Bucket put a hex on me!

[okie]

I was not sure where to post this so I figured I would usually lament this type of occurence in the clubhouse.

I played an 18 hole round yesterday...a rare occurence these days.

Beautiful day, temp in the mid-70s, with a brisk 10 mph breeze. In my usual masochistic vein I elected to play from the tips. 3 hours and 5 minutes later I had hit 12/14 fairways (5 of those tee shots were "crushed") and ALL 18 greens hit in regulation...2 par 5's in 2! as noteworthy as that is...for me...that is not the amazing story. I three putted an amazing 5 times...an all time worst...apart from say my first six months playing the game. It was a bizarre round. 3/5 of those were from 30+ feet...but my putting was as bad as my long game was good. The only round that I can compare it to was a 71 I shot at Tulsa Country Club in the '94 Ping Collegiate. On that occassion I hit...2 greens in regulation...both were par 5's. That day my putting was as good as my long game was shockingly bad!

[Augusta Golf]

The old chicken grease hex? You have to practice putting for 10 minutes in the KFC parking lot with a drumstick in your mouth while chanting "all my putts are crispy". Do not let the rest of your clubs see any of this or they may become infected. If that doesn't work Bucket will sell you a cure for $20.

(Bucket, I am using invisible text now. Don't forget to send me my half of the money.)

[cometgolfer]

I was not sure where to post this so I figured I would usually lament this type of occurence in the clubhouse.

I played an 18 hole round yesterday...a rare occurence these days.

Beautiful day, temp in the mid-70s, with a brisk 10 mph breeze. In my usual masochistic vein I elected to play from the tips. 3 hours and 5 minutes later I had hit 12/14 fairways (5 of those tee shots were "crushed") and ALL 18 greens hit in regulation...2 par 5's in 2! as noteworthy as that is...for me...that is not the amazing story. I three putted an amazing 5 times...an all time worst...apart from say my first six months playing the game. It was a bizarre round. 3/5 of those were from 30+ feet...but my putting was as bad as my long game was good. The only round that I can compare it to was a 71 I shot at Tulsa Country Club in the '94 Ping Collegiate. On that occassion I hit...2 greens in regulation...both were par 5's. That day my putting was as good as my long game was shockingly bad!

Yikes Okie!! Sounds like you should have been well on your way to the elusive "bogey-free" round of golf!

It's funny how a wonderful ball-striking round can be drowned by an un-cooperative putter. I guess that's part of the reason this game is both great and maddening.

Nice work tee to green.

CG

[okie]

Thanks. I think it was a combination of excitement at having so many birdie oppurtunities, late in the day bumpy greens...and an in -process push basic stroke. I recently learned how to properly set the right shoulder to determine the amount of right arm bend and therefore the length of my follow through. I did not trust it on a couple of ocassions. It is the best I have struck the ball, especially off the tee in a long time. In fact, I only recall hitting all 18 one other time. So statistically it was my best ball striking effort...ever! I did have 3 or 4 lengthy birdie putts...and an eagle putt from about 60 feet...which I promptly 3 putted. On one hole I hit a solid wedge way past the flag stick. The best part of the whole deal was that I know what to work on with my putting and I know why I hit the ball so well tee to green! Not knowing had about worn me down to a shell of my former self.

[Augusta Golf]

All joking aside, that is one great round of golf

I'm working on the push stroke for putting too, so don't feel bad. I think it takes a while to get used to.

[12 piece bucket]

Putting is for girls.

[okie]

Listen, Bucket. We talked about this. There is no possible way to justify your disturbing need for "that operation", not even for the sake of your putting! Stop using the cream!

[okie]

All joking aside, that is one great round of golf

I'm working on the push stroke for putting too, so don't feel bad. I think it takes a while to get used to.

Thanks AG. I love the push basic/arms only stroke. I like that it produces an automatic angled hinge. I also like that I can reduce it all down to one thought...go to both arms straight. I noticed that the closer I get to the hole the more I mix the shoulders and at times the hands! I am not used to the ball position either, a bit more forward than I have had it in the past. "Alignment Golf" has helped a lot. My best golf is still ahead of me!

[Augusta Golf]

Putting is for girls.

http://kuacentral.com/sounds/wavs/top1.wav

Click to hear Mrs. Bucket answer the phone.

[cometgolfer]

Putting.... there are times when I agree with Hogan on how it should be factored into your score.

I've worked on my putting more this year than ever but it's very easy to not see the fruits of your labor in an actual round. A mis-read here, a spike mark there, and you can look like a verrrry average putter even though you look like you really know what your doing from tee to green.

I messed with push-basic a couple of years ago and I fell into "don't trust it" mode as well. It's got plenty of merit if you do it properly and get to that point where you truly trust it.

Didn't Jay Haas (a pretty good putter) start working with that technque a few weeks back? I heard an interview with him where he mentioned it.