I blew it...big style

[IrishGolfer]

Been on for a while on holiday for the last week, mostly family stuff, but came into last Saturday full of confidence and playing well.

It was President's Day, a big tourney at our club. It was fairly wet, mostly drizzle and very humid (in Irish terms anyway) with no wind. I stormed round the first 14 in +1 without holing any big putts, just really steady stuff and hitting some magnificent irons right at the sticks. By the time I got to our 15th tee I was focused, looking at 168 yards slightly downhill. Birdie time!!

Standing with a 7 iron I felt good and then I swung, and outa nowhere came a legendary SHANK. I mean this was quality, quite a lot of distance but about 50 yards off line!!! Lost ball and a man in total shock.

I reloaded and hit it to 12 ft. Naturally I missed the putt I walked off with a double. I limped home over the last 3 in +2, to leave me with a 77 (+5) and 35 points. 39 points won the tourney and 76 was the best gross, so I was gutted! The SSS was 74, so I know the course was playing tough, and the conditions worsened as the day went on. So I really blew a great chance. I'm going through a bit of a purple patch, so was full of expectations.

I've no idea where this shot came from, haven't hit a shot like it all year. I guess I was standing a bit too close to the ball and caught part of the socket. Great time to happen, eh?

Still...

[warbirdlover]

That shot is part of my game...

[VtDivot]

At least you're hitting it well. I am really struggling now... even with the driver

[Adam Pettman]

Unlucky IG although its still sounds like you played well.

[SilverUberXeno]

What you have to do is play your shank. It's a blessing in disguise! Master the technique, and you'll be the only one with a playable lie coming out of an old military bunker, or out of a bird's nest!

Just aim 50 yards to the left every time. 99% of your shots will land 50 yards left, as you aimed, but if that shank ever comes back... SCORE!

Use your head, mate.

[DVS]

That shank is my signature shot!

But you know what, just to put things in perspective, I shoot in the mid 90's. So I'd take your score of 77 all day every day! lol

[IrishGolfer]

I shouldn't complain too much. It must be the way my stars align, but August is always a good month for me. My last 5 starts have finished:

3rd - 75 (net 70)
3rd - 79, 80
1st - 71 (net 66)
best gross - 76
9th - 77 (net 73)

My "tour earnings" for August are quite healthy!!

If I'd survived 15th on saturday I might have even been threatening El Tigre!!

[DaveE]

I would love it if my problems were as simple as a bad shot.

I haven't been able to play very much this summer but I've got a real slump going. It's to the point that I don't even want to know my score at the end of a round.

Anyway, it sounds like you're playing great. Keep up the good work.

[lamebums]

Well, bloody hell mate, you consider a double bogey "blowing it"?

A double bogey is the least of my problems!

I hit fat shots, I shank it, I lose a lot of balls, and I can't make a putt. Oh, and my driving is sometimes in the wrong area code. I got a 21 on the first hole once (and then went birdie, eagle, birdie, quad)...

You know, see, my index is 10.9 last time I calculated it...but my "anti-handicap" - the highest 10 of the last 20 rounds - would easily put me as a 25.

[IrishGolfer]

Originally Posted by lamebums

Well, bloody hell mate, you consider a double bogey "blowing it"?

I hear you, but the DB wasn't the issue, it was the SHANK! Tends to focus the mind on the wrong things after that. Mental collapse!!

[Rockford35]

I would give up. Sounds like you're old hat, washed up, a has been.

I'll forward you an address here in Canada that disposes of clubs without impacting the environment. Do the right thing.



R35

[IrishGolfer]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

I would give up. Sounds like you're old hat, washed up, a has been.

I'll forward you an address here in Canada that disposes of clubs without impacting the environment. Do the right thing.



R35

pm me and I'll send you my shank by UPS. Then they damage it further and will charge you duty on it to boot.

It has a carbon footprint of 0.001.

Oh, and don't mention it!

[JEFF4i]

Originally Posted by Rockford35

I would give up. Sounds like you're old hat, washed up, a has been.

I'll forward you an address here in Canada that disposes of clubs without impacting the environment. Do the right thing.



R35

What if they are Pings? Or Titties?

[dave.]

Irish

please don't say 'tourney' again,its a silly US thing and should be banned

ps bad luck,don't think shank on that tee again

[IrishGolfer]

Originally Posted by dave.

Irish

please don't say 'tourney' again,its a silly US thing and should be banned

Point duely noted Dave. But I should explain my rationale. I am trying to cater to our friends in the US. By speaking their language and pandering to their needs I am trying to win favour and gain their confidence. This is an old mililtary tactic and one that should pay off at some point in the future when the Irish take over the World.