Month: January 2013

Only 75 Days to Go!

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Today marks my official count down to golf season in Northern Ontario!  I usually use 15 April as my target date for the opening of the golf courses in my area.  Sometimes the courses open earlier (like last year – 3 April) and the odd time later (two years ago 21 April).  Regardless, it is now time to start preparing for success.

I have all the equipment I need for this year – thanks Santa!  I purchased a new driver and three wood.  Both are Callaway Razor Fit.  Not the extreme, but last years model.  I know it sounds crazy, but I prefer purchasing last years technology and paying a quarter of the price.  We shall see how my strategy works out.  I have a new carry bag, golf balls, and shoes.  Needless to say, I am ready.

I start to make my goals list for this year.  For example, last year I wanted to break par at least once.  I wanted a hole-in-one.  I wanted to improve my greens in regulation stat.  Finally, I wanted to play in 3 stroke play tournaments.  I achieved all my goals except the last one.  Stroke play tournaments are becoming rarer and rarer.  I have not made my list for this year yet, but when I do I will be sure to share.

I start my focused training program.  At this stage, it is mostly stretching.  Some may say it is a bit early, but I have found that I as I get older it takes me longer to get ready.  Besides, stretching has other health benefits that I like.  Additionally, I focus my weight and aerobics training.  There are certain exercises that will improve my swing.  Again, I will share when I figure out what I am doing.

Lastly, I look to see which course I want to play the most.  I always try to play at least 60 rounds home and 20 rounds away from my home course.  I have 5 options in my area and each course offers something unique.  The course I played last year was awesome.  It allowed early birds, walk ons and the owner always stopped to talk to me.  If I get a membership again, I am leaning towards the same course.  But, this will not stop me from doing my cost comparison.

Well my yearly ritual always starts around this time.  I am really looking forward to another season.  I am a grateful golfer.

When do you start preparing for golf season?

Is Nutrition Really Important?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

No matter what most people do, when planning a 4-6 hour outing, they bring a snack, or plan to stop for food.  Additionally, they bring water to stay hydrated because on hot days they understand the importance of drinking plenty of water.  So, how many of us have arrived at the golf course with no water, food or plan to make sure we have enough energy for our trek around the course.

While watching the pros on TV, I noticed that they all seem to eat multiple snacks while playing.  I have seen a half of sandwich, a granola bar (at least it looks like a granola bar) and fruit.  Additionally, they are constantly drinking something.  Therefore, if the pros do it, I would suggest that eating the right foods and drinking plenty of fluids is probably important to their game.

As a rule, I always bring water.  Most courses do not have water at various holes anymore due to the health risks, so carrying water is important.  I have a water bottle (I clean after every round) which is permanent part of my golfing equipment.  Water is very important on those hot days when the sun is shining, but equally (and less understood) important on warm cloudy days.

Bringing a snack is very important as well.  I am not talking about a chocolate bar or chips or stopping to get a hot dog or sausage, but bring a health nutritional snack with you.  It is very important to eat nutritional foods because the body needs the energy in the last 6 holes to make sure you continue to play well.

I carry (which has changed over the years because of my growing knowledge) an apple and/or banana, nuts, snack vegetables and/or a granola bar.  These are good snacks for me and I do not have to stop and eat an entire meal.  I just pick away at my feast hole-by-hole.  I feel energized and notice that my game does not diminish as I near the end of the round.

So there you have it, eating nutritional food and drinking plenty of water is important to your game.  Why not set yourself up for success by eating nutritional snacks?

Nutritionally, how do you prepare for a round of golf?

When Life Gets in the Way

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Not making my living in the golf industry, I find that sometimes life gets in the way of life.  Sound confusing, well I know what you mean.  Life is to be experienced and enjoyed all the time.  I love my job and would consider it a calling.  As a military professional, the demands of my career sometimes reduces the time I have to dedicate towards my off hour activities (the fun stuff).  I am not fussed when this occurs because I believe everything that happens for a reason.  We are the architect of our own lives!

Sometimes we find ourselves running around like crazy working late, doing chores, running errands, taking our kids to whatever, or helping out a friend.  This can translated into players speeding to the golf course, jumping out of their car and running to the first tee.  They take a couple deep breaths and WHACK!  They are off first tee for a run around the course.  Usually, it takes three holes to really calm down and depending how they scored on the first three holes….longer.

Anytime we want to perform well, we generally schedule time to practice, prepare, and mentally focus on the task before starting.  Golf is no different.  Knowing that focus is very important to success on the golf course, I have a little trick I use to prepare for a round of golf when my life is getting in the way of my life.

When I arrive, I shut off my car, the radio, my phone and any other distraction.  I close my eyes and focus on my breathing.  I try not to think of anything at first; just my breath going in and out.  After about 2 minutes (and 2 minutes is longer than you think when focusing on just your breathing) I go through my round of golf in my head.  How well I am going to drive the ball; the accuracy of my wedge play; the confidence I have in my putter.  I go through this part of my preparation for about 2-3 minutes.  Then, just before I leave my car, I take a couple deep breaths and I am ready to play.

I find that this little 5 minute drill allows me to really focus on my game and enjoy my round of golf.  There are many such techniques to get ready.  Do you have any to share?

The Bandwagon – Are You On or Off?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

The new golf season is in full swing!  Each year, a new crop of players try to claw their way to the top of the money list to ensure they keep their card for next year.  This yearly ritual is only eclipsed by the plethora of fans who get tired of jumping on and off the bandwagon.

The perfect example is the fan support for the current number one player in the world – Rory McIlroy and the turbulent fan support of ex number one – Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, or Vijay Singh.  It is amazing how quickly people change the favorite player and the world’s best becomes their favorite player.  Man they must get tired!

I am not such a fan.  I have my favorites which I follow and every couple of years pick a new player to follow.  Usually, I choose a player because of the way they conduct themselves on the course, the manner in which they play, or just something about them that keeps me interested.

So here is a list of my favorites:

Phil Mickelson – Lefty has been my favorite gofer since he joined the tour.  I like the way he plays and conducts himself on the course.

Freddy Couples – Mr. Calm.  He is an older golfer who always seems to be around, but rarely does anything great.  I enjoy watching his swing.

Mike Weir – He is Canadian.  He has really struggled over the past few years, but maybe this year he will regain some of his former glory.

John Daly – he is a trouble player who never seems to give up.  He does some crazy things, but for some reason I like to watch him play.

Dustin Johnson – Is an exciting golfer and the way he conducted himself after the PGA grounding your club fiasco – I am a fan.

Of course, I follow other players.  But these are my favorites.  I can say without a doubt that regardless of how well they are playing, I stay on their bandwagon.  I am a grateful golfer.

Which golfers do you follow?

Sweet Music and Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

I was listening to some music yesterday and was struck by the wonderful sound.  They were playing an acoustic guitar and effortlessly moved from note to note.  The resulting sound was most rewarding and I was grateful to have heard it.  So, I picked up my guitar (which I decided I wanted to learn how to play as a new years resolution) and plucked out some not so soothing sounds.  Then it struck me that when I am playing golf or watching an excellent player, I feel the same as listening to someone play the guitar…..it is sweet music.

music and golfSome may suggest that this is a long stretch, but just think about it for a moment.  When the ball is hit pure the sound is instantly noticeable and a smile usually comes to players face. Same as when you are listening to your favorite song.

Walking on the course early in the morning is like listening to a symphony orchestra.  The wind is gently blowing in the trees, the birds are singing, the frogs are croaking, you hear your repetitive foots steps on the wet grass and the sun is rising over the trees.  If you close your eyes when listening to classical music and think of playing golf you will know exactly what I mean.

So what am I really talking about?  The right music puts most people into a mental state where they believe they can accomplish anything.  Music can set the stage for success.  When preparing for something special, many people listen to music to put them in the right mood before they have to perform.  Athletes, especially, listen to music all the time to mentally prepare themselves to their sporting activity.

Mentally preparing for golf is no different.  Preparing for success will result in better focus, greater consistency and be more apt to believe they can succeed.  Being in the “right frame of mind” has many benefits and most of which is a more enjoyable time on the golf course.

I listen to music before I play and notice a difference.  You may too!

How do you mentally prepare for golfing?