Horrible Handicap Histories | Episode 4

[@edmoen2856]

Loving this as A 24.4 handicapper , can so relate to most of what you are going through

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, while not wishing my struggles on anyone, I’m glad people can relate to what I’m going through with my game. Makes me realise that I’m not the only one 😂 I’m sure it will all click into place for both of us very soon 😀 Thanks for watching Ed 👍🏻

[@johnmcc1977]

There isn’t enough videos on you tube for high handicappers. Love to see the journey to an 18 HC. I’ve been trying for 15 years !!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Glad you appreciate the content mate. I’m still hoping I’ll get there, as should you 💪🏻 Keep at it

[@johnmcc1977]

I’m energised this year never practiced so much but still haven’t seen the results after 4 months. Up to 26 handicap after yesterday’s round. But I will keep at it.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Great to hear the energy is back John ⚡️I can definitely relate to the practice not translating to a lower handicap though. When I first started, I drove myself nuts with the amount of practice I did and how little it seemed to matter. Now I actually practice a lot less and find my rounds are consistently better 🤣 It’s a funny old game 🤷🏻‍♂️ Best of luck with your efforts, would love you to keep me updated on your progress 👍🏻

[@michaelmullins5189]

Jamie. I feel your pain. All of the things that you described about on course embarrassment I have experienced - except way worse than you. Anyway, for what it’s worth, I am also getting lessons but only from the same teacher. Apparently this is the way to go. If you go to different teachers, inevitably, you will get different advice from each of them and this will be confusing. A friend recommended one specific teacher to me and I have had one lesson from him so far which I enjoyed. His instructions were very clear and they made sense to me. I will commit to going to him for lessons during the winter - probably every two weeks - and hopefully there will be an improvement when I play in competitions in 2024. Keep up the good work. M.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Michael, thanks for watching and leaving such a positive comment. Thankfully, I’ve gotten over most of the issues discussed in this video 😂 I think with experience and playing more rounds with the odd bit of improvement, the nerves get slightly less and I don’t worry AS MUCH about what other people think of my game anymore. I agree about the lessons and sticking with an instructor. Like all things, each instructor will have his own preferred way of doing things which might differ from the last. Last year I went to a really good one, who I liked. Haven’t got a lesson in a while but when I do, it will be with the same guy. The lesson is actually in my channel if you haven’t seen it. Thanks for watching Michael and best of luck with your golf game 👍🏻

[@gavinporter8035]

The great response you got from your last video is probably due to the fact that there are more of us golfers out there in that very same position. And again, in this video, the confidence on the tee, when playing against a superior opponent, is a VERY familiar feeling. It's well documented that golf is, percentage wise, mainly in the head, with skill ability being lower than one might think. Take from this that you are not alone! Persevere and don't give up.😉👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

While I’d never wish golfing misfortune on anyone, it’s nice to know there’s many who can relate to my struggles 😄 I was beginning to think I was the only one 😂 I think I’m getting better at managing the nerves when I’m in competition or playing with strangers so I’m hoping that will play a huge part in lowering my score. Thanks for watching and positively engaging with the channel. I really appreciate it 👍🏻 Jamie

[@baldwinbonney]

Having learned the game, then stayed away, relearned and got to a high-mid handicap, then stayed away again due to job, to getting back into it and this year plan on being a mud handicap - stick with it! We have been where you are, and not hoping for you to have difficulties, but nice to see someone struggles like me. And I enjoy the entirety of your vids.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hey Justin, thanks a million for the message. I’m glad you’re enjoying the vids and can relate. Again, not to wish golfing misfortune on anyone but it’s been great for me to see so many people are going through the same things as me, I was beginning to think I was the only one 😂 Hoping 2022 is a year I can practice uninterrupted in order to see how much improvement I can make. Thanks again for the support, it’s much appreciated 👍🏻

[@stephenpoole3923]

Hello. Don't worry about what people think. As long as you are ok about etitque most people won't care what HC you are. You hit a good ball and as some have said it does look a touch over the top. Try a glove or towel under the right arm. It quietens the path down a bit. I have done this drill for years. Feels horrible at first. Looking forward to the course videos.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Stephen, thanks for the comment. To be honest the self consciousness is more to do with me than other people. Virtually everyone I’ve played with has been quite friendly and encouraging. Just a bit of a mental barrier I need to get over but I’m sure that will come as my game improves. Will give that drill a go thanks. Will have another course video out in about two days so I hope you enjoy that 👍🏻

[@paulhumble6025]

Your videos are very entertaining and I'm enjoying seeing a fellow high handicapper my problem is losing balls on the course I tend to strike the ball well with my irons and I also faver the weight on my left just work on feeling like it's only about a 60 percent left 40 percent right foot and allow your self to move a bit more freely not too stiff as for wrist hinge it shouldn't feel too tight as long as your not strangling the club you should get a feel for what feels good for your swing one thing I would also suggest what has helped me is try to move the ball left and right fade and draw in practice just to get a feel for how your swing and stance effect how the ball flys also with your driver favour your right foot tilt back behind the ball so your left shoulder is higher than the right and hit up on the ball to get the best results I suggest top speed golf clay ballard on KZbin he has some amazing tips and explains things a hell of a lot better than I do :) but anyway keep up the good content

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Paul, thanks a million, I really appreciated that comment. Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Some great advice there. Definitely need to work on hitting up on my drives because at the moment I’m far too level 👍🏻 thanks for watching

[@davidgent188]

Swinging well there Jamie…. Getting the ball away every time… “there not going to hook themselves” lol… I’m gonna nick that! Thoroughly enjoying your content mate… looking forward to seeing you out on the course… see you soon… 👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks David, I can do it when there’s no pressure, just need to calm the nerves on the course 😬 I should have episode 5 out in the next couple of days and it features a full round so hopefully you enjoy that just as much as the previous ones. 👍🏻 Feel free to steal as many lines as you want 😂

[@JB-co3by]

Another good one. Very much appreciative of what you are doing with your channel. I've seen other channels of "average" golfers that go out and crush it and make me feel horrible about my game, but I guess they must have been below average at some point. Keep on keeping on brother. For the love of the game.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Mate, thanks. Glad you're enjoying the channel. Yep, I've had similar experiences to yourself. But I try and keep my channel as authentic and real as possible and document the bad as well as the (occasional) good. Those shots are the reason I'm the handicap I am after all. So regardless of how bad or ugly a shot is, it stays in. I think it's why a lot of people seem to be relating to what I'm doing. Thanks for the encouragement

[@CheezDaBoss]

Keep it up. Golf is hard, but we wouldn't like it so much if it were easy.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate, I wouldn’t have it any other way. It makes the success all the sweeter 👍🏻 Thanks for watching

[@Switcherooh]

I’ve the same mentality on the tee but playing with good mates will get the confidence going. Excited to follow your journey.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers John, definitely feel like I’m getting slightly better at managing the mental side of the game. I think a lot of it comes with just getting out there and playing rounds. Also, it helps when you find a bit of consistency in your game, which is easier said than done. Glad to have you onboard 👍🏻

[@Kirtlington-Bandit]

I’ve played for 30+ years but nothing more then maybe 10 times a year , joined a club 6 months ago . Now a 24 just most rounds I’m getting the 7/8 stroke holes which keep the score early 90’s just waiting for that mid 80’s scores . Won two competitions now, I practice on a course hate the range it’s all down the middle the course is real conditions often play on my own if you muck a shot up hit it again. I try not to think about my swing and I tend to hit a better ball when I don’t think it’s mainly alignment that causes the issues . Good luck with the progress.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Andy, thanks for the well wishes and well done on the comps. You must be trending in the right direction. I was runner up in a comp last year with 39 points when I was playing good golf but those scores have been few and far between lately. But I live in hope. I feel like my scoring on each hole is getting more consistent and I don’t have as many blow ups anymore. And nice to see someone agrees with me on the range/course thing. The course is where I do my best practice as it’s the closest thing to the real thing as possible 👍🏻 i find little to no correlation between how I well I practice off the mats and how I play on the course. I also think I’m getting better at managing the nerves of playing in comps and with strangers. Keep at Andy, you’ll be sub 20 in no time 😀

[@robsengahay5614]

Your comment about entering competition with 3 better players you don’t know and forgetting all the basics because you are self-conscious is so relatable. My advice is to play more with mates or at very least some people you are more comfortable with. Also I would hate to film all my mishaps on the course and have it scrutinised by all and sundry. Reckon I would really enjoy your company on a golf course but I live in Queensland so not at all likely that will ever happen. Loved this diary and hope it all has the effect of improving your game in 2022. David

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi David, yeah it’s slightly tricky because none of my mates are into golf as much as me. They’re not members and therefore don’t play regularly. As I love the game so much I play every week. I’ve only just joined a new club so I’m hoping I’ll find a good group that I can play with regularly as I tend to shoot my best scores when I play with people I know. And yes, I don’t think people fully appreciate the effect of having the camera there 😂 it’s very hard not to think about “what if this shot goes wrong”. But then again, no one is forcing me to do it either 😂 But I’m sure in the next few videos people will see that I can play a lot better than this 👍🏻 Glad you’re enjoying the diary and thanks again for the support 👍🏻

[@robsengahay5614]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I came her from England 7 years ago and took up the game. Spent years putting my name down for weekly or twice weekly competitions and it literally took me 6 years to be part of a regular group of 4 that I fully get along with. Not that there was anything wrong with most of those I played with (well, most anyway) but I always found it hard to relax with new guys until late in the round by which point it was a bit late. My point in sharing my experience is you might need to be patient in finding the right blend of people to get the best out of yourself but when you do golf becomes the complete package.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi David, sorry for not replying sooner, been a bit busy. But it sounds like we are so similar. I always say that I might as well just start on hole 5 because the amount of times I throw away the first four holes because I'm nervous of playing in a group that I just mess up every shot. By the time I feel comfortable in the group and relax, it's usually around hole 5 or 6 at which stage all hope of scoring well over 18 holes is gone. Definitely getting better at this though. And I really do appreciate you sharing your experience. It's what I love about setting up this channel, getting to discuss all things golf with people from all over the world. I've already met a lot of nice people in my new club so hopefully I'll find a good group 👍🏻

[@09Youba]

Thank you for your reply. There are many swing theories but if I was teaching you I tell all my students that I teach like when you go to an eye doctor they keep moving the lens's around until you can see clearly. You are coming over the top of your swing plane. Draw a line from the handle of the club up through your body and in slo-mo you will see you are coming over the top. I can't see where the ball is going but probably left for a pull or left and a slice. The toe of the club is pointing down which is an open club face. I would have you rotate your hips and chest on the backswing with the club face looking at the ball and the trail hand flat with knuckles of hand not fingers flat to the sky. Rotate the hips and chest first then let the arms and hand swing out to 1 0'clock. Do this in slow motion. A little info at a time is best. You are going to be a very good golfer just keep believing.

[@09Youba]

Go to MY Swing Evolution ( How to Stop Early Extension) and copy his swing. View in slomo and notice his trail hand position and the face of the club on the backswing.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Ray, really appreciate the feedback and words of encouragement at the end. I’ll take all of this onboard 👍🏻

[@Matt_M85]

Keep going buddy. Nice to see an honest and frank review of how things are going. I am in a similar boat being a 24 HC. Working on things with the pro and trying to tell the body that it can do all the movements I am trying to ask it to do. I am heading over to Ireland in April with the Mrs so she can see her family in Limerick. Contemplating Druids Heath, Played Glen before but as that is shut might try the other course. However Mount Wolseley is also on the radar.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Matt, really appreciate the support 👍🏻 Glad you’re enjoying the channel, thankfully it seems to be resonating with people. My main goal has been to give a “warts and all” account of my game and struggles as a golfer obviously in the hope that I do eventually get better 😂 I’m actually a member in Druids Heath so would be more than happy to head out for a round with you If I’m free and you’re looking for some company. Im away for work for about 4 days but assuming I’m in Ireland when you’re here, feel free to give me a shout 👍🏻

[@Matt_M85]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper That is a very kind offer mate. We aren't due to head over until start of April when it is the holidays and the Mrs has the time off from work. Would be keen to see how good/bad we could play!

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

No problem mate, I'm away from April 2nd-5th so not sure how that ties in with your dates but let me know. I'd say we could rack up a serious shot total between the two of us 😂

[@Matt_M85]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I would say we would for sure! I get over on the 2nd and last day over there is the 8th. Not sure if the days work for you? I will always be over in the summer - One of the things having an Irish Mrs. I am always over a few times a year when we had a world without Covid!

[@neveronthegreen]

Hi Jamie, Have to say that range session looked pretty good to me! 😁👍 That has to surely give you some confidence in your next 18 holes!! Don’t worry about what other people might be thinking on the course, they are generally thinking the same thoughts as all of us and normally have no thoughts of opinions on others golf apart from their own. I concentrate on me and me only and you should do the same 😁👍 Looking forward to No 5 video and checking out the new handicap!! 👍👍 All the best mate and have a good round 😁🏌️‍♂️⛳️

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Stephen, that’s great advice. I do genuinely think that I’m getting slightly better at managing the nerves. The more rounds of decent golf I play the more confidence I’m getting. And I think that helps a lot. When you know you can do it, you’re less inclined to worry about others. The range session went quite well so I’m hoping the course will be similar. Will try have episode 5 out relatively soon 👍🏻 Thanks again for the support

[@neveronthegreen]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper - Looking forward to Ep 5 immensely and you should come and have a round with me as I’m 6ft 4, 19st and no one and I mean no one would dare say anything!!!! I hate the snobbery and trust me they don’t dare with me!! 😁👍👍

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Stephen, sorry for taking so long to reply, been pretty busy. I can confirm Episode 5 is filmed and I'm just working through the edit so should have it ready by Wednesday or Thursday. It's full course footage so I hope you enjoy it as much as the previous ones. And regarding your comment about people saying stuff, as you said yourself, no one really cares about what I'm doing, they're thinking too much about their own game 😂😂😂 So No idea why I get so concerned about it, it's just a bit of a mental block for me at the moment. It's getting better though. Would be great to be able to play a round though someday 🏌️‍♂️⛳️👍

[@neveronthegreen]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper - A round sounds great someday and I’ll let you know when I’m coming over!! I can see you have done episode 5 and I’m saving it to watch it tomorrow on my rest days 😁👍👍

[@marcrudd3602]

Keep going I was a 38 handicapper I'm now at 33 I play a lot better than my handicap. Just fight threw it I'm on the verge of getting my name on the honours board. Keep battling always believe in yourself you can do it.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Marc, what a great attitude you have. I’m going to try and adopt a similar approach 😄 Make sure you send me a photo of that honours board because it’s going to happen 👍🏻 thanks for the advice

[@Acromors]

Great vid, ball striking looked a lot more solid compared to last video! Would be interesting to see your club distances to compare to.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hey mate, thanks. I definitely feel like I practice well I just need to take it on the course. Next time hopefully 😄 Will have a full episode soon where I go through my yardages for each club using top tracer so make sure you stick around 👍🏻

[@Acromors]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper I’m invested now haha! Being a similar handicap it’s almost like a competition now

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

It's on 😂 👍🏻

[@edmoen2856]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper me too please

[@c1985paul]

All you need to do is get your hips turning earlier in the downswing. Right knee should pass the ball first, then the hands, then the club head.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Thanks for the advice. Lots to work on 👍🏻

[@robertsharp5863]

Keep your head down and you’ll keep your balance

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers, I’ll give it a try 👍🏻

[@ziaangrobler7836]

I like that you're explaining some things that you're working on off course. But I think you can montage it at the start of the video and then show a how it went on the course after making these changes.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hey mate, thanks for the feedback. Courses have been closed here in Ireland and I work full time so it meant it would have taken me another week at least to produce another episode so I wanted to show what I was doing while the courses were closed. But hopefully going forward with better weather I’ll be able to put your advice into practice 👍🏻 Thanks for watching and leaving some feedback

[@johnbutler6025]

I don’t hinge my wrists until the very top. Tempo is the key. You need to get a shot tracer man. I want to see your shots. 👍 I’m a 14 handicapper. I’ve had lessons, but still struggle with consistency. It’s a mental thing for me as well. I tend to worry too much about what the people I play with think of me.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Yep, same as myself. It’s almost like a quick flick once you reach the top of the swing and it creates a lot more pace through the ball. I just find that it means my misses are much bigger but had stopped doing it. But I definitely think I’m going to start focusing on it a bit more as it improves my ball strikes. And I’m pleased to say that shot tracer will be in action for episode 5, although I’m not really sure you do actually want to see these shots 😂 Refreshing to hear that a 14 handicapper suffers with the same mental thoughts as myself, there is hope after all 😄👍🏻

[@c1985paul]

Love the channel. Not sure why.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

😂 I think that’s a compliment. Glad you love it though 👍🏻 Thanks for watching mate

[@michaelkelly2301]

The episodes are entertaining,really enjoying them ,don’t think about hinging the wrists it should happen naturally, have a watch of zen golf on you tube helped me loads ,

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Michael, glad you’re enjoying them and thanks for the feedback. Will check out zen golf 👍🏻

[@gavinporter8035]

Weather here in Manchester UK, right now, is hale, so can simperfice on not being able to get out on course! 🤨

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

If I don’t get out on Saturday I’ll lose the plot 😂 Looking ok at the moment though 👍🏻

[@gavineastwood7012]

Those balls aren’t going to hook themselves 😂. I also used to keep my weight forward when I was trying to learn stack & tilt. It worked for a while but I feel that it did more harm than good. Things always get worse before they get better. Just have to keep doing what your instructor is telling you. In terms of the wrist hinge question = When I tried to force it, it caused pain in my arm (epicondylitis /tennis elbow). So just be careful.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

😂 I love a left dog leg hole!!! Thanks for the advice Gavin, will take it on board. And thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@jayafow84]

The same here a 30 HC. But am much better than that but worry too much about results and get nervous. We need to just relax and enjoy the game. When I figure that out my scores will come down. Just haven't been able to accomplish this stupid mind game I play.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I hear ya, most of my problems are mental. Slowly getting there in terms of managing nerves and relaxing before my swing but still tense up a little bit too much when I’ve hit a bad shot. It’s just all practice though 👍🏻

[@peterguildford2133]

I did the same as you. I faded the ball at first or topped it. Got to the stage early on where i was shooting 42 to 45 on a 31 par 9 hole cuorse. Then i made the mistake of listening to a neighbour how was slightly better than me. Within weeks i was shanking the $$$$ off everything, it got so bad one round that i shot 65 for 9 holes! On 31 par course I very nearly gave up after that. To any golf id say get lessons before anything else.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hi Peter, thanks for watching. Yeah inconsistency is killing me at the moment. Far too many topped or duffed shots. If I can just eliminate those I think I’ll do ok. I’ve had a few lessons to be fair but it’s just about being able to implement the instruction on every shot. Being a high handicapper every one always wants to help you but everyone’s swing is different and what works for one doesn’t necessarily work for everyone else 👍🏻

[@peterguildford2133]

@@DiaryofaHighHandicapper too true.

[@djc9988]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@shanedeel2]

I only play golf alone. So relaxing

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

I love heading out on the course on my own sometimes. Great for the headspace….sometimes 😂

[@adrivanleuven8951]

where about in Ireland do we find you and what is your homecourse ? I play at "t Caves in Wintelre in the Netherlands, a small course but very easy going.............

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Hey mate, I live in Wicklow, just south of Dublin and my home club is Druids Heath. It’s a beautiful course that has both mountain and sea views. I’ll have it on the channel very soon. Maybe one day I’ll get to play a round in the Netherlands 🇳🇱👍🏻

[@marksimpson2321]

Do sports fans watch this? Only joking! This is what KZbin was made for !

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

It’s probably turning more into a lifestyle blog 😂 Maybe I might stick with the Golf + Interior Design channel idea 😂 Thanks for watching and the great comment Mark 👍🏻

[@shanedeel2]

I’m still here , still at 23.

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Keep at it

[@rogerlewis5815]

👍🇨🇱

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers Roger 👍🏻🇮🇪

[@fourwood8451]

Try watching golf sidekick channel breaking 100 and breaking 90 videos. Really helpful

[@DiaryofaHighHandicapper]

Cheers mate. Will give it a look. Thanks