I totally agree with you about 14 holes being the absolutely perfect amount. By hole 17...I've started to lose interest unless I'm really playing well and my focus is good. I've been at it for about 15 years. I don't like it quite as much as skiing but it is a close second for me and good foil and nice complementary skill to skiing.
I'm currently a 15 handicap but I've been able to see and experience noticeable improvement over the years and I really have the right instructor for me which is making a big difference. My ball striking continues to improve and that is leading to more consistent and crips shots which makes it more fun. Golf can be incredibly demoralizing when you are struggling and we all have been there. Its the most demoralizing when you don't know WHY you are struggling. Guessing out there on the golf course is the worst feeling b/c its basically desperation. I've moved past that and its making it so much more fun. I have plenty of mishits but they aren't so wild that they don't punish me the way the used to. I also am not using as much energy to swing the club b/c my sequencing is so much better. The game really is mind F. I'd like to get down into single digits, but it will likely take more time and practice than I can afford right now.
I'm currently a 15 handicap but I've been able to see and experience noticeable improvement over the years and I really have the right instructor for me which is making a big difference. My ball striking continues to improve and that is leading to more consistent and crips shots which makes it more fun. Golf can be incredibly demoralizing when you are struggling and we all have been there. Its the most demoralizing when you don't know WHY you are struggling. Guessing out there on the golf course is the worst feeling b/c its basically desperation. I've moved past that and its making it so much more fun. I have plenty of mishits but they aren't so wild that they don't punish me the way the used to. I also am not using as much energy to swing the club b/c my sequencing is so much better. The game really is mind F. I'd like to get down into single digits, but it will likely take more time and practice than I can afford right now.