Ep.222: My 2026 Golf Year in Review

How much can you improve at golf when you play roughly 20 rounds in an entire year? In this episode of PaddyTalksGolf, I’m taking an honest look at my 2026 golf season. I started the year at a 2.2 handicap and got down to 0.9, but the goal was to reach +2.0. I didn’t get there, missed some of my competitive targets and discovered a few uncomfortable truths in the stats. We’re talking swing changes, lessons with Ryan Gribben, hours spent on the putting green, the rounds I’ll remember for years and the numbers that explain where I need to improve next. There’s a lowest-ever round at Lahinch, a memorable finish at St Patrick’s Links, a new putter after a TaylorMade Putting Experience, and a look at why hitting greens doesn’t automatically mean you’re scoring well. I’m also setting out my three priorities for 2027: getting fitter, continuing to build my swing and competing more often. And, as always, there’s Irish golf course chat with this week’s €50 Club and Sleeper Alert Golf course bits. In this episode: Going from a 2.2 to a 0.9 handicap while playing around 20 rounds Why I didn’t reach my goal of +2.0 Rebuilding my golf swing with Ryan Gribben What eight hours of putting practice taught me The TaylorMade Spider Tour putter and my recent fitting experience Breaking down the UpGame stats, including 60% greens in regulation Three closing birdies at St Patrick’s Links A lowest-ever round at Lahinch and why golf trips with friends matter My full golf report card: strengths, weaknesses and priorities The three things I’m focusing on in 2027 €50 Club Sleeper Alert A huge thank you to ForeGolf Custom ForeGolf Custom has supported PaddyTalksGolf and helped make the content possible and new clubs on the way for 2027, their support means a lot. If you’re considering new clubs, check them out here: https://www.foregolf.ie/ The big question What was your biggest golf lesson of 2026, and what are you working on in 2027? Thanks for listening to PaddyTalksGolf. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a golf mate and keep the conversation going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.