You may or may not be following my progress through “Operation Don’t Suck,” a series of lessons and practice that are working to mold me into a better golfer. Here’s the most recent installment.

Regardless, I spent time practicing yesterday and I noted something…I’m having more fun. My entire golfing life I’ve simply gone out and played (and usually played badly). I never hit the ball well, I never putted well, and I made birdies about as often as a U.S. president gets impeached.

In my first round of 2011 I had a birdie putt I made. I also had several looks at par. I stood over tee shots and Par 3s and truly believed I could hit the green. It was wonderful.

Today, practicing, I worked on controlling my driver. This is still a major issue for me as I often hit weak slices that bring any trouble to the right in to play. I could be frustrated about that, but I’m not. Instead, now I know it’s something that can be improved.

Moral of the story — want to be good at golf? Want to play and enjoy it more? Forget buying new equipment you don’t know how to use. Take some lessons. I recommend Lindner’s Golf Services.