This Mindset Let's Me Break 80 With a Bad Swing

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

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[@matthewgill8207]

Dude as a 16 handicap who is FAR too concerned about how perfect my swing can be, this video is everything I needed, instant sub

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Much appreciated!!

[@dle632]

SAME!

[@hed_sh0tz__638]

I'm a 6-7 handicap and I agree w everything he's saying. It's true tho. I play a game called "protect par" and I try my hardest NOT to add my score until the end.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

i like that!!@@hed_sh0tz__638

[@MarkSmithhhh]

Same, I'm so concern3d with what my swing "looks like" to the point where I'm playing "golf swing" and not "golf"...he provides good perspective

[@Mikeb979]

Was about to call BS after your first 2 swings lol. This is clear proof how important your short game is. A lot of people including myself get fixated on making golf look pretty but at the end of the day it’s all about the score

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahha yeah wasn't my greatest start to a round lol

[@SL0409]

People are obsessed with drivers. They go to the range and just hit 100-200 balls with a driver and it does absolutely nothing for your golf game Driver is the least important club in a bag Putting and short game is what makes the better players where they are

[@Mikeb979]

@@SL0409 I used to be that guy until the driver stopped working and I had to actually learn how to play lol. It’s also amazing how much course management and learning to control the mental side takes lots of strokes off your game.

[@sevendewey]

My swing is probably worse from swing path standpoint and I once got down to a 4.7 index. I’m back up to hovering around an 8 now which is probably about where I should be. But I have 3 things going for me. I am straight off the tee, pretty decent with a wedge and an above average putter. When penalty shots and 3 putts become rare you’ll be amazed at how well you can score

[@KingKarlTNT]

Haha amen. I was also like if that's the swing of a 15 handicapper I should be a scratch golfer not a 20 handicapper. But my problem is my short game. Should probably work on it. Get around or on the green and almost always make a 3 putt or a chip and a two putt XD. Then obviously one hole a round I hit ob XD and make a big number.

[@thomastrain7311]

Nothing will piss off other golfers more than someone spraying it all over and getting up and down all day lmao.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

id still rather hit a green in regulation loll

[@brianharron3435]

It’s called KZbin golf I could shot 8 under every time to lol

[@mre_man]

@@brianharron3435 the magic of editing :)

[@k.i.s.s..]

Your always here defense wins championships ...well short game wins matches. Obviously your offense has to be decent but good course management will allow for poor dispersion🤯

[@760Kid]

Impressive short game for such bad tee shots. Never seen anything like it. Now I know where I need to practice. Great video.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahaha thank you! When you miss as many greens as i do then your short game gets better lol

[@kennethvanhouten8507]

This is great perspective for mid to high handicappers to understand that you don’t need a beautiful looking swing to be single digit. More golfers would play better if they had your mindset. You also have an incredible short game!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

@kennethvanhouten8507 Yes high handicap golfers put too much pressure on themselves to hit high level golf shots! Thank you you for the compliments!

[@JeffPassageCPA]

True, you don't need a beautiful golf swing, but you do need distance. I can't hit driver over 180 yards. GIR's are impossible. Bogeys are the best I can hope for. 56 years playing golf and I have yet to break 90.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

If you send me a video of your swing on instagram, facebook or tiktok i will give you some tips on how to improve your yardage. I know my swing is not the prettiest but i do know a lot about the golf swing and i know i can help!@@JeffPassageCPA

[@JeffPassageCPA]

@LongandLeftGolf Thanks. Everyone says I have a fundamentally good golf swing. I just can't generate enough club head speed to hit long. My driver speed is less than 80 mph. And yes, I have done speed training, strength training, flexibility training. I just can't hit long shots. Never have. Golf lessons didn't work either. So I'm stuck in "accept or quit" mode every day with golf.

[@alienrenders]

​​@@JeffPassageCPASlow down the start of your downswing. At 80mph, you're reaching top speed before you reach the ball and slow back down to 80. For a drill, flip your driver upside down and do a whipping motion at the bottom of the swing. Now do that with the driver right side up. Guaranteed to hit over 200 yards.

[@Aderpt]

Nothing has showed me that i need to work on my wedge play like this video. Thank you. This is gonna make me break 80

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Love to hear this!! Enjoy breaking 80!!

[@atxrich]

I’m a 14 HDCP but love your approach to the game- mindset and short game. GolfSidekick and Not a Scratch Golfer have similar approaches as well. Having the right mindset can do wonders from keeping your round from going off the rails. I think I could be a lower HDCP if I didn’t compound errors and thought my way around a course better.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yes having confidence and allowing yourself to laugh makes for better decision making on the course!

[@blainekennedy]

There are many terrible Canadian accents to choose from yes

[@dj-flights7376]

Your mentality is EXACTLY RIGHT! Chipping and lag putting is the key, I learned this last year after reading a great book. I began breaking 80 multiple times after switching my focus to chipping and putting.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yeah! I was actually a much better tee to green player than I was a putter or chipper but now the roles have reversed lol

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yeah! I was actually a much better tee to green player than I was a putter or chipper but now the roles have reversed lol

[@findingmemo1791]

Which book?

[@dj-flights7376]

@@findingmemo1791 It was called "The little book of Breaking 80". It's a little repetitive but makes the point. Getting the 2nd to last shot within 3 feet of the hole is the MAIN focus, from chipping or lag putting. I practice both often and it helped me get to the next level.

[@the808life]

Speed is even more important than green reading. You guys need Dave Pelz, not this dude.

[@richardlow867]

Lots of people would have a single digit handicap with a short game like you. Well done.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you richard!!

[@johnryal]

This

[@growlansing5121]

i hit my driver 275-300 easy. 9 160 8 170. all w good contact. not great accuracy. but, i can barely break 100.

[@Mykl0000]

@@growlansing5121I swung slower and it reduced all of my yardages by like 30 but it allowed me to shoot 45 and break 100 for the first time easily, it especially helped with chipping

[@tedjerdee1028]

As a 13 handicap, I can't tell you how valuable short game is. I have a buddy who is a 5 handicap and our game looks identical until we get under 100 yards in. His ability to get up and down with a wedge is the number one reason his handicap is more than half of mine

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

yeah i was a 10-15 handicap for a long time until i went and practiced chipping😂

[@Weewoo452]

7:26 Had me busting out laughing 🤣

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahhahah it was a tough scene 😂

[@Montytobin]

SAME

[@A.Man..]

that was actually encouraging 😂😅

[@Ct99915]

I've done that weird toe shank thing at a pro am with a bunch of pro's watching me 😂 you're right, you're not the only first or last person to do it!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahhaha thats hilarious!

[@MachoManAndySavage125]

Sent the head of my 3 wood 40 yards down the fairway with the same shot last summer, luckily my driver has withstood a few with no major injuries.

[@nickvassil3528]

I can break 80 about 20% of the time because of my short game and putting, usually low to mid 80’s. I’m 62 and a complete lightweight,55 kilograms ! My driver is about 200 total!! Lately too my irons from 100 to 140 have been going really well. I bought some p770 last year , so short,but feel so good and consistent.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

I also play the p 770's!! beautiful irons aren't they!? 200 yard drives are pretty good for a young 62 year old!! Keep it up!

[@Dylanredd46]

this is such excellent advice that can be applied to so many other things. everyone tries to think their way into being better than they are, which only causes worse shots and more frustration. just swing the damn club and trust your abilities, and if its good its good if its bad its bad.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Honestly though you summed it up perfectly. "if its good its good if its bad its bad." Hit the ball, find the ball, hit it again lol

[@yeolderuckas8568]

Your game is like mine. Can't hit a green to save my life but somehow I'm a single digit handicap. Keep it up!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Love to hear it!! You too man!

[@xaypho6586]

Kept it humble and focused no matter how bad or good his shots were. Learned how important short game really is from this. Great video thanks.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you, very kind. Have a great day!

[@codykad1986]

That is a great lesson to keep in mind. Mindset is huge for every golfer. (Well, life in general) I think the golf course makes a pretty big difference also, because if I hit some of those shots on a closed course full of trees or tall grass, it would be a dropped ball. But still having that positive mindset helps you forget that shot and hit a good one next. Your short game is impressive. Also impressed that you've respoded to every single comment. Excellent stuff! Subscribed.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yes we can learn so many life lessons on the golf course!! Thank you for your comment!!

[@chrissamgreene]

You are my hero! I, too, have a swing that is everywhere but where it should be but I break 80 once every 3 rounds, mostly by taking bogeys when necessary and getting up and down a bunch of the time. There is one thing, however, I will take away from your demonstration. That is your disposition. It is BEAUTIFUL and one that every golfer should employ. Thanks

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Wow!! Thank you so much! That may be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me!

[@victortorres429]

Great short game and putting my man… ! I’m in the high 80’s low 90’s I can be even through 6 and then have 4 doubles back to back and throw my whole game off… the struggle

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

I know that feeling all too well bro! Thanks for the compliment. Keep grinding on that game and the scores will lower!!

[@uchief3040]

Your putting is insane… but the crack of your woods/irons and that high follow through are pure poetry

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!!

[@tristenmartinez3756]

hole ten, tee shot quick swings after the shot is me hahah this really helped me realize I am not good enough to get mad at my bad shots. Just have to recoup and move forward

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

life is ahead of you not behind you!!

[@mikeslimjimlim]

I love your outlook on golf. It really calms me down to watch how you stay disciplined and manage your emotions for every shot. This was really valuable

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!! Glad it helped! I must admit that I have kind of gotten away from this mentality the past few months and need to start practicing what I preach again!

[@tsolomonliu]

Hole 9 was the most inspirational. 3 bad shots, but the 4th shot was amazing. The short game is really good, especially the putting. I have been taking lessons for a year and a half and have just started going to courses. This video came at a good time for me. Very useful. Thanks!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

My advice is play as much as you can bro. Enjoy the process and always remember to have fun. If you just started playing on course, do not be intimidated or nervous about your own shots. Your playing partners are more worried about their own game then they are yours i promise!

[@Davyath]

I love seeing some absolute hack shots and still walking away with a very respectable score. You'd be a fun guy to golf with for sure. You have great shortgame.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you so much!

[@henrugolf]

Love this mindset. Getting to scratch and past is alll about minimizing the consequences of your mishits. Great video!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!!

[@hog561]

That was great watch👍👍 I have to knock down those 6 feet putts. That fun to watch and educational 😀

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!!

[@Hommer167]

I'm a lefty as well. I had the same problem with my swing. Hit it straight for a long time then all of a sudden hooking everything. Turned out my arms on the down swing some how were too far from my body. It's a micro adjustment. Keep the elbow close to your body. It will do the trick! Great talent you got there.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you for the insight! Yes i know that is the problem for me as well having the club stuck behind me. however, ive always had my miss hits off the toe, and when i try and feel my hands closer to my body on my down swing i cant ever find the middle. idk what to do lol

[@Hommer167]

Lol. Yeah, it's a frustrating sport for sure! I rewatched your swing and my thought is that your trail arm on the down swing was a little far off the body. So, have a tiny adjustment on your swing thought before the next shot: left elbow rubs belly! Micro adjustment. Tell me when you make the cut for PGA tour. Lol.

[@michaeltotten5767]

Great round. While your long game is maybe a 15 hdcp, your short game is scratch. Makes a huge difference. We should all be grabbing our wedges and putters to practice! Also. Those scratches on your golf ball are affecting flight and carry distance.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yes short game is key!! Yeah i know the scratches are bad for flight and yardage but i also know that if i pulled out a new one it wouldn't last lol

[@Aoughi]

Joke He brings every ball forward this has nothing to do with a 15 hcp

[@Aoughi]

​@@AgainstThe-Grainlook at his stereotypes before or after the shot. He may be a scratch golfer or better just fooling us

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

what do you mean i bring the ball forward??@@Aoughi

[@Aoughi]

@@AgainstThe-Grain your grip your Adress position and that swing through makes sure that most of the here shown bad contacts still make distance. Maybe go 20 right or left only. And then the recovery shots were technically well played most of the times with very good contact. Just twanna say that your basics of the Swing are far better then a usual 15 hcp

[@aarondeluca5888]

Your short game is paying your bills brother. Im also a 5 handicap. I only drive the ball on average 210-230 with a 90 mph club head speed. I do ALL my scoring from 100 yards in. I use the clock method with my pitching wedge, chip around the green with a 52 or a 7 iron bump and run, and my one put 5 or 6 times a round

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Love that!! Great playing!

[@wabreamanglers]

What would you shoot on a challenging golf course ? I mean a course with a 410m par 5? Wedges into par 3s majority of the par 4s are driveable. Good short game and it shows how important it is to get the ball up and down when around the greens

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

probably 2 under par

[@the808life]

Lmao! You don’t seem to understand slope ratings bro.. Your a 15 handicap and on a REAL CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE your shooting 12-15 shots over. I would bet you your lifesavings at a course like PGA West or Chambers your shooting over 100.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

I actually just played PGA west and shot 1 over par@@the808life

[@paulspiller2254]

man, this was eye opening. I hit pretty much every fairway and I am solid with my irons. On Tuesday I hit 7 out of 9 greens in reg and walked away with a 43 on the front 9. My chipping and putting isn't bad but it's not as good as you. So many up and downs! well done.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you! Are you 3 putting often? I have found since my irons have gotten better and i'm hitting more greens in reg i am actually 3 putting more. I am too used to missing the green but chipping to 15 feet or closer so im not practicing longer range putts. Thanks for the comment paul!

[@ajam1013]

This should be titled “ master chipping and putting and you will shoot in the 70’s”

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Hahaha true

[@andrewheather3519]

Can relate to this big time. People say i have the swing of 20 handicap but play off 3.. i do hit the ball better then my swing.. good wedge and putting game. Ball only knows impact..

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

love that!! Keep it up man!

[@StayConsistant]

Had to subscribe since I'm a lefty as well. Dude you have me inspired to work on my short game! I usually shoot around 90, plus or minus a few. Always feel like I lose so many strokes on dumb misses.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thanks for the sub! Go to the putting green and practice the same 4ft putt and see how many in a row you can make!

[@vintageswiss9096]

Man, you are my spirit animal. I'm right-handed, but i swing clubs lefty, and putt right-handed. I can't hit a 3w to save my life, and my 4i only goes 150 on a pure swing. 7i goes 130... 9i goes 100 tops... But, i drive 270+ at 155mph, and my wedge game is surgical. I'm a bogey golfer (91 against 73 over 18 on my home course), but if you saw me shanking my 6i at the range, you'd think I had never held a club before... 😂 I'm still new, but I've been trying to learn to play my consistent bad shots. I get paired with partners all the time with 10+ years of experience that just can't get over the hero ball mentality, and they blow up a hole and ruin their whole card just because they refuse to take a stroke by laying up before a hazard. Hoping to get some lessons this off-season and finally card in the 80s next year. Cheers from a card-carrying member of the official Bogey Brigade. We're out here 😂

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you for the comment!! If your driver goes as far as you say and your wedges are truly great than you should break 80 no problem. Practice 4ft straight putts and see how many in a row you can make (do it over and over and over again) play to your strengths. If your good with a wedge always try and miss the green in a place where you can try and wedge it close. Keep grinding!!

[@Bech285]

I'm a 7,9 HCP and my swing is also, not pretty hehe, I've got plenty of power, but my irons are definitely my weak point and what I work on the most. Course management is never bad, but it's always a combination that's needed. My driver is definitely a weapon. It's rarely OB, I hit it plenty long, about 250-257 yards carry on the good ones, bad about 235 (thank you Qi10 Max :D) and with the roll we're getting right now, total is often 300+ yards, but that combined with my short game and decent putting, makes golf fairly easy. I would recommend Dan Grieve. His videos and book took my short game to the next lvl.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thanks for sharing!! Sounds like you’re well on your way to lowering your cap even further!! I’ve heard awesome things about the qi10 driver! Might have to check it out hahha

[@1wfunston1]

This really highlights how much I should be working on short game. Too concerned with developing a "perfect" full swing

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

My cap was the lowest when I couldn’t stop hooking the ball! Keep working on that short game!

[@Sisu2280]

This was good to watch. To be fair, you're good around the greens, and that course is very forgiving. A big number of your shots on my home course would have had you in water, bunkers, or OB. Scores rack up much quicker then!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

thank you!

[@leemzgoogle917]

I'm a 2-3 handicap and I play very similar to this guy. My swing is better but I tend to play very conservatively. I only hit driver when it makes sense to do so (i.e. LOTS of room for a miss). On some courses I might hit it 10-11 times and on others I might only hit it once or twice. Leave your ego at home. I'm perfectly fine hitting 3wood or 5wood or even a hybrid off the tee on a long par 4 or par 5. I rarely go for the green in two on a par 5. I almost always aim for the middle of the green regardless of where the pin is. I'm 66 years old and I only average about 235 off the tee but I can hit my 7 iron about 175-180 yds. The key to good golf is to play SMART. You need to THINK your way around a golf course. A good short game is KEY to keeping your scores from ballooning. Learn to chip, pitch and putt well and play to your strengths. You can always live with a bogey but a double or worse will kill your score. When I'm at the range or hitting balls with my SkyTrak, I hit the vast majority of shots with 9-iron and wedges. I rarely hit the driver more than 10 times when practicing.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

You hit your 7 iron further than I do!! How do you like the sky track? Thanks for the comment!!

[@leemzgoogle917]

@@AgainstThe-Grain Some of my length with the irons comes from lessons (GolfTec) and some of it is from the clubs themselves. I took a total of 30 lessons over the course of 4 seasons with GolfTec and dropped my handicap from a 14-15 to a 2-3. I decided at age 61 that I wanted to get better before Father Time caught up with me. LOL. I was fitted for a set of Callaway Rogue X irons. They are stronger lofted than traditional irons. They provide extra distance without sacrificing height and stopping power on the greens. Best irons I've ever had. I have a Callaway Mavrik Max driver, a Razr Hawk 3 wood and 5 wood. Then I have Rogue X 4 hybrid and 6 hybrid. The rest of my set is wedges and my Odyssey putter. I carry 4 wedges, PW, AW, SW, LW. I like having options around the green. As for the SkyTrak, I love it. I bought it because my local driving range will be closing to build apartments and once that happens I'll have no place to practice within a reasonable driving distance of my home. Several other ranges have closed over the years. But I really love the info you get from the SkyTrak, depsite the fact that it does NOT measure clubhead data. It measures ball data only but I find that to be sufficient. It's been a great practice tool and for a little extra money you can play simulated rounds of golf on it. I played the best golf of my life last season at age 66 and I only hit 52% of my fairways (I keep my stats with the Grint app). I'd really like to hit more fairways but it just goes to show you can still score well from off the fairway providing you can still get your ball near the green on your next shot. Sorry for the lengthy response. Cheers.

[@Criscross292]

As a fellow Lefty, you’ve inspired me to focus on my short game. Great round! 🙂

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Love to hear it!! Use the bounce of the wedge and keep those hands forward!👍

[@metalheads-golf]

My buddy Mr BBB was also looking out for a channel featuring a lefty. Good stuff. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻

[@scott1993]

Short game is where strokes are saved and it seems to be the strongest part of your game. I enjoyed this video. I am also a single digit player with a 14 handicap swing . My golf buddies can't understand how i shoot in the 70s

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

you got it! its all short game!!

[@fayyaadjamodien6762]

I prefer being a 14 handicap and move down as my golf game improves instead of rush to be a lower handicap player and not be able to live up to it.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

yeah golf is a crazy game ain't it

[@jott1717]

Huh?

[@brianbingel2235]

Bro what? Entire point is your swing doesn’t matter it’s all about 50 yards and in.

[@TheBigwillistyle]

"and not being able to live up to it" We know what your problem is...fear. Get out of your comfort zone and see how good you can be.

[@yepdontcarebud]

​@brianbingel2235 "doesn't matter" is about 10 bridges too far lol hit 2 OB and you can up and down king your way to a triple

[@eddien9634]

Big respect my guy, your short game and putting is friggin bananas!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thanks ed!!

[@iancook2015]

If ever proof was needed that practice on short game and putting is the key, this is THE video...All over the golf course yet still scoring.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

literally ALL over the place hahaha

[@SheikhDenizTezcan]

What a great video! I play from 19hcp and am worrying about my swing the whole time, will try this mindset next time I am playing!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you man! Focus on chipping and putting and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself when you hit bad shots! Cheers man

[@jeffmit2675]

Great attitude. The little thing that makes a big difference! Wish there were more people with positive vibes out there on the course!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Well unfortunately there was a time where i was the guy nobody wanted to play with because i was a spazz lol. Since ive changed its made the game a lot more fun for myself and others!

[@Zombiekens]

I love the mindset surrounding your swing man. I would love to shoot in the 70’s, lowest so far is two 84’s. I’m definitely too focused on making my swing look “perfect” rather than just swinging free and being able to connect better.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

im sure your swing is good enough where if you only tell yourself to focus on contact and playing your miss than you will improve your scores. Work on putting and chipping and you will be breaking 80 in no time!!

[@Zombiekens]

@@AgainstThe-Grain thanks for the words of advice bro! Appreciate you!

[@leijiang8944]

Every low handicapper has excellent short game, you are no exception.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

thank you

[@theworldisastage1984]

Had an awful day and shot 87 on a municipal course. Babe Lind/West 18 at Kennedy in Denver. About ten awful shots led to 15 over

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Does the ball go a long ways in Denver??

[@theworldisastage1984]

@@AgainstThe-Grain yeah. About an extra 10%

[@Enfelis]

put a tee in the ground on the swing path you want to hit in front of the ball on and hit ball and tee on follow through. it will help a ton with your draw/hook contact. Get that down and you're golden. Short game beautiful. Great vid man.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you for the tips man!! Slowly working on that bad hook! I appreciate it!

[@bnazzaro21]

Incredible. Your putting and chipping is very good. Saves a lot.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you! yes it does!!

[@vinrxx]

Great display of putting. No 3 putts. I lost count but 6-7 one putts. Excellent!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!! Pick an edge and hit it firm hahaha

[@Cats3141]

You make all my errors, yet I have 10 more strokes. Clearly, the difference is putting & chipping. We are told that is the difference, but now I can believe it having seen "my own swing" combined with a good short game.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yeah also so many people think there are secrets to shoot low scores with poor swings (I was one of them) but nope like you said it is all short game!

[@GrumpyGolf4]

I'm 61 and my biggest issue is probably between my ears. My 5i carry is 156 y. I have no club for long par 3's and approach shots from 150 ish are challenging to hold the green. It's def in my head and when faced with these shots, I try to hit it too hard and end up blowing up my score. I guees my take away here is to just swing easy and take bogey at worst if possible. I will say, you're young and hit it pretty far, when you get older and if/when your distance suffers, you might not be able to pull off a sub-80 round with that swing anymore.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Being 61 you should play whatever tees you will have the most fun from. No point playing from one in or something. When my dad joins me i make him play from the front tees and its a lot more enjoyable for him!

[@mikecoughlin4128]

This was an odd premise to me because no one I play with thinks about “pretty swings”. I get told I have one and sometimes people assume I played college golf but my response is always “did you not see where the ball went?” I hope everyone knows that it’s ball striking consistency that matters. That’s what I strive for to improve my 110 scores.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

yeah even with poor swing mechanics, contact is so imortant

[@beeefelemouton]

Putting A+, Pitching A, on a tough but short course equals good performance. Congrats

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!

[@mikeanderson3735]

OMG. That tee shot on #9 almost hit his camera guy. LMAO Your game reminds me of how I play. At my best I was a 2 handicap but you would never think that watching me play. I was just so good around the greens that I made up for my mistakes getting there. I think one item you touched on without mentioning it was playing in the fairway. When your driver is not working just get away from it and play in the the fairway. I would even recommend people playing a round without a driver in the bag. I think people really don't understand how bad of a position a driver can put you it. Any Golfer really looking to get better I recommend stop playing and just chip and putt for 2 months. Practice all the time time. Don't touch the driving range. Give your swing some time to forget all the bad habits you pick up. If you practice chipping and putting for 2 months, you will see a dramatic improvement in your game. Without hitting the driving range or playing a round of golf, I went from shooting mid to high 80's to mid 70's. This was done without improving anything but chipping and putting.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

This is great advice mike!! i couldn't agree more!!

[@adriaanoosthuizen7139]

True. Played my best round ever with a 2 iron after my driver broke. Went back to driver and scores went back up again. It's fun hitting driver though😅

[@mikeanderson3735]

@@adriaanoosthuizen7139 Its so true. I have been so frustrated with my driver at times that I go straight to my 3 wood. Go 6 or 7 holes at even par only to think, its time to take the driver out again. Double Bogey. I never learn. Golf is the most satisfying and frustrating game. For about two months, I played the best golf of my life. Shooting under par to a few over par every week. I remember thinking that I had it all figured out. BOOM, couldn't hit anything straight for a month. Shit, I had trouble walking straight. LMAO.

[@kewing3]

Completely agree. There's no points for aesthetics. Ugly pars are a part of any good golfer's game. And chipping is absolutely key. Get to know your home course greens and expect to consistently chip within 3 feet.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

i love ugly pars!! there fun lolll

[@andrewglover1739]

This helps me improve. My simulator rounds are frequently far better than real rounds by a long, long way. Far more so than my friends I'm pretty good with short game and putting so I think the main difference is that on a simulator, looking at a screen helps me seperate each shot individually. I don't even think about the par of a hole or how much I'm scoring. Just each shot in front of me and its fun. During an actual round a bad shot becomes several more and I will blow up 3 holes in a row and ruin the card.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Glad this helps you andrew!! Sounds cool that you get to play sim rounds! Do you have a sim at home?

[@amac8487]

The best part about having “not so great golf shots” is you get really good at tough lies, behind trees, in bushes, in the weeds, on hard dirt etc. that’s how you learn to get out of those; when you do eventually get that “good golf shot” down :)

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Honestly though!! The reason my short game is half decent is because I miss 15 of 18 greens every round😂😂

[@huddwah]

Unbelievable... ! How is this even possible 😊 3 of 4 up and downs, no 3 putts on the front 9 2 of 3 up and downs, no 3 putts on the back 9 ...did I count right? 5/7 up and downs ... That's better than scratch level short game??? Well done, super impressive and inspiring. How did you get so good with your short game!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!! i use a very simple technique when i chip. I feel like i hit the ball with my chest and dont use my hands or arms at all. It took practice but not that much to be honest!! For putting you just need to learn what a straight putt feels like to you and then learn lag putting. Before your round only bring one ball onto the putting green and just try and get the pace right.

[@peterdeduke1962]

Great video. I appreciate these videos that are realistic and not edited. You are very right, keep it fun and be able to laugh. Thanks guys.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

absolutely!!

[@marcludwick512]

That was a nice 5 over. Short game and putting is the key. Another note, no lost balls or penalty strokes. Once you have those the triples and quads add up quick.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yes that is a great point! I did get very lucky twice on 9 and 10 to come away without a penalty stroke. But yes finding a way to keep the ball in play is crucial to lowering your score!

[@marcludwick512]

@@ericsmith6677 Yeah, I know the feeling!

[@mkwy8782]

@@AgainstThe-Grain You were VERY lucky (your play actually warranted up to a 15 over) on the one hand...but I do not understand why you cannot correct those hooks. Here, you need to hang onto the "hinge" as long as possible...and/or open the club face more-not that hard to figure out.

[@amatya.rakshasa]

Instant sub. I almost never do that. This video was so eye opening. Your short game is fire!!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Much appreciated!! Hahaha thank you!!

[@Steve-kf1lx]

Good stuff! Chipping and putting will fix a lot of mistakes and turn into a lot of birdies when approach shots are on point. Those tee shot hooks, look a little armsie, like you’re trying to steer the ball a bit. Rotate those hips and drive through that ball, it’ll come back to you😁

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!! yeah thankfully i have fixed that brutal hook hahah

[@RunAndRes]

Me and this guy play very similar golf until green side. Except he’ll shoot 76 and I’ll shoot 96 😂 Great video! I tend to give up on the hole too easy and mentally check out after a couple of bad shots, but this is proof that with a decent short game that I could be saving pars and bogeys, instead of carding doubles

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Hahha great comment! Thank you! I was the same way! I used to hit a bad tee ball and think my whole round was over because of it. Then you realize that a bogey isn’t a bad score sometimes! Cheers!

[@BlairDillen]

I recognize ol' Mt Brenton! Left handed as well and managed to get down to scratch when younger. Can give you proper lefty lessons if you want to wander up to Fairwinds..

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Would love to! Currently live in Dubai but will be home for the summer. I've only played fairwinds once but would love to get out there again!! DM me on facebook or instagram and we can set something up! Thank you

[@christopher1751]

Hole 9 did it for me. This guy is my new favorite golfer on the youtubes 😂

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahhaa toe ball peeler!!

[@Gzickgraf]

Proof that fun golf is always just one shot away. Awesome vid

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!!!

[@TheCrazyeyeskillah]

I’m this kind of golfer. 9 handicap, bad swing, exceptional short game. If only I could fix my swing. It’s been a 10 year struggle.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

keep working!!

[@Pkurkowski2]

I see your exact problem. You keep the triangle, but you dont keep your left arm glued to your body. Try the drill with your mid irons where you keep a glove under your armpit and that elbow tight into your side with your right arm straight. It will force you to shallow. Callaway also sells this training aid that is an elastic band that goes around your chest and you then put your trail arm in a sleeve and it forces you to keep that trail arm close to your body.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yes someone else pointed this out to me a little while ago and i have been gaming the towel drill ever since!! Thank you !!

[@shopvice]

Great content and mental attitude. It got me thinking that course selection can be a big part of breaking 80. If you were playing a desert course or one with required carry over ravines or other hazards you'd be taking far more drops. Tree lined or open links style courses seem to be less punishing on a slice or hook as you can generally find your ball and at least hit it back into play. My goal is to break 80 this year (only been playing a year and loving it) so I'll be taking a good look at some courses that'll be a bit more favorable to my "inconsistencies".

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

yeah course obviously has a big impact on score. What i would do if i were you if you've only been playing a year is play a few tees up and allow yourself to get comfortable shooting lower scores right from the start

[@prebb]

Just the right amount of talking between shots. Good video angles + tracer. Likeable dude. Have a sub!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thanks!! Really appreciate it!!

[@jefflucas6062]

Dude, It was like watching Tiger Woods escaping from everywhere. Awesome short game! 👍

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahaha thank you bro!!

[@mrpriceisright]

I like the concept(s). That draw borders on a hook. If I could putt like that I'd break 80 most of the time! The only thing I practice is chipping/pitching. The short game pays huge dividends - your short game is something else.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

The draw is definitely a hook lol But yes short game is king!

[@mkwy8782]

This is very much me, left-handed and all, except that I am 5'2" and 71 years old and I'm more of a 12 handicap...did shoot a 75 (4 over) a couple days ago. I totally exasperate my playing partners with my ability to get up and down :)

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

75 is an unreal score!! More low scores to come! If anyone can ever come close to shooting their age, it is very very impressive!!

[@metalheads-golf]

Awesome dude. 💪🏻😎🤘🏻

[@scooterrific321]

I am a "scratch" driver and iron player. My last round, all but one of the par-3's were near-hole-in-ones (all tap-in's for birdie). My score? 82. My handicap? 12. My chipping and putting? Absolute sh**. Partner us up in a scramble and we'd be on tour.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahah lets do it!!

[@nelly5538]

There is NO doubt you have put some WORK into the chipping and putting. You have the short game of a scratch golfer easy. Most people just dont get how you can play so good by controlling the short shots, and it just takes time to learn.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

i get lots of reps from all the greens i miss lol!!

[@MrPorko2c]

This is actually really inspirational. It also really reinforces how much I need to work on my short game. I shot my best ever round on Saturday. My driver and woods were hot. My long and medium irons were pretty consistent, and my putting was maybe the best it’s ever felt, but boy did my chipping and overall short game around the greens suck. I shot my best ever round but I reckon I lost 5 or 6 shots from chipping within 40 yards.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

What did you shoot!? Love reading comments about people shooting personal bests! Work on that short game and beat your record next weekend too!

[@happyscaling]

Whelp... yeah I'm a 15 and my swing is eerily similar to yours atm. Have known short game is the big thing that will move the needle and this confirms it

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

it really will help your game a lot!! its fun to piss off your friends too when your always making par from nowhere and tie the hole lol

[@DLudGolf]

I love this, I am always the positive mindset realistic guy in my group and it is hard when everyone is throwing tantrums around me

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

It definitely makes golf more enjoyable! I was definitely the kid having tantrums a year ago lol

[@Marquitopolo_]

Yeah I’m around a 23 handicap because i 2 or 3 chip AND putt every hole. Great perspective from ya man. Thanks for the video.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Just practice bro! Hands forward, open the club face and feel like your hitting the ball with your chest!

[@i_amChrisJxmes]

I’ve broken 80 so many times with a horrific over the top motion that I just perfected. I just knew how to play shots that helped me score better. Now I’ve been filming my swing because it looked atrocious and it is just wrong. Haven’t broken 80 since😂

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahaha if it aint broke dont fix it i guess!

[@Mark-bj9gt]

Bro Im not going to lie I saw that first drive and said no fucking way and had to keep watching lol good work dude

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

hahahah thanks man!!

[@geneoverton1994]

Your short game is clutch. This video gives me hope....I just need to stop thinning shots

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you! open that club face and hit down on the ball 👍

[@MarkSmithhhh]

I have a bad swing, wild off the tee, always pull my irons but I shoot decently (mid to low 80s) just playing for up and downs and some consistent low punch shot yardages...im in the process of fixing my swing cause I've hit a wall and there's really not much I can do to lower my score without more full.swing consistency, but you can certainly play decent golf with "bad but useable" swing...my swings not good but I know where the miss is that's good enough to play golf and have fun

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yea there is definitely a ceiling for scores with a bad swing!

[@InternetMechanic]

If the left handed clubs didn’t give away the Canadian, the accent surely did it. Wonderful video. Very refreshing. Keep it up!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Hahahah great comment! Thank you!

[@wdiddy1]

Your short game is better than most golfers and on par with very good scratch golfers. You also make good contact 90 percent of the time but accuracy is a bit off some times. Amazing short game!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!! yeah definitely need to work on my irons and driver!

[@tpmc12]

I’m a hack but I’ve played with D1 college golfers and your putting in this video is as good as or better than theirs.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

thank you for the comment. If only i could hit the ball like them lol

[@jakekajakekaj]

This really goes to show just how important short game is for getting a lower handicap…as important as tee shots are, when you don’t have it on a specific day you can lean on short game to bail you out

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

absolutely!!

[@Tonedefdom]

Hole 9. Knew it was going to be bad as soon as you said "I'm gonna try so hard" One of the paradoxes in golf, the harder you try, the more you fail

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

yeah definitely was not my finest moment on the golf course hahahah

[@arcleid]

Not to rain on your parade but you were pretty lucky to have found those balls you hit into the trees this round. Your short game is SO GOOD though. I don't see you feeling the pressure at all hitting those chips and putts. Love it! I'm a 8-9 handicap, and I need to learn your mentality coming into the short game area. Great video!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yeah i know i was lucky, usually my ball striking is better and my putting isn't always that good so they kind of offset each other. Never feel pressure when chipping, everyone has duffed a chip before. If you notice people actually only comment when you hit a good chip, if you hit a poor shot no one thinks about it because it's what they expect.

[@ChristopherLoupe-hh6bj]

Dude, I cannot get the ball to slice either. I feel your pain. What a short game and mental game though!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Was my tee shot on 9 considered a slice?😂😂😂 Thank you man I really appreciate that!

[@brokeboi1469]

Great video. I think your short game is basically scratch! I was told by a coach one time that it’s not about how well you score when your hitting it good, but how you recover when your hitting it bad that makes a player a scratch golfer. I need to work on my short game apparently lol.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!! I agree, short game can save you from when your hitting it bad but your long game cant save your short game!

[@PatrickTK21]

One great mental tip I read in Golf Magazine of all places, is to swing your 3-wood with the same tempo/force as you would swing a 9-iron.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

thats a great tip!

[@luisduarte.07]

I am a pro golfer, this video is a proof that you don’t need a fancy swing to shoot low scores. Keep working in that rotation and impact zone. The thing with low amateurs is that they forget how important is short game. Drive for show putt for dough

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thanks for swing advice!! I appreciate it!

[@mac5856]

Dude has great chipping and putting which is what saves him,has some pretty decent swings overall, got lucky on a few too

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Yeah I agree, definitely got lucky this round. Even Bryson says pro's need to get lucky to shoot good scores

[@stevenchampion8137]

Good video. I'm kind of the opposite. Played off 4, then stopped playing, but still go to the range. Always working on the swing, and I now hit it better than ever. However, when I get on the course my wedges, short game and putting are just off all the time. So I may hit twelve greens, but still struggle to break 80.

[@stevenchampion8137]

... think I'd be off about plus two if I had your wedge game! What would advise: club up...I didn't see too many approaches going past the hole. Have a lessons! A good PGA pro will help you get a more playable / consistent ball flight. If I may ask, what's the course and the slope rating?

[@stevenchampion8137]

... also, you're entitled to give us more of your post-round thoughts! I enjoyed watching, subbed!

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

its mount brenton golf club. not sure the rating off hand. It is an easier track. Thank you for the recommendations!! I usually error short because i have confidence in my short game. But also if there is trouble short i take more club!

[@ktarv6111]

Great putting. Can’t wait for springtime.

[@AgainstThe-Grain]

Thank you!!