Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Joe,
Sometimes I get to play alone, which is nice because I can play fast and hit extra shots, but sometimes I miss the competition of playing against others. I have tried to create my own competition by playing one brand of ball against another brand, but that just becomes a putting contest, and some shots are duplications from the same general spot with the same club. I need some new ideas.
Chet

Hi Chet,
Divide your set in half, one half against the other, like even numbered irons against odd numbered irons. The half that gets the putter cannot use the driver, and the half that gets the driver must also putt with the driver, which by the way works surprisingly well when you use the driver like a belly putter. You decide which side gets which wedges. Now you have drama on every shot because you cannot use the same club from the same spot, and you have to prove that your regular putter can beat your driver-putter. Also, you will get a feel for how to adapt when you are “in-between” clubs. If you do not want to go to that extreme, here is another idea. Play your first ball with your usual club selections, and play your second ball using one club more with an easier swing, and see who wins.
Joe