In November 2023, not long after I’d generated my first official Handicap Index, I was playing off 28.5. Fast forward to November 2024, greatly helped by a highly uncharacteristic 81 recently, my WHS Index dropped to 17.7.
I hadn’t undertaken a single lesson in that time and I was venturing out to more new courses than I probably ever had. The difference – as far as I’m concerned – is two-fold.
Firstly, I’ve been playing a little bit more. Nothing crazy, but certainly enough to help create rhythm and momentum, maybe 30 rounds in 12 months compared to 15-20 before that. And secondly, I had accrued 10 new clubs which were all at least a decade younger than those they had replaced.
The Nike Method Converge putter I was bought for my 21st birthday remains in the bag, as does my Wilson Staff package set sand wedge from before that. Oh, and how could I forget? The lob wedge is a Wilson ProStaff Oversize created well before the turn of the millennium, purchased from a charity shop in North Wales for £1. That is known to occasionally get me out of a jam, still.
At this stage, I’d like to point out that I have been sporadically playing golf throughout much of my first 30 years on this planet, initially going to Saturday morning junior lessons at the same golf course in Swindon that European Tour legend and two-time Ryder Cup winner, David Howell honed his craft.
Jonny Leighfield using the Nike Method Converge putter
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
However, that is where the similarities end between Mr Howell and I, with the Sky Sports Golf broadcaster remaining an excellent player alongside his increasing popularity behind the mic, and my technique – in all areas – requiring plenty of work since giving up the aforementioned lessons before my teenage years.
Nevertheless, instead of investing in lessons as an adult, I did what many misguided amateurs do and blamed my lowly ability on the tools I was using. Although, as I’m about to hopefully explain, my theory has arguably been proven correct.
The majority of my new clubs arrived just before Christmas 2023, as I decided to treat myself after surviving the first few months of my new job at Golf Monthly. My Wilson Staff package set irons were struggling as it was, given they arrived in my possession pre-2014 at the latest, and I felt that…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Golf Monthly…