Understanding the basics of golf is more challenging that we think….or is it? Jack Nicklaus, arguably the greatest golfer of all time, has a series of videos that discuss many aspects of how to play golf. His first video, which will be highlighted here today, is probably the most important of all because it sets the foundation for our natural golf swing. If you are a beginner, or even an experience player like myself, it is important to heed what Jack says because we can move to more advance aspects of the game with the proper fundamentals. And that leads to every golfers goal: lower golf scores.
Continue readingAuthor: The Grateful Golfer
How Do You Face Adversity On The Golf Course?
This is an important question that every golfer will struggle with during almost every round of golf. I am not sure what your game is like, but I am certain that during every round I will hit a shot that will result in less than ideal results. It is the nature of being an amateur and I have learned over the years that how I respond to these trying times will have a direct correlation to my golf score. I have discusses this in the past and concluded that my response to adversity is purely mental. With my golf season just around the corner, I thought it was time to focus on mentally preparing for the ups and downs of each round. To that end, I have to reacquaint my thought process where I can play my best golf when I make a poor shot.
Continue readingBand Aid Solutions For Your Golf Swing
Recently, a friend of mine asked me about a solution he found on YouTube about how to hit the ball more consistently off the fairway. Without going into a great amount of detail about the video he watched, it sparked the inspiration for today’s article. As a progressive golfer, I am always on the look for potential tips that would improve my golf game. I realize that I have limitations and some suggestions are just not in my wheel house, so I try to focus on changes I can actually accomplish. Keeping this in mind, through the years of sifting through the ‘white noise’ I think I have a nose for what suggestions are just band-aide fixes and which are legit swing improvements. Understanding this concept saves me time and frustration as I embark on another season to lower my handicap index.
Continue readingHow Far Would You Putt From Off the Green?
I have noticed an increase in putting from off the green on the PGA Tour. It might be something I have recently noticed, yet many professionals are using the flat stick more and more when playing from 5 to 10 yards from the green. Mostly, they putt when the pin is short sided to their location and the putter gives them that delicate touch needed to have a chance sinking their shot. This particular shot is not one I use unless my ball is on the fringe; putting from 5 or 10 yards (regardless of where the pin is located) is not something I think about. How about you?
Continue readingAnalyzing Golf Club Use
If you are like most players, you carry at least 14 clubs. I say this with tongue in cheek because during friendly matches, I have watched players carry a few more than the legal number. Regardless of other players do, I only carry 14 clubs unless I am experimenting; then I do not record this round for my handicap. Anyway, every few years I analyze the clubs I carry to ensure that I have the proper equipment to match my every evolving game. Well, 2021 is the season where I take an important and critical look at how often (and where) I use my clubs. In the past, this process lead me to replace my 5 wood with a 60° lob wedge. It is not time to see if my changes are still valid or do I need to make another adjustment.
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The Grateful Golfer 