On December 7th 2023, I played a round of golf after work and I haven’t played since. A move across town and new job kept me busy and uninterested in golf for awhile. But, every golf sicko knows when forced to take a break for any reason, the “hit-ball-with-stick” desire always simmers.
At 43, I’ve played lots of casual golf. With a typical swinging-timing action, I played decent bogey golf or better and once shot even par. During hiatus, my frustration with ball-striking and golf turned to indifference. Seemingly knowing what was going to happen on the course before the clubs were loaded in the car. So deciding, if I were to attempt golf again, my approach would be different. A few months ago, with some help from @Blades4life, I started working on a set of ABS spec’d clubs. This morning I took them to the range for the first time. Some takeaways…
… For the first time, every club in my bag looks like its sitting flat on the ground at address…
… After 9 or 10 half-shots with a 9iron, I caught myself trying to swing, and falling into my poor old habits. Didn’t realize it was happening until I managed to catch the ball solid with more speed, and something still felt bad. My finish was way off balance, and that’s when it hit me…
… The results of bad swings are punishing, and the results of good swings are beautiful. 85% of my attempts to hit the ball were thin or fat, and felt bad. The other 15% felt good and were wonderful to watch…
… Had the most hitting success with short and mid irons. Out of 75-90 range balls, only hit one solid feeling and flying 3 iron. Felt easier to find the slot with short and mid irons. Maybe the weight? In any case, no surprise there…
… Last ball of the bucket, a smooth 4wood, was the best I hit. How often does that happen?…
The path forward is stupefyingly obvious. I’m excited by these results and left with a smile of satisfaction. Also, I am in debt to ABS and all of its contributors, for the knowledge and support it takes to hit against the grain of modern golf.
Greg
