Today was my last PKU class for the week as Patrick is headed to Jacksonville to discuss the Putting Perfecter with some clubs. We really focused on my lower right side supporting the backswing and basically pushing to the inside as I get to the top. Instead of allowing my right side to keep spinning, it should resist and actually feel like it is pushing towards the right of the target line behind me.
After we did a lot of stretching exercises I started to hit the ball really well. When I actually hit balls, it feels like my right arm and right shoulder are very soft and the club becomes flat after the take away. This was the feel I had back in the spring, but I was still using way too much of my arms. Now, I am feeling the club flat by using my body.
Patrick told me it is now time for me to play 18 holes at Knight’s Play every week. We are at a stage in my swing where I need to play. I decided I would get my 18 in right after the lesson.
It was a fascinating 18 holes of golf as I had five birdies and was five under playing two best ball. What I realized playing the 18 holes is that the swing doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, three of my birdies came on shots that were not great, but I got fortunate bounces. Two I made long putts and one was a chip in. The other two birdies were legit great shots inside of five feet.
Note that I am playing from inside of 135 yards and playing two best ball. I hit the best 9 iron of my life that went about 140 yards with a nice high draw on the 8th hole. I also hit some very, very good approach wedges that were spinning like crazy.
There is still a lot of work to do as I notice that sometimes I get short with my backswing. If I can finish my backswing and keep my right shoulder under my left shoulder through impact, I hit the ball extremely well. I am still hitting the ball off a tee as well so I am going to have to get the feel for hitting it off the grass sometime in the next few months.
Overall, I was very pleased with my 18 holes of golf as I had at least nine really good birdie chances. On other greens like Hope Valley I think I would have had six or seven birdies. Now, we must practice hitting off the grass and keeping my right shoulder down as my right side drives through impact.
UPDATE: It is now mid June 2021 and I am still working up to playing on an actual golf course. It is amazing to think how much time and effort I have put into the game of golf. It has been an important part of my life but there have been many times in which I wonder if I bit off more than I can chew. All the other guys are playing three or four times a week and I am struggling to hit the ball well because of all the nuances of a professional golf swing. Fun times.
