What Golfers Will Do!

March 24, 2013March 25, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Sergio Garcia is in the spotlight again. The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf and Country Club always produces things to talk about. Right now, many media outlets are talking about Garcia’s climb up a tree to play the ball out to the fairway. It can be seen at PGATOUR.COM.

I, however, what to talk about another shot that Sergio made during the second round. Unlike Nicholas Thompson who hit the ball out of the water hazard to within 2 feet of the pin, Garcia hit a ball, it landed on the bank in the hazard and jumped back into the water. He could not play the ball the second time and took a drop adjacent to the spot he took his swing.

While watching, I was confused how they figure out the point of entry in the red staked hazard. I did not see the ball go into the hazard, but must assess that his point of entry into the hazard would not have changed regardless if he tried the shot or not.

I realize this sounds confusing. Well I am confused. I have not encountered this situation before so I need some help. I believe that rule 26 applies, but since he took a shot, missed and it stayed in the hazard….does it still apply? Can someone explain which rule to apply and number of stroke penalty Sergio Garcia should be assessed?

The Road to the Final Four!

March 21, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Is the road to the final four paved through golf? No, really!

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is truly exciting. The top 68 teams play in a loose and go home tournament that lives up to its hype. The games are exciting, the coverage is fantastic and the bragging rights are out of this world. I love this time of year!

This year is a convergence of excitement for sports fans. The Final Four ends on Monday April 8; the Masters practice rounds start Monday, April 8. It is hard to believe that this coincidence was not planned….or was it?

Golf has a similar tournament; ACCENTURE MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP. For most golfers it is as exciting as the NCAA Final Four. I love the format. It is a tournament where streaky golfers have an opportunity to rise to the top and beat top rank players; as evident when Charles Howell III beat Tiger Woods and Shane Lowery beat Rory McIlroy. I realize the media hype is not as great as the Final Four, but, hey, for golfers it is really exciting. Congrats to Matt Kuchar for winning this year.

A match play (an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal) competition is very different from stroke play. Match Play is very much a mental competition. You still have to play well, but you also have to opportunity to forget mistakes and take your lumps. Additionally, one bad hole does not eliminate you from competition (as John Daly has learned on many occasions in stroke play). Personally, I try to play at least one match play tournament a year. It is difficult, but most courses offer a match play competition to members.

Golf Match Play dates back to the 1500s. I would suggest that the Road to the Final Four is paved through golf. The structure and results of the basketball tournament can find its roots in our awesome game. Regardless, both events are exciting.

I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!

Francis Ouimet – A Golfing Legend!

March 20, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Image from: http://www.usgamuseum.com/about_museum/news_events/news_article.aspx?newsid=318

Francis Ouimet and Eddie Lowery, his 10-year-old caddie, during the 1913 U.S. Open, when Ouimet defeated the Englishmen Harry Vardon and Ted Ray in a historic playoff and became the first amateur to win the Open. (USGA Museum)

I recently read the golf news and came across an article stating the top 5 golfers of all time. The Bleacher Report stated that these golfers have / are standing the test of time to make their list. In case you are wondering Tiger is number 2 and Jack is number 1. It is worth a read.

Additionally, this report gave a couple honorable mentions. One in particular stood out. Francis Ouimet is a name I had heard before, but never really paid much attention too. So, after a bit of research, I found him to be a trend setter! He was the first real american golf star. Ouimet was a 20-year-old amateur and local hero who tied Harry Vardon and Ted Ray after 72 holes at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, in the 1913 US Open. This famous match was featured in the movie “The Greatest Game Ever Played“. Ouimet went on to win this contest and later was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Francis Ouimet’s story is great for golf. It demonstrates that anyone can succeed if they have the desire. The game of golf can be played in your back yard like Francis Ouimet, in a field, or on a beach. The game provides opportunities to meet people, see fantastic sites or be introspective at 6 am on a quiet peaceful course. Golf is a great game and I am fortunate to be able to play.

I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!

Taking Lessons…From a Pro or Your Buddy!

March 19, 2013April 20, 2016 / The Grateful Golfer / 14 Comments

Everyone who reads the title says, “Of course from a Pro!” I agree. However, how many amateurs are really willing to go to their local pro, pay $40 – $50, practice and then go back in four weeks to see how they made out? I would suggest not very many.

At Golf Link, they outline the positives of taking individual or group lessons. Additionally, they ask some important questions regarding what your expectations are from lessons. It is a good article to read as a foundation for those thinking of investing in their game. Continue reading →

Entering the 21st Century!

March 18, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Today is a new day for those of us who have decided to enter the 21st Century. I create a Facebook page called The Grateful Golfer. I realize it is not a big deal for most, but I had a Facebook account, once, for about week. Okay, stop laughing; I never thought it was important, but I think I will give it a try.

Interesting thing about this particular step….it relates to keeping up with technology. I was reading an article Why the R&A and USGA Need a Major Reform after the Long Putter Ban by Troy Vayanos at Talking Golf Online about technology. His point about whether to embrace technology or to limit its advancements for the love of the game makes me ponder its merits. Ultimately, technology can even the playing field for amateurs and that may not be a bad thing.

Entering the 21st Century and embracing technology; I am still waiting for the snow to melt so I can go practice….too bad technology could not do something about that! I am a grateful golfer – see you on the links!