Scotland Trip - Preparing your game??

[Santiago Golf]

In Scotland right now on a Golf Trip and have 4 rounds. Honestly besides using 2 iron, Im not really doing anything different in my game that I would do at home. I simply use my 57 and 62 around the greens and hit the same iron shots that I would at home.

 

Jordan Spieth was asked when preparing for the '15 Open at St. Andrews if he would make any changes to his style of play coming into LINKS golf. He respond that he was going to hit the same shots off the tee that he normally does and use the same two wedges around the green (56 and 60) that he normally does. He wasn't going to try to bump and run irons because it is something he normally does and he isn't going to hit any stingers because it isn't what he normally does. Jordan was one shot out of a playoff that year and used the same format to win in '17.

 

If you don't normally bump and run irons or putt from 50 yards out, or hit knockdown irons off the tee, you are not going to be able to do it properly in the short time you have to prepare for these trips.

[Hawkeye77]

In Scotland right now on a Golf Trip and have 4 rounds. Honestly besides using 2 iron, Im not really doing anything different in my game that I would do at home. I simply use my 57 and 62 around the greens and hit the same iron shots that I would at home.

 

Jordan Spieth was asked when preparing for the '15 Open at St. Andrews if he would make any changes to his style of play coming into LINKS golf. He respond that he was going to hit the same shots off the tee that he normally does and use the same two wedges around the green (56 and 60) that he normally does. He wasn't going to try to bump and run irons because it is something he normally does and he isn't going to hit any stingers because it isn't what he normally does. Jordan was one shot out of a playoff that year and used the same format to win in '17.

 

If you don't normally bump and run irons or putt from 50 yards out, or hit knockdown irons off the tee, you are not going to be able to do it properly in the short time you have to prepare for these trips.

 

Agree for the most part, but if you aren't used to those irons landing and running out (like they don't do at home) and wedges from some pretty tight lies (where over there you may not be able to execute) there are some adjustments to be made.

 

Maybe "bump and run" isn't always the way to describe it for sure, but you hit an 8 iron to a number and find yourself 25 or 30 yards farther and likely in trouble you are going to need to hit it different or hit less.

 

For sure, there were times my caddie had me putting from some distances I would have (and maybe should have hit a wedge just because I wasn't used to that length of putting and my worst wedge very well may not have been worse than my worst putt) but it was fun to try. But I wasn't flying irons or wedges at very many flags, and the adjustment there wasn't that tough.

 

From personal observation of the guys having their 175th anniversary club comp at St. Andrews on Sunday when we were there, they play the game different and there is a reason they do.

 

Agree for you pros the adjustments may not be as necessary, but the conditions can lead to consistently different results if you aren't playing for them, and lots of things us mortals can do to increase our odds of staying out of trouble.

[scott_Donald]

As widely noted, the locker room and clubhouse are very basic at the moment but the course is simply stunning and now firmly in my top 5 favourites of all time, which is quite an achievement given where I have been fortunate to play.

 

In answer to another question I played Cruden Bay yesterday.

 

Any questions on these two courses feel free to ask.

 

what was the condition like at Trump?

 

At Cruden Bay I know what you mean, its funny some of the clubs you have to hit off the tee, did you hit the 8th green? the 15ht hole is one of the worst holes I have ever played. My dad is a member there and he has only played it twice this year.

 

In Scotland right now on a Golf Trip and have 4 rounds. Honestly besides using 2 iron, Im not really doing anything different in my game that I would do at home. I simply use my 57 and 62 around the greens and hit the same iron shots that I would at home.

 

I am doing the opposite right now, learning to just use the 60* here in Houston over the summer rather than bump and run. I can see the benefit of just using the 60* it simplifies everything but again this is without any real elements effecting things.

[Santiago Golf]

In Scotland right now on a Golf Trip and have 4 rounds. Honestly besides using 2 iron, Im not really doing anything different in my game that I would do at home. I simply use my 57 and 62 around the greens and hit the same iron shots that I would at home.

 

Jordan Spieth was asked when preparing for the '15 Open at St. Andrews if he would make any changes to his style of play coming into LINKS golf. He respond that he was going to hit the same shots off the tee that he normally does and use the same two wedges around the green (56 and 60) that he normally does. He wasn't going to try to bump and run irons because it is something he normally does and he isn't going to hit any stingers because it isn't what he normally does. Jordan was one shot out of a playoff that year and used the same format to win in '17.

 

If you don't normally bump and run irons or putt from 50 yards out, or hit knockdown irons off the tee, you are not going to be able to do it properly in the short time you have to prepare for these trips.

 

Agree for the most part, but if you aren't used to those irons landing and running out (like they don't do at home) and wedges from some pretty tight lies (where over there you may not be able to execute) there are some adjustments to be made.

 

Maybe "bump and run" isn't always the way to describe it for sure, but you hit an 8 iron to a number and find yourself 25 or 30 yards farther and likely in trouble you are going to need to hit it different or hit less.

 

For sure, there were times my caddie had me putting from some distances I would have (and maybe should have hit a wedge just because I wasn't used to that length of putting and my worst wedge very well may not have been worse than my worst putt) but it was fun to try. But I wasn't flying irons or wedges at very many flags, and the adjustment there wasn't that tough.

 

From personal observation of the guys having their 175th anniversary club comp at St. Andrews on Sunday when we were there, they play the game different and there is a reason they do.

 

Agree for you pros the adjustments may not be as necessary, but the conditions can lead to consistently different results if you aren't playing for them, and lots of things us mortals can do to increase our odds of staying out of trouble.

 

I haven't really noticed any balls on greens running out 30 yards and hitting wedges off tight lies are not really an issue for me because I am fairly shallow on pitch shots around the greens and don't use much forward shaft lean. Putting with the wind being a major factor is one thing I forgot but its something you cannot prepare for nor really control

 

Also since I don't spin the ball much with my irons, at home I play for landing the ball at the front (or middle for back pins) and letting release already. Most of the time I find being short of the pin is more rewarding than being hole high and missing the green

[Hawkeye77]

In Scotland right now on a Golf Trip and have 4 rounds. Honestly besides using 2 iron, Im not really doing anything different in my game that I would do at home. I simply use my 57 and 62 around the greens and hit the same iron shots that I would at home.

 

Jordan Spieth was asked when preparing for the '15 Open at St. Andrews if he would make any changes to his style of play coming into LINKS golf. He respond that he was going to hit the same shots off the tee that he normally does and use the same two wedges around the green (56 and 60) that he normally does. He wasn't going to try to bump and run irons because it is something he normally does and he isn't going to hit any stingers because it isn't what he normally does. Jordan was one shot out of a playoff that year and used the same format to win in '17.

 

If you don't normally bump and run irons or putt from 50 yards out, or hit knockdown irons off the tee, you are not going to be able to do it properly in the short time you have to prepare for these trips.

 

Agree for the most part, but if you aren't used to those irons landing and running out (like they don't do at home) and wedges from some pretty tight lies (where over there you may not be able to execute) there are some adjustments to be made.

 

Maybe "bump and run" isn't always the way to describe it for sure, but you hit an 8 iron to a number and find yourself 25 or 30 yards farther and likely in trouble you are going to need to hit it different or hit less.

 

For sure, there were times my caddie had me putting from some distances I would have (and maybe should have hit a wedge just because I wasn't used to that length of putting and my worst wedge very well may not have been worse than my worst putt) but it was fun to try. But I wasn't flying irons or wedges at very many flags, and the adjustment there wasn't that tough.

 

From personal observation of the guys having their 175th anniversary club comp at St. Andrews on Sunday when we were there, they play the game different and there is a reason they do.

 

Agree for you pros the adjustments may not be as necessary, but the conditions can lead to consistently different results if you aren't playing for them, and lots of things us mortals can do to increase our odds of staying out of trouble.

 

I haven't really noticed any balls on greens running out 30 yards and hitting wedges off tight lies are not really an issue for me because I am fairly shallow on pitch shots around the greens and don't use much forward shaft lean. Putting with the wind being a major factor is one thing I forgot but its something you cannot prepare for nor really control

 

Also since I don't spin the ball much with my irons, at home I play for landing the ball at the front (or middle for back pins) and letting release already. Most of the time I find being short of the pin is more rewarding than being hole high and missing the green

 

Then you've got it down, don't need to adjust much and that's great!

 

I wasn't responding to your situation so much as your general suggestion.

 

I've indicated above somewhere you really can't practice 30 or 40 yard putts anywhere most of us play, and that's an issue. But you can catch on with a little play over there and adjust and those are required in a lot of situations. Lots of ams don't like tight lies, honestly don't bother me that much, but there's an issue for many. Irons running out on greens, on fairways even if you are playing short of greens or laying up can be a big thing and adjustments have to be made.

 

Can't practice bump and run, but you can practice 100 yard 8 irons, or 150 yard 5 irons, which benefits your swing and gets you ready for maybe needing to hit lower, running 125 or more yard shots, which can be needed depending on the course and conditions.

 

Glad you are having a great trip, sounds like your game travels well, have fun!

[alfriday]

When I play a links course, score is secondary to having fun, which to me is trying shots that are not possible on my home, parkland course. A golfer may not need a bump and run to get a round a links course, but to me they are fun to experiment with and give a try--they are part of the experience.

[Hawkeye77]

When I play a links course, score is secondary to having fun, which to me is trying shots that are not possible on my home, parkland course. A golfer may not need a bump and run to get a round a links course, but to me they are fun to experiment with and give a try--they are part of the experience.

 

Yep X 100!

[Pleasedwith3putts]

 

what was the condition like at Trump?

 

At Cruden Bay I know what you mean, its funny some of the clubs you have to hit off the tee, did you hit the 8th green? the 15ht hole is one of the worst holes I have ever played. My dad is a member there and he has only played it twice.

 

 

Trump condition was great. They are over-seeding fairways and greens at the moment to try to introduce more tradition links type fescues. I loved everything about the course, an absolute must play

 

I did hit the 8th at Cruden. Had to shelter on the tee for 25 minutes while the lightning moved across as you certainly wouldn't want to go near the 9th tee with lightning around!

 

Trump was simply a different level to Cruden for me

[Walter]

When I play a links course, score is secondary to having fun, which to me is trying shots that are not possible on my home, parkland course. A golfer may not need a bump and run to get a round a links course, but to me they are fun to experiment with and give a try--they are part of the experience.

 

Yep X 100!

 

X 1000000

[North Butte]

That’s why I prefer to pick one or two really good courses and play multiple rounds at each. A firm and fast course with plenty of interesting contours just begs to try multiple ways of playing the same shot or hole. Over three or four rounds, hopefully with different wind conditions, it is fun to get to know a course in detail that you just can’t experience in just one time around.

[davep043]

That’s why I prefer to pick one or two really good courses and play multiple rounds at each. A firm and fast course with plenty of interesting contours just begs to try multiple ways of playing the same shot or hole. Over three or four rounds, hopefully with different wind conditions, it is fun to get to know a course in detail that you just can’t experience in just one time around.

I agree, it can be a lot of fun to "learn" a new course while on a golf holiday, but its also fun (and a lot more common) to play as many different courses.as possible. A few years ago I booked Royal Dornoch for two consecutive days (after telling my buddies what an amazing course it is). We ended up playing 36 the first day, so 3 rounds in two days on the same course, and I loved every minute of it. This was at the end of about 10 days, and a lot of different courses, and I think we all enjoyed learning a lot more about one single course.

[North Butte]

It took me several trips to realize that for myself.

[duffer987]

 

I haven't really noticed any balls on greens running out 30 yards and hitting wedges off tight lies are not really an issue for me because I am fairly shallow on pitch shots around the greens and don't use much forward shaft lean. Putting with the wind being a major factor is one thing I forgot but its something you cannot prepare for nor really control

 

Also since I don't spin the ball much with my irons, at home I play for landing the ball at the front (or middle for back pins) and letting release already. Most of the time I find being short of the pin is more rewarding than being hole high and missing the green

 

Then you've got it down, don't need to adjust much and that's great!

 

I wasn't responding to your situation so much as your general suggestion.

 

I've indicated above somewhere you really can't practice 30 or 40 yard putts anywhere most of us play, and that's an issue. But you can catch on with a little play over there and adjust and those are required in a lot of situations. Lots of ams don't like tight lies, honestly don't bother me that much, but there's an issue for many. Irons running out on greens, on fairways even if you are playing short of greens or laying up can be a big thing and adjustments have to be made.

 

Can't practice bump and run, but you can practice 100 yard 8 irons, or 150 yard 5 irons, which benefits your swing and gets you ready for maybe needing to hit lower, running 125 or more yard shots, which can be needed depending on the course and conditions.

 

Glad you are having a great trip, sounds like your game travels well, have fun!

It's also possible that at a + cap level, which I think Santiago is, and a bomber as indicated by his sig, he's playing a different game than you and me ;)

[duffer987]

That’s why I prefer to pick one or two really good courses and play multiple rounds at each. A firm and fast course with plenty of interesting contours just begs to try multiple ways of playing the same shot or hole. Over three or four rounds, hopefully with different wind conditions, it is fun to get to know a course in detail that you just can’t experience in just one time around.

I agree, it can be a lot of fun to "learn" a new course while on a golf holiday, but its also fun (and a lot more common) to play as many different courses.as possible. A few years ago I booked Royal Dornoch for two consecutive days (after telling my buddies what an amazing course it is). We ended up playing 36 the first day, so 3 rounds in two days on the same course, and I loved every minute of it. This was at the end of about 10 days, and a lot of different courses, and I think we all enjoyed learning a lot more about one single course.

Fair points. Enjoy returning to courses every couple years and get multiple play fun that way. But you know you are on your way to a winner, when you putt out on 18 and are thinking of going back out right away. Especially if you think you messed up a hole or two by playing it wrong.

[North Butte]

That’s why I prefer to pick one or two really good courses and play multiple rounds at each. A firm and fast course with plenty of interesting contours just begs to try multiple ways of playing the same shot or hole. Over three or four rounds, hopefully with different wind conditions, it is fun to get to know a course in detail that you just can’t experience in just one time around.

I agree, it can be a lot of fun to "learn" a new course while on a golf holiday, but its also fun (and a lot more common) to play as many different courses.as possible. A few years ago I booked Royal Dornoch for two consecutive days (after telling my buddies what an amazing course it is). We ended up playing 36 the first day, so 3 rounds in two days on the same course, and I loved every minute of it. This was at the end of about 10 days, and a lot of different courses, and I think we all enjoyed learning a lot more about one single course.

Fair points. Enjoy returning to courses every couple years and get multiple play fun that way. But you know you are on your way to a winner, when you putt out on 18 and are thinking of going back out right away. Especially if you think you messed up a hole or two by playing it wrong.

 

One course I played half a dozen times had a collection of really long (for me) and tough Par 4's. One of them I could not manage to make par on to save my life. It wasn't until my last round I realized it was a Par 5. Hey, maybe it's not so tough after all.

 

Funny how the "par" designation will mess with your head like that.

 

If you get maybe four or five plays of a certain course, it's also fun to look back at the end of the trip and figure your "eclectic score" which is the number you get by adding up your best score of the trip on each hole.

[davep043]

That’s why I prefer to pick one or two really good courses and play multiple rounds at each. A firm and fast course with plenty of interesting contours just begs to try multiple ways of playing the same shot or hole. Over three or four rounds, hopefully with different wind conditions, it is fun to get to know a course in detail that you just can’t experience in just one time around.

I agree, it can be a lot of fun to "learn" a new course while on a golf holiday, but its also fun (and a lot more common) to play as many different courses.as possible. A few years ago I booked Royal Dornoch for two consecutive days (after telling my buddies what an amazing course it is). We ended up playing 36 the first day, so 3 rounds in two days on the same course, and I loved every minute of it. This was at the end of about 10 days, and a lot of different courses, and I think we all enjoyed learning a lot more about one single course.

Fair points. Enjoy returning to courses every couple years and get multiple play fun that way. But you know you are on your way to a winner, when you putt out on 18 and are thinking of going back out right away. Especially if you think you messed up a hole or two by playing it wrong.

This is what happened at Royal Dornoch. We finished our first round a little before 2 PM, and were faced with a choice of touring the Glenmorangie distillery, or playing more golf. When we found out that the replay was half price, and there was a time open at 4, we were sold. Even knowing that we were going to be back again the following morning, it was still a no-brainer.

[Santiago Golf]

 

I haven't really noticed any balls on greens running out 30 yards and hitting wedges off tight lies are not really an issue for me because I am fairly shallow on pitch shots around the greens and don't use much forward shaft lean. Putting with the wind being a major factor is one thing I forgot but its something you cannot prepare for nor really control

 

Also since I don't spin the ball much with my irons, at home I play for landing the ball at the front (or middle for back pins) and letting release already. Most of the time I find being short of the pin is more rewarding than being hole high and missing the green

 

Then you've got it down, don't need to adjust much and that's great!

 

I wasn't responding to your situation so much as your general suggestion.

 

I've indicated above somewhere you really can't practice 30 or 40 yard putts anywhere most of us play, and that's an issue. But you can catch on with a little play over there and adjust and those are required in a lot of situations. Lots of ams don't like tight lies, honestly don't bother me that much, but there's an issue for many. Irons running out on greens, on fairways even if you are playing short of greens or laying up can be a big thing and adjustments have to be made.

 

Can't practice bump and run, but you can practice 100 yard 8 irons, or 150 yard 5 irons, which benefits your swing and gets you ready for maybe needing to hit lower, running 125 or more yard shots, which can be needed depending on the course and conditions.

 

Glad you are having a great trip, sounds like your game travels well, have fun!

It's also possible that at a + cap level, which I think Santiago is, and a bomber as indicated by his sig, he's playing a different game than you and me ;)

 

Teach the game for a reason, i havent kept a cap in 4 years. Wouldnt be a plus. Been shootin in mid 70s to low 80s on this trip. Cant make a putt.

[duffer987]

It's also possible that at a + cap level, which I think Santiago is, and a bomber as indicated by his sig, he's playing a different game than you and me ;)

 

Teach the game for a reason, i havent kept a cap in 4 years. Wouldnt be a plus. Been shootin in mid 70s to low 80s on this trip. Cant make a putt.

Sorry about that, didn't mean to misrepresent :)

[Hawkeye77]

I haven't really noticed any balls on greens running out 30 yards and hitting wedges off tight lies are not really an issue for me because I am fairly shallow on pitch shots around the greens and don't use much forward shaft lean. Putting with the wind being a major factor is one thing I forgot but its something you cannot prepare for nor really control

 

Also since I don't spin the ball much with my irons, at home I play for landing the ball at the front (or middle for back pins) and letting release already. Most of the time I find being short of the pin is more rewarding than being hole high and missing the green

 

Then you've got it down, don't need to adjust much and that's great!

 

I wasn't responding to your situation so much as your general suggestion.

 

I've indicated above somewhere you really can't practice 30 or 40 yard putts anywhere most of us play, and that's an issue. But you can catch on with a little play over there and adjust and those are required in a lot of situations. Lots of ams don't like tight lies, honestly don't bother me that much, but there's an issue for many. Irons running out on greens, on fairways even if you are playing short of greens or laying up can be a big thing and adjustments have to be made.

 

Can't practice bump and run, but you can practice 100 yard 8 irons, or 150 yard 5 irons, which benefits your swing and gets you ready for maybe needing to hit lower, running 125 or more yard shots, which can be needed depending on the course and conditions.

 

Glad you are having a great trip, sounds like your game travels well, have fun!

It's also possible that at a + cap level, which I think Santiago is, and a bomber as indicated by his sig, he's playing a different game than you and me ;)

 

Totally agree, and suggested that in a previous post as well!

 

Works for him, just hesitated to agree that would be a general recipe for rest of us, but folks should play however they enjoy for sure.

[Hawkeye77]

That’s why I prefer to pick one or two really good courses and play multiple rounds at each. A firm and fast course with plenty of interesting contours just begs to try multiple ways of playing the same shot or hole. Over three or four rounds, hopefully with different wind conditions, it is fun to get to know a course in detail that you just can’t experience in just one time around.

I agree, it can be a lot of fun to "learn" a new course while on a golf holiday, but its also fun (and a lot more common) to play as many different courses.as possible. A few years ago I booked Royal Dornoch for two consecutive days (after telling my buddies what an amazing course it is). We ended up playing 36 the first day, so 3 rounds in two days on the same course, and I loved every minute of it. This was at the end of about 10 days, and a lot of different courses, and I think we all enjoyed learning a lot more about one single course.

 

Found out first hand why you love that course. We played it twice, should have played it a third!

[Santiago Golf]

It's also possible that at a + cap level, which I think Santiago is, and a bomber as indicated by his sig, he's playing a different game than you and me ;)

 

Teach the game for a reason, i havent kept a cap in 4 years. Wouldnt be a plus. Been shootin in mid 70s to low 80s on this trip. Cant make a putt.

Sorry about that, didn't mean to misrepresent :)

 

No biggie.

[duffer987]

Totally agree, and suggested that in a previous post as well!

 

Works for him, just hesitated to agree that would be a general recipe for rest of us, but folks should play however they enjoy for sure.

 

TBH, where you play in North America can make a big difference. I've been in the Bay Area or Texas the past 6+ seasons, so you play in the wind constantly. So I'm already playing knockdown shots and using my PW to hit lower approaches from 100yds instead of hitting normal SW.

My golf travel mate and his club members I play with are back east where it's not blowing so much and everything is in the air.

The one thing that is hard to approximate here - even with good intentions - is something like the 60yd bump and run 8I. Of course all the more reason to go to Bandon, Streamsong, Sand Valley, before crossing the pond ;)

[North Butte]

I already putt from 20, 30, 40 yards out in the fairway on my home course. The rather sticky and often damp Bermuda grass makes it tricky.

 

When I visit UK it is SOOOO much easier to judge that shot. Often you can catch courses over there being maintained so the fairway roll pretty fast and the greens relatively slow (by USA country-club standards). Simplifies the long putt instead of chipping.