Plans this winter to keep your golf game in shape??

[Jud_T]

Steve,

I think he just had an AHA moment of clarity...

[Patrick_Mucci]

As I'm entering my first Minnesota winter and not looking forward to three long months of cold, snow, and ice...I'm already looking forward to next year's golf season! As I was looking at a couple local golf domes as possible places to hit the occasional golf ball this winter, I was wondering what other Northern climate GCAers do to keep their games sharp. Trips to the range/dome? Carpet putting? Lessons? Nothing? Fitness routines?

Just curious as to what everyone has planned for this upcoming winter.

Swing the "Momentus 5 Iron" every day.

[PCCraig]

As I'm entering my first Minnesota winter and not looking forward to three long months of cold, snow, and ice...I'm already looking forward to next year's golf season! As I was looking at a couple local golf domes as possible places to hit the occasional golf ball this winter, I was wondering what other Northern climate GCAers do to keep their games sharp. Trips to the range/dome? Carpet putting? Lessons? Nothing? Fitness routines?

Just curious as to what everyone has planned for this upcoming winter.

Swing the "Momentus 5 Iron" every day.

I've tried swinging a momentus in the winter after buying one in a Target or something...came back the next spring with a wicked duck hook! Now it sits under the bed in case of self defense. 

[Dustin Ferrell]

My 8th winter since moving to Michigan and have installed a net in my basement as well as a 10'x3' Big Moss putting mat.  Planning on going to the dome some and trying to get outside when the weather allows it.

Every year my handicap ends up at a 3-4, and immediately jumps to a 6 after I get my first Spring rounds in.  This year I want to keep that jump from happening and see if I can start the season in mid summer form for once instead of trying to find my game for 3 months.

[JC Jones]

Steve,

I think he just had an AHA moment of clarity...

This is what I get for giving in to your whining an allowing you to bring 3 clubs to a 1 club match.  Even with the advantage it took the miracle shot of your life on 18 to beat me.

Don't worry, next summer will be different.  As Coach Dantonio said 5 years ago (that being the last time UM beat MSU), the pride comes before the fall.

[JC Jones]

My 8th winter since moving to Michigan and have installed a net in my basement as well as a 10'x3' Big Moss putting mat.  Planning on going to the dome some and trying to get outside when the weather allows it.

Every year my handicap ends up at a 3-4, and immediately jumps to a 6 after I get my first Spring rounds in.  This year I want to keep that jump from happening and see if I can start the season in mid summer form for once instead of trying to find my game for 3 months.

To which dome do you go?

[Jud_T]

Frankly it's kind of nice to put the clubs away for a couple months and give it a rest.  Better to focus on getting in shape and dropping all those calories you ate and drank over the holidays..

[Dustin Ferrell]

My 8th winter since moving to Michigan and have installed a net in my basement as well as a 10'x3' Big Moss putting mat.  Planning on going to the dome some and trying to get outside when the weather allows it.

Every year my handicap ends up at a 3-4, and immediately jumps to a 6 after I get my first Spring rounds in.  This year I want to keep that jump from happening and see if I can start the season in mid summer form for once instead of trying to find my game for 3 months.

To which dome do you go?

Either the Oasis Golf Dome in Northville, or make the trek to Jackson, MI...both are about 35min drive for me.  Auburn Hills has a nice big dome, but thats about and hour or so drive, so dont make it up there very often unless my wife wants to light my credit card up at that Mall up there.

[Peter Pallotta]

Hey JC, please indulge me on this -- if I were somehow to come into a substantial sum of money, say an amount that might liberate me from the need for full-time employment, and say that wind-fall came in at some point between now and January 1st...my question is: would February 1st be too early to come down to North Carolina (by 'too early' I mean not for some pampered hot-house flower, but for a hardy northern type like me for whom playing in 40 degree F weather, if a windless day, would be just fine) to play golf; and if so, does this time line and plan fit in nicely with your schedule and interest?  (And finally, do you have an "in" at a high-end private course there - I'm not sure Pinehurst and Pine Needles and Dormie are the kind of courses I hope to become accustomed to.....)

Please say "yes".  I like my fantasies to be grounded in something real!

Peter

[JC Jones]

Yes.  In fact, I have just the course in mind for you.

[JC Jones]

To which dome do you go?

Either the Oasis Golf Dome in Northville, or make the trek to Jackson, MI...both are about 35min drive for me.  Auburn Hills has a nice big dome, but thats about and hour or so drive, so dont make it up there very often unless my wife wants to light my credit card up at that Mall up there.

Is this your way of telling me you live in Ann Arbor?   

[Dave McCollum]

Count me with those that hit into a net all winter, only to discover a very consistent smother hook the next spring.  I also used a weighted club and radar gizmo that helped me increase my swing speeds quite a bit.  I was jacked  to hit the range that spring, thinking I was going to kill the ball.  I could only laugh at those quackers and my delusions.  Ever since, I’ve focused my winter golf around buying plane tickets. 

Has anyone ever used simulators that gave reasonable feedback of ball flight?

Did get in a quick 18 yesterday in under two hours with one of my cart-ball buddies.

[Bill Brightly]

I play a GREAT game called Platform Tennis, we call it "paddle." (Miniature tennis court with chicken wire screens.)It is only played in a handful of regions, like NYC metro, Chicago, Philly and a few other places.

 I wonder how many other CGA'ers play it?

[Jason Topp]

Has anyone ever used simulators that gave reasonable feedback of ball flight?

This brand of simulator seemed a lot more accurate than others I have tried:

aboutGolf PGA Tour Simulators

http://insideedgegolf.com/

[Dan Kelly]

I play a GREAT game called Platform Tennis, we call it "paddle." (Miniature tennis court with chicken wire screens.)It is only played in a handful of regions, like NYC metro, Chicago, Philly and a few other places.

 I wonder how many other CGA'ers play it?

Six golf clubs in the Twin Cities have paddle-tennis courts: Minikahda, Woodhill, Edina, Bearpath, Lafayette and Wayzata.

I have friends at a few of those places -- but none of them is a GCAer.

I'm surprised more clubs don't offer it.

[Peter Pallotta]

Yes.  In fact, I have just the course in mind for you.

Weeellll, say no more, say no more. A wink is as good as a nod to a blind man, eh?

Please use the private PM messaging system to provide more details, as these become necessary.

Thanks

Peter

[PCCraig]

I play a GREAT game called Platform Tennis, we call it "paddle." (Miniature tennis court with chicken wire screens.)It is only played in a handful of regions, like NYC metro, Chicago, Philly and a few other places.

 I wonder how many other CGA'ers play it?

Six golf clubs in the Twin Cities have paddle-tennis courts: Minikahda, Woodhill, Edina, Bearpath, Lafayette and Wayzata.

I have friends at a few of those places -- but none of them is a GCAer.

I'm surprised more clubs don't offer it.

Bill:

I was actually on the "Paddle" team for my high school, and used to play quite growing up as it's big in Chicago. You're right in that it's a great game to take your mind off golf in the off season. Dan's also right in that there are a few clubs up here who have courts, but it doesn't seem to big here. My guess is that it gets a little too cold in the dead of winter, even for a winter activity.

I mostly keep myself occupied in the winter now with squash, which is like Paddle but without the keg at arms reach

[Tim Martin]

Play Joe Bausch`s Executive Course Tour.

[Rick Shefchik]

I play a GREAT game called Platform Tennis, we call it "paddle." (Miniature tennis court with chicken wire screens.)It is only played in a handful of regions, like NYC metro, Chicago, Philly and a few other places.

 I wonder how many other CGA'ers play it?

Six golf clubs in the Twin Cities have paddle-tennis courts: Minikahda, Woodhill, Edina, Bearpath, Lafayette and Wayzata.

I have friends at a few of those places -- but none of them is a GCAer.

I'm surprised more clubs don't offer it.

Bill:

I was actually on the "Paddle" team for my high school, and used to play quite growing up as it's big in Chicago. You're right in that it's a great game to take your mind off golf in the off season. Dan's also right in that there are a few clubs up here who have courts, but it doesn't seem to big here. My guess is that it gets a little too cold in the dead of winter, even for a winter activity.

I mostly keep myself occupied in the winter now with squash, which is like Paddle but without the keg at arms reach

Pat, my understanding is that outdoor platform tennis is strictly a winter sport at the aforementioned Minnesota clubs -- at least that's what I was told about the courts at Bearpath and Woodhill. You bundle up, run around on the cleared-off court, work up a sweat and then retire to the bar for something hot and alcohol-laced.

[PCCraig]

I play a GREAT game called Platform Tennis, we call it "paddle." (Miniature tennis court with chicken wire screens.)It is only played in a handful of regions, like NYC metro, Chicago, Philly and a few other places.

 I wonder how many other CGA'ers play it?

Six golf clubs in the Twin Cities have paddle-tennis courts: Minikahda, Woodhill, Edina, Bearpath, Lafayette and Wayzata.

I have friends at a few of those places -- but none of them is a GCAer.

I'm surprised more clubs don't offer it.

Bill:

I was actually on the "Paddle" team for my high school, and used to play quite growing up as it's big in Chicago. You're right in that it's a great game to take your mind off golf in the off season. Dan's also right in that there are a few clubs up here who have courts, but it doesn't seem to big here. My guess is that it gets a little too cold in the dead of winter, even for a winter activity.

I mostly keep myself occupied in the winter now with squash, which is like Paddle but without the keg at arms reach

Pat, my understanding is that outdoor platform tennis is strictly a winter sport at the aforementioned Minnesota clubs -- at least that's what I was told about the courts at Bearpath and Woodhill. You bundle up, run around on the cleared-off court, work up a sweat and then retire to the bar for something hot and alcohol-laced.

Rick:

It's 100% a winter sport because once it's warmer than ~50-60* the ball becomes too "hot" for the course and it's harder to play. I say it could be too cold because while it's possible to layer up to play in single digit temps, the amount of clothing required to play in subzero temps would restrict movement enough where the game wouldn't be a lot of fun...............OR maybe I'm just a huge wimp

[Marty Bonnar]

One week here starting next saturday should just about do it:



oh, yes.

FBD.

[PCCraig]

One week here starting next saturday should just about do it:



oh, yes.

FBD.

Where is this?

[Marty Bonnar]

Pat,
this is Sir Henry Cotton's retirement project: Penina in Portugal.
cheers,
MB.

[PThomas]

Just curious as to what everyone has planned for this upcoming winter.

.  It's still goif season to me...if it's warm enough to go to a football game, I'll play.   But once the pins are out and snow is down for good , then the clubs are too.  

exactly...Cog Hill is open all year....I'll probably be there 1 day this weekend (weather permitting!))

[Dan Kelly]

It's 100% a winter sport because once it's warmer than ~50-60* the ball becomes too "hot" for the course and it's harder to play. I say it could be too cold because while it's possible to layer up to play in single digit temps, the amount of clothing required to play in subzero temps would restrict movement enough where the game wouldn't be a lot of fun...............OR maybe I'm just a huge wimp

Could be both! You'll find out in the next ... few months.