Today, I am at the exact halfway point of my goal. Below is my report card (that I gave myself) thru the first 40 days. These grades are what I believe to be true about my own game as it stands today (Day 40):
1) Driving - B+ (3.3)
Prior to these past 40 days, I would have put my driving somewhere in the D range (2.0), so I am showing great improvement. I am still hitting a high fade, which I don't love, but is pretty predicable. The ball ends up about 5 to 8 yards to the right of where I am aiming. Based on my past couple rounds, I seem to average about 250 to 270 off the tee without a grunt or a groan. I would like to see this shot become a lower draw. I have found out that I can hit a low screamer dead ahead if I really square up my left shoulder at address. From where I started 40 days ago to where I am today, I know that I will be able to dial in this club. If the only change I have to make at address is the way I position my shoulder alignment, then it should be easier to start shaping shots of the tee box - square my left shoulder at address for a draw and open up my left shoulder a bit for a fade. Whatever I find out to be the case, I know that I will have a fun time in the next 40 days with this club. By day 80, I want this grade to become an A+ (4.0).
2) Iron Play / Approach Shots - B- (2.7)
I am still rather inconsistent with my irons. I have shown improvement in this area, but not as much improvement as the other facets of the game. 40 days ago, I would have graded this part of my game as a C- (1.7). I need to continue to practice this part of the game on a regular basis for greater accuracy. I have a tendency to either hit the ball fat (too far behind the ball) or hit balls about 6 to 10 yards right of my intended target. In order to score effectively, I need to get this in the B+/A- range (3.3 to 3.67).
3) Chipping - C (2.0)
This was, by far, the worst element of my game 40 days ago. At the time this exercise began, I would have given myself a flat-out F. Based on my round the other day at Balboa, I would have given that single round a B+ for my chipping efforts. However, I can not say for certain that every time I go out, I will chip at a B+ rate. The reason I give myself a C is because of that uncertainty. I feel confident about the stroke, so now I have to focus in on the touch at different yardages. I am going to continue to focus on this aspect of the game and by the time Day 80 comes along, I have full confidence in myself that I can bring this up to the B+ range or better.
4) Bunker Play - F (0.0)
My bunker play has now become the weakest part of my game. It has always been average (grade of C), but now has taken the pole position as my weakest link. I will continue to focus on this element and need to focus on this soon. Because of this low grade, I am immediately putting myself on 'golfing probation'. I have 20 days to pull this grade up to a C or better. I know that as I dial in my chipping game, my bunker play will improve. I know that by Day 80, I will not have trouble with the bunker. For now, I need to study, practice and execute with great diligence, patience and consistency.
5) Putting - B+ (3.3)
40 days ago, my putting was in the average to below average range (C to C-). Now, I am happy to report that with the new putting stroke and a good deal of practice, my putting has risen to the grade of B+. I have not 3-putted in over 36 straight holes, so that is great improvement. My overall putting average per hole continues to decrease dramatically with the rise in 1-putts. I feel comfortable from any distance within 25 feet. I am reading putts much better and getting that ball on the proper target line on a consistent basis. I used to get nervous when standing over a 3 foot putt - now I knock in the back of the cup with a confident stroke. I have full confidence in my ability to raise my putting grade to an A (4.0) in the next 40 days.
Starting GGPA (Golfing Grade Point Average) 40 days ago: 1.54 - somewhere between a D+ and C-
Current GGPA after 40 days: 2.26 - somewhere between a C and a C+
Desired GGPA after 80 days: 3.7+ - B+ or better
I have raised my GGPA 0.72 in the first 40 days. I am asking myself to raise my GGPA by 1.44 points in the next 40 days - which is to essentially 'double' my improvement. In order to score under 80, I figure that I need to become a B+ or better overall golfer (3.7+). But all stats and analysis aside, I know for a fact that I am a better golfer today than I was when I started 40 days ago - and that makes me happy.
I know I can break 80 sometime in the next 40 days..I can feel it, see it and smell it. So bring on the next 40 days and let's see what I can do.
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