Discussion
Happy new year golfers.
Starting the year the same as last. Up bright and early this morning while everyone else was still asleep, so took myself off to the course.
The weather was brutal, very cold and very windy. But it blew the cobwebs away. There was a surprising number of people out there.
How many times do you have to do something before it becomes a tradition?
Starting the year the same as last. Up bright and early this morning while everyone else was still asleep, so took myself off to the course.
The weather was brutal, very cold and very windy. But it blew the cobwebs away. There was a surprising number of people out there.
How many times do you have to do something before it becomes a tradition?
2026 - Am going to pop to the club this afternoon with the daughter for a sausage butty and some putting practice.....may sneak out for 6 holes if it looks quiet enough
Goals for 2026 --
1) Make better choices and commit to them. Try and avoid the situation of hitting a bad shot and then realising that I hadn't fully committed / dismissed the negative outcomes. i.e. stop focussing on OOB left and practice visualising the right outcome!
2) Practice with purpose more regularly -- I enjoy practice, but only sporadically having elected to play more instead. I hardly went to the range last year and almost never went to the short game area -- I'm going to try and be more disciplined in carving out more regular putting & short game practice time.
3) Continue to think mostly about being in the moment and enjoying just "hitting nice shots" while playing nice courses with friendly people.
4) Decide whether to play more comps (probably no?)...
5) Multiple lessons - Had one last year and it was extremely valuable - Why I haven't had more, I've no idea....
Game is in a good shape with Christmas holiday scores off the purple tees going pretty well. Handicap starts at 18.2 but 9 of the next 10 scores to drop off are non-counting so it feels like I'm going in to 2026 with a real chance of getting it down a fair bit.
Goals for 2026 --
1) Make better choices and commit to them. Try and avoid the situation of hitting a bad shot and then realising that I hadn't fully committed / dismissed the negative outcomes. i.e. stop focussing on OOB left and practice visualising the right outcome!
2) Practice with purpose more regularly -- I enjoy practice, but only sporadically having elected to play more instead. I hardly went to the range last year and almost never went to the short game area -- I'm going to try and be more disciplined in carving out more regular putting & short game practice time.
3) Continue to think mostly about being in the moment and enjoying just "hitting nice shots" while playing nice courses with friendly people.
4) Decide whether to play more comps (probably no?)...
5) Multiple lessons - Had one last year and it was extremely valuable - Why I haven't had more, I've no idea....
Game is in a good shape with Christmas holiday scores off the purple tees going pretty well. Handicap starts at 18.2 but 9 of the next 10 scores to drop off are non-counting so it feels like I'm going in to 2026 with a real chance of getting it down a fair bit.
I played 173 rounds in 2025 at 39 courses. Lots of those were 9 holes at my home course so not as mad as it sounds!
Played 23 new courses including 8 in New Zealand on an amazing trip.
Think I’m getting better although my hcp is unchanged. I know it’s bad but I don’t really enjoy competitions, prefer playing casual competitive golf.
Will try and play a few more comps but hopefully more of the same in 2026 - playing as many courses as I can and lots of trips abroad. Always in good company with a few beers and chat when the golf is done.
Enjoy 2026 golf everyone.
Played 23 new courses including 8 in New Zealand on an amazing trip.
Think I’m getting better although my hcp is unchanged. I know it’s bad but I don’t really enjoy competitions, prefer playing casual competitive golf.
Will try and play a few more comps but hopefully more of the same in 2026 - playing as many courses as I can and lots of trips abroad. Always in good company with a few beers and chat when the golf is done.
Enjoy 2026 golf everyone.
According to Garmin Golf, I played 57 rounds in 2025, although think there were probably a few more I've either deleted or simply didn't record. Seems quite low, but didn't play as much mid week golf this year due to work/family.
Highlights of 2025 were playing some brilliant courses for the first time including;
1. Sunningdale Old Course - Simply wow. Pretty short course at around 6085 off the yellow tees, but in stunning condition and the greens were the best, and quickest, I've every played on. Can't wait to return in 2026 (booked on for the same charity day, and think we'll play the New Course the day prior this time)
2. North Berwick - Visually stunning and somewhere everyone should go play at least once. I think I also played the best 9 holes I have ever played on the back 9 there. Was 4 over par for them, but had a triple on the relatively easy 17th by hitting it out of bounds off the tee. Not sure I'll return to this one, but will certainly be heading back up there to sample other courses, with Kingsbarn being the top of the list I want to visit up there
3. Close House - Great great course. Maybe not as well known as the previous two, but I'd say its probably the most testing of them. The elevation change is considerable. Fantastic condition, and a proper challenge to people of all levers. Will definately be return to play this a few times, as reasonably priced (in comparison to many others), and son goes to Newcastle Uni, so often in the area
4. Royal Birkdale - Again, simply wow. 6400 yards of fantastic layout. One of a limited number of courses I've played where driver is rarely used (I think I hit it 3 or 4 times). You stand on every tee thinking how to avoid bunkers, as they are literally everywhere. Shocking start with a triple, but it is quite a daunting first hole being out of bounds right, and not great left. Driver was not the correct choice, and quickly learnt that lesson. Again, back 9 I played great, and will be hoping to return to this, and other courses in the area (including Formby) in the not distant future, albeit the cost is getting a bit silly IMO
5. Monte Rei - Windy. That probably the take away from my trip there. Again, not a long course at just over 6000 yards off the tees we played, but the elevation changes are ridiculous and raised tees into 40mph winds made it a massive challenge (to all handicaps). Again its once of those courses where you could likely go round without driver without too much issue, albeit its probably worth hitting 3 or 4 times. The level of service at the club is like nothing previously experienced, from them cleaning the clubs on arrival and departure, to having the driving range to ourselves for 30 minutes (group of 12). You rarely see another person on the course whilst playing it aside from those you are playing with, as each hole is in its own valley. It would be extremely easy to post a very high score at this course
6. Quinta (South & Laranjal) - Love them. Firstly Laranjal. Its a great course and was made better as drove the first green which is always great when your in a group of 12, teeing off first and absolutely nail a 300 yard drive onto the front edge. Walking off with a 5 is however quite grounding, but most of the others in the group didn't see that, nor the announcer. Its a great course, but was too busy and we were one of 4 groups waiting on a latter par 3 which is ridiculous, and ruined it really as you lose all flow. As for Quinta South, I could happily play this every day of my life. I think its nearly the perfect everyday course. Hard enough to challenge, but wide enough to allow golfers of most levels to play without putting them off (unlike Monte Rei). Quinta itself is a stunning place, and went to look for an apartment there this year, but wasn't to be (yet)
Plans for 2026;
Firstly I want to get my handicap down to single figures. I've been playing since late 2020 (started during covid like many) and currently at 13.2 (although Garmin has me at 12.2 due to a decent couple of rounds recently which haven't been able to register on MyEG). I started 2025 at 17.5 and the difference in my game is night and day. My iron play has become really solid, and if anything the driving has got a little worse due thats due to swing path changes to sort the irons. The real weakness in my game is my putting though, so recently bought myself a new (LAB Oz1i) putter and intend to put in some serious time on this over the next few months. Garmin current shows my performance stats at (0% being low and 100% being high) at 96% driver, 87% approach, 88% chipping, 89% driver distance and 38% putting. This figures are based on similar handicap golfers, so clearly shows what to work on. I genuinely think I can get to 7/8 by the end of 2026 without too much issue if I applied myself.
I was fortunate enough to build a home SIM in 2025 and bought a Garmin R50 around August time I think, so whilst I've already used it quite a bit, I indeed to use if more and more moving forward and especially at the moment when the weathers not great. I've been working on club path and angle of attack as was swinging way too much in to out (around 9 degrees) and have got that down massively to 2-4 degrees generally. As a result of the in to out path, I was generally swinging around my self too much, so angle of attach was marginal, where now its generally 5 degree up to 10 degree with wedges.
Another aim for 2026 is to play more new courses. We are heading back to Portugal in April to play Old Course, Quinta South & Monte Rei, and as mentioned are booked to play Sunningdale again, but want to try and play some new courses as well. I've looked at Ireland as a potention trip, but also Scotland, as well as Lisbon where there seems to be some great courses. I just find the UK costs be to so high though, as for example a trip to Scotland to play Kingsbarn and other, with then hotel costs, means its cheaper to go abroad for a few days, and I want where possible to play with the group I do now, and have to appreciate peoples limitations financially. Portugal with a group of 16 this year will likely be the last time as a venue for a main trip, as looking at Turkey next year. Have considered Dubai, but again, the costs once there just limit interest, whereas Turkey generally suits most peoples budgets and the courses look epic (as well as night golf). I've been invited to Barbados on a trip to a friends house, but not sure I can swing it with the other half yet.
Aside from that, its just to have fun on the course. I'm 50 now so appreciate I won't be able to get to a level I probably could have it started earlier, but still think I can get into serious single figures. I can hit the ball 270/280 off the tee, and don't have much distance issues with irons compared to people I play with off 4/5 handicaps, but seem to make stupid decisions and miss badly, which I then suddenly find a double appear, whilst they simply do not. That and putting. I've done the hardest thing which is to stop worrying, and hence my game improved massively, albeit maybe not my score to the same degree, but when you hit it further you simply need to be more accurate. A 200 yard drive never really got me in trouble, but led me to realise longer par 4's were not reachable for me, where I can now reach those holes with a driver and PW, or a 5 wood and 6/7 iron, so its now planning better and cutting out the stupid mistakes.
Tis a great game, and just happy to be in a positon to play it with good friends, and hope that continued for many many years.
Highlights of 2025 were playing some brilliant courses for the first time including;
1. Sunningdale Old Course - Simply wow. Pretty short course at around 6085 off the yellow tees, but in stunning condition and the greens were the best, and quickest, I've every played on. Can't wait to return in 2026 (booked on for the same charity day, and think we'll play the New Course the day prior this time)
2. North Berwick - Visually stunning and somewhere everyone should go play at least once. I think I also played the best 9 holes I have ever played on the back 9 there. Was 4 over par for them, but had a triple on the relatively easy 17th by hitting it out of bounds off the tee. Not sure I'll return to this one, but will certainly be heading back up there to sample other courses, with Kingsbarn being the top of the list I want to visit up there
3. Close House - Great great course. Maybe not as well known as the previous two, but I'd say its probably the most testing of them. The elevation change is considerable. Fantastic condition, and a proper challenge to people of all levers. Will definately be return to play this a few times, as reasonably priced (in comparison to many others), and son goes to Newcastle Uni, so often in the area
4. Royal Birkdale - Again, simply wow. 6400 yards of fantastic layout. One of a limited number of courses I've played where driver is rarely used (I think I hit it 3 or 4 times). You stand on every tee thinking how to avoid bunkers, as they are literally everywhere. Shocking start with a triple, but it is quite a daunting first hole being out of bounds right, and not great left. Driver was not the correct choice, and quickly learnt that lesson. Again, back 9 I played great, and will be hoping to return to this, and other courses in the area (including Formby) in the not distant future, albeit the cost is getting a bit silly IMO
5. Monte Rei - Windy. That probably the take away from my trip there. Again, not a long course at just over 6000 yards off the tees we played, but the elevation changes are ridiculous and raised tees into 40mph winds made it a massive challenge (to all handicaps). Again its once of those courses where you could likely go round without driver without too much issue, albeit its probably worth hitting 3 or 4 times. The level of service at the club is like nothing previously experienced, from them cleaning the clubs on arrival and departure, to having the driving range to ourselves for 30 minutes (group of 12). You rarely see another person on the course whilst playing it aside from those you are playing with, as each hole is in its own valley. It would be extremely easy to post a very high score at this course
6. Quinta (South & Laranjal) - Love them. Firstly Laranjal. Its a great course and was made better as drove the first green which is always great when your in a group of 12, teeing off first and absolutely nail a 300 yard drive onto the front edge. Walking off with a 5 is however quite grounding, but most of the others in the group didn't see that, nor the announcer. Its a great course, but was too busy and we were one of 4 groups waiting on a latter par 3 which is ridiculous, and ruined it really as you lose all flow. As for Quinta South, I could happily play this every day of my life. I think its nearly the perfect everyday course. Hard enough to challenge, but wide enough to allow golfers of most levels to play without putting them off (unlike Monte Rei). Quinta itself is a stunning place, and went to look for an apartment there this year, but wasn't to be (yet)
Plans for 2026;
Firstly I want to get my handicap down to single figures. I've been playing since late 2020 (started during covid like many) and currently at 13.2 (although Garmin has me at 12.2 due to a decent couple of rounds recently which haven't been able to register on MyEG). I started 2025 at 17.5 and the difference in my game is night and day. My iron play has become really solid, and if anything the driving has got a little worse due thats due to swing path changes to sort the irons. The real weakness in my game is my putting though, so recently bought myself a new (LAB Oz1i) putter and intend to put in some serious time on this over the next few months. Garmin current shows my performance stats at (0% being low and 100% being high) at 96% driver, 87% approach, 88% chipping, 89% driver distance and 38% putting. This figures are based on similar handicap golfers, so clearly shows what to work on. I genuinely think I can get to 7/8 by the end of 2026 without too much issue if I applied myself.
I was fortunate enough to build a home SIM in 2025 and bought a Garmin R50 around August time I think, so whilst I've already used it quite a bit, I indeed to use if more and more moving forward and especially at the moment when the weathers not great. I've been working on club path and angle of attack as was swinging way too much in to out (around 9 degrees) and have got that down massively to 2-4 degrees generally. As a result of the in to out path, I was generally swinging around my self too much, so angle of attach was marginal, where now its generally 5 degree up to 10 degree with wedges.
Another aim for 2026 is to play more new courses. We are heading back to Portugal in April to play Old Course, Quinta South & Monte Rei, and as mentioned are booked to play Sunningdale again, but want to try and play some new courses as well. I've looked at Ireland as a potention trip, but also Scotland, as well as Lisbon where there seems to be some great courses. I just find the UK costs be to so high though, as for example a trip to Scotland to play Kingsbarn and other, with then hotel costs, means its cheaper to go abroad for a few days, and I want where possible to play with the group I do now, and have to appreciate peoples limitations financially. Portugal with a group of 16 this year will likely be the last time as a venue for a main trip, as looking at Turkey next year. Have considered Dubai, but again, the costs once there just limit interest, whereas Turkey generally suits most peoples budgets and the courses look epic (as well as night golf). I've been invited to Barbados on a trip to a friends house, but not sure I can swing it with the other half yet.
Aside from that, its just to have fun on the course. I'm 50 now so appreciate I won't be able to get to a level I probably could have it started earlier, but still think I can get into serious single figures. I can hit the ball 270/280 off the tee, and don't have much distance issues with irons compared to people I play with off 4/5 handicaps, but seem to make stupid decisions and miss badly, which I then suddenly find a double appear, whilst they simply do not. That and putting. I've done the hardest thing which is to stop worrying, and hence my game improved massively, albeit maybe not my score to the same degree, but when you hit it further you simply need to be more accurate. A 200 yard drive never really got me in trouble, but led me to realise longer par 4's were not reachable for me, where I can now reach those holes with a driver and PW, or a 5 wood and 6/7 iron, so its now planning better and cutting out the stupid mistakes.
Tis a great game, and just happy to be in a positon to play it with good friends, and hope that continued for many many years.
Great work on getting out chaps. I agree, twice in a row & it’s a firm tradition!
Recap of 2025, didn’t play enough. Managed to dip into single figures though which I’m pleased of.
Goals for 26, keep working on the rebuild of swing. Speed training, with a goal of 180 ball speed. Play more. Get to ‘proper’ single digits - 6 sounds good to me. Get in the gym 3/4 times a week so walking 18 feels as easy as it used to!
Recap of 2025, didn’t play enough. Managed to dip into single figures though which I’m pleased of.
Goals for 26, keep working on the rebuild of swing. Speed training, with a goal of 180 ball speed. Play more. Get to ‘proper’ single digits - 6 sounds good to me. Get in the gym 3/4 times a week so walking 18 feels as easy as it used to!
Played today. Too cold, and therefore no fun. Caught up with a few friends though so it may it just about worthwhile.
Frozen tee boxes made it hard to get a decent stance. Frozen greens made it nigh on impossible to gauge any kind of shot into them. Once on the green putting was pretty much a guesswork.
Frozen fingers (whilst wearing winter gloves), and losing multiple balls along the way, mainly due to a body not wanting to operate in 'minus' temperatures, certainly made me think I'm a fair weather golfer these days, so will likely put the clubs in the garage until March now, unless some decent weather appears by some miracle.
Frozen tee boxes made it hard to get a decent stance. Frozen greens made it nigh on impossible to gauge any kind of shot into them. Once on the green putting was pretty much a guesswork.
Frozen fingers (whilst wearing winter gloves), and losing multiple balls along the way, mainly due to a body not wanting to operate in 'minus' temperatures, certainly made me think I'm a fair weather golfer these days, so will likely put the clubs in the garage until March now, unless some decent weather appears by some miracle.
kiethton said:
Our course is closed due to the snow with comments that it's unlikely to melt any time soon, shame as there is a stableford comp scheduled for Sunday
Strange thing is the other course in the group, westerham, was open today despite having similar snow levels
I can’t work out from your first photo, which of the 3 that is, is it Surrey National? Strange thing is the other course in the group, westerham, was open today despite having similar snow levels
I can’t believe Westerham was open today, that’s shocking! Hopefully we get some positive temps soon, but it’s not looking likely! I might get the Perfect Putt out rather than heading to the range this weekend!
Happy New Year chaps, one of my favourite places on PH, long may it continue 
Congrats to all the players who have kicked on and improved their HC this year, great stuff from more than a few of you!
I'm disappointed in my scoring this year, and will work on better concentration in '26. That said, I've loved playing, had lots of fun, and am swinging the club as well or better than I ever have, just lack of golf really.
Golf balls matter, my brother treated me to a box of ProV1x balls, they're so much better than anything I've used before, that I will use them exclusively from now on. Helps I don't play much, and don't lose a lot, but the hype is real, they justify the price.
I'm hoping clubs matter too, I'm switching out my 18hy and 22hy, for an 18u and 24u, more iron like clubs, which I hope will suit me more. Always nice to try new clubs
Congrats to all the players who have kicked on and improved their HC this year, great stuff from more than a few of you!
I'm disappointed in my scoring this year, and will work on better concentration in '26. That said, I've loved playing, had lots of fun, and am swinging the club as well or better than I ever have, just lack of golf really.
Golf balls matter, my brother treated me to a box of ProV1x balls, they're so much better than anything I've used before, that I will use them exclusively from now on. Helps I don't play much, and don't lose a lot, but the hype is real, they justify the price.
I'm hoping clubs matter too, I'm switching out my 18hy and 22hy, for an 18u and 24u, more iron like clubs, which I hope will suit me more. Always nice to try new clubs
Hobo said:
Played today. Too cold, and therefore no fun. Caught up with a few friends though so it may it just about worthwhile.
Frozen tee boxes made it hard to get a decent stance. Frozen greens made it nigh on impossible to gauge any kind of shot into them. Once on the green putting was pretty much a guesswork.
Frozen fingers (whilst wearing winter gloves), and losing multiple balls along the way, mainly due to a body not wanting to operate in 'minus' temperatures, certainly made me think I'm a fair weather golfer these days, so will likely put the clubs in the garage until March now, unless some decent weather appears by some miracle.
It was cold today...and it's going to get colder...Frozen tee boxes made it hard to get a decent stance. Frozen greens made it nigh on impossible to gauge any kind of shot into them. Once on the green putting was pretty much a guesswork.
Frozen fingers (whilst wearing winter gloves), and losing multiple balls along the way, mainly due to a body not wanting to operate in 'minus' temperatures, certainly made me think I'm a fair weather golfer these days, so will likely put the clubs in the garage until March now, unless some decent weather appears by some miracle.
I've recently added the cart-hand-glove things to my trolley, as well as some USB-C handwarmers. This (plus the obligatory flask of bovril) has made the cold winter mornings far far more comfortable than they were before. (Still played in shorts mind
) Started with a case of the OOB lefts on the front 9 before finding it to come back strongly with yet another par-birdie-par finish. If I could get my putts to the damn hole, it would have been even better....
Have invested in a fancy putting setup gadget which is on its way from America -- as that's obviously the way to improve it......
kentlad said:
kiethton said:
I'm a member at The Addington, that's looking back down 16 from the Green
Ah I see, it s been a long time (10+ years) since I ve played it. Looks like they ve cut down a bunch of trees!I've hardly played since the weather turned some 10 weeks ago, but I played on NYE at Cookridge, was very cold half the course was frozen half semi defrosted.
Playing on frozen tees at least you get confirmation that you are using the ground but you've got to accommodate that lack of grip so easy swings are the order of the day, my winter practice had slipped into boredom derived attempts at stinger slices and hooks I did say to myself that you really need to stop messing around like that, however I was grateful that I had messed around as on a couple of occasions those very shots came into play due to an over draw (Ok snap hook) I took to the course with my driver.
The most satisfying shot of the day was a 160yd low stinger banana hook with a 5 iron I played out of a copse of trees I found myself in, had I not been farting around at the range for the last few weeks that wouldn't have been a option. (having a more predictable drive would of course be more preferable)
Still got a two way miss with the driver and I really want to get that to just one for when the weather improves, plus my putting yips continue...just hit it!!!!!
I've also found Luke kwon and Taco golf on YT they are hilarious if you've not seen them and play some stunning courses on the other side of the world.
Playing on frozen tees at least you get confirmation that you are using the ground but you've got to accommodate that lack of grip so easy swings are the order of the day, my winter practice had slipped into boredom derived attempts at stinger slices and hooks I did say to myself that you really need to stop messing around like that, however I was grateful that I had messed around as on a couple of occasions those very shots came into play due to an over draw (Ok snap hook) I took to the course with my driver.
The most satisfying shot of the day was a 160yd low stinger banana hook with a 5 iron I played out of a copse of trees I found myself in, had I not been farting around at the range for the last few weeks that wouldn't have been a option. (having a more predictable drive would of course be more preferable)
Still got a two way miss with the driver and I really want to get that to just one for when the weather improves, plus my putting yips continue...just hit it!!!!!
I've also found Luke kwon and Taco golf on YT they are hilarious if you've not seen them and play some stunning courses on the other side of the world.
Edited by Wills2 on Monday 5th January 10:32
Wills2 said:
I've hardly played since the weather turned some 10 weeks ago, but I played on NYE at Cookridge, was very cold half the course was frozen half semi defrosted.
Playing on frozen tees at least you get confirmation that you are using the ground but you've got to accommodate that lack of grip so easy swings are the order of the day, my winter practice had slipped into boredom derived attempts at stinger slices and hooks I did say to myself that you really need to stop messing around like that, however I was grateful that I had messed around as on a couple of occasions those very shots came into play due to an over draw (Ok snap hook) I took to the course with my driver.
The most satisfying shot of the day was a 160yd low stinger banana hook with a 5 iron I played out of a copse of trees I found myself in, had I not been farting around at the range for the last few weeks that wouldn't have been a option. (having a more predictable drive would of course be more preferable)
Still got a two way miss with the driver and I really want to get that to just one for when the weather improves, plus my putting yips continue...just hit it!!!!!
I've also found Luke kwon and Taco golf on YT they are hilarious if you've not seen them and play some stunning courses on the other side of the world.
Played yesterday at minus 6 at 8am. Some of the greens it was like a ice rink so any shots into the green just bounced off. Playing on frozen tees at least you get confirmation that you are using the ground but you've got to accommodate that lack of grip so easy swings are the order of the day, my winter practice had slipped into boredom derived attempts at stinger slices and hooks I did say to myself that you really need to stop messing around like that, however I was grateful that I had messed around as on a couple of occasions those very shots came into play due to an over draw (Ok snap hook) I took to the course with my driver.
The most satisfying shot of the day was a 160yd low stinger banana hook with a 5 iron I played out of a copse of trees I found myself in, had I not been farting around at the range for the last few weeks that wouldn't have been a option. (having a more predictable drive would of course be more preferable)
Still got a two way miss with the driver and I really want to get that to just one for when the weather improves, plus my putting yips continue...just hit it!!!!!
I've also found Luke kwon and Taco golf on YT they are hilarious if you've not seen them and play some stunning courses on the other side of the world.
Edited by Wills2 on Monday 5th January 10:32
Fun to get out with friends, but the golf was somewhat challenging.
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