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Robert Palmer
Posted a Comment on 12/19/2024 at 4:17pm
Today's (12/19/24) round is posted.
Posted a Comment on 12/19/2024 at 4:04pm
Why do you think you're a "basket case?" You are pretty much playing to your handicap, even though it isn't where you want to be. As you know, there are no immediate cures for the "ailments" this game provides, but they can be cured. You must ask yourself why you aren't seeing any improvement in the areas you're working on. Until you are able to come to terms with the answer, improvement will be impossible. This is the proper time of year for this type of conversation with yourself, so get the answer and get to work. Our next golf season is just around the corner and we both need a lot of work!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/29/2024 at 3:37pm
At least you got the chance to play...albeit more than you wanted to. :) Our golf season is over for the year and most minds turn to other sports, like eating. You know what your problems are and I'm entirely sure that you'll address then during this off-season--but don procrastinate too long. "Fixes" are like our memory, here today and gone tomorrow, so give yourself ample time to develop them for the long-term. I'm going to play again Sunday, weather-be-damned, and hope I can post an acceptable round given my injuries. I'll post it when I do.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/22/2024 at 9:02am
Awesome fairway stat! The Putting average is good, despite the two 3-putts. All in all, a pretty good round, given the conditions. Anytime you can understand you physical errors is a "plus," as is enjoying yourself, so it had to be a good day. Personally, I enjoy playing in the wind because I feel it gives me an edge. Most people hate the wind, so their game suffers, where I "accept" the conditions and adjust more freely that most. Regardless, I'm ecstatic that you enjoyed yourself, you gained some valuable insight and that you are obviously plotting a return performance. Congratulations on your round and I look forward to hearing of your revenge! Stay strong!!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/20/2024 at 1:03pm
Pain free this morning! Whoop! Whoop!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/19/2024 at 5:04pm
As of right now, I'm pain free, but I'm going to hold off until tomorrow to se what the night brings. I've been pain free after range sessions, and I don't think this will be any different, but I want to hold off until the morrow to be sure. I'll keep you posted.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/19/2024 at 3:42pm
First round since my neck surgery, which is why it is listed as a "practice" round. I went out with zero expectations, other than hoping to complete the round, and did far better than I thought I would. I was extremely happy with all aspects of my game, same the putting. I had forgotten just how fast the greens become this time of year, but they didn't waste any time reminding me. I very nearly aced #15, the ball stopping 6" directly behind the ball! It was thrilling. I will be able to build on this round when I play again (most likely Sunday) as there were a LOT of positives to be had. I'm absolutely "over the moon" with this result, as I doubt it could have been any better!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/14/2024 at 8:04am
Sit back, take a deep breath and realize that this round really must be an anomaly. This isn't one of your "normal" rounds, so it is one of the "others." The self-analysis you do will reveal the root cause and you will attack it once the real reason is arrived at. Self-delusion is not in your makeup, so I'm confident you'll make any and all corrections as you see fit. Hang in there Amigo, as the "season" has ended and the period of correction is upon us. I'm always here as your "sounding-board," if needed.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/07/2024 at 2:43pm
The mental game is toughest of all games, where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, but then, they say, it is the fun part of the game! I don't know if I can subscribe to that theory. I try my best to avoid the traps (not the ones of sand) and I've had a small degree of success, but it is still a challenge for me. Maybe this is where your "dragon" resides. You have to keep fighting or you'll never have the success you strive for. I wish I could help you with this, but I can't. This is a battle only you can fight. Hang in there, Amigo, because better days are ahead!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 10/31/2024 at 2:30pm
Much improved over your "walk-in-the-park" round. You seemingly hit the ball much straighter and that has to help your score. What is this "TS" club that you have listed? I've never heard of it. I don't know what you've done, but your attitude is very much improved. I always find it amazing just how much a positive attitude seems to free up a round. I can't play a round without one, but then if you saw my game you'd understand! :) Good round Amigo. Keep it going for the rest of the year!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 10/20/2024 at 10:43am
Good round. You are using a lot of different stats that what I normally see, so there is a lot of information to digest. We all use whatever tools we feel we need to reach our goal. I'm happy that you are reaping the rewards of the process that you are using. I noticed that your distance on the 2nd hole was quite a shot! Congrats. Fairways hit, GIR and putting are my major areas of concern, distance not so much. Keep up the good work, Amigo, and keep those goals in sight!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 12/06/2023 at 4:02pm
It is refreshing to hear you say that you able to play and enjoy this game, because that is really what golf is all about. It is the "expectations" that we saddle ourselves with that cause us the most angst. In the final analysis, enjoying ourselves and the people we are with outweighs any "work" that we feel we need to do. I believe that the longer we play this game we come to the realization that ego and expectations may have robbed us of some special moments and relationships along the way. Clarity is a slow process, at times, and provides us with answers to questions we have always had but were too busy to pay attention. "Wor5k" robs us of time, and we have precious little of that, so enjoy yourself and if you can improve along the way, then more the better. Happiness is something I truly wish for you! Love ya Bro!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/23/2023 at 7:11am
Isn't it funny how the second ball is usually "amazing?" I feel as though when it is played that there is a lack of expectation, "urgency" and more concentration on the execution of the shot rather that the result. I could be wrong, but that is my experience. All that being said would imply, to me, that your mental game is a bit "off." You know how to physically hit the shots, but maybe you are mentally preparing yourself to execute them. Whatever is the cause, I'm sure you'll get it worked out and be back to your proper level. To quote Dr Bob Rotella, "Golf is not a game of perfect!" (The book by that title is REALLY an eye-opener and great read--IMHO). Enjoy your Thanksgiving and continue being you, Amigo. You're great the way you are! Love ya!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/17/2023 at 2:57pm
Well, I looked at the results of your lasting "outing," both physically and mentally, and a happy picture it did not paint. It almost sounds as though you don't want to confront the problem areas, but, I could be wrong, and hope that I am. This is the time of the year when all the courses are preparing for next year, as are we, so conditions are going to be iffy at least until Spring, and that is a long time to stay "out of sorts (it could almost become a habit)." We know that conditions are going to be less than perfect, so why let it upset us? I hope you'll re-evaluate and attack the obvious problems.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/09/2023 at 6:43am
You've proven to yourself, and others, that you have the physical skills and mental capacity to play this wonderful game. At this point in our lives we may not be able to hit the ball as far as we once did and we may not be as physically strong as we once were, but there is nothing wrong with our mind. That is where our real strength is. We may allow ourselves to get a bit lazy when we are prepping for a shot and that is why we miss the shots. The mind is a wonderful thing, in and of itself, so we MUST allow it to do what has to be done without interference. We are able to throw a ball to another person without thinking about how hard to throw it because the mind does that for us. Let your mind control your golf and just go along and enjoy it. It is a marvelous tool, when used correctly.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/09/2023 at 6:30am
I've heard it said that we don't own golf, but rather it owns us. I believe that to be true. Just when you think you've got it, it jumps up and gob-smacks you so hard you don't remember where you live. Been there and done that. The only thing we are really in control of is us--it is up to us to mentally prepare for a shot, to set up for the shot properly, and then apply sound mechanics to "turn" into the ball. That is all we can do. Nature will take it's course at that point and all we can do is marvel at the capricious dictums that we've created. Oh what a wonderful game we play! Much like an artist, we must have a clear plan on what we wish to accomplish and once that plan is made, we must relax and let the plan create our masterpiece. Relax and let your plan work. Your brain is totally capable without our conscious effort to meddle with the plan. Get set and let it happen, and happen it will if we let it. Take care to not care too much. Do what you are capable of and enjoy! Love ya' Bro!!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 11/02/2023 at 6:39am
This round really isn't as bad as you might think it is. You haven't played since the 18th of last month, 2 weeks, and a lot happens during a "lay-off"--feel dissipates in all areas, confidence lags, expectations reappear, etc., etc., etc. To keep this round "respectable" was a bit harder than you might admit to, but I've been there and done that. Personally, I absolutely hate "layoffs" for all those various reasons. We work very hard to achieve a certain level in this game, and layoffs, of any length, are nothing short of disastrous and totally undermine all our efforts that we've worked so hard for. Yes, there were some rough "patches" along the way, but I feel as though you handled them quite well. Remember, we forget the bad and cherish the good. Pat yourself on the back for this round and let's get back to work!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 10/25/2023 at 2:44pm
Am I reading this right--a 317 yd drive on #9?! Congrats!! That will sure boost your driving stats! There are enough "good" things happening in this round that you shouldn't have any problem boosting your confidence. Jim Furyk always says that pitching/chipping is nothing more than "putting with loft," which I subscribe to, so that is an easy fix. I like the looks of this round and shows marked improvement from both your pre and post illness rounds. I'd say that you are trending in the proper direction and that you will continue to improve is you can manage to stay on your current course. Good on ya mate!!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 10/12/2023 at 4:46pm
Round be hanged! The main issue here, as I see it, is that you are back on your feet and trying to re-establish some sense of normalcy. Golf will settle back into your rhythm once you get back to your normal routine, as will your swing tempo. When I'm struggling with my tempo, I like to picture the swing of Nellie Korda or Amy Yang, as they have the best tempo I've seen in many a year. Expectations are our worst enemy, as we've discussed many a time, so take the necessary "baby-steps," get your health back where it should be, but more importantly, try to be patient. I know it is hard, but it has to be done. IMHO, forcing an issue only leads to frustration, anger, and loss of technique. I realize that patience isn't your strong point, but you have to make it one (this from my mouth!) Stay the course!!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 09/29/2023 at 9:46am
I have no words for this round. I hope you enjoyed the weather, the company, the scenery and just being able to get out after your recent bout with illness. Look for the silver lining!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 09/10/2023 at 5:02pm
Example: #6, and Par 4, 349 yds from the white, but only 265 from the green. I am capable of driving the green from the shorter tees, but that creates the "risk" of hitting the drive into the gunch on the right, the water runoff ditch also on the right, or hooking it into the tree line of the left (no escape there unless you waste a shot by punching out). The 7th hole is a straight away par 5, with yardage ranging from 473 (white) to 390 (green). A slight miss right of left will funnel back into the fairway, but only the longest hitters can get to the uphill green in two, if they can avoid the oak tree on the right and avoid the unseen bunker on their shot uphill. In my opinion, the shorter tees create a situation where it teases you to make the riskier shot due to the shorter yardage. It is hard for me to resist the temptation. These are just two examples, but there are many more available.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 09/07/2023 at 10:15am
What a great round, especially on your old nemesis! Work always pays off, eventually, but proper work shows immediate results. I am very impressed with your GIR stat, as it more-often-than-not leads to better scores, as does your fairway percentage. A super round Amigo! This is one to be proud of, especially in light of your recent struggles. Keep moving forward, and, unlike me, remember next time what you were doing this time! :) You have every right to be proud of this round, and I'm proud for you!! Stay the course.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 09/01/2023 at 3:58pm
I refuse to "flog a dead horse," as the saying goes, because you, and only you, lived through this round. You're here to talk about it, so it couldn't have been too bad, but I am not going to "rub salt into an open wound." You know what you did, how you did it, and your mental state at the time. So, let's agree to dispose of this into the proverbial "round file," and press on. We know that there are going to be times that we don't have our best stuff, and "piling on" is going to do one bit of good. Let's just forget this one and keep on moving toward our next great round! "Nough said.
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 08/24/2023 at 2:33pm
Question: If you are behind a slow group, what do you do until it is time to hit your shot? Personally, I take a few extra moments to study the SkyCaddie for undesirable areas should I miss my target, recheck my game plan for the hole, check my swing tempo, and I try to forget that it is so s-l-o-w. I force myself not to think about the group ahead. I'm just trying to shoot the best score "I" can that day, and I'll be damned if I'll let them affect MY day. There is plenty of time afterwards to cuss them and moan and ground about it, but I WANT that low score! What are your mental exercises?
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 08/24/2023 at 2:21pm
Disheartening to say the least, especially after your layoff, but, as you say, "it is what it is." Everything I've ever heard about this course seems to point to the fact that it is difficult and quirky, so playing it after you layoff may have been a bit of a mistake, or at least the expectations were. Club selection is critical, wherever you play, so ensure that you are working off the average distance of a particular club rather than the "full" yardage (it's hard to be short that way). Your putting was good. It appears, to me, as though this was a "mental" error-filled round rather than a physical fault. You once told me that this course had your number, and maybe it does, but that is only because you allow it to. Check your expectations at this point and attack from a position of strength! You can do this! I KNOW you can! Never forget the "6 P's"--"proper planning prevents..."
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 08/18/2023 at 5:01pm
Well, your old nemesis reared its ugly head and said "Not this time, Amigo!" As we both know, painfully, expectations are the greatest killer in the world of golf! I won't "flog a dead horse," but we both do it and we know better. I was hoping that you would use your convalescence to ease back into the game before you tried the expectation-game, but I guess it wasn't to be. Well, now that the genie is out of the bottle I suppose the only logical tactic is to minimize those expectations to a reasonable level. Find a "happy medium" that you can live with and progress from there. I'm happy that you are playing again, and that is the main thing. Enjoy your rounds (expectation-free, I hope) and use some of that stubbornness to to your advantage. I love you, Bro!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 08/10/2023 at 5:32pm
What happened to your group? Sometimes it is a good thing to be out of your "comfort zone." It puts you into a situation where success becomes a choice. You either do or don't do, as Yoda so aptly put it. It exposes your ability to concentrate, think through a problem and react, rather that fall into a laisez-faire type attitude. Long-ball hitters can be intimidating, but, just like the rest of us, they still have to get the ball into the hole. I feel as though you handled yourself rather well, so take a minute to pat yourself on the back and be proud of your accomplishment. This is only your second round back, so don't put too much pressure on yourself just yet. Get comfortable with your return. Enjoy and play the game you love, free of any expectations and just P-L-A-Y!! Good on ya Mate!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 08/04/2023 at 7:47am
I posted a comment on this round yesterday, but evidently it didn't make it to the round. Anyway, this score really doesn't mean a thing to me, but the fact that you are back to playing, pain free I hope, means everything. I don't know just how much you missed it, but I missed hearing about all your "scratching and clawing" trying to better your result. Yes, the short game is most affected by a layoff since it is the loss of touch and feel, but easily recovered with a little attention and forethought. There had to be a slight loss in the full swing, I would think, but you handled that by the pre-round work you obviously did. I'm just glad that you are back out playing the game you love! Maybe it's better to play without expectations. :) Welcome home!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 07/08/2023 at 7:12am
I've never been a fan of starting on a Par 3 either, as it is just too exacting for the first shot of the day and can set an uncomfortable tome for the day. It appears as though it tried to do that to you, but you managed to pull your round back after the rough start and salvaged the round nicely. You putted well, given your 1st putt distance, and that is a nice improvement. All in all, I'd say that this is a pretty nice round, especially since your surgery was the next day and that had to weigh on your mind as well. Now you have 3 weeks or so to ponder your strengths and weaknesses, and come up with a plan of attack once you return to the game. The main thing, as I see it, is that you are able to return and enjoy the game as you play it. I would suggest a reading list for you, but I'm not that forward, and besides, my opinions are base solely on my game and may not be applicable to yours. Have a great recovery and come back stronger!
Posted a Comment on Your Score: on 06/07/2023 at 4:11pm
Good round, especially with the take-aways you got! Results are basically the end product of our pre-shot routine and our mental preparation. To spend so much time reflecting on "results" is counter-productive, IMHO, as opposed to the other way around. It appears as though you would agree with me, based on your take-aways. Am I right? Sharpen the beginning and reap the benefits at the end! I love it when a plan comes together. Congratulations on your "breakthrough" round and here's hoping that many, many more will follow. You got this, Amigo, you got this! Stay the course!!