Today was a great day on the Osprey Links Golf Course. It was my first match play of the year. We won 7&6. However, the game was overshadowed by the great company I had while playing. The gentlemen were very lighthearted, relaxed and there to enjoy the day. None of us did anything exciting, yet we did not do anything that would have lost the hole early. This was one of the most enjoyable games of golf this year. I am a grateful golfer!
Month: May 2012
First Eagle of the Year!
Long Putt for Birdie
Today I remembered something I had forgotten; regardless of what your score is your round can change with one swing.
On the 12th hole, a 160 yard par three, I was on in regulation, but 25 feet away. As you can see from my line in the dew, I made the putt and my first birdie of the day. I followed that up with another birdie and a chip in eagle on the 18th hole.
The mental aspect of golf is often talked about, however it is never really discussed. My mental state changed after my first birdie and as you can see really paid off. Being physically strong is important. I would suggest that the mental part of the game is just as important.
Although my birdie changed my round, the shot of the day was m 30 yard chip in on 18. By the way, I fixed 25 ball marks today. I am a grateful golfer!
Fixing Ball Marks
First Tee at Laurentide
This morning was fabulous! As I walked to the first tee at my home course Laurentide, I was grateful for the warm, clear, and peaceful surroundings. What a fantastic way to start your day!
Each day I try to set a goal to improve my over all game. Today was fixing ball marks on the green. I know, you are thinking fixing ball marks – what does that have to do with scoring well? It is interesting you should ask. I try to make a ball mark on the green every hole. This tells me that I made a decent approach shot. Sometimes I reach the green in regulation, others ….. well you know. As a treat, I fix my ball mark (I know many people have a bad back and cannot bend over) plus one more. When I do not leave a ball mark, I fix one anyway. By setting the goal of leaving a ball mark on the green, it helps me focus on my approach shots and as a result a lower score.
The weather is going to be fantastic this weekend and I hope everyone enjoys their time on the links.
Finishing Strong
Today was interesting. I played very well today but felt my swing was getting shaky in the last holes. I was not tired, however I was not striking the ball as sharp as I had in the beginning of the round. To fix this problem I decided to focus on the fundamental of having the club head follow through to the target. I tried not to shape the ball or muscle it down the fairway.
I realize this sounds like a simple thing, however as the round nears the finish, many golfers tend to struggle with the fundamentals for many reasons. Well to my surprise I finished the last four holes – birdie, par, par, par. I am elated with the result and surprised about how little effort I actually expended.
I will have to try remember this tip for 18 holes next time! Today was a fantastic day and I am truly grateful.
4 Birdies and Hitting the Flag
My friend and I had a great round yesterday. We both hit the ball straight and were on the green in regulation quite often.
Playing the fourth hole my friend was by the green in two. Using his wedge, he hit the ball a bit to hard; however to his surprise it hit flag and dropped 2 feet from the hole resulting in a tap in par. He also flushed a 7 iron on hole 11 to within 6 feet on a 160 yard par 3. A smooth stroke netted him a birdie.
I was quite happy with the way I played. I had three birdies. One was a chip in, another was a tap in after an eagle putt and the last was surprise 20 foot putt.
Overall, mixed with the fantastic weather, we had a great time. We are grateful golfers!
The Grateful Golfer 