Can a 26 Handicap Break 90? | Attempt 1 | Arklow Golf Club

[@cliffmanley9153]

I do love a relatable golf series

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Well in that case Cliff strap in because this might be a long one 😂

[@cliffmanley9153]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I'm just like you, mid 20s HCP, can hit some world class shots but often followed by a complete hack 😂

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

It’s so frustrating 😂 I’m often left completely speechless at many of the shots I hit on a golf course…both good and bad 😂 I just don’t understand how I can be so inconsistent 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gazheaton9225]

Cracking viewing. From a lad that's not broke 120 over 18 holes.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Gaz, glad you enjoyed it. And keep plugging away, you’ll get there 💪🏻

[@michaelcurtis4302]

1st time watching it. I'm a 13 handicapper and I feel your pain bro. Really enjoyed it and I look forward to more content. Keep playing and enjoy your golf. Just remember, it's only a number.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Michael, much appreciated and glad you enjoyed the content 👍🏻

[@marksteetalk]

Giday mate, I think you play very well. I am the same handicap as yourself, but still struggle sometimes like you. Golf can be a cruel game sometimes. Love watching your channel. Take care and stay safe. Mark (Australia)

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Mark, really appreciate that and glad you’re enjoying the channel. Always nice to hear from a fellow high handicapper and someone who can relate to my ongoing hardships 😂 Anyway, thanks for tuning in and good luck with your golf game. Keep in touch. Jamie 👍🏻

[@tomlee812]

Your round sums up that of many (most?) of us. For a first time out (it's been awful here too) you didn't do that bad. There were some cracking shots there and some bad luck. To have a faulty range finder too, as well as the weather, didn't help matters. There is a bright side, well for us anyway. If you had broken 90 first time out then we wouldn't be able to watch you try again. Thanks for an honest and entertaining video. My last three rounds were 93, 99 and 90 (off 21 handicap), so you have company!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Tom, thanks for that. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the video. I thought I did ok for the one and as you said, the silver lining is I get to do it all over again 😂

[@tomlee812]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I finally broke 90, with an 87; my best round for 3 years! Oh yes, then I shot 51 on a 9 hole course next....Easy game isn't it? here's looking forward to your next video.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Congrats mate, that’s a great round 📉 Must have felt so good. Nothing better when everything clicks on the course. Shame about the follow up round but that is most definitely golf 😂

[@Hanz_Moleman]

Great video mate, I'm trying to break 80 myself so feel your pain. I think your irons/woods/driver are solid to be fair, definitely break 90-able, its your short game and course management that was letting you down. I know what helped me go from 90's to consistently breaking 90 was managing the course better and knowing when to go for it and when to target a bogie or even double bogie on the harder holes. I don't think anything improved in my actual striking to go from 90's to 80's other than that so don't feel like it's all in the ball striking that gets you to break 90's and improve!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed the video and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a helpful comment. Overall I think my main issue is just a lack of concentration on every shot. I’m far too inconsistent with my shots. But we keep plugging away. Good luck with Breaking 80 💪🏻

[@parislaissiajaisoduffi]

Sometimes the struggle is real… Beautiful course!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Don’t I know all about it 😂 Glad you enjoyed the course mate, I absolutely love it 💚

[@adrivanleuven8951]

Nice to see you out on a lovely Irish golfcourse again, pitty you had to rush.................please be back soon !

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Haha thanks mate, always nice to see your name pop up under one of my videos 😃 I know I seemingly say this after every single video but I’ll try not leave it as long until the next one 😂

[@wyattsutphin]

He is alive! That new baby must be keeping ya busy! Glad to see you back on the course brother! Beautiful course!!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Just about 😂 Alive….but very much sleep deprived 🧟‍♂️ Tbf, I have a few things going on. As well as the little guy, I’ve recently started my own business and getting married this month so a LITTLE bit busy 😂 but hopefully will find some consistency with the channel eventually. Thanks for the support as always 👍🏻

[@herenow6953]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Wow - good luck with the business and congratulations for your marriage - I hope it all goes well!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks a million mate, appreciate that!

[@frmacleod]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper What's the business?

[@tonymillson7455]

Really enjoyed this, (first time viewer). Look forward to watching more.

[@SSFootGolf]

Played the course once last December. What a course it is, like summer conditions in the second week of December

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Yeah I love it there. Can’t say you’re always guaranteed summer conditions down there but when you get them it’s extra special 👌🏻😎

[@chrisdownes2146]

Love these videos so relatable. One piece of advice (not swing etc.) do not play conservatively, play aggressive at conservative targets

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Chris, glad you enjoy the videos. And thanks for the advice, I actually really like that 🎯👍🏻

[@IverKnackerov]

Great looking course. Some really good driving too 👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Yeah I absolutely love it there 💚 And thank you, I felt like I drove well for most of the round. Good number of fairways hit ✅ Thanks for watching mate 👍🏻

[@arklowrockz]

Excellent video lad. I have played the Links many times and I doubt I ever broke 100 there. Looks absolutely fantastic.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it. It’s such a tough course so was pretty happy with that result 👍🏻

[@micahpop999]

Let’s go, LADS!!! Just discovered your channel and love the honest, real talk. Keep up the good work, you’ll be breaking 90 in no time.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate. Glad you’re enjoying the channel. Thanks a million for supporting it, it’s much appreciated 👍🏻

[@martinlillis1654]

Great to see you back. Basically have all the same problems as you in arklow!!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Martin, we definitely need to get a round in 👍🏻

[@Irishedits99]

You should play Glen mill, lovely par 3 course just outside newtownmountkennedy, co wicklow,

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I’ve actually played it a few times. Best par 3 I’ve played in Ireland. Should actually do a video there soon 👍🏻

[@peripheralvisions]

Please do. Played glen mill yesterday. Couldn’t break 90! 😂 First time playing in 13 years though….. Enjoyed the video. Keep it up

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I’m definitely going to do it very soon. Once I finished editing my latest video. Good to hear you’re back playing mate, feck the score, just enjoy being out on the course after all this time 😃

[@proinnsiasbreathnach6656]

From another high handicapper - fair play :) Played Arkla a couple of times .. lovely course between the rain showers!

[@proinnsiasbreathnach6656]

Oh, to echo someone else, ignore the rangefinder :) Get a feel for your distances from the fairway markers (they'll be to the front) - and maybe get a GPS watch like the ShotScope with distance tracking on the clubs so you can know what club goes X distance (over time) .. no harm to learn the distances you do hit regularly. [I need to get out more often]

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate. Yeah I love it down there, particularly when the suns out. Incredible place to play golf 😎

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I think this is very solid advice and will try to start doing this. Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@kevingallagher7507]

Welcome back! Arklow looks great. You did a fantastic job with the editing. Didn't even notice the darkness and weather until you mentioned it at the end. Best of luck with the wedding. 👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, I’d actually love to post the unedited footage just to show everyone how bad it was. Might actually do it on Instagram 👍🏻 And I can confirm that the wedding was a success and I’m currently relaxing with my beautiful wife in very sunny Portugal 😁🇵🇹 Thanks for the positive comment Kevin 👍🏻

[@arthurcampbell2224]

Loved it...honest golf . Great advert for the golf course.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Arthur, glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@fergusfitzgerald977]

Great to see the videos again - some nice iron shots in the mix ! Wedges best for that course - agree !

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Fergus. It’s really nice to finally have a new video out. Won’t leave it as long for the next one. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@roberthammond5034]

Great to see you again

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Robert, delighted to finally have a new episode out 👍🏻

[@jimi216]

Great video, nice to see you back doing real golf videos. Congratulations on your son and soon to be married 👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks very much mate, much appreciated 👍🏻

[@christopherclark4023]

Good to see the videos starting again. I think you need to club up more often . Bit like myself think I can hit the ball further than I can.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Chris, thanks mate, it’s good to finally have a new episode out so nice to know there’s a bit of an audience for them 😀 Yeah possibly. I think in Arklow a lot of times I’m actually afraid of going long because the greens are all protected by thick rough at the back but I’m probably leaving myself too short too often

[@jimmyn1357]

Have a look at Golf Sidekick’s break 90 series, helped me out a lot 👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, I do like his videos to be fair 👍🏻

[@The19thholegolfer]

Course looks absolutely gorgeous 😮‍💨

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, I love it 💚

[@Tonedefdom]

What a beautiful place it is, the light is quite special (when it's not raining)

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, absolutely love it there. When the sun is shining, there’s no better place 👌🏻

[@Tonedefdom]

When attempt 2 coming?

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hopefully soon mate 👍🏻

[@Tonedefdom]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper looking forward to it!

[@Tonedefdom]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Booked the round in yet? Summer's on it's back!

[@johnnewman7605]

Thanks for the insight James. We r coming over next June to play Borris Killkenny and Arklow

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

No problem John. You’ll love Arklow and I’m sure you’ll be made to feel very welcome. I haven’t played either of the other two but I saw Andy Sullivan (Average Golfer Channel) was over recently and he was very complimentary about Borris. Lovely part of the country too, as is Kilkenny 👍🏻

[@herenow6953]

Yay! I wondered where you'd gone - great to see you back and what a stunning golf course you have there - beautiful! You did really well - much more consistent driving, some really great hybrid and 5/6 iron shots - you are going to get this very soon! Also, apart from the golf, it's nicely produced, love the shot tracer and you have a nice presentation style for this - looking forward to the next (from another high handicapper - currently 29 - lowest was 26, aiming to get back there very soon!)

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks mate, it’s good to be back 😀 Glad you enjoyed the course. I absolutely love it down there so I can’t wait for people to see more of it, particularly when the weather gets much better 😎 Thanks for the positive feedback regarding my play. I really felt like a lot of my game went well just a few sloppy mistakes. And glad you enjoyed the edit. A lot of work went in to it so always nice when it’s noticed 😃 Best of luck with your game. I’m sure you’ll be down around 26 and lower in no time. Keep me updated on your progress please 👍🏻

[@herenow6953]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Ah thanks mate - will do. I'm actually a lady golfer and live in Surrey, England - I played 9 today in torrential rain for a club comp and scored a miserable, soggy, 'card to wet to write on' 10 points. Oh well!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Apologies, I always just assume the people leaving comments are male 😂 based on my analytics, I didn’t think many if any female golfers watched my videos so it’s nice to know there are some out there, so thank you 🤝 I was only in Surrey once, for a wedding and it’s absolutely beautiful. I’ll have to try and get back for a round of golf some day. Don’t worry about the wet round, those things happen and is part of the joy of playing an outdoor sport 🤣 If it makes you feel better, I once had a 6 pointer 😂 Had to quit playing after 4 holes as the rain was so bad but my card got marked as a 9 holer so it destroyed my handicap for a while 😂

[@herenow6953]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Don't worry about assuming I'm a man - I'm kind of an honorary man at my club as I play with the fellas at all the roll ups and am totally hooked on golf - they've accepted me as one of their own now lol!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Glad to hear it 😃

[@MarkAndrews-dp3ir]

Very enjoyable watch. I thought you played some great shots and your driving seemed a lot more consistent.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Mark, glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate the positive feedback. Driver definitely worked well for me this round, still kicking myself I didn’t use it on every hole

[@derekbrown6621]

Lovely golf course and that's a lovely camera

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Sure is Derek, I love it down there 💚

[@ChrisBardgett]

🎉Great "real" video 😊 and I love your enthusiasm for the game, keep it going. So 2 things and you'll be below 90 in no time. 1. Putting: you can't be 3 and 4 putting, especially on your home course. Learn how to read putts and work on your distance control. Your goal (for now) is only 2 x 3 putts per round ; all others should be 2 putts. 2. You're getting to your left side on the down swing, however you're finishing on your right leg thus moving away from the ball as you hit it, hence the shots going off to the right. That's 6 to 8 shots saved just on this round. Watch your video and see how you fall off almost every shot, look at good players, they don't.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Chris, glad you enjoyed the video. I must admit my putting was very poor in this video. Normally I would consider it one of my strengths (of which there aren’t many 😂) but to be honest, I do find putting particularly difficult at Arklow, even though it’s my home course. I’m not sure if you’re familiar with links courses, but the greens are fiendishly difficult. We’ll keep working at it though 🏒 And yeah, I have a horrible tendency to swing from my back foot. I get the club stuck on the inside and it’s very hard to get your weight forward when the clubs behind you. I did have a lesson recently and we worked on the takeaway and weight distribution so hopefully it pays off. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@Burkwood]

Hope to see consistent videos from ya, man. Great video! Really great playing, in my books. Love that course!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, really appreciate this message 👍🏻 Definitely keeps me motivated to keep improving the channel. Weather has been mental and I’ve a lot going on at the moment but I really am going to try and be a LOT more consistent. Thanks for watching mate 👍🏻

[@garyreid4026]

Lovely course mate. Keep going. Enjoyed watching.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Gary. Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the support as always 👍🏻

[@Sarrle]

Beautiful course! I picked up golf last year and our gameplay looks quite similar. My homecourse is right in the middle of a forrest. So any ball off the fw puts you deep into trouble. 95 was my best round on that par 72. Good luck with your privat ventures.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

95 after only a year playing golf is an excellent achievement so well done. Keep it up 💪🏻

[@dalewolver8739]

keeping it real... Good round

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate

[@stevenbonnar3136]

Were you been? Great looking course and loving this idea for a show, the more you play the more consistent you'll get you just have to concentrate more and take your time 👏👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Steven, good to hear from you again 😃 Ah life is a bit mad, between a new baby, new business and soon to be new wife (not that there’s an old wife 😂) I’ve had very little time for golf, and the weather hasn’t helped either 🌦️☔️❄️⛈️ But hoping to be able to play more now and hopefully this series will prove enjoyable. Thanks for watching mate 🇮🇪

[@Sarrle]

Beautiful course! I picked up golf last year and our gameplay looks quite similar. My homecourse is right in the middle of a forrest. So any ball off the fw puts you deep into trouble. Good luck with your privat undertakings.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thank you very much. Glad you enjoyed the course. Great to hear that you’ve taken up golf. Best of luck with it and enjoy it 👍🏻

[@richardporter1342]

Great video buddy - really enjoyed it. I can't offer much advice apart from we've all been there.....but striking the ball like you do there is no reason you can't break 90. All it is is course management. On the front 9 you went OB twice costing you 4 shots. You should have shot 40 on the front 9. Both times you went OB you were teeing up in the middle of the tee box and almost aiming OB. Try teeing up on the righthand side and hitting away from the trouble. This works with water or fairway bunkers. Just teeing up a yard or two to the right (or left depending on the side the trouble is) will aim you away from the OB. Keep going - you'll get there.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Richard. Will definitely take that advice onboard and try it out next time. It makes so much sense once someone points it out 👍🏻

[@jamesmc81]

You've got some speed for such a short backswing. Great tempo on your swing. Great hands too. Better than any single digit golfer I've played with

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks very much James, delighted with that feedback 😃

[@robbieryan1810]

Played Arklow twice last year after seeing your video of it great course. If i could suggest instead of a lazer get GPS watch with back middle and front yardages i find playing the back yardage all the time i hit much more green then when i was always aimming for the flag distance. Will alsi help when playing other course that you wouldnt be as familiar with.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

That’s great to hear Robbie, nice to know my vids help bring people to the courses 👍🏻 Glad you enjoyed it. Thats actually a great tip in terms of always aiming for the back of the green. As you said, I always just go for the pin with very mixed results 👍🏻

[@neveronthegreen]

Always enjoy watching your rounds Jamie! Very similar to my round this Monday just gone, some good, some bad and some unmentionable but 103 was my best in a while where as yours at 97 is still decent and you know where you can pick up those 7/& shots easily so look at the positives 😁👍👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, really appreciate that. Overall was pretty happy with the round despite the multiple lost balls. Just enjoying being out on the course. Hope you’re getting out regularly mate 👍🏻

[@neveronthegreen]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper - Yes started getting out more regularly and hopefully the scores will start to come down. Travelling to Lisburn in N Ireland in September for a few rounds which I’m really looking forward to 👍👍🍺🍺

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Great to hear Stephen & that sounds like a very nice trip to look forward to 👍🏻

[@VERDICTInsanity]

Really well played but for a few bad holes. Well done my dude 👏 To see how well you play and just break 100 makes me feel like I’ll never break 100, I’m stuck around 110.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate but don’t let this round dishearten you, from memory I think I lost 4 balls so there was a good few penalty strokes there. It’s a tight course so that can happen. I guarantee one day you’ll break 100 when you least expect it. The first time I broke 100 I actually shot a 94. It came out of absolute nowhere. I just had a great round and I’ve heard similar happen to loads of golfers. You’ll get there. Keep plugging away 👊🏻 Jamie

[@Money2ByrnePodcast]

Arklow is nice looking course, again one you would not see too much of. What other facilities do they have down there? Idea for a video, your pound for pound top 5 courses you have played based around bang for buck. Not necessarily best course but best value for what you get.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Yeah it’s absolutely lovely, particularly on a summers day 😎 They’ve a fine big clubhouse, up on a hill overlooking the course and coast. Views are incredible. Lovely outdoor seating area too. In terms of practice facilities there’s a couple of nets, a putting green and then a fairly basic short game area. Value for money in terms of membership is u real too. Less than a grand! And thanks for the content tip 👍🏻

[@FolderAO]

Great video man! The course looks wonderful, I miss playing in the UK so much. Much love from Indonesia mate 🙌

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it. The course is actually in Ireland but our courses are very similar to be fair. What has you out in Indonesia? I lived in Jakarta for 6 months back in 2011

[@FolderAO]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Ohh wow nice knowing you've been to Jakarta, was it for work I'm guessing? I actually live in Jakarta mate, I was in Newcastle for my final year of uni, got a chance to join my uni's golf club and played at a couple of courses there, it was so much fun hahaha Found your channel when I was in the UK and have been watching you videos ever since 🙌

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Yeah it was for work. Absolutely loved it there. Would love to get back some day. Wasn’t a golfer back then so didn’t play any courses, what are they like? Ah nice. Newcastle is great fun. Glad you enjoy the channel and thanks for leaving a comment 😃

[@FolderAO]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper The courses in the city isn't bad, the weather's just really hot here though hahaha. Green fees here are also quite expensive, average course will probably cost around £60 or more. Give it a chance if you ever come by to Jakarta again 👍

[@michaelblack2334]

Come out to Bogor, we have 7 golf courses, cheaper and better than Jakarta. Sentul Highlands really good

[@robsengahay5614]

Glad to see you back. Commenting early in the video but can’t help thinking that you are too score focussed when playing. Honestly the enjoyment from golf is making those pitch shots onto the green from 90+ yards, not bump and run to just short of the green etc. I was once where you are but now mainly shoot in the high 80s, low 90s with the odd bad round around 100. I have never broken 80 but I never set out with each round with that as my goal. I think it will happen some day as I have shot 82/83 a few times. I think it would be better watching you go out and play for enjoyment and see what you end up with rather than making 90 the be all and end all. That said obviously I really hope you get it and will now watch and see what happens.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi mate, thanks for watching and commenting. I understand what you’re saying but I just thought Breaking 90 would make for an interesting KZbin series as would having a strategy that everyone is aware of before the round starts. I don’t think it’s really a reflection on how I play golf 😀 Just a bit of fun that I thought would appeal to viewers. My main priority when playing golf is always to enjoy myself first and foremost regardless of score 👍🏻

[@robsengahay5614]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Fair play to you. I particularly liked your rule about not keeping score as you go along but it is a really easy exercise to know that 5x18=90 so every hole you shoot less or more than 5 tells you whether you are on track. I doubt I could unthink that and my brain wouldn’t allow me to not keep a mental note so good luck with that. I have played with people who simply seem to have no idea how well or badly they are doing compared to their handicap. I am jealous of them.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, I think deep down I know if I’m doing well or not but I’ve often found that if I actually stop and add up my score, it always leads to disaster 👍🏻

[@Mogsey1972]

11:32 , good choice there!\ you left your ego behind, took a sensible shot and the par was yours.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

For once 😂 Cheers mate 👍🏻

[@Ballerism]

Welcome back 😊

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, feels good to finally have a new episode out 👍🏻

[@davidwalters313]

Great video. Have you tried chipping with your hybrid? Using the putter a long way off the green is difficult.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks David, glad you enjoyed it. No I haven’t, nor have I ever seen anyone do it either. Do you do it?

[@davidwalters313]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper yes - it is very easy to to do. Check out the “Golf Doctor - fitzy golf pro” - an Australian U tube channel. He goes over the many different clubs you can use for chipping and also how to use them All the best David

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers David, will definitely check out that KZbin channel. Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@mikkeltaylor1]

Course looks such a chore to play, bet you’re gonna hate playing it over and over again…. Not jealous at all 😅

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

It’s a bit of a slog alright 😂 I might never want the series to end…thankfully, I might get my wish 😂

[@Oakster-gh4gl]

Love your vids mate

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Ah cheers mate, absolutely love reading comments like this 👍🏻

[@luukderie8344]

Nice video - loved it. Would even have been better if you would have given information on the distance of each of your shots. The quality of the shots can be compared from what we see, the distance is the unknown parameter to understand the comparison with one self. 😊

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed the video. Appreciate the feedback. I would just say though that it’s really difficult to keep track of the distance of every single shot. I have a lot going on when filming one of these videos as well as actually trying to hit good golf shots and that’s just an extra bit of detail I’d struggle to keep track of. I do try and narrate most shots outlining where I was and what I’ve left to the pin etc. but a lot of times I need to think about overall video length and I end up cutting these bits out to keep the videos relatively short. Thanks again for the feedback though 👍🏻

[@luukderie8344]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I understand it's difficult, still it would be a major add-on. Also putting distances in m might help 90% of the world 😉 good luck and have fun

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks mate 👍🏻

[@dhovious6247]

Good to see more videos. You’re falling back on most all full shots and not finishing on your left side.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate. Yeah, I have a horrible tendency to get stuck on my back foot and swing from there. Always in a rush to start my downswing 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gandlandk]

There is a really noticeable difference between how you finish on your practice swing and how you finish on the actual shot. If you can finish with balance and more follow through like in your practice swings you should find you get more consistency in your shots. Keeping working at it - I got stuck at the same kind of level for a few years, but have recently been scoring better - it will come!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thank you 👍🏻

[@Oldblokefromtipton]

Unlucky today. You don’t seem to take any practice swings with your irons? What a lovely looking course, you’ll break 90 there soon enough.👍🏻

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, much appreciated it. In terms of the irons, I always take a practice swing I just edit them out of the videos 👍🏻 Glad you enjoyed the course

[@garyi654]

Beautiful course, what time of day was it ?

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Glad you enjoyed it Gary. Think interest off about 3pm and was finishing up just after 6

[@michaelblack2334]

After watching your round again I noticed that the SI on all the holes is very high. That would indicate that it is an easy course to play. So it's an ideal place to improve your game.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Michael, thanks for watching the video back again. In terms of the Shot Index, the holes are ranked from 1 - 18, so each hole has a unique SI with an even number of low and high indices. I personally think it’s quite a tricky enough place to play. I find parklands way easier but then I just love being on links courses 👍🏻

[@MicksPlace64]

Nice video mate.. How do you manage your HC? I was playing off low 20's before I shot my first sub 90 round.. And don't worry about throwing the 100+ in now and again. I shot one last year and i'm now off 12.5... Your realistic expectation off 26 is to break 95, then 90 as your HC decreases. Good Luck..

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it. I actually broke 90 once before. It was about 18 months ago and I was off 29 on the day. Haven’t done it since though. My best round on my home course of Arklow was a 94, so I’ve already broken 95 here too. So the idea for the series came from trying to do something on camera that I’ve never done before. Well done on your progression, that’s a serious improvement 👍🏻

[@oliver69cork46]

Still a very good round. Good driving,short game a few tweaks. Nothing wrong technically but don't hurry,it cost you like any golfer. I play from back tees,no rangefinder and play no driver or hybrids, 2 iron through to 64 degree wedge. Know the distance approx of each. You're a very good iron player,ever consider a 2,3 or 4 iron? Only clubs for punch shots or stingers. Well done and good video.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Oliver, glad you enjoyed it 😃 I’ve never considered lower irons. To be honest, my 5 iron can be a bit temperamental, so I think I might struggle with anything lower but definitely willing to give anything a go 😂

[@oliver69cork46]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper there are utility irons which are easier to hit and come in 2,3 and 4 lofts. You would hit them no problèm, off the tee on narrow fairway especially this course,you would lower your score. But well played,44 on 9 on that tight course,excellent. You are much better than your handicap, put you at 15 about.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, appreciate the positivity. Definitely will check out the utility irons. Not so sure about the 15 handicap but we live in hope 😂 Thanks again 👍🏻

[@topshamjohn6782]

I’m a high handicapper too, so what do I know, but…. with your fade off the tee, why not always set up on the right of the tee box and aim left? [my coach advised me to do this and I’ve kept far more balls in play!!]

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi John, I probably should do this but sometimes I find that when I try and play a fade it can actually cause me to proper slice it so I suppose I try and set up “normally” to reduce the risk of this happening. Doesn’t always work though and I should probably just accept and play with the fade

[@topshamjohn6782]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I find that if it doesn’t fade at least I’m regularly still on the fairway so win win!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

You can’t ask for much more than that 👍🏻

[@michaelblack2334]

Range finder not working. Does the course not have yardage markers?

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

It does but they’re in the ground so hard to see if you’re not on top of them. I’m also so conditioned to using a range finder that I forget they’re there

[@johndoyle877]

I'm a member of Arklow the last 15 or so years and if you play bad golf it will punish you 🏌‍♂️⛳️👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Explains why I get punished a lot 😂

[@Stuck_in_the_70s]

Played well there dude just a couple of holes let you down. Get it done next time I reckon..

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, penalty strokes killed me. But we go again 💪🏻

[@thedarkknight2795]

Well done lad, you’ll get there. It’s a good round, bit of misfortune

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, appreciate the positivity 👍🏻

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, appreciate the positivity 👍🏻

[@dominickfiorello3603]

You did pretty well considering. Very few outright bad shots. No flubs that I remember. Eliminate the 4 penalty shots and a 93 lowers your handicap.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Dominick, I appreciate the feedback 👍🏻

[@wangouthangout]

What's in the bag?

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I actually did an episode on that if you go a bit earlier on my channel 👍🏻

[@michaelblack2334]

Set your mind that every hole is a bogey hole. Takes the pressure off. Bogey round is 90. Throw in a few pars and the odd double and you will be low 90’s

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Yeah maybe I need to be a little less aggressive with my second shots. I usually just try and get it as close to the green as possible

[@ShaunY1988]

Im a 25 handicapper, broke 90 2 games in a row and have been back over 100 ever since lol 🤣

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I actually broke 90 once before, shot an 88. Four days later I went out and shot a 104, how is that even possible 🤷🏻‍♂️😂 Haven’t really felt like I was close since and I’ve never done it on my home course, hence the idea for the series 💡

[@ShaunY1988]

​@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I shot an 89 then a 87, then the game after my personal best I shot a 119 loosing about 10 balls lol 🤣 it was so embarrassing and I've been back up between 100 and 105 since, I'm blaming the miserable UK weather though 😂

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

An absolutely mad game 😂 but definitely the weather 🌦️⚡️❄️☂️

[@kooijbas]

Yeah, I hear this so often in golf instruction: "just hit an iron off the tee instead of a driver". You know how big a driver is? It's almost impossible to completely miss it. And a misshit on a driver will still get you anywhere from 100-150 yards further. If you miss the iron, you'll barely pass the next tee box.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

My thoughts exactly 👍🏻

[@leedemetriou4648]

gallant effort, i play of 14 and breaking 90 is still not a guarantee , what this vid proves though i believe as you said its your average score on that track, is that, and conservative golf doesn’t really work so play the hero shots and enjoy the rare success when it comes off

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, in hindsight I feel maybe I was a little too conservative. Certainly should have taken driver on 4 and possibly would have saved myself a couple of strokes 👍🏻

[@Wtrlrz]

Yimou know on a long green you can chip with a 7, 8, 9 iron !

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I like a bit of loft 😀

[@gavincourtney3162]

As a member of another wicklow course, and a playing handicap of 8, breaking 90 in Arklow isn't easy. Last time I played it off whites I had an 82, but it took everything I had, so playing off 26 and break 90, is no mean feat

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Gavin, yeah I’m probably being overly ambitious as I genuinely struggle to break 100 there most of the time. As Arklow is my home course, it’s slightly easier to shoot videos there so I just wanted to create a series where viewers wouldn’t get bored watching the same course all the time. I do think on my day, playing my best golf, i could go close though. What course are you a member at?

[@gavincourtney3162]

@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Powerscourt....I have length off tee to deal with Arklow, but your greens are tricky as hell. Your par 3s are exceptional.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Ah I really like Powerscourt. Tricky when the rough is up but two magnificent courses. The greens in Arklow are so tough. I’d consider myself a pretty decent putter but I honestly three putt in Arklow so often. Par 3s are very tough. It’s green or nothing.

[@michaelblack2334]

For 26 handicap you are striking the ball well. Need practice on the short game

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate. Although I actually thought my short game was one of the highlights 😂

[@michaelblack2334]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper Your driver and long irons good

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks Michael, appreciate the feedback 👍🏻

[@HereticalBuilder]

The only way to become a better golfer is with lots of practice. A driving net is a great way to work on your swing. If you hit even 100 balls a day, your game will improve dramatically.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

@@HereticalBuilder 👍🏻

[@derekga6973]

Your baby must be starting collage now it’s been that long

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

He graduates in September 😁

[@brynsuperblue52]

just a few bad shots mate keep it up it will happen

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate 💪🏻

[@1nonlyJolter]

Has anyone ever told you to keep your feet steady? You are playing golf, not dancing.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

No, no one! 👍🏻

[@BATDOYLE]

You're too far from the camera for the intro pal

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I like to try and get a bit of the course in my intro backgrounds but your feedback is noted 👍🏻