[fujitsusi]

If you are thinking that at some time in the near future your whole game will come together all at the same time, you are setting your self for a rude awakening. Sure there will be days where you will play better than others, but as far as having your complete game, hitting on all cylinders at the same time, well, you are probably a ways off. Even the big money pros can't do it consistently, every week, and for some, usually not for 4 straight rounds.

Some where on THP ( I think) someone posted average scores for both men, and women, you might look for that thread to see where you actually stand. That +22 you carded is not a bad score, even for most men.

When I was younger it took me about 4 years to get my handicap down to scratch. When I say scratch, I mean I could play most golf courses at par or better. Not just one. I was playing, practicing, and taking lessons all the time. Once there, I found it very hard to keep such a low handicap with out still playing, practicing, and taking lessons....all the time. Over the years my scratch game has all but disappeared because I don't play, practice, or take lessons ....all the time. I still have flashes of yesteryear, but I know shooting par is a thing of the past for me. I have been playing this game well over 40 years now.

Everyone goes through slumps, so that should not be something that bothers you. Slumps are a part of everyones' game. Even Tiger has slumps. I have "Texas Slumps".

At some point, while still wanting to improve, you are going to out grow your present instructor. How long that takes before a change is needed is up to you. At some point, to still improve you are going to have to understand the game, far beyond what any instructor can probably teach you. Course management, equipment management, the ball's lie management, and the cause, and effect of the good, and bad ball flights you are hitting. It's tough to learn all this stuff, and remembering all of it while playing is even tougher. Ever wonder what is in those little books the pros, and their caddys carry? Information about there swing, and the golf course to play better, nothing more. Most higher handicappers don't carry such info.

What's the hardest part of the golf swing to master? From my view point, it is learning to swing easy for maximum distance, with accuracy. Plus I think the game is learned more efficiently from the green, backwards, which does not sit well with most instructors. There is something to be said about learning the easier stuff first, while not getting frustrated, trying to learn the tougher aspects of the swing first.

Then there is the mental side of golf, which a 1000 page book, by the best author probably can't explain for each individual.

All the beginner can do is have fun while in the learning process. Of course once the beginner is no longer a beginner, they will still be in the learning process which to me is a never ending process. Enjoy the game you now have, while enjoying the journey to improve.