Author: The Grateful Golfer

The Art Of Giving Putts

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For many casual golfers, a gimmie is a staple term during every round. It does not matter at what level of player is on the links, I can almost guarantee that taking/conceding a putt happens. Whether to speed up play or eliminate the frustration of whacking the ball around the green, gimmies happen. Now, to be fair, I am not against conceding a putt or even taking one from time to time. But this happens only and I have to emphasize only during a friendly round.

Well, that is not true, I use gimmies as a strategy during Match Play events, but that is a different kettle of fish.

Putting is a skill that every golfer must master. I realize I am stating the obvious, but it is often overlooked by many amateurs. I have watch countless players spend 25 minutes of their 30 preround warm up hitting balls and only 5 minutes chipping and putting. Personally, I am a 20 / 10 player (with 20 minutes chipping and putting) who feels that honing my short game touch is more important than hitting balls. I am not sure where you stand, but that is my approach.

Gimmie putts are a part of golf. I think each player must decide when and where they want to apply this unwritten action. I do not judge and actually do not care; the only person a gimmie affects during a friendly round is the person taking the putt. I understand this flies in the convention of a serious golfer, but that is where I am today.

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

Pressing Your Advantage in Competitive Golf

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Golf strategy is varied and limitless. There is no wrong answer as to when a player applies their strategy in either match or stroke play. The factors are almost incalculable before the moment, but any experienced player understands that at any moment pressing one’s advantage in competitive golf is a double edged. Regardless of the result, the prior to the shot the decision on the risk/reward is really what drives a competitor’s decision to press their advantage.

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How To Sink More Putts

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Developing a strong putting technique and honing putting skills is the ultimate stroke saver in golf. Over the years I have tried a plethora of different drills and techniques with the goal of improving my putting. Ultimately to improve our overall putting game, it comes down three areas to which I should have focused my efforts. I wish I would have understood these three areas a long time ago, but after listening to Rick Shiels, I realize I was working around the areas of importance. The only challenge I faced was not honing in on these areas earlier.

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Golfers Hate Change

/ The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Of all the sports I have played, I think that golf is one where its players do not adjust to change very well. Whether it is the rules or to their swing, change is not something golfers embrace with open arms. I often wonder why and I think that I found a solution that provides an answer to both dilemmas. I am sure there will be a plethora of other answers, but I for the beginners taking up the game, these answers might be helpful.

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Accepting Poor Golf Shots

/ The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

I was going to write a long diatribe about poor golf shots and how frustrating they are, but I decided to let Dustin Johnson do the speaking today.

I know that each of us can find specific holes to Johnson’s logic, but if we look at the big picture than It looks pretty sound. I learned this lesson many times over the years and can honestly say that I accept most (emphasis on most) poor golf shots. My emotional lows are curbed and I do play better golf when I accept my mistakes. I think you will as well.

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