Golf – an Olympic Sport

July 31, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

With the 2012 Olympics well on the way, I thought it would be interesting to discuss golf being included in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It will be first time that South America hosts the games of the XXXI Olympiad and should be extremely exciting.

Golf is going to reappear in the Olympics after 100 years. It is an exciting time for all golfers who have (after much debate with those who do not think that golf is a “real sport”…yes they would be the ones who cannot play or even have the slightest desire to even give it a try, but that is a discussion for another blog) believed that golf should never have been dropped. The PGA Tour Commissionaire Tim Finchem said to Laura hill in 2009 that “This is, I think, a great day for the sport of golf. We are absolutely delighted with the decision by the IOC… ”

Of interest to Canadians, we are the reigning Olympic gold medalists. In 1904, George Lyon won the gold medal in the individual event. Of course we are very proud of this fact and hope to repeat in 2016.

There is still some discussion on how people will qualify for the Olympics. If they use the top 60 world ranked golfers from TSN, as being discussed, Canada would not field a person. As of today the USA has 25 players and 3 other countries have 5 in the top 60. Total, there would be only 13 countries represented. I completely understand that the field needs be limited, but I think a better way to limit the field should be found. My reasoning, why not make it another tournament of PGA golfers and let them figure out who will receive the gold medal. Sometimes, a nobody shows up and exceeds all expectations on their way to gold.

So here is the question of the day – how would you decide the field at the 2016 Olympics?

Pin In or Pin Out?

July 29, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

This is a quandary for all golfers regardless of your skill level. You are on fringe within in 5 feet of the green. You have a decision to make whether to leave the pin in or to take it out. It is really tough to determine the best course of action…..it could mean the tournament! Okay a little mellow dramatic, but I think you get my point. What do you do?

Dave Pelx from Golf .com conducted a scientific study to determine the answer. He says leave the flag in as the rules allow. Speed is the most important factor and the flag is your best friend when putting aggressively to the hole.

Don Trahan from Swingsurgeon.com has a completely different view. He says the pin is only in the way, and whenever possible take it out. He states that the pin reduces your margin of error and that removing it allows for a greater result.

Well there you have it. The answer is depends. There are so many variables regarding chipping, that there is on right answer….or so it seems. The right answer is which ever you chose while making the shot.

I, for example, try to remove the flag as often as possible. I believe that it does get in the way and if removed, it allows for a greater chance of the ball going in. You know what they say – Pull the Pin, Its Going In!

What say you?

Playing in a Scramble Tournament

July 28, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

The Boys at Voyageur Days Golf Tournament

Playing in a four man scramble is loads of fun. It is even more gratifying when you play with family. The annual Voyageur Days golf tournament is something my brothers-in-law look forward to every year. This year, we indoctrinated our nephew to make complete our team. We have finished in the top three every year and have won the tournament twice. This year we finished tied for 5th with a 7 under 67. More importantly, the weather was fantastic, company outstanding, and laughs galore!

As in past years, this tournament was held at Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort. It is a par 74, nine-hole course that offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone to enjoy a round of golf. Mike and Brenda Martel create a fun atmosphere and always exceed our expectations. If you are in the area, it would be worth the stop to play a round or enjoy a great meal at the club house. We had a fantastic time and I am a grateful golfer!

However, there is a strategy to playing in a scramble tournament. Over the years, I like to have our team set up with the more experienced players going last. It helps out in many ways. First, it allows the more novice players to participate all the time. Their job is to get the ball in play. Each player is to try to hit the ball further, still in play. This allows for the more experience players to attempt shots that they would not normally try; like hitting the ball harder, cutting the corner, and being ultra-aggressive going for the pin. This strategy has me well over the years and ensures everyone contributes to the team. When putting, it allows the stronger putters to see the line a couple of times, thus increasing the changes of the ball going in the hole.

What would be your strategy for a 4 man scramble?

Short Game – So Many Choices

July 26, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Well fellow golfers, today I had a dilemma! I was in front of the green in a gully 10 feet below the hole. As I examined my shot, three selections came to mind. First, to hit my 60 degree wedge and flop the ball up. Second, to hit my 52 degree wedge and bump and run it up to the hole. The last option was to use my 8 iron and hit it into the bank and let the ball bounce to the hole. All three shots were positive options, but really only one shot was the way to go. Any guesses?

The 60 degree wedge was the way to go. As I set up for the shot I had to remember to keep my hands in line with the ball to make sure the ball would pop up onto the green. I was about 20 yards from the hole, but had to play the shot as if I was 25 yards away. The reason for the extra distance is that the ball was not going to travel as far in the air because of the height difference between the hole and the ball. As it turned out it was the right choice because the ball landed 5 feet short of the hole and released to 2 feet past. I made the putt for par and moved to the next hole.

On a side note, I actually dropped two balls to try my other choices. (the course was empty today so I had the time) Each shot provided its own challenges, but the 8 iron was the second best option and the 52 degree was the worst. Regardless, I now have options next time I presented with a similar situation.

It was awesome on the course today and I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links.

Course Management – Not Just for Pros

July 25, 2012April 14, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

I was reading a blog by Ian Hardie at GolfHabits.com on a chance to look into the future. He outlines a way to know where the pins are located on the holes soon to play. It is brilliant and will definitely lower your score. His blog makes me think of how anyone can use course management to navigate your way around the links. As a grateful golfer, I appreciate any advice I can get to improve my score.

I believe that everyone should think about how they are going to play their next round. How many of us play 30-40 rounds on the same course; play it exactly the same way every time; with the same results. We all know Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Maybe it is time to think about the percentages and try something different.

If you Google course management, you will find many suggestions on how to effectively play your round and lower your score. Not to be out done, I have a couple of suggestions as well.

As per my earlier post, I believe that greens in regulation is the most important stat. To achieve this try the following: First, determine your most dependable and favorite club to hit into the green in regulation. Second, and if possible, hit off the tee to the distance that allows you to hit your most dependable club. If that means hitting a 3 iron (hybrid) off the tee; then try it. On a par 5, do not bash your second shot as far as you can, hit a club that puts you at the right distance. They use your favorite club, put it on the green and lower your score.

Try using a 7 iron off the tee for the entire round. It will change your perspective on the course and it forces you to think of a different way to play the round. It may not lower your score, but it will change the way you think. As Vincent Peale says: Change your thoughts and you change your world.

Lastly, play off a different tee. If you always play the whites, blues, reds or golds, try playing of a different set. You will be forced to think of new ways to play your favorite course. It will not hurt your handicap, long-term score or your ego! I have found that by playing a different set of tees allows me to think instead of just hitting the same club all the time and hoping I eventually lower my score.

Course management is very important. It is for everyone and will help you lower your score. What do you think? Is it really worth trying a new way to play the same course to improve your score?