Belly Putter Banned!

November 29, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Although Keegan Bradley has found success using a belly putter, the American is confident he will find a new way to putt should long putters be banned. (Lucy Nicholson/Reuters)

Let the games begin! The National Post ran a very good article about what is next in the process of banning the belly putter. Basically, there is a three-month period for input, then they make a decision and in 2016 no more belly putter. Yawn!

Actually, this is one of those topics I really don’t care about. I believe that a long putter, short putter, belly butter, hockey stick or pool cue makes no difference. Every player still has to hit the shot. I also believe that if the hinged belly putter was so great, everyone would be doing it. That is what happens; golfers adopt anything that will make their game better.

I have tried a belly putter and do not like it. I did not feel more comfortable and my putting stoke was not smooth or consistent. Overall, I think this is one of those rules that should not be a rule. Is there not something more important to worry about like a rule regarding the colour of clothes on tour or to many sponsor labels on your shirt!

Well you know how I feel about this topic; what do you think?

Golf References and Recommendations

November 25, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Today the temperature was -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) on my daily walk. I try to keep fit by exercising and stretching everyday as a way to prepare myself for the next season. As I soaked up the sunshine and cool air, I realized that it was time to expand my golf reference material.

I did a quick search on-line and WOW! There is everything. I quickly was overwhelmed (for now) and decided to get back to it later. Having said that, I figured I would ask other golf enthusiasts for recommendations. Besides with Christmas coming up one of your suggestions may end up under our tree.

So the question of the day – Can you recommend any golf book, DVD, video, tools, etc that help me expand my knowledge and understanding of this great game?

Breaking 100

November 22, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 9 Comments

According the National Golf Foundation (quoted on GolfBlogger.com), only about 55% of golfers break 100. This is a surprise to many including myself. A quick search indicates that the number actually varies but 50% is close enough. So the question is why do only half score in double digits?

Many will say it is their swing, equipment, the course, the conditions or the person they play with that is the problem. Well this may be true, but realistically I believe the answer points to one area. Practice, Practice, Practice!

So that was easy. Thanks for tuning in!

I know, most of you are saying hey can you be more specific! Come on, give a little.

Golf Made Simple.com breaks down all areas of golf and the difference between shooting 105 and 95 consistently.

I am a Golf Noob.com breaks down the process of breaking 100 to course management, shot selection, approach shots, and putting. Of course these are all important.

Pro Golf School.com talks about why people do not break 100. Their points are good and offer a possible framework to success.

I know, enough already. What is the secret to breaking 100 and not having to change my entire game or spend 10 hours a week doing it.

PRACTICE YOUR SHORT GAME!

Yup, that is it. Most amateurs generally waste 2-4 strokes a hole around the green. That adds up to 36 shots a round. Yup, don’t deny it, it is true! The short game is the key to breaking a 100. Into the Rough talks about how to break 100 and they emphasize practicing your short game as the key.

For immediate success, to go the course 30 minutes early and practice your putting. Ian Hardie at GolfHabits.com has a three-part series on putting that is excellent and will save you those all important strokes.

Chipping will work, but will take more time and practice. KeepMyGolfScore.com has great chipping tips. Additionally, my earlier post called Chipping In, provides seven tips to success round the green.

Ultimately, any practice of your short game will lower your overall score. It really is the key to breaking 100. See you on the links!

Seeing Past a Hazard

November 19, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

I was watching The Legend of Baggar Vance last night. It is a good golf movie about a war veteran who lost his game, control of his life and the desire to change anything. As he slowly gained back his golf game with the help of an odd caddy, he became empowered to gain control over his demons. Overall, it was a good movie and I enjoyed watching it.

In one scene, Rannulph Junuh was in the woods and was playing very poorly. He was struggling with his game and his grip on reality. He was going to reach down and move the ball when Baggar Vance started talking to him about how the game of golf was particularly odd. Baggar Vance was discussing how changing ones thoughts could change the outcome of events. Through this discussion, Rannulph Junuh changed his focus and concentrated on the shot at hand. Originally the hole through the trees looked like a baseball, but it slowly turned into an opening that he could drive a bus through. Junuh hit an amazing shot and turned his game around.

This story is an all too familiar one. We have all been in situations where we had to hit out the trees, hit over a pond or sand trap, not push the ball out-of-bounds, not hook the ball into a hazard or duff the ball off the tee because thought we needed a booming drive to be successful. Each one of these events has one thing in common – the player was focusing on the wrong thing. They focused on what not to do and what was in the way; instead of what to do and where they want the ball to land.

Positive Mental imagery of the entire shot is how a player sees past a hazard! Focusing on clearing the hazard and landing the ball safely does ensure success. Joan King has devoted a website to the power of positive mental imagery that may be worth a visit. As well, Mark Wright’s article “You Probably Already Know Golf Mental Imagery is the Key to Improving Your Golf” is another excellent article on golf imagery that will help anyone see past the hazard. Lastly, hititLonger.com has embedded video on this very important topic that is worth watching.

What you conceive and believe you can achieve! – Napoleon Hill

This famous quote applies was not intended for golf specifically, but it sure does apply. Seeing past a hazard is more than hitting and hoping. It starts with a positive mental image and ends with intended results. Golf is more than just a physical game!

See you on the links!

The Fall Blues

November 18, 2012 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

It is cold and the courses have been closed for at least 3 weeks. Northern Canada is beautiful, spacious, and has a short golf season. So what to do in the fall to keep my spirits up and reduce the anxiety of not hitting the links.

The thing I like to do at this time of year is look at the new technology from last year. I never rush to try any new club, bag, or miscellaneous equipment. I research, ponder, check reviews and watch for sales. I also prepare for the big Christmas sales.

I do not mean the Christmas sales before the big day, I mean the sales between Christmas and New Years. That is when most places want to clear out inventory and make room for next years kit. With a pocket full of money (well not really) I hit the stores to save money and buy new equipment for next year.

I know it does not sound like fun, but it helps pass the time until the courses open in April. What do you do to pass away the time during the off-season?