Joey's Golf Bag

Yesterday afternoon, on a blustery sunny day, I practiced at the Golden Bear Golf Center. I’d planned to make a full practice, but I ran out of time and worked mainly on wedges and the long clubs.

I started off hitting wedges (my new Tom Wishon CX Micro wedges), but despite spending significant time with the clubs, never really got the wedges working. Nothing to do with the clubs, my swing just stank from lack of practice. About half the shots were fine, the rest were hit fat. Some only slightly, but there were some digging-to-China fat shots that were really frustrating.

One thing I’ve been doing lately, if my wedges or short irons aren’t being well-struck, I’ll get my driver out and really pound the ball. That seems to get my rhythm back more quickly. This time, it worked again. After a stinky shot to start, I started pounding the driver pretty well, about half right down the middle and the rest a mix of fades or draws. I had only one high monster slice, but otherwise, the really bad shots were not present. I also got out the 3-wood and 5-wood and pounded some balls off tees. My first shots were topped, but I concentrated on taking the same swing as with my driver, and then I hit some beauties, even with the 3-wood. I also got out the 3-hybrid and managed some pretty respectable shots.

Despite really poor practice with the wedges (no reflection on the clubs themselves) and short irons, I was pleased that my long game continues to improve. Now, I’ll need to figure out my short clubs, again.

Range note: Golden Bear is renovating their large practice bunker. One new section is going to be especially deep, with Pete Dye-style railroad ties. Can’t wait to give it a try…