So I finally did the Dave Pelz short game test

[Davebud]

Based on that, and a couple of other stats, I can only conclude that I should never take Irons with me to play again.
According to the "Short Game Test" I have a handicap of 17, based on my last 2 rounds that I tracked fairly decently, I had an average drive of 280, and 2.2 putts per hole. Adding all of that information together, and extrapolating possible reasons for a score of 101, and 103, I can only conclude that I should never touch my Irons again on the course.

[ezra76]

I'm gonna try that one of these days. If you get a chance to check out the latest issue of Golf Magazine they have some great ballstriking tips. Handicaps don't mean much to us duffers (better than hackers but too inconsistent to be decent golfers). I haven't broken 100 the last 3 times out. My handicap is at 13.2 lol. I feel bad for anyone having to give me 9 or 10 strokes in match play though. You'll definitely get a couple on my blowup 8 and 9 stroke holes. I'm liable to make 3 or 4 birdies when I get going though.

[EnglishGolfer]

Originally Posted by Davebud

According to the "Short Game Test" I have a handicap of 17

I've never heard of it, what is it I'll give it a whirl tomorrow?

[Davebud]

http://pelzgolf.com/Institute/SGH/SGH.aspx

I have not done the putting test, but even with really poor putting last time out I am averaging 2.2 putts per hole for my last 2 rounds. Prior to that I was not tracking them as well. The last 2 rounds I have tracked hit Fairways, Drive distance, GIR, and Putts per Hole.

[Pa Jayhawk]

How many greens did you hit average?

Based on what you indicated with a 280 yard average, if I put that into most of the courses I played, I wouldn't be playing many irons but mainly wedges and 3/4 wedges to the green. Plus I tend to have more putts, as most probably do, with the more GIR's because I am trying 20 foot putts instead of a 3 foot one coming as a result of a chip.

My putting has been bad lately, but I explain part of that because I have been hitting close to twice as many greens. Not all of it though. Although if your irons are bad and you are not hitting greens, I would tend to believe your 2.2 putts may be the biggest issue. My Handicap has always been a direct reflection of my putting average almost stroke for stroke, whether it be chipping or putting. If you are average 39 to 40 putts and not hitting many greens because of bad iron shots, poor chipping or missing a lot of 3 footers sounds like more of an issue.

[Davebud]

That is working out to less than 1 in 5, 19%. Additionally I have a Cleveland 588 49* on its way, my PW sucks.

[Augster]

Dave,

When I first got the shortgame bible I ran out and did the tests. I think they are just excellent, especially if it gets you to practice your shortgame more.

That said, I was a 6 at the time, and the tests revealed I have an iron game of a 14 handicap. Yikes.

I'm sure I am much, much worse now.

His tests certainly point out where your flaws are.

[Davebud]

Originally Posted by Augster

Dave,

When I first got the shortgame bible I ran out and did the tests. I think they are just excellent, especially if it gets you to practice your shortgame more.

That said, I was a 6 at the time, and the tests revealed I have an iron game of a 14 handicap. Yikes.

I'm sure I am much, much worse now.

His tests certainly point out where your flaws are.

There aren't that many fingers on any one persons body.