KristianJ

Thought I'd make a bit of use of my blog thing and try to chronicle my golfing journey for 2011.

As most of you know, 2010 saw me finally join a club, and my bag contents change almost week by week. I ended the year with my handicap at 16.9, and the WITB reasonably steady.

I haven't made any concrete goals for 2011 in terms of where I want my handicap to be, but after my round at Windsor yesterday, I really do think I can push it down to single figures come 12 months time.

The things I'd been working on around the turn of the year in terms of practise revolved around greenside chipping and putting. Because I didn't have much confidence in being able to loft the ball and stop it quickly near the pin, I'd use to bump and run or try and putt it from the fringe or light rough, often taking 3 shots from there to get it into the cup. And my putting stroke had been a little inconsistent as well, as well as being able to properly read greens.

When I think about my 78 yesterday (my first sub-80 comp round, although I had broken 80 twice there in social rounds), I look at my scrambling and acknowledge that as being a key area where I was able to maintain a good score. I holed a few solid putts in the 6-10 foot range as well. Plus I've been working on my swing balance and making my lower body do the work as opposed to being too handsy, and I've discovered that my iron accuracy has improved as a result (and I've been able to get solid contact with my long irons as well).

Things I still need to work on include my accuracy off the tee with the driver (which those I've played with will know I've struggled with for a while), and not trying to be too audacious when I am in a tough situation (such as trying to pick gaps in trees to thread a risky approach shot when a safety shot back into the fairway will still give me the chance to make par).

It'll be fun to see how/if I do improve, and how reliant I can be on keeping the gear in my bag consistent (which I have every intention of doing).