Have you ever wondered what score you shoot on a routine basis? You know, that one score that is always in the running and depending on the day you will shoot higher or lower than that benchmark. For every golfer, that score is different and usually varies in direct relationship to a players skill. As a low handicapper, it is expected that my score should be consistently lower than a mid or high handicapper. This is not euphony for sure, but I was wondering what my score (s) are that I consistently shoot.
Before going any further, this article is not a discussion on my handicap index. This particular stat is good, but a very low round will keep your index a bit lower than what you normally shoot. Therefore, I want to circle back to my original thought of what score do I consistently shoot the most. It is a challenge to narrow down my score to one, but if I must, it would be 74. Of the rounds that I tracked over the past two years, this score showed up the most. Followed by 75 and 76. These three scores account for 35% of all my scores and it makes sense since I am carrying 4.1 handicap index. What this means is that these three scores maintain my index and the odd low score significantly lowers it.
So why do I consistently shoot between 3 and 5 over par you may ask? Well, that is a great question. I chalk it up to all the practice and effort I invested in my game to reach the level I am at now. Every year, my average scores look like a ski hill. At the beginning of the year, my consistent scores are much higher, however as the season progresses, usually starting in June, my consistent score settles in to the mid 70s. This routine has is almost unfailing as each year I need to knock the rust off my game and focus on improving my scores. It really is an interesting process.
I did ask the question of other players, unfortunately the question was too vague for a poll, but I thought I would share the results anyway. The reason for sharing is to demonstrate the variety of routine scores shot by all level of players. There really is no way to predict the answer.
Interestingly, as we look at the results, the players at the upper range have a greater opportunity to shave off a few strokes by working specific aspects of their game. I am a strong supporter of working from the pin out to the tee box, but there are others who would recommend a different approach. Regardless on which direction you want to take, there are plenty of opportunities to improve. As a lower handicapper, the opportunities to improve are there as well, but the savings are smaller and are produced at slow increments.
Shooting a consistent score is not an unusual thing in golf. Many players routinely shoot the same score because they approach their rounds in the same manner. They know were they are challenged and where they can excel, the trick to lowering your routine score is to identify these challenging areas and find ways to improve. It really is up to you.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, we did manage to play today at Fescues Edge. The wind was 40 gusting to 70 kph and the course was playing longer since the course was wet from snow that had melted. The temperature was around 7 degrees C.
I was playing my 20 plus year old MacGregor 685’s (Forged CB), a couple Taylormade V steel woods and an old Wilson SW. my one concession to modernism was my new Taylormade SIM2 Max Driver. My Otey Crisman putter is older than me.
I did not quite meet my goal of 82 and only missed out by a couple strokes. Given the conditions, I was quite satisfied. I controlled my trajectory quite well and had a good smooth tempo. All four of us are diehard hickory players and their were several well executed “hickory” style shots.
Can’t wait for the next chance to play, need to check the long term forecast.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lorne,
Thanks for sharing. It rained all day and never got about 4 degrees. Now is is minus 12. Welcome to winter.
Cheers Jim
LikeLike
Over the last number of years, I have kept a good record of my scores as well as frequently analyzing where my strokes come from and grading the various aspects of my game. I have tended to be very consistent and I feel I understand my own game.
Several years ago I decided to focus on more than just chasing scores. First of all, I got tired of the never ending hype on new equipment. I decided that for me, gains due to technology (length, forgiveness) were less satisfying than improving my shot making skills which were in effect all me. Thus, I plowed myself into historical golf equipment where I could really put myself to the test. I thought that my scores would suffer and was pleasantly surprised that they did not, if anything I had improved.
Like you Jim, my focus starts from the pin and works back. I generally score around 80-83, whether with modern or historical equipment. Putting has always been a strength and I average 30 putts a round, not much to be gained there. The ravages of time and an injured knee have decreased my length, requiring longer approaches and a better short game. The historical equipment has made me focus more on smooth tempo and greater creativity in shotmaking. The result is improved consistency despite playing several different sets of clubs and combinations.
Being consistent for me is a good thing. Course management, knowing your game and playing within yourself lead to better play. For me it starts with a consistent tempo and good scrambling skills.
I have introduced a lot of new people to hickory golf over the last couple years and have made a few observations. After playing two or three times with the old sticks, most new players learn to play with an even tempo and have developed new shot making skills which spills over into their modern game. Several have had career rounds this year. The same might be achieved by playing with a short set of modern clubs.
For me though the most important thing in my golf game is having fun. I am hoping to play today if the weather permits. The high is expected to be 7 or 8 Celsius with strong winds. If the rain holds off, I see an 82 in the cards. What could possibly go wrong?😀😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lorne,
You have touched on so many aspects of your game I do not know where to start. I enjoy reading about historical club use. I know it takes me a few holes to adjust my tempo to use hickory shafts, but when I finally do, I feel like I am hitting the ball well my game seems to improve. I just need to carry that over with my modern set.
I hope you were able to play today; my season is completely over for sure and I love hearing stories of players still hitting the links!
Cheers Jim
LikeLike
I got plenty of numbers. I’m not sure the one you’re looking at matters that much in the scheme of things since it really is course dependent. Your most achieved score is 3 over par on a 6k yard course. Playing almost 2k shorter, mine is a 2 over 67. 6 times out of 24. I’m just not sure that that really tells me anything. 12 of the 24 I shot par or under. Exactly half. That tells me more I think. Combined, I get a wonderful story. Half the time I’m shooting par or under and half the rest I’m maxing out at 2 over. That’s a feel good story for any golfer. Of course, like I said, it’s course specific. I’m not playing Pebble Beach, or any tough course. I’m playing a course built for seniors half a year before I even qualify to retire. It is a wonderful story, but not one that will go to my head. I have lots of work to do still and I know it.
Well the driver is now in the hands of the pro. I asked for a shaft with the exact same weight and flex, but a mid instead of low kick. And I asked to max the legal length. So 3/4 inch longer all the way to 47 inches. I will definitely not have the same driver when I get it back. My old driver was only 1/4 inch longer than today’s standard, but it was 1 and 1/4 longer than standard when I bought it. I figure if anyone can move to that length, I can. But if not, it’s easier to cut it down than to add to it so it’s an easy experiment to resolve if needed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kevin
Your points are well taken. Your scores are amazing regardless of the the length of course. I realize that 6k is not overly long, but you still have to hit the ball in the hole. Your scores definitely make for a great story. I am really interested to hear how your new/old driver turns out. Keep me posted.
Cheers Jim
LikeLike