Forum > Rants

Russell Middleton

For five months I was unemployed and although the money was **** I did manage to play a little bit of golf!    About six rounds a week....  

Then I managed to get myself a job, so at least some money coming into the household.

My problem now is that I'm at work all day and cannot swing a club!

My last round of golf was last Saturday, so that's seven days ago and I'm off today but looking after my daughter, so no golf today.

I'm working tomorrow and then all next week, so no golf there either!

Maybe I need to look for another job!

Russ

John Flood

Dennis Visser

This is the problem Russ!

Perhaps a job at Stapleford Abbotts?

Russell Middleton

I did ask about any vacancies at Stapleford Abbotts GC when I was unemployed but like every where else they were looking to cut costs!

Russ

John Flood

Russ,

get yourself Tiger Woods 2009 on the Wii!!

Russell Middleton

John, I've got TW2008 for the Wii, but I'm coming in so late all I want to do is have a shower and go to bed!

My biggest problem is that I've managed to get my handicap nearly down to single figures and now this!

Russ

Dennis Visser

I'm sure you'll find the balance sooner rather than later Russ.

Oh and TW09 is much better

Andy Kenyon

The age old problem Russ I'm afraid.

Either have the money to play but not the time or

Have the time to play but not the money (or the health)

Doh! 

John Fallon

You could have been up here in scotland w;ve had rain almost every 2nd day course closed,

average rain west/central 10-15ins rain so i;ve been in same

Andy Kenyon

Paul Everett

Russ, count your blessings you already had your membership paid up whilst you was unemployed. Nothing worse than having time on your hands and not being able to afford to play golf!

Good news that you still have work. It will get better eventually.

At least it gives the rest of us a chance to catch up to you

Henry Thompson

Martin Goodman

Very interesting thread. 

I can only play once a week or thereabouts (for various reasons) and I've often wondered whether despite lessons, good equipment and a burning desire to do well this will always hold me back.

I'm sure there are single figure handicappers here who only play once a week, but I bet they got to single figures playing more than that. 

Is there anyone on this forum who has gone from being a beginner to being a single figure player without playing more than once a week?

John Pettitt

Martin, my experience tells me that to even achive single figure status requires many hours of playing. I played every day for six months when I first started serious golf.

I doubt very much that I could have achieved the single figure handicap I first got by only playing once a week. A swing cannot possible become grooved with that timescale.

Dave ley

David Marshall

I took up this game late in life, unfortunately.

When I first started playing, it was maybe twice a month. But when I started to work for myself, I was able to play a bit more regularly. But then there were periods when I didn't play at all. Sometimes for four or five years, at a time. YES years!! During all this time my handicap stuck at around 18. My first ever official club handicap was 20, back in 1988.

It's only in the last 3 years that I have been able to play when I want. My trouble is, I never practice or use a driving range. Which is why I doubt I will get any better than my current handicap suggests.

Andrew Guyton

I struggle to get out once a month, let alone once a week or more.  In fact I have not managed a game in August, my last round was at South Winchester in July.

It is a struggle trying to play half decent golf when I do get a game, getting to the range occasionally does help me though.

I agree with the posts above, to get down to single figures you need to play golf.  I got down to my lowest handicap (5) BMBK, when I was playing or practicing 6 or 7 times a week.

Henry Thompson

Martin Goodman

John (and others): As I thought.

I wonder what can be achieved playing once a week then.  I'd like to think that I can get significantly better but I suspect maybe not.  Let each once-a-weeker aim for their 'par rate' handicap (from many discussions ago) and just enjoy the game.

In case this wish isn't enough, can I also please put out a plea to Gordon Brown and David Cameron to pass legislation abolishing work, injury, illness, disability, family commitments and money worries for anyone who wants to play decent golf.

Is that too much to ask?