Maybe the best time I've spent at the golf course

[Ravenous Bugblatter Beast]

After work today, I drove to a course, and didn't play. I used its practice green for an hour and a half, hitting chips, pitches, and putts. Man, that was nice, I had it all to myself because of the grim gray clouds, and spits of rain. What was also nice was how few and far between the bad chips and pitches have become. I've realized how fundamentally easy these shots are. Visualize the shot, commit to it, and then focus on the back of the ball and keep-your-freaking-head-down. I mean that. You don't look up until a second or two after you've hit the ball. After that, then look up and watch the ball until it comes to a stop. Absorb it. Learn it.

I finished up with 10 balls from about 20 yards away to a pin. I hit 4 of them to within 3 feet, and 8 of them were within 6 feet.

I practiced some pitches from a very difficult position, one that it would be hard to even get them on the green, I thought. I put 8 of those 10 on the green.

This is good. Practice practice practice. I'm going to feel much better the next time I'm on the course.

[Scotty01292]

In theory... But when you are actually out on the course, the reality will be so much different.

I'm speaking from experience...

[Davebud]

I have to agree though, I have holed chips when I am practicing and have not done that when I am playing. The upside is my 40 yards and in shots are other wise an excellent part of my game, and I have all the confidence in the world. When I am in that close, I know I can drop the ball in tight.

[Matthew_22]

Contrary to what everyone has said so far, I think that that chipping practice will help your game heaps. Maybe not immediately, but if you keep doing it then your short game is going to really step up.

So keep it up, you should find that at least you feel a lot more in control. Good work.

[Ravenous Bugblatter Beast]

It was tough weather to play in yesterday, but there was definite improvement with the short shots.

But I got yippy some with the putting again...

If it's not one thing, it's another.