When we last met I was in a bad way. Down, discouraged, and questioning how I’d gotten so low. Walking off the 18th at Meadow Brook with a score 15 strokes higher than my previous worst I called in a committee to evaluate my game. I immediately sought the swing advice of Sam Adams, but he wasn’t much help.
The Lesson Tee host and mynegm.com writer Steve Riggs took me to task both on the air and on the range at New England Country Club. After a session with Steve, and a new 3 wood I’ve been hitting more fairways and posting much better scores.
I recognize the opportunity presented to me after I bottomed out on Memorial Day, and unfortunately I saw many similarities between Dustin Johnson’s behavior on Sunday and mine. We were all begging Dustin to slow down, take a deep breath, and play the simple shots in those opening holes at Pebble. Anyone who has ever picked up a club has had a moment like Dustin, blow ups at the time but learning moments eventually.
My game is far better because of my 109, and I really believe Dustin’s game will be better for his Sunday 82.
The biggest adjustment I’ve made to simplify my approach. I haven’t aimed anywhere other than the middle of the fairway in two weeks. When presented with a yardage between clubs I’ve taken the longer club and swung easy. It’s surprising how simple the game is when you don’t try to hit 18 hero shots a round.
I wish I had something more profound for those of you struggling with a summer slump. The only advice I can give is to simplify your approach, aim at the middle of the green, and find a club that is working for you and never put it down. If you are smoking your rescue club, hit it off every tee and enjoy hitting 14 fairways. If your gap wedge is on fire, get to that number as often as possible. I picked up my 3 wood and haven’t looked back. I’m going to ride that thing as long as I can.
I don’t think I was dumb enough to imagine my first 18 hole round after the 109 would be an 84, but I’m not complaining.
About Matt Manco
I am a freelance writer, baseball instructor, and restaurant manager embarking on the first New England Golf Challenge. The New England Golf Challenge is an experiment to find out how much the average golfer can improve in one year with diligent practice and lessons. Check in weekly for updates and articles chronicling my experiences working towards a better golf game.
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