Every golfer I know works on their golf swing. They try different aspects or make small changes in order to gain the advantage they need to lower their golf score. Well, I am no different. Over the past six months of playing (about a year due to our winter layoff) I have tried to change my golf swing. I can honestly tell you that it my efforts have not produced the changes expected, so it is time to change back and start fresh. It has been a fun, frustrating and fruitful adventure and I will explain how my journey produced all three, yet differing results.
Continue readingPlaying Different Course Conditions In Golf
Golf is a wild game that requires every player to adjust their game to combat the different course conditions. If you are like me, weather watching is a sport unto itself because of the impact it has on our golf game. I have played in torrential rain, scorching heat, snow and all types of weather in between. Regardless of the conditions, I play my game as best as possible without hesitation. It is what golfers do and I will admit that weather has gotten the best of my from time to time. Recently, however, I played in conditions that tested every part of my game and I am a better golfer for it!
Continue readingHappy Father’s Day 2026
30 years ago. How time flies!
I have the best Dad in the world! I am sure this statement is being lauded around the world again and again. Of course, we think our father was the greatest because of the positive impact he had on our lives, but really, my Dad was the best. Unfortunately, our time together was far too short and over the past 25 years, I sure could have used some of his sage wisdom to get me through some tough times. Fortunately, my father-in-law was there to help fill some of the void and I am grateful for his advice, wisdom, and love along the way.
My Dad taught me so much that it is difficult to list it all. He demonstrated how to be a father through kindness and love that he showed towards my Mom everyday, how to stand up and be accountable for my actions, when to sacrifice for the good of the family, and how to have fun on life’s journey. He taught me that friendship is more important than money and to treat everyone as if they were your friend. His life lessons are the core of my being and for that I am ever grateful to my Dad
He taught me how to fish, the importance of tipping your barber, how to build a cottage, how to play horseshoes, how to hang a picture straight (well I am still learning that lesson), how to ride a bike, and why it is important to spend time with the ones you love. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point.
My Dad was always around for us. His greatest gift to my siblings and I was time. He played games with us, took us places, and understood when to give us our space. He always made the time for everyone and never demonstrated frustration or disappointment when asked for help. My Dad showed me the value of personal discipline in all areas of my life. Looking back, he always seemed to know what to do at the right time.
Also, my Dad taught me how to play golf! He taught me how to swing and how to use of the different clubs. He taught me the importance of etiquette, fixing your ball marks, and where to stand on the green when someone was putting. He showed me all the fundamentals that are essential to being a good golfer. These lessons and more, I have used repeatedly for 40 years. I have taken my Dad’s knowledge and passed them on to many people as his lessons were valuable both on and off the course.
I have the greatest Dad in the world. Although he is gone, he is in my heart and I talk to him everyday! Today is a special day for all Dads. It is a day to express how grateful we are for everything they did to make our lives better.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Is Your Golf Game Evolving?
It is a challenge to figure out it our golf game is moving to the next level. One of the key goals is to find out what drives you to improve your game. I have played golf for over 50 years and I still try to find a way to lower my score each spring. This year is no different and I think I have found the area to which I want to focus. I am going to work on my mental game in the area of hitting off the tee. I know that most of the time I hit the fairway with a reasonable distance. So, this year I am going to work harder on setting up my next shot in order to avoid hitting over any obstacles. I realize that this might seem like a silly area to focus, yet I am convinced it will save me a stroke or two each round. Let me explain further.
Continue readingOttawa Hickory Open Championship – Another Must Attend Event
If you have read some of my previous posts, you will start to see a bit of a trend going on. For the first time, I attended the Ottawa Hickory Open Championship. Organized by Chris Hawes, the Hickory Open Championship is in its third year and has grown to 50 players across 4 divisions. The championship uses the Stableford system of scoring in order to eliminate the high hole errors most hickory stick players experience. Held at the Stonebridge Golf Course in Nepean, this course was perfect and the 5100 yard distance fit well for the Open category of the Hickory Open Championship.
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The Grateful Golfer 