Winter is officially here! Up until now we have experienced higher than normal temperatures that allowed for more golf (for some) and comfortable temperatures for winterizing our property. I still have a few more chores, but that is normal because there is always something to do around here. Having said all that, with the first dusting of snow a switch changes in my brain that directs my thoughts to keeping my golf passion alive for the next six months. Mostly, I will write, train and hit balls in my DIY driving net. This transition is the same as every other year with one minor exception, I am looking a hickory golf more and with great interest. Hickory golf is not all encompassing, but it allows me to focus on other golf related things as I nestle down for a long winter’s nap.
Continue readingAuthor: The Grateful Golfer
Nothing Stops Golf
With Remembrance Day recently past, it is important for us to remember to give thanks for the sacrifice of the many. Because fo them, we are able to enjoy our time on the links in complete safety with confidence that our courses are safe and secure. Unfortunately, for those playing golf in England during WWII, there were more hazards on the links than just sand traps. To protect the players, a list of Wartime Golf Rules were created and I thought it needed to be shared.
I find it interesting that during the desperate times of WWII, people still found time to for some leisure. I am not surprised that golf was on the list of activities, yet some of the rules are definitely worth a second look. For me, numbers 2 and 5 definitely caught my attention. Not sure I would be playing golf during those dangerous times, but it seems that nothing can stop golfers from enjoying the game they love.
What do you think of the Wartime Rules? Would you playing during those trying conditions?
I am a grateful golf! See you on the links!
Lest We Forget!
Every year, November 11 is a special day to all military personnel. Today, we take the time to honor the fallen, wounded and serving military men, women and their families. Their sacrifices have allowed for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is important to give thanks and be grateful for our wonderful lives they protect. This is my second year out of uniform after 36 years of service. It will be a different experience for me as full fledged veteran, but it will not diminish my gratitude to all my brothers and sisters in arms!
Fighting For Lower Golf Scores
If you are a golfer, you try you best each round to lower your golf score. I do not know any player who spends 4 hours on the links who wishes they shoot a higher score. I know I am always hopeful that my game will click resulting in my lowest score ever. The challenge most golfers face is pressing their game at the wrong time in the fight to play better golf. Sometimes a bogey is the smart score to prevent higher numbers when navigating the course. Decisions that drive our course management strategy are at the heart of the fight for lower golf scores.
Continue readingGolf Rule Changes For 2023
Golf Canada announce five rule changes for 2023. These rules will likely not impact the mainstream player, but it is good to know that the governing bodies are trying to keep the rules of golf simple and fair. This is a quick look and I have not analyzed the changes yet, but I thought it is a good idea to spread the word. Here is an infographic produced by Golf Canada:
Additionally, I read that the governing bodies are encouraging the use of digital rules books: “All the updates will be available in the new Rules of Golf released on Jan. 1. But the rules “book” will only be available digitally or via the USGA and R&A Rules of Golf app. The governing bodies will print a few hard copies for rules officials, but in the interest of sustainability, they will end their practice of encouraging players to carry the book in their bags. By doing this, the USGA alone with eliminate printing 2 million books, or almost half a billion pages of paper.” (Golf Digest) As much as I like carrying a rules book, this decision to transition to a digital rules book is a good one. This is a future trend for golf that I endorse.
The rules are changing and on the surface, I do not see a real issue with the changes. As I delve deeper into the new rules over the winter, I will have more to say. But, for now the information is out there for all to read.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 