Gday all!
I've been perusing the boards for a little while chasing information from the equipment reviews. I'm very close to going in and laying down my hard earned for a full set of new clubs. I started playing at the age of 17 through my schools’ monthly sport & recreation program. Having some lessons at that very early stage was immeasurably helpful. I was a very serious athlete at the time making my way playing Basketball. So I had some co-ordination and good balance. My height 6'4 and stick like 86kg frame was a little unusual at the time and being that this was in 1989, there was nothing like the technology and fitting systems that exist today. Never the less, my addictive personality got me hooked on the game in no time.
I suffered a serious knee injury playing basketball at the age of 21 (but man was it an awesome dunk!). Basically I was taken out just as I landed. Reassessing things basketball related led me to look towards seeking a love of the game I had lost in my pursuits of a serious sporting career. I never rehabbed my knee properly and never took my fitness seriously again. I switched to the life is short and for living frame of mind and began living differently. Unfortunately golf at this time also became a non-priority and I rarely played. I began working and had several different casual jobs that kept me busy. Combine that with a much heavier social schedule and golf faded into non-existence.
I met my wife at age 28 and we got married just last November. With my parents having lived in the USA for most of 2005/2006, we all wanted to spend more time together. And golf is proving to be a great pastime for us. My parents got into the game very late in life, about a year before they left for the US. With both my wife and I giving up social basketball (21 odd years for me, 17 odd for her, we needed a change). I suggested she consider getting into golf also. My skepticism when raising the idea was overwhelming. But I was pleasantly surprised when my wife thought it was a great idea.
I played a few rounds with my reasonably old budget clubs and played quite poorly at first. My swing still felt quite nice, but a lot of fine tuning and polish is needed. I played off a mid teen handicap around the age of 18, but now I'm struggling to break 100/110. Never the less my main enjoyment comes from the environment golf provides. We got to a golf shop not too long ago, looking for some clubs for my wife. By the time we were walking out we had 2 thousand odd dollars worth of clubs (last seasons stock allegedly) for $500. Including bags we were both excited about the buy.
It was about this time I started getting some golf magazines again. Reading all the equipment reviews, modern technology and equipment trends had me regretting the aforementioned purchase alarmingly quickly. Predominantly due to all the literature stressing getting "swing fitted". The sales man in the particular store just pointed me towards the +1 inch clubs on the floor. And with my wife being quite short, we were sold regular length clubs for her.
So our plans at the moment are to both get some decent clubs that are properly fitted. Then definitely some lessons for both of us. I'd like to see my wife taught the good habits early before she develops any bad ones. And I need a lot of reconstruction to get my game back on track. I'm thoroughly looking forward to getting back into the game for some MUCH needed fitness (I'm now about 6'4 around along with the 6'4 height
) and quality if somewhat frustrating times with my family.
The few games I've played recently showed a drastic difference between using my old clubs and the new ones we were recently sold. Obviously the driver was the most drastic and obvious difference. More that half of my drives with the new 460cc driver were dead straight and certainly a lot longer than the old one. This really reinforced to me the necessity to get some clubs fitted properly and more suited to our current and future skill levels.
I played a few days ago by myself on a course I've never played before. I really enjoyed just hitting the ball around alone on my day off from work. I had no players behind me and declined an invitation to join the group of 3 ahead of me. Being that I had all day to kill and was not in any hurry at all, I was really able to relax, take in the surroundings and absolutely chill out playing golf. I was very surprised how much I enjoyed it. And while this eliminates the major social aspect of golf I found many benefits in playing solo. There's nobody else to impress. You can play at your own pace. You can take time with your shots, especially your putts. That is probably what I find so appealing. When playing on courses that are busy, I tend to feel rushed. I'm always trying to be conscious of groups waiting behind us. It was really wonderful to be able to play slowly the other day. Mind you, I think that will be a rarity from here on.
Anyway that’s a lot more than I had in mind to share but if you've read this far, you should have a skeletal insight into my golf history and where I'm at today. I'm anxiously close to some new clubs and looking forward to getting my game back together. And even more playing golf with my wonderful wife. No she's not looking over my shoulder atm either
I look forward to sharing time with you all on these forums. Mind you, like the bumper stickers say "I'D RATHER BE GOLFING!"
Cheers
Jamin21
Gday from Aus!
A bad day on the golf course is still better than a good day at work.
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