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marc_almanza
Last Post 248 days, 20 hours Ago
"That Guy" at the Range
Posted: Dec 6, 2007 | 4:31 PM PST
Tags:course, practice, golf, range, driver

So here's my dilemna. I'm at the range and have been for the past few days. Been working on my short iron game. Things are going great for the most part. I think I got my wedges figured out. So I thought I 'd try and work on another part of my game. That's when I got to thinking.

See, I can hit my driver a mile. Problem is, my drive usually ends up further from the hole than when I teed off. So obviously my drive needs some working on. So I reach for the big dog and I pause for just a moment. And I thought to myself about all of the articles I've read about Driving at the range. And how it's frowned upon. And how the real practice is with your short irons. I didn't want to be "that guy" at the range.

My question is don't I have to be? Isn't that the point of the range? To work on what needs working on? Well my driving needs working on. And I don't necessarily think it's such a bad thing.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you see "that guy" at the range, you know, "that guy" that looks like he's out there just to have fun, "that guy" that looks like he's not really practicing, "that guy" that could've just stayed home and accomplished just as much on his Wii, well, if you see that guy, give him a break. "That guy" just might be me. And gosh darnit, that guy just might "really" have to work on his drive. And he might "really" be trying to work on his game. Just try to remember that there's more to the game of golf than just short iron play.

3 Comments
Member Comment
Louisville, KY
Joined: 08/28/2007
Posted: Dec 7, 2007 | 6:10 PM PST
I'm not much on the range, but when I'm there, I use the technique of visualizing and playing a course. Sure, you play from the same lie and the wind never changes direction, but at least you can alternate clubs and not stand there beating balls.

If you're hitting your irons and keeping them on the course, while you're driver is everywhere but where it needs to be, try a few different types of drivers before messing with your driver swing. It's amazing the differences in flex, kickpoints and torque ratings that will affect your ball flight with graphite shafts. Don't be fooled into thinking it's solely your swing. I've used the wrong shaft in my driver for the past two years and I just discovered it wasn't for my swing. A change in drivers immediately improved my control.

Good luck, AM.

Joined: 08/16/2007
Posted: Dec 10, 2007 | 6:54 AM PST
Thanks for tip. I've been toying with the idea of a stiffer shaft. Just haven't gotten around to it yet. The thing is there are days where I'm hitting my driver straight as an arrow. Those are the days that make me think its my swing. I don't know. I'll just have to keep practicing. If that doesn't make a difference, I'll seriously consider a new driver.

Thanks, Marc
Cumbria, UK
Joined: 08/16/2007
Posted: Dec 10, 2007 | 12:14 PM PST
Have a word with your local Pro, tell him what you feel the problem is and ask for advice. He should be able to let you try different Drivers (flex, loft, etc) and maybe even watch you hit a few to see your stance & alignment. Don,t be afraid to lift out the "Big Dog" at the range, there are times for the short game & times to work on other aspects. Good Luck.