Author: The Grateful Golfer

An Interesting Golf Photograph

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Golf has a long and interesting history. I enjoy reading, writing, and viewing the historical aspects of this game/sport. It sparks my imagination and allows me feel what life might was like hundreds of years ago.

I enjoy the mental journey as I play a round of golf with Bobby Jones. Or join the crowd as Francis Ouimet, a 20-year-old amateur and local hero, tie Harry Vardon and Ted Ray after 72 holes at the 1913 US Open. Or witness Gene Sarazen’s “Shot Heard Round The World”, during the final round of the 1935 Augusta National Invitational. These and many more historical events help spark my imagination and for that I am grateful. Continue reading →

How Far Would You Travel to Play Golf?

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Living in Canada, travelling just for golf is a given. “There are an estimated 2,400 golf courses across the country, while Statistics Canada pegs the number of golfers in Canada at about 1.5 million. That’s one course for every 625 players, or 14,500 Canadians—among the highest number per capita in the world.” (Mcleans 2014) However, once you leave the Trans-Canada highway or 401 / Golden Horseshoe corridor, options for golf become less and less.

For example, within 100 km (60 miles) drive of Trenton, Ontario, (where I lived at the beginning of the 2016 golf season), there were over 80 golf courses. Now I live in North Bay, Ontario, and there are only 12 courses within the same distance. My options of quantity and quality diminished greatly, but my desire to travel for golf has not.

Continue reading →

Chipping Practice – Always Learning Something

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Practice is the cornerstone to great golf. It allows everyone to try different methods of making different shots. Practice helps players iron out the kinks and create a repeatable swing under pressure. Practice helps players prepare to shoot low golf scores.

Two days ago, I hit the range to work on my ball striking and more importantly my short game. After hitting a large bucket of balls (which really did not help my game much) I headed to the chipping area. I was intent working on my weight distribution and ball position. Continue reading →

Golf Infographic: Nearest Point of Relief

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

One of my more popular posts explains the concept of Nearest Point of Relief. It is an important stroke saver that many players do not quite understand. Therefore, in addition to my previous post, here is an infographic that I think will help.

GG-rule-book-infographic-PONR

If you have ever played a round of golf, understanding the concept of the nearest point of relief is important!

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

Golf – My Evolving Perspective

/ The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

Success in golf is measured in many forms. Regardless of where you stand, a particular golf shot may be considered awesome, average, or sub-par. The conditions by which everyone looks at a particular shot is really a matter of perspective.

Golf – A Matter of Perspective is an article I wrote at the beginning of 2016 that outlines my philosophy on how golf shapes my life. I still stand by what I said, however, just 8 short months later, I find my perspective evolving. Continue reading →