The first round of the Mid-Range Swing 2026 season is officially in the books and the journey to 92 has begun! It was a day of valuable lessons, technical surprises, and a strong baseline for my journey to lower my scoring average to a 92.
The Conditions and the Walk
It was a brisk and windy day at Enterprise Golf Course in Prince Georges County Maryland, with temperatures hovering around 50°F. Despite the chill, I decided to walk the course, which covers 6,335 yards from the white tees.
Walking isn’t just about the exercise for me—it’s a mental tool. It allows me to clear my mind and avoid overthinking or stressing between shots. I’ve committed to walking more this season to stay engaged and focused.
Managing My Back and My Routine
As many senior golfers know, managing your body is half the battle. My back felt great initially, but I started feeling some stiffness around Hole 14. Thankfully, I had my back brace on—I truly believe I wouldn’t have finished all 18 holes without it.
One of my primary focuses for this round was my pre-shot routine. Whether it was the first tee or the final green, I stayed disciplined:
✅I performed the same routine for every single shot.
✅It only takes a second or two, but it signals my brain that it’s time to lock in.
✅The consistency helped me stay grounded even when the wind picked up.
The Equipment
The Bridgestone e6 Performance
I officially put the Bridgestone e6 to the test as my primary ball for the 2026 season, and the results were impressive. I felt a noticeable difference in how it handled.
Despite the 50-degree chill and the wind, the ball felt soft off the face and stayed remarkably straight. It gave me the confidence to swing freely, knowing the ball wasn’t going to balloon or wander too far off-line. For a mid-to-high handicapper like myself, that peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. It’s safe to say the e6 has earned its spot in my bag for the Road to 92.
The Highlights: Sand Saves and One-Ball Goal
I’m thrilled to report a major personal milestone: I played the entire round with a single golf ball. For a course like Enterprise, keeping the same ball from the 1st tee to the 18th green is a massive win for my confidence.
Other highlights included:
✅Sand Play: I found myself in two bunkers and managed to get out in one shot both times.
✅Chipping: My short game felt sharp and reliable throughout the day.
✅Putting Confidence: Despite the score, I felt incredibly comfortable standing over my putts.
The Numbers and Lessons Learned
I finished the day with a 110 on this Par 72 course. While I’m not “mad” at that score as a baseline, the data showed exactly where I need to improve to reach my goal of 92:
- Eliminating Three-Putts: I had six 3-putts during the round. While I also had four 1-putts, cutting down those 3-putts is the fastest way to drop my average.
- Recalibrating Distances: This was the biggest surprise. My shots—especially with my wedges—were consistently flying 10 yards further than the numbers I recorded in the simulator this winter.
I suspect my new workout routine (3 days a week) and improved swing speed are paying off. While it’s great to be stronger, I now need to re-learn my club distances so I stop overshooting the greens.
What’s Next?
This round provided the perfect baseline. I’m stronger, my routine is solid, and I’m keeping the ball in play. Now, it’s time to dial in those distances and sharpen the putting stroke.
Join the Journey! If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper looking to change your score (not your swing), follow along here and join our community on Facebook at Mid-Range Swing.
Let’s change our scores, and not our swings!
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