I enjoy playing golf with different people. Virtually every match I played in the past has been pleasant. It affords me the opportunity to meet different players, see different approaches to the game and in some instances, learn new things about my swing. All of the above happened yesterday when my friend Charlie and I played in a senior’s tournament at Clear Springs Golf Course. During the round, our playing partners, Yvon and Tom reinforced my view that playing different players is always a great time.

The result weas not what Charlie and I hoped (last in the championship flight), however it was a great time. Yvon and Tom were players with differing styles. At 80 years young, Tom played very well and had a smooth silky swing. During the round, he and I started to chat and he mentioned that I have a very good looking swing with my long clubs, however my irons did not emulate the same success. He stated that my right elbow at the top of my swing was flying and this makes it difficult to tuck it in during my downswing. This observation might be the reason I am pulling my irons left more often than not.

After the round, I started to think about his advice. It seems that he might be right and I will give this some attention tomorrow night when I play 9 holes with a young golfer I am working with. In the meantime, I found an interesting video that addresses a flying elbow.

On a side note, Charlie and I had a great time. We hit the ball well for the most part as we started off very strong. We started on the par 4 island green, the most difficult hole on the course.

Hitting our approach shot to the middle of the green from 165 yards (6 iron), Charlie and I were putting for birdie. It was a fast downhill turner that left little room for error. After a two putt, we walked off feeling very good about the hole. On the next hole, Charlie chipped to within 8 feet that led to birdie. Unfortunately, two holes later (after pars) I lipped out twice. Both putts looked like they were going in but did not at the last moment. From there, it was a bit of a struggle trying to get anything going.

Charlie and I did not play poorly (except for one shot that we both messed up), however we could not get anything going. The punched greens did not help, but that was not the reason for our misfortunes. I am not sure why we did not score well. We are a good team; I guess it was not our day.

Charlie and I both agree that Yvon and Tom were great playing partners. Meeting them was the real value of playing golf yesterday. It was great fun and I hope we have a chance to play again in the future. In the meantime, I am going to look at my possible flying elbow.

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