Chaps,

I've been playing this game for what feels like years and years......it's only been 8 months !! I've recently been in a dip where by I was back into the 100's. I put this down to the fact that I got myself fitted for a new set of clubs as the weather has been excellent.

I got the new clubs a month ago and this week I have played twice so far and things have been going well - direction, striking....everything. I've had a 90 and a 92 today. I'm far more happy with the 92, I had a run of 12 holes that were just 6 over par (with no birdies).....if I had parred the 18th I would have been 4 over for the back nine!.......that's single figure stuff ;-)..........

 I may just be having a good week but I'm just happy to be back on the right tracks.

Lewis,

What you are experiencing is normal i.e. marked ups and down. It is very noticable when one is new to the sport or - like me - returning after a long absence.

Improvement is rarely uniform straight line improvement.

You are doing extremely well for someone who has only just entered the sport.  Really.

But if that is an avatar of you personally striking (rather than addressing)  the ball with a driver you need to keep your hands (indeed everything) behind the ball at impact. Your hands are ahead of the ball. I hope that you don't mind me pointing this out? I'm simply trying to be helpful.    

Yes Ivan that is me....it was at the N'v'S this year.....oh and BTW did you know the north won !!

anyway in that pic I'm in more of an iron impact position.....at that time I was not getting height off the tee even with a 11deg driver and I was trying to maintain my release untill as late as possible. I now have my ball further forward with a slightly higher tee and I try to hit the ball 1 inch after my low point in my arc. My driving is getting better but still needs plenty of work. That's why I bought up the spining question the other day.

I always like to hear others peoples view on how I can improve so thankyou

Lewis,

Release is a fascinating subject which I could write pages on, but won't!  

Sighs of relief all round

When driving I personally (by accident - my natural technique - not design) use the Mike Austin style of release. I also adopt his brilliant hands press forward technique at address.    

Mike's teaching video 'Mike Austin, Secrets From The Game's Longest Hitter' is sadly no longer available. Following Mike's death his estate brought out such in the form of a dvd. Very expensive at $49. (USD).

http://www.peacerivergolf.com/

I have this DVD, Ivan, which I got from my good friend David Ley, so If anyone would like a copy, I am willing to burn a few.

John,

Stop boasting about your friends. I'm your only friend. You told me so when you gave me those greatly appreciated vintage balls which I look at frequently.  

Don't get arrested John. As much as you love scrapes! Rascal!