The Golf Thread

[Boca Vol]

I’m sure it was, but I played Patriot Hills the day before and it was in great shape. I think Muni was just trying to save on the landscaping expense.

Was pretty rough to pay $28 per person for twilight, cart path only, and those conditions. I would have rather played Whittle Springs at that point.

Is Whittle Springs still open? Wow.

 

[1972 Grad]

I’m sure it was, but I played Patriot Hills the day before and it was in great shape. I think Muni was just trying to save on the landscaping expense.

Was pretty rough to pay $28 per person for twilight, cart path only, and those conditions. I would have rather played Whittle Springs at that point.

They closed the golf course at our place in the N.C. mountains for a few days due to all the rain. They had about 15 inches in 2 weeks.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

Is Whittle Springs still open? Wow.

Yes. And it’s rough.

To be fair last time I played it was back in the winter, but it was $15 to play and that was almost overpriced.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

Anyways I’m new to this thread but a pretty avid golfer. What is everyone’s favorite course in the knoxville area? For me it’s hands down Patriot Hills. Followed second by Centennial probably.

 

[peaygolf]

Anyways I’m new to this thread but a pretty avid golfer. What is everyone’s favorite course in the knoxville area? For me it’s hands down Patriot Hills. Followed second by Centennial probably.

Holston Hills and Fox Den! By far.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

Holston Hills and Fox Den! By far.

I guess I should have specified public courses. I’ve never actually played a private course.

I do hear there’s a world of difference though.

 

[Rishvol]

Holston Hills and Fox Den! By far.

What about for us peasants lol

 

[peaygolf]

I guess I should have specified public courses. I’ve never actually played a private course.

I do hear there’s a world of difference though.

I was just saying in general. Sorry.
I did like Gettysview the last time I was there. I'd play it again.

egwani farms is good also.

 

[1972 Grad]

Holston Hills and Fox Den! By far.

I first played Holston in 1965, the week after it hosted the NCAA tournament. The Bermuda rough was brutal. I remember breaking 40 on the back nine , even though I was only 15 and had started playing just one year before. I think that I shot 43-38, not sure.

Fast forward to today, and as a stiff 68 year old, I am getting disgusted with my golf game. I have lost a bunch of distance and am having trouble making consistent, solid contact. Getting old sucks.

 

[GAVol]

I first played Holston in 1965, the week after it hosted the NCAA tournament. The Bermuda rough was brutal. I remember breaking 40 on the back nine , even though I was only 15 and had started playing just one year before. I think that I shot 43-38, not sure.

Fast forward to today, and as a stiff 68 year old, I am getting disgusted with my golf game. I have lost a bunch of distance and am having trouble making consistent, solid contact. Getting old sucks.

You still trying to hit blades and persimmon?

 

[1972 Grad]

You still trying to hit blades and persimmon?

Not just no, but h*** no. There was a time when I could hit a 1 iron blade well. That ship has sailed.

 

[1972 Grad]

You still trying to hit blades and persimmon?

I hit it a little better today, and got a compliment. There was a young man (pretty good player) next to me, hitting balls, who looked to be late 20's.

As I got ready to leave, I said "I believe I've had enough." We hadn't spoken until then. He asked me how old I was, and I said 68. Then he said....."you hit the ball awfully well for somebody that's 68."


I had a high school player say the same thing to me last year. I took it as a compliment, but I remember the "for somebody that's 68" disclaimer. I guess they think that 68 has 1 foot in the grave, and should be thankful to get it off the ground. The shot that I hit from 140 with an 8 iron that struck the flagstick on the fly must have impressed him. He asked if I hit that ball. You could hear it from the tee.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

I hit it a little better today, and got a compliment. There was a young man (pretty good player) next to me, hitting balls, who looked to be late 20's.

As I got ready to leave, I said "I believe I've had enough." We hadn't spoken until then. He asked me how old I was, and I said 68. Then he said....."you hit the ball awfully well for somebody that's 68."


I had a high school player say the same thing to me last year. I took it as a compliment, but I remember the "for somebody that's 68" disclaimer. I guess they think that 68 has 1 foot in the grave, and should be thankful to get it off the ground. The shot that I hit from 140 with an 8 iron that struck the flagstick on the fly must have impressed him. He asked if I hit that ball. You could hear it from the tee.

Where’d you play?

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

I’m about 2 years into playing, but I play pretty frequently.

I’ve struggled to get under 100 consistently until about the last two months or so, I’ve been shooting mid-90’s lately. I took some lessons with Bo Harris at Williams Creek and it’s done wonders. He’s not badly priced, $150 for 4 lessons.

The trick really ended up being swing speed. I think my form is decent enough but I struggle with not trying to kill the ball.

 

[1972 Grad]

Where’d you play?

The Crossings near Jonesboro and Fall Branch, TN. Mostly, I go to Graysburg, which is between Greeneville and Fall Branch.

 

[1972 Grad]

I’m about 2 years into playing, but I play pretty frequently.

I’ve struggled to get under 100 consistently until about the last two months or so, I’ve been shooting mid-90’s lately. I took some lessons with Bo Harris at Williams Creek and it’s done wonders. He’s not badly priced, $150 for 4 lessons.

The trick really ended up being swing speed. I think my form is decent enough but I struggle with not trying to kill the ball.

I struggle with a lower body slide, and have to flip the club to avoid a blocked push. Everybody fights some bad tendency in their swing.

There is no problem with swinging hard if you can control it. I can't. I do much better with irons from about 5 or 6 iron and shorter. I can take a controlled swing and hit them solid and fairly straight. The driver and fairway woods can go anywhere.

 

[Creeker]

The Crossings near Jonesboro and Fall Branch, TN. Mostly, I go to Graysburg, which is between Greeneville and Fall Branch.

How is The Crossings? Keep meaning to make it down there and never do.

 

[1972 Grad]

How is The Crossings? Keep meaning to make it down there and never do.

It's fine. Not too long, good condition, good greens.

 

[malinoisvol]

OK Golfers, my wife is wanting to learn how to play golf. There is a guy, Des Mahoney, that gives lessons at Centennial Golf Course in Oak Ridge. He charges $340 for four 50 minute sessions.

Thought/Recommendations/Pointers

TIA

#windmillsaremyspeed

 

[GAVol]

OK Golfers, my wife is wanting to learn how to play golf. There is a guy, Des Mahoney, that gives lessons at Centennial Golf Course in Oak Ridge. He charges $340 for four 50 minute sessions.

Thought/Recommendations/Pointers

TIA

#windmillsaremyspeed

Honestly sounds a little steep, but a series of lessons is a good way to get introduced to some fundamentals so she will actually enjoy the game.

You might try to find a group clinic at a local course. It'll be a lot cheaper and she can dip her toe in the water and see how she likes it.

 

[1972 Grad]

OK Golfers, my wife is wanting to learn how to play golf. There is a guy, Des Mahoney, that gives lessons at Centennial Golf Course in Oak Ridge. He charges $340 for four 50 minute sessions.

Thought/Recommendations/Pointers

TIA

#windmillsaremyspeed

I took a lesson from him a long time ago. He's a good teacher, and knows his stuff, but I'm with GA Vol above. All she needs to start is to be taught the basics of grip, stance, posture, and then let her dig it out of the dirt.

 

[Guest]

 

[1972 Grad]

Playing golf may seem easy, but it’s one of the toughest individual sports to become good at.
Taking 4 golf lessons is never a guarantee that one will be better after taking them. There has to be time dedicated to practice for what was taught. Most people that don’t play competitively don’t want too or have the time to practice.
Anyone picking this game up after 40 years old will have a very difficult time becoming decent at it.
That $340 for lessons can quickly turn into $1500 - $2000 with additional lessons, club fitting, clubs & accessories and apparel. A whole lot of money can be wasted if someone thinks they might want to pick up golf and later decides it’s not for them.
I’m with GA on finding better options for lessons. Des is getting over $100 per hour for a single lesson. That’s a lot. I’m not saying he’s not worth that but that’s the kind of money you spend for lessons to help improve your game and not for beginner lessons.
Hope you find something that works for her

I totally agree about picking up the game later in life. I was fortunate to start at 14. Most everyone that I know who started young and stayed with it 3 or 4 years, became fairly decent. Most everyone that I know who started late, struggled. Of course, most everyone struggles at golf anyway.

 

[Rishvol]

I totally agree about picking up the game later in life. I was fortunate to start at 14. Most everyone that I know who started young and stayed with it 3 or 4 years, became fairly decent. Most everyone that I know who started late, struggled. Of course, most everyone struggles at golf anyway.

US Open is a grand example

 

[malinoisvol]

Thanks guys.

I've told her it's a hobby that can get expensive, however, if she wanted to learn, I'd help her out as much as I can.

She is 29 for the 23rd time.

She needs to learn the basics and course etiquette. My personal golf knowledge is limited to driving a cart and drinking a beer, so I'm no help. Ha

I'll look into the group sessions and try and save some $$$.



You guys rock!