yards.
Keep the crossfields, finchs, sheils & robinsons, this is absolutely me to a tee (no pun intended!) Great watch for so many reasons: I can see someone else hitting the same clangers I hit but never know why I did it as I never see my own swing so this will be a huge help.. you're playing courses that are only an hour or two away from me that I could easily get to myself so it's brilliant to get to see them up close on the big screen.. naturally, it's smashing to hear a fellow Paddy's accent on the YT for a change 😀.. and I stocked up my golf clothing wardrobe with the druid's gear there at Christmas too so it's nice to see someone else with good taste in garments too :) keep up the great work pal, best luck for the upcoming season
Cheers Richard. Absolutely delighted you found so many reasons to like the channel. Glad to be able to represent us fellow High Handicappers and document the pain and struggles we go through for those fleeting moments of brilliance. Gonna have a few more “local” courses up soon so make sure you keep an eye on the channel. And you can’t go wrong with the Druids stuff 😉 thanks for the well wishes. Same to you also 👍🏻 Jamie
Loved that, not much wrong with your putting, pitching/chipping around the green, lessons with a pro will bring your long game to another level...great to see a fellow enthusiast 👍
Cheers Francis, much appreciated. Really glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for pointing out some positives 👍🏻 overall I was very happy with my putting and chip shots. Hoping an improvement in irons can help lower the handicap 👍🏻
It’s not how great you play but how much you enjoy the game that maters. I am a high hc’er myself and at the end of the day even if I had a bad day I go away feeling great. The more you play the better you will get.
Great advice Jim. I absolutely love the game and I’m addicted to it. As a newbie, I would get quite frustrated with my inconsistency however I’m learning to take the rough with the smooth. Even if you’re playing bad, you’re still outside in beautiful scenery, stretching the legs and socialising with friends. There could be worse things to be bad at 😂
Jamie, Have to say I really enjoyed the content and as a fellow high handicapper at 28.5 I throughly emphasise! I’ve shared it with some mates and looking forward to Ep 4 😁👍🏌️♂️⛳️
Cheers mate, i really, really appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed the content. Can’t wait to put out some more episodes. The weather is killing me at the moment. Had both rounds this weekend cancelled cause the courses were closed. So episode 4, which I’m currently editing is based on my practice sessions and I’ll be back with a full round of golf in episode 5 😃 Always great to chat to a fellow high handicapper and thanks a mill for sharing and helping to grow the channel 👍🏻 Jamie
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I live on the Isle of Wight off the S Coast of England and Storm Eunice and Franklin have decimated and closed all the courses over here this week so far! One of my mates I shared your channel content with lives near Belfast and he is going to the course you played in Wicklow at Easter. We both played Concra Wood in Castleblaney last year if you’ve heard of that one. Lovely course on the side of what looks like a mountain and surrounded by lakes. Ireland is soooo beautiful! Can’t wait to visit again 👍👍
Yes Powerscourt is a lovely course so if your mate hasn't played it before he'll thoroughly enjoy it. There's actually two separate 18 courses; West and East. I played West in Episode 3 and will be returning to play East very soon and will have it up on the channel. Concra Wood is meant to be incredible and is on my list so I'm hoping to get up there to play this year. We really are blessed for courses here and just Ireland in general. If you're ever in Ireland (around Dublin/Wicklow), give me a shout. Would love to visit the Isle of Wight one day myself
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper - Concra Wood was an awesome course and aesthetically beautiful but tough to play but you won’t regret the awe inspiring scenery! Definitely will give you a shout if I get over Dublin way and should you ever visit the Isle of Wight or the South Coast then let me know and I’ll join you!! All the best my friend and keep the fantastic content coming!! 😁👍🏌️♂️⛳️
Just found this and tbh this is so relatable, been playing 20 years and been as low as 11 but now back to 18 as father time and time to play take their toll. Not seen your other videos yet but a good set up along with plenty of practice and remembering to enjoy playing is the way to move forward, look forward to seeing your progress.
Cheers Steve, really appreciate the message. Glad you found it relatable. I’ve had loads of messages saying the same, which I’m delighted with. I was starting to think I was the only one struggling with it 😂 To be honest, I think I’d be quite content with 18, it’s low enough to be respectable but with a shot on every hole there’s slightly less pressure. You’re clearly a very good golfer to once have played off 11. Thanks a million for watching and glad to have you aboard 😄👍🏻 Jamie
Thanks for posting. I enjoyed watching . I’m a fellow high handicapper as well, but this year I have really concentrated on lowering my scores. I have found a few guys that have really helped me with my swing, Tom Saguto, Jess Frank and Nick Taylor all teach the same swing fundamentals. I think they are great for those of us that struggle with contact and swing plain.
Hey man I’m a high school golfer in Amerika who has only been playing for a year and a handful of months. Golf is a game of adjustments and execution under pressure, the adjustments are slight but provide amazing plug ins for a complex formula. The execution is your final result which you have to pin down, not to lecture here but creating a simple game within a complex game is the best key to success. All the best and good luck up.
Hey mate, thanks a million for watching and leaving a comment. Love that line about “creating a simple game within a complex game”. That’s currently all I’m trying to do 👍🏻
Cheers mate, hoping to have more episodes out very soon. It’s such a tough game but so enjoyable (most of the time 😂) Best of luck with the game. Personally I find patience is the key. If you keep following my channel I’d love if you kept me updated on your progress 👍🏻
Very enjoyable, and encouraging, for me as a novice golfer.I am now 71 years old, have played for two years, and am looking to improve and get a handicap this summer. Consistency is my big problem, and hooking iron shots left of target. I hit my driver pretty well. Looking forward to watching more videos from a golfer close to my level!
I think we might be related Simon 😂I have rounds where I feel like I can’t do anything wrong and then I go out the very next day and can’t do anything right 😂 convinced it will all click one day though 😂 Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed the video. I hope to have more out very soon once the weather gets slightly better. Good luck with your golf game in 2022 👍🏻
Cheers Steve. The thumbnail is a bit tongue in cheek based on the fact that I’m a high handicapper. I’m in this for life and love the game, hence the RU-vid channel 🎥🏌🏻♂️ Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Enjoyed my first watch ,looking forward to the next one , as for your swing it’s all hands and arm orientated , the tail is wagging the dog , need to get the dog wagging the tail , good luck and always enjoy your golf good and bad
Cheers Mike. Appreciate that. I genuinely am far too hard on myself but my biggest goal this year is to stop this, enjoy the game and just have fun with it. Have a good few more episodes lined up, just need this Irish weather to be a lot less Irish 😂 Thanks for the helpful comment 👍🏻
Your pretty consistent in your play, when I played off 28....i could play par, par, birdie, 10,8,10,par,birdie, 10,10,bogey..etc, .i was very inconsistent, loved your round, well played.. Peace
Cheers mate, much appreciated. I feel like I’ve reduced the amount of blow up holes and have gotten reasonably consistent. Although in that round 3 of my last 4 holes I tripled bogey. The back 9 was very slow so I think I was just getting tired at that stage. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏻
I have to say I enjoyed watching the video and I feel your pain (playing off 24.8). What I like is that you know where to improve and your right dead right TEMPO. I thought you where rushing because you might be holding other lads up, nice and easy wins the race. Fair play for sharing the video much appreciated
Hi Martyn, glad you enjoyed the video and that you can relate 😀 It’s not easy for us high handicappers. To be honest I think the tempo issue was more to do with the fact that I knew the camera was rolling. I think it made me a little nervous and tense which is a killer in the swing. So I’m hoping now that I have the first course vid out of the way I’ll be a lot more fluid and relaxed in the next one. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Just randomly came across this channel. Caught up on all the vids (all couple of them). Love the humor and the honesty. Subscribed and looking forward to the name change of "Diary of a Low Handicapper". Cheers from the US!
Cheers mate, glad you’re enjoying the channel. There’s loads more to come 👍🏻 and I do want it to be as honest as possible so people can get a true reflection of my game. Now that name change would be an achievement and a half ☺️
Mate.. You're right with the happy feet... Please please use a higher loft from the ruff.. I like the content and am looking forward to future videos.. Matt Bloise golf will keep you improving.. Cheers.
I haven’t got a handicap yet I’m 67 been Not been playing for 30years . Don’t quit the channel I think you played Ok you will definitely improve And you’ve got a good sense of humour You have to golfs bloody hard
Cheers Mark, appreciate the kind words and encouragement. I'm definitely in it for life, I just wish I was a little less crap 😂😂😂 But it's the toughest sport in the world that requires ounces of patience and practice, which I'm willing to put in. Thanks for watching and good luck with your game 👍🏻
nice video. i was also in your position a year ago. ive managed to get myself down to around 15 and slowly creeping lower. a few lessons would defo benefit you greatly, just to iron out the biggest problems, you would be amazed how much a few tweaks to the swing brings down the hc. good luck!
Thanks for the helpful comment and glad you enjoyed the video. I know you wouldn’t know it but I’ve actually had a few lessons 😂 but I’m just going through a few tweaks at the moment that I’m hopeful I’ll correct soon 👍🏻 congrats on your progression so far. That is a serious improvement in such a short space of time. Something I can only dream of 😂
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper ive been lucky to have been able to play at least twice a week for the last year. that defo helps the speed of progression. im hoping by this time next year to be down a good few more shots. tbh your short game and putting looked ok in this video, you will see the hc come down when consistency of longer irons and driver improves. good luck!
Love it - I feel your pain as I'm on the same journey. My lack of consistency is killing me. - Subscribed PS - Just looked up the course as I thought that looked like the Sugarloaf in the background - Look like it is. I grew up in Greystones so a familiar sight. Good luck with golf journey. Subscribed!
Cheers Alex, loved this comment. At the moment it feels like a tough slog but we can both live in hope that one day it will all click. It’s the hope that kills us though 😂 Thanks a million for subscribing, I really appreciate the support. I’ll have the next course footage episode out in a couple of days so I’d love if you could give it a watch 👍🏻 Thanks mate, Jamie
Thanks for sharing. I have subscribed to your channel. Your rounds closely resemble mine with regards to score and the mistakes like rushing, fat shots (I thin a lot of shots as well though) and I can relate to a slight lack of fitness. Good luck with your next round.
Just had this vid recommendation by that wonderful(!?) RU-vid algorithm. Liked and subscribed. I am from the UK but live in Queensland, Australia and now retired. This game is so hard and you are really brave posting this up for the world to see. I know that I am always shocked at how sh*t my swing looks on camera compared with what it looks like in my imagination. Two issues we share are bad tempo and using our arms way too much (until I can overcome the latter I will retain an out to in golf swing). I started on 27 and got down to 18 before embarking on lessons, equipment, tons of practice and two years on I am up to 22 despite improvements in my short game. I now think I know too much that I struggle to implement on the course. Sometimes I guess you have to go backwards first. That’s what I hope anyway. Look forward to following your journey and improvement but bear in mind there will be setbacks along the way. David
Cheers David. That’s a great message to receive and I really appreciate the time you took to watch the vid and compose the message. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I wonder why the heck I decided to do this but then messages like yours make me realise why. It’s all for the love of the game and sharing my experience with people all around the world. I know I’m not a great golfer but I do think I can be a better golf with some hard work and dedication. If you got down to 18 before, you’ll get down again 👍🏻
As a very high handicapper with limited experience I liked seeing these videos. You are right. Your swing looks so much better at the range. I liked your course footage most, practice footage was good to see, banter footage could have been a bit shorter imo. I hope you appreciate the feedback. I look forward to seeing more.
Hi Stephen, glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏻 And thanks for leaving some feedback, I always appreciate it as long as it is well intentioned, which this clearly is. Even though I appreciate my banter is an acquired taste 😂 Will have a new course footage episode out in the next couple of days so I’d love if you could give it a watch. Thanks mate 👍🏻
Watching your video, keep playing, I am full time single dad with a son with autism i use golf to have me time and I am an 28 handicap as well we have good days and bad days keep going and enjoy golf ⛳️
Cheers Ian, I really appreciate the message. Well if I can be half as good a golfer as you are a Dad, I think I’ll do ok 👍🏻 I love your attitude to golf. You just gotta take the rough with the smooth. Thanks for watching, Jamie 🏌🏻♂️
Hi , enjoyed the content. Couldn't help noticing how far right of the target you line up with your feet, especially with your irons. Probably part of the reason you come over the top to compensate. Try an alignment stick to get your feet lined up left of the target. You will be surprised how much difference it will make to your view of the shot. Keep up the good work on your journey.
Cheers mate, appreciate the feedback. You’re spot on. Alignment was a big issue. I think it stems from the fact that last year I developed a huge slice. I worked hard to correct it but now I’ve gone the other way 😂 now my big miss is a hook which is why I think I line up subconsciously to the right of the target, which actually makes my shot harder 😂 all being worked on at the moment so hopefully you’ll see a big improvement in the next few episodes. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment 👍🏻
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper totally agree with the comment above. The camera shows your alignment right. Keep up the good work though. Looking forward to watching your improvement
Great video, excellent score.. not sure if it was camera angles but looked like your alignment was way right with irons, something I defo struggle with too. Glad I have found this, will follow your progress
Cheers Kenny, glad you enjoyed it. Will have more course footage out very soon. Alignment was an issue, particularly on a couple of shots in particular. Thanks for following Kenny, much appreciated 👍🏻
Welcome to the struggle brother I'm 55 and have played (badly)for years without improvement Play of 24.3 but now and again I hit a blinder Keep at it and you should see hcp tumble
Enjoyed your video and enthusiasm, keep working at it. I’d suggest maybe just sticking to one sand wedge for most of your short shots 70 yards and in and in bunkers. Leave the others at home to keep it simple. My other tip would be just practice a putting stroke with pw, 9i or 8i from just off the green. Great shot for the summer when the pace of the greens picks up 👍👍
Cheers mate, decent advice there. I do like a nice bump and run with an 8 iron. Not a whole lot that can go wrong with it 👍🏻 Glad you enjoyed the video and the enthusiasm. I just love the sport and can’t wait to make more episodes
I started my handicap quest three years ago...as a 28, now a 16. My summary of your game is in two sections: first, stop beating yourself up over any shot... you're playing the best game in the world, enjoy every shot! Sounds nuts? NOPE, it's the best four hours! Second is technique... watch this video and critique your swing, every shot other than putting, you put the breaks on your swing before it's complete... almost a recoil instead of a full sweeping finish. This is pulling you off direction, it's making drives shorter, it's holding back when you should be swinging fast and free. You're a big young lad, don't hold back! Cheers!
Hi David, thanks a million for watching and leaving some feedback. Since the video ive been working hard on sticking my finish to ensure a fuller swing. Well done on your progress to date, very impressive. I’m sure you’re not finished yet. Hopefully I can go some way to emulating you 👍🏻 Jamie
Nice find for me! Keep plugging away and the HC will come down! I have been playing 5 years and started the same as you, now down to 7.5 so it can happen... For me the best thing i ever did was to see a pro and get some lessons. firstly to get down from the high 20s to teens. The advice they give is worth more than any equipment you can buy :) Subed and looking forward to seeing more
Cheers Andy, really appreciate the support and words of encouragement. I know you wouldn’t know it but I have actually had a few lessons 😂 They were particularly invaluable for teaching me stuff like grip, posture, stance etc. The next lesson I’d really like to take is short game because at the moment I’m finding that area tricky. It will all be part of my 2022 journey 😀 Congrats on your progression. Single figures in 5 years is incredible. Well done. Should have episodes out soon, if this Irish weather would ever start cooperating 😂 Thanks again for watching and taking the time to leave a helpful comment 👍🏻 Jamie
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper short game is so important, I play with a 76yr old who can't hit driver past 200 yards but he plays of 5! Just always gets to to the green and then close to the hole Like you have said, calm the feet and stabilise the bottom half and you will be surprised how quickly it will all click and become so much easier :) The weather isn't much better down south in the uk either 🤣
Well done from the Netherlands (but with Irish roots), love to watch golfers with a similar handicap (mine is 27.9 at the moment). Keep it up and show us some more lovely golf and courses.
Love this comment, cheers mate. Glad you enjoyed the video. It’s about time us high handicappers were properly represented, there’s enough scratch golfers playing amazing golf on RU-vid 😂 As soon as this Irish weather stops being, well…. less Irish 😂 I’ll have loads of new courses up. Plan to play and film loads of courses this year 👍🏻 Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a really nice comment 🇮🇪☘️ Jamie
Hahahaha. This mirrors much of my golf. As I describe my rounds to my wife, “it was a collection of spectacular and horrible shots that somehow managed to add up to about 100.” Keep at it!
I’m always blown away by the vast disparity between my good holes and my bad ones. I can play some really well and others it looks like I’ve never held a golf club before let alone swung one 😂 The joys of high handicap golf l. Thanks for watching Bob 👍🏻
Cheers Daniel, a really clear and simple piece of feedback. Something I'm going to start going over after each round to plan my next practice session. Cheers mate 👍🏻
Cheers Darren, really appreciate the feedback and glad you enjoyed it. Really hoping to make this channel a permanent fixture. Should have a new episode out next Monday 👀 Best of luck with your game this year. Keep me updated. Cheers mate, Jamie
Thanks Keith. It can be a frustrating journey for us high handicappers, but as you said, it’s the occasional cracking shot or well played hole that convince us that sub 20 is just around the corner 😂 I’m not sure if it’s determination or delusion but I love the game anyway. Thanks for the sub and I hope you enjoy the journey this year 🏌🏻♂️
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper sent onto a few mates who are of the same level......the struggle is real! But worth it, my plan is to hit sub 20 this year 🤞🤞 Keep it going as I'll be watching them all 👊👊
@@Slipslidedc cheers mate. Looks like we have the same goal. I’ll be rooting for you. Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross on a tee box sometime 🏌🏻♂️I’m sure I’ll be chatting to you again 👍🏻 thanks again for the support!
Thanks mate. It’s a work in progress…. Constantly 😂 Cheers for watching. That was filmed about 9 months ago and I’d like to think I’ve improved a little since then so I’d love if you could check out my more recent rounds 👍🏻
That wasn't too bad a round, I don't reckon you'll be at 28 for long! Definitely some good drives and a few of those long putts weren't too far off dropping, just a bit pacey. Nice looking course too. Keep it up, you've got this :)
Cheers Tony, overall I was reasonably happy with it. I scored well but know I can play better 😁 But then again, that's golf. You could play the round of your life and you'd still walk off the course feeling like you left some strokes out there 🤣 Thanks for watching and the positive feedback 👍
Great work, keep it up. Stop watching RU-vid golf fixers, play the ball from where it lies, the only shot that matters is the next one, change the mindset not the swing, it'll come soon enough!
😂😂😂😂 This comment cracked me up. I like my practice swings to be as accurate as possible, I just need to find out how to replicate a shank in my practice swing and I’ll be all set 😂 Thanks a million George, appreciate the support 👍🏻
You will do well just take your time in the swing and let your hands catch up at impact and standing up in the swing will cause an out to in path too sort that out and you'll be improving quickly, great video
Cheers mate, really appreciate the feedback and the encouragement. I’m learning to be more patient with the game and hoping to improve bit by bit. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏻
I'm a similar handicap to you and your ball striking is definitely superior to mine, you didn't blade anything until the back 9. I love that you sound so disappointed when you score bogey - par for a 28 handicap is 8 bogeys and 10 double bogeys! Keep going bro - single figures awaits.
Well done mate , and welcome to the most fantastic and frustrating game known to man , as a single digit player I would just say , just get the fundamentals right and sometimes try and play with a lower handicapped player and just watch how they play , I had the good fortune of playing with an ex pro who was a member of my club , and he was still playing good golf in his late seventies, I never asked him anything just watched his swing , amazing , good luck on your journey.👍🏴
Cheers mate, already starting to realise the golf is both the best and worst game on the planet at the same time 😂😂 but I absolutely love it. Hoping for some steady progress this year. It won’t be for the lack of trying anyway 👍🏻 Thanks for the comment
Don't give up. When I started tracking my handicap 10+ years ago I was a 34 to start. Been dealing with back issues over the years. I've gotten down to a 15 and targeting 13 once the snow melts and I can play again. I live with Wisconsin, USA. I've taken some lessons and has helped a lot. I also follow Danny Maude and Rick Shiels on RU-vid. Learned some great tips from them. Keep golfing and enjoy the time on the course.
Thanks mate. Appreciate the advice. Don’t worry, I’m in this for the long haul. I adore the game. Just wish I was slightly better at it 😂 Have had a few lessons I just find that I’m constantly changing parts of my swing. So just need to find a comfortable action and stick with it. Rick Shields is great. People like him are the reason why I wanted to start putting out content in the first place. Hopefully so that someone somewhere can rake something from it. Congrats on your journey so far. You’ve provided me with a bit of inspiration.
I had a 25 year break from golf and only started playing again 2 years ago started with a 26 handicap I am now down to 17 and hope to get it down again this summer, Keep plugging away there's a good round in us all somewhere 👍 😀
Hi Michael, that’s very impressive. Well done. I initially started at 27, got down to 22 at one stage but have inched back out to 25.3 where I’m at today. I only took the game up in Sept 2020 but we were in about 5 months of lockdown soon after. So my intro to golf has been very stop start and I’ve probably only really had about 10 months of broken up, playing time in mainly poorer conditions. But In 2022, I’ve committed myself to playing and practicing every week (hence the channel) and I’m hoping to go sub 20. Best of luck with your game and keep in touch. And if I can think of anymore excuses for myself I’ll let you know 😂
What I found best for me was playing in the club competition at the weekend and then playing 2 half rounds in the evenings during the week ( obviously in the summer months only )where I could try different things without it affecting my scores and I found course management was a big help as soon as I stopped trying to play the hero shots my scores started coming down 💪💪
@@michaelsheridan9659 Hi Michael, last summer I would do something very similar. I would play 9 holes of casual golf on a Friday on my own and then a competition on either the Saturday or Sunday and it coincided with the most consistent golf I've played to date. People always recommend to me staying away from the course and hitting the range but I find this doesn't really work. I think hitting off the grass is completely different to mats so whether I have a good range session has no bearing on how I might play on the course. However, if I have a good practice round on the course, at least I know I can replicate that in competition. It's just very difficult to find grass areas to practice on during the winter.
I had an initial problem with oaf, it took a while but got it fixed in the end, one bit of advise, try to finish your swing with your belt buckle facing the target. Practise this move a couple of times prior to taking your shot. Good luck, it can be a long road.
Cheers Peter, nice to speak to someone who overcame the dreaded OAFs 😂 It shows me that there’s light at the end of the tunnel 😂 I’ve been working hard since this video and I think I’ve gotten much better at deadline with it. Great advice about the belt buckle. I have a new course footage episode coming out this week so I’d love if you’d give it a watch to check out if there’s any improvement 😂 Thanks for watching and leaving a helpful comment 👍🏻
Awesome to see a relatable golf video! I feel your pain and trust me I’m really feeling it 😂 Not sure why I decided to take this up but I am sure it’s why I keep drinking. Great video, keep them coming
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it. Pretty sure there is a direct correlation between starting golf and increased alcohol consumption 😂 It’s the only way to block out the pain 😂😂 Hoping to have more vids out very soon. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Best of luck from Singapore. You may want to get on a launch monitor and nail down your yardages by hitting 50 shots with each club ( no , really), print each yardage on the back of each club with a permanent marker, you'd be amazed how much more accurate you are when you know your exact yardages and you cant lie to yourself on the course.
Cheers mate. Really appreciate it. Was in Singapore in 2011. Would love to get back there some day. Thanks for the advice. I agree. Yardages are crucial. I go down to a local range that has Toptracer and try to get these locked down. I have all the info on my phone. So I have a pretty good idea of how far all my clubs SHOULD go. I think the main problem at my level is the inconsistency. So I know my 7 iron goes roughly 150 yards, if I hit it well…the crucial word being IF 😂 Cheers for taking the time to watch the vid and leaving a helpful comment 👍🏻
He's a 28 handicapper, he wont have consistent yardages. He'd be better getting his most frequently used clubs more consistent, then worry about how far he hits them.
Hi mate…. I thought you played well, you’re ball striking is very good… definitely left a few shots out there especially on the greens! Totally enjoyed watching you play… liked and subscribed…. You’re a better player than me! Keep em coming… all the best… cheers…👍
Hi David, thanks very much. Really appreciate the positivity. Overall I was relatively happy but as you said, definitely left some shots out there which gives me hope that some improvement is possible 😀 Will certainly be working hard to tighten up certain areas of my game. I’m delighted you enjoyed the video and thanks a million for subscribing, I really appreciate it mate. I have another course footage episode coming out this week so I’d love if you’d give it a watch. Thanks again 👍🏻
Will do mate…. I’ll be watching everything from now on… I’m enjoying your humour and energy you bring to the channel… your doing a great job… good luck with getting your handicap down… 👍
Looks to be your alignment. Your feet were pointing right, your club pointing left, on downswing, you end up coming over the top. Keep practicing. Golf is fun!
And the rest 😂 Couldn’t believe how bad my alignment was. I’ve just released a brand new episode, which is a year later than when this video was filmed so maybe check it out to see if you can see any improvement 😉👍🏻 Thanks for watching mate
I love reading the comments... So many high handicappers offering advice!😂 just keep doing what you're doing bud. It's very easy to get frustrated when your score can change so much from one hole to the next but that's what golf is like as a high handicapper. When you're editing your videos don't be so focussed on what your swing looks like but be honest with yourself about where you're throwing shots away.
Cheers Robert. I found this comment really helpful. You’ve hit the nail on the head. There are certain things that work well for me that go against traditional advice. But I’ve been down the road of listening to too much advice that has ruined my game for a while. At the moment I’m just working on finding a swing that works for me, that allows me to strike the ball consistently well and gets me around the course in a respectable fashion. I think being given advice is just part and parcel of being a high handicapper. Everyone is usually well intentioned.
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper absolutely.... We just can't help ourselves 🤣 I think half of the problem high handicappers have is that we want to to take 10 shots off our scores at a time rather than just a steady improvement. Sometimes getting better doesnt need to involve getting massively different. We try to make huge changes to a game we're already struggling with. Ive improved greatly since I stopped doing the things that regularly get me in trouble, I have a club that keeps me in play 8-9 times from 10 off the tee, a club I can hit somewhere up near the green on most par 4s and I've always been a fairly steady pitcher. I wish I had more speed, I just don't 🤷♂️ I'm constantly chasing it but it kills my game. I go back to plodding along, keeping it play and getting on the green in reg plus 1. If I putt OK and don't make too many mistakes I can shoot low to mid 90s. If I have a great day and it's a shorter course I can break 90.
Cheers Robert, I’m glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the encouragement. It’s a difficult game but definitely improvable with consistent practice….or that’s what I keep telling myself anyway 😂 Here’s hoping it eventually clicks for both of us 👍🏻
Pay for a lesson! Trust me will help a ton! I’m a 10 handicap and I’m 19 years old only been playing for a couple years but my one lesson helped me tremendously! Keep playing and have fun!:)!
Have one tomorrow 😁 So hoping to see a big improvement. Congrats on your handicap so far, no doubt you’ll continue to improve. And yes, that’s the only outlook anyone should have on Golf….to have fun. Even the pros find it difficult and they’ve been playing all their life 👍🏻
Look forward to going on this journey with you buddy. You've probably heard this before but sort your grip out then every club will do your bidding ... There plenty of blogs that will put you on the right path. Your grip is an easy one to fix early doors .... get that thumb off the top and over to a V... SUBSCRIBED
Spot on. I had like a 5 min informal lesson the day before this round and it’s the first thing he did. My grip was too strong so I needed to get my right hand on top more. So this was my first round trying it. But as you spotted, just wasn’t doing it enough. I have a lesson tomorrow and I’m sure he’ll help me get this locked down. I was amazed at when I initially changed the grip how it positively impacted everything else. Cheers for the sub mate, really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great tip about the driving range tees. I had no idea you could get them from Amazon. We're similar handicap and my scores can vary dramatically. I joined a club for the first time ever (I'm now 65+) last year, and have recorded every round. If I add up my eclectic best score on each hole over the past year, I'd score 65 against a course par of 69. My eclectic worst? (mutters quietly) 140, so consistency is my problem. Good luck on your journey, I look forward to your progress. There are many more like us than there are like 'them' (low handicappers!)
Hi Tom, that ‘them’ line cracked me up 😂 I always thought I was in the minority on the course but maybe I was wrong 😀I can certainly emphasise with those scores and inconsistency. Within a single round I can play some holes incredibly well and then others it’s like I’ve never held a golf club before 😂 But some day I’m hoping it will all click. I’m not sure if that’s dedication or delusion. Thanks for the well wishes. And same to you also 👍🏻
Thanks for sharing your journey! I am learning the simple concept of swinging the whole club with minimal muscle influence and no concern with hitting the ball. Look into Manuel De Le Torre’s teaching.
Thanks a million mate, I really appreciate that. I’m not sure how successful I’ll be just yet but I do hope the journey will be entertaining at least 😁
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper it definitely is so far! Sorry if you’ve mentioned this but will your videos involve you having lessons/filming you practise etc.? Also do you have a goal handicap wise?
They will indeed. My plan is to try and document everything about my golf game/struggles including practice, lessons, preparation, thoughts after my rounds, club fittings etc. So it’s gonna all be in there and give a good insight for people into the things a high handicapper struggles with. I’m not sure if you’re on Instagram but if you are you should follow me there @DiaryofaHighHandicapper as I update that regularly with practice footage etc. in real time. I actually have a good story up at the moment from my range session last night 👍🏻 Goal for this year is Sub 20, so I’d take 19.9 😁 But to be honest, I’d take any sort of reduction at all 😂 Do you play yourself?
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper awesome can’t wait to watch it! Yes I’m off 9. I am a golf nut. Played when I was a teenager. Gave it up and now back into it as an adult. Been playing again for a year and managed to go from 21 to 9 in a season. Partially why I’m investing into this channel. I’d happily share my experiences of what I did to go from a relatively high handicap to single figures if you ever need pal.
Your handicap is going to drop quite quickly. You are doing things expected of low to mid-handicappers, just without the execution skill just yet. Things like assessing your lies, line and club selection were good. Most high-handicappers (including myself when i was), would just walk up to the ball, see distance to the pin and bash whatever club we thought would reach (and top it lol). Good stuff mate.
Really appreciate that John. Nice to hear there are SOME positives in my game 😂 I know it might not look like it in the video but I’d like to think I have a good understanding of the game regardless of how well I play. I’m absolutely obsessed with it and when I’m not playing it, I’m either reading about it, watching it or listening to podcasts about it. So I’m hoping that everything will click together soon and I’ll be able to get a bit of consistency going 👍🏻 Thanks again for the helpful comment
Hey mate, glad you enjoyed the watch 👍🏻 Not that I’d wish my struggles on anyone but it’s nice to hear people can relate to my struggles, I was beginning to think I was the only high handicapper out there 😂 will definitely look into that, cheers mate 👍🏻
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper You’re definitely not alone! The issue I find with a high handicapper, is not being consistently shit, it’s being inconsistently brilliant 😂 The one piece takeaway will help you gain a proper shoulder rotation, rather than your arms creating the illusion that you are 👌🏽
😂😂😂 I absolutely love that line "It's not being consistently sh1t, it’s being inconsistently brilliant". I'm definitely going to use that in one of my upcoming videos and possibly my instagram bio 😀
Good old RU-vid algorithm throwing this up - liked and subscribed 👍 Keep it up mate, looks like you’ve got the base of a solid game, think a few club selection tweaks and just course reps should go a long way. Best advice I got starting out (now off 12) was to keep the most lofted clubs away if you can and make PW your best mate. Generally I found if I can be better with 3 clubs (Driver, PW, putter) I’d do okay. Best of luck
Cheers Colin, I really appreciate the message and helpful advice. Glad you enjoyed the video. 2022 will be the first year (I hope) of uninterrupted golf so I’m hoping I can dedicate myself to it weekly and hopefully as a result will see an improvement. It won’t be for the want of trying anyway. Congrats on the 12 handicap, that’s a great achievement. You’re clearly a very tidy player 🏌🏻♂️Jamie
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Well fingers crossed it is for you, massively all about getting as many rounds in as you can in those early days. Keep up the good content 👍 And thanks, wouldn’t say tidy, but I’ll take it 😂
Been down this road recently...Might be something to look at, your right hand is getting very involved in your swing, which could explain why your dispersion is all over, try to rotate the right more over. So that the V of the right-hand points inside of the right shoulder. Should lead to your left-hand leading the shot more and a better plane. Generally a right hand under-rotated can lead to that slice and the automatic compensation is to swing more inside to square the clubface which leads to the hook shot as it's difficult to control. Might work for you.. Anyway keep up the good content and the joy of playing
Cheers mate, really good feedback. The day before this round a pro actually pointed out pretty much everything you said to me about my grip. So this was the first round I was trying it with. Still needs some work as you can see 😂 But I’ve ben trying to improve it through my practice lately so hopefully you’ll see some improvement. Should have a few more episodes out very soon. The Irish weather is killing me at the moment. Thanks again for the support and glad to have you along for the ride. Jamie
The tap dancing line killed me 🤣. Some suggestions for the video. Try to keep audio levels the same (couch session, narration, side chirps & on course). Use a quick indicator to show where the ball landed (a little circle or quick arrow). I personally prefer it when your score stays on the screen in a corner somewhere (like on pga). The graphics that show hole details before you start were appreciated but a little too quick. I love that you show which club you were using for each shot, so keep doing that. Try to dictate more when on course - what does the range finder say, what is going through your head, a little about why you chose a specific club,etc. Some of that could even be narrated over video afterwards.
Cheers Gavin, some really great feedback there. As you can probably tell, this is my first time ever doing any sort of video editing so I’m learning on the job. Had a couple of mishaps with the audio but on the course it was extremely windy particularly in the back 9 so had to try to fiddle with the volume on certain holes or else it would have been very difficult to watch. I’ve actually just invested in shot tracer so for my next video you should have a clear ball flight. Will definitely look into seeing if I can keep the score visible. I also take your point about the hole graphics at the start. I might set a standard time for these, that is long enough, and maintain that for each hole. And the course narration is genuinely one of my main aims of this channel. I really want people to be able to understand what I’m thinking and attempting. As this was my first video I think I’ll get more adept at doing this. But again the wind made it really hard in this one as I had to cut out plenty of bits as you just couldn’t hear what I was saying. Thanks for watching and the great feedback. 👍🏻 Jamie
What a beautiful course -enjoyed your golf video -nice shots around the green and some very close putts ! Do you ever use fairway woods ? Looking forward to your next outing! -I am a high handicapper like yourself !😀
Cheers Fergus, glad you enjoyed the video. Powerscourt really is a beautiful course. It has 2 18 hole courses; east and west. I’m hoping to return very shortly to play the east course so make sure you keep an eye on the channel to see an equally beautiful course 👍🏻 I still haven’t gotten round to fairway woods yet, it’s a huge gap in my bag. I have irons 5-SW, a 4 hybrid and a couple of lob wedges. So I do need to get some woods, as anything over 160 is a struggle for me. Hoping to have the next course video up soon enough, if these storms would ever feck off. Always nice to hear from a fellow high handicapper 👍🏻 Jamie
I’m sorry I haven’t found your channel before, we play so similarly 😵💫. I’m reduced to merely watching golf at the moment, I got knocked over by a car in January and am mostly confined to my bed at present. I have been watching other vlogs, but yours is just like watching me. Thanks for showing ‘proper’ real life golf. P.S. loving the Druids gear, I got mine in red for Christmas. Still in the wardrobe, unused. ☹️
Don’t worry mate, I only set it up a few weeks ago so you’re still early to the party 🥳 Sorry to hear about the accident. Hopefully you’ll be back on your feet in no time but I’m glad you can find my content relatable in the meantime. It’s about time us high handicappers are properly represented on here, there’s enough scratch golfers playing excellent golf on RU-vid 😂 You can’t go wrong with the Druids gear. I’m sure you’ll be wearing yours soon mate. Wishing you a Speedy recovery 👍🏻
Disappointed with the way the course looked ,considering the price? to play there I know it's been very wet. .Nice to see a fellow golfer enjoying the pain the game keeps giving.😀 will follow your progress with you 👍
Hi John, cheers for the comment. I really appreciate it and glad to have you onboard this journey with me. I don’t know if there will be much improvement but I promise it will be entertaining at least 😂 I actually thought the course was in reasonable condition. Not too many courses in Wicklow would be in as good nick this time of the year (January). I think a lot of the price is for the scenery and sheer beauty 🏔👍🏻
The main positive you can take from this, is that you're actually able to see your faults! There is light at the end of the tunnel and you're heading in the right direction.👍 What course was it? Looks beautiful!
Cheers Gavin, I’d like to think I have a good knowledge of the theory, it’s just the execution that lets me down. But I’m working hard. It was Powerscourt West Course in Co. Wicklow. Absolutely stunning 🏞
I watched your very first swing with the Driver. No tilt and the shoulders are flat at the top. Left knee goes toward the ball and upper body takes over. Then inevitable ott move. Your hdcp will fall dramatically when you keep your spine angle and start the downswing with legs and hips. Good luck.
Keep the club looking at the ball on the backswing and swing inside as you turn your chest and hips back. Lead hand knuckles facing the sky at the top of the backswing. As you make your down swing try and get your trail hand in you right back pocket as you turn toward the target turning your hips toward the target. Look at the quarter inside of the ball and let your arms, hands and rear shoulder pass under chin before your head comes up. You are razing up out the shot to quick. You are a good putter and will be a good chipper. Short game is fastest way to lower score but once you visual see and feel the full swing mechanics you will be on your way to a low handicapper. Also on the full swing you must feel the forward arm stay against the chest on back and forward swing. This has worked for my students for 30 years. Don't try and kill the ball with your upper body use your hips to start the down swing. Good Luck.
Hi Ray, thanks so much for watching the video and taking the time to leave such a thoughtful and detailed comment. There’s so many great learnings in there. I try and look at the inside quarter of the ball but sometimes I lose focus and think about other things. I also really like the advice on letting your trail shoulder pass beneath your chin and having your lead arm pinned to your chest. Great descriptions that I can fully understand what needs to be done. I’d love if you’d watch my 4th episode which is on my channel where I practice at the range, to see if you think the swing looks slightly better 👍🏻 Thanks again Ray
I feel your pain. I’ve been playing and practicing every day for 2 years. I’m still struggling and wanting to quit. It feels like a job that I sick at.
Cheers Chris, I almost had a nervous breakdown when it happened but I’m over it now 😂 really appreciate the support. Never thought the channel would prove to be as popular as it has but I’ve been blown away by the reaction and feedback 👍🏻 Thanks for watching
Really appreciate that mate. I don’t think that vid really did me or my swing justice so hopefully people get a better idea of my game in the next few videos
I'm a 3 handicap and I enjoyed your round. You actually had a lot of Par putts which was awesome. Outside of 20 feet you should practice your lag putting. PGA Tour players only make 7% of putts outside of 20 feet. Lag putting will save you over 8 shots per round. Time will fix your approaches which weren't bad. Good luck dude. It was fun to watch.
Cheers Charles, really appreciate the feedback particularly from such a low handicap golfer. Lag putting is something I’ve been working on recently. Glad you enjoyed the vid 👍🏻 Jamie
Honestly man you didn't hit bad. I thought for a 28 handicap you would have really hacked but you played pretty solid imo. The biggest thing I saw was putting. Not like you were shankung into the woods every hole. Keep practicing and you'll be golden
Cheers mate, appreciate the encouragement. I thought certain aspects of my game went ok but definitely need to tighten up a few areas. As you said, it's all about practice which I'm willing to put in so hopefully I see some improvements. Thanks for watching mate 👍🏻
I used yo play off 14. Then left the game fro 10 years. Came back this year playing off 22. Today (albeit off winter tees) just shot 72 gross today. There is always hope.
Just found this channel and subscribed. I'm not a teaching pro, so I will refrain from offering swing coaching. I have been on the same journey, but a bit further along. Went from 28 to 16 in less than a year and I attribute it all to one video lesson (during Covid lockdown) I bought on Fivrr for $20. It's amazing how a single tweak can transform one's game once you work on until it's grooved in. But full disclosure, I'm recently retired so I can practice & play much more often now. Your swing mechanics do need a tweak or two which you already are aware of, but the good news is you have youth and athleticism on your side. Plus, you have a great attitude. It will come.
Cheers Jim, that message has put a huge smile on my face. Thanks for the support and I’m glad to have you along on this journey with me. I’ve been practicing hard since that video was shot and think I’ve made some huge improvements which hopefully you’ll see in the next episode. Congrats on your improvement, that’s a really impressive performance. And enjoy retirement, well earned I’d imagine. Stay in touch. Jamie 👍🏻
Minor point. It may be the camera angle, but on your iron shots you appear to be aligned well to the right of your target and then swinging hard from out-to-in. For example, your shot @4:00 your divot indicates that your swing path is well to the left of where your feet and body were aligned at address. Until you correct the out-to-in swing path, you're going to have a difficult time making solid iron shots.
Hi mate, I see that your working your way through my channel so thanks for taking the time to watch my vids and leave comments 😀 As you've probably noticed, this was filmed about 15 months ago so hopefully I've improved slightly since then. Alignment was definitely a major issue for me back then but I think it's getting better. Likewise, Constantly trying to correct an out to in swing path but it's proving difficult
@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I will look for your more recent videos. Regardless, I still enjoy the earlier ones. Most golfers can relate to them because we've all been there.
Just found your channel, high handicapper myself and like you I just want to play "alright" golf lol. Subscribed and I will look forward to seeing your progress
Cheers mate, appreciate the support. Glad to have you aboard this journey to “alright” golf 😂 Best of luck with your golf journey in 2022 and stay in touch 👍🏻
What you want doesn’t really exist mate. Your definition of alright golf changes the better you get. There’s not a destination it’s all the journey and why it’s so addictive, yet frustrating! 😆
@@richardwhite9028 yep well said mate, your expectations grow the more you play. I think the most important thing is just appreciating the game when you are playing it and enjoy it when you are, even if you arent playing how you want. Easier said than done though lol
😂 mate you keep up the graft and you’ll keep on improving. That’s why we all keep coming back for more from this torturous game. It’s funny to see peoples outlook on golf. They think they’ll enjoy the game more the better they get however that’s not necessary true. If you look at tour players who aren’t in form it’s fair to say they are still playing alright golf??? Yet it’s clear to see they are not enjoying the game one little bit. As Big Tone said, I try to enjoy each round and take positives no matter what happens, even if it’s something as simple as I get 4 hours away from kids! 😂😂😂
Great to see an Irish golf channel on utube, have been watching Bogeymen which is another excellent channel. If you can film your lessons and show them on the course,that would be great, I stay away from watching tips from utubers as it can wreck your score, stick with the pro.
Cheers Dermot, really enjoyed this comment 😄 I definitely think there’s a lack of Irish golf content on RU-vid, but hopefully I’m doing my small part to help it 👍🏻 The Bogeyman stuff is great. I was actually chatting to Johnny soon after I set up my channel. Maybe one day we might be able to do something together 🤞🏼I’m definitely going to try and film as much of my practice as possible including lessons. I really want the channel to showcase everything I’m doing to improve, both good and bad. Thanks for watching and the positive comment 👍🏻 Jamie
Cheers Christopher, nice to hear a positive 😂 I thought my putting was quite good if I do say so myself. I missed a couple of three footers but even the pros can miss them. Overall I think I had 2 putts or less on 90% of the holes. Had a few lip outs as well which would have dropped on another day.
That’s the way I play. Dr. Jeckal-Mr. Hyde. Been playing 55 years. Have never broken 40. Today my handicap is around 25. My irons are the worst, never a sweet shot. I have decided to give it up. My younger brother who is 64 plays scratch golf. Go figure. He broke his left arm in 5 places when he was 18. Maybe that’s it, he keeps his left arm really straight in his back swing.
Be right back, just off to break my arm in 6 places 😂 Ah it’s a mad game, I don’t think it’s ever something that can be mastered. Just gotta respect it for what it is and enjoy the few hours that you’re out there. Sorry to hear you’ve given it up, 55 years is a hell of a career though 😀 who knows, it might entice you back yet 🏌🏻♂️ Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment 👍🏻
