11 November is a special day. It offers an opportunity to honor the fallen, wounded and serving military men, women and their families. Their sacrifices have allowed for the freedoms we enjoy today.
As a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces for over 30 years, each Remembrance Day, I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my brothers-in-arms to honor our fallen heroes.
Bubba Watson won his first tournament of the 2015 PGA Golf Season. As the PGA expands it market, the HSBC Championship is the second professional event to thrill the Asian golfing fans. To add to the excitement Bubba Watson’s crazy finish on the last hole to force a playoff with Tim Clark is something that will make the highlight reel as one of the top 10 shots of the year.
Following up his miraculous bunker shot, Watson closed out Tim Clark on the first playoff hole by sinking a long putt. His eagle on the 18th hole helped him leap-frog Rickie Fowler, Graeme McDowell and Hiroshi Iwata. In typical Bubba fashion, his flare for fantastic shots is why he is a top draw at any golfing event! Take his miracle hook shot in the 2012 Masters!
2012 Masters – Bubba Watson’s miracle hook shot!
As the golfing world continues to be enamored with Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Graeme McDowell, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson continues to pop up periodically to proclaim that he should not be forgotten. Ranked number 7 in the world, Bubba Watson’s consistent play is more than enough to stay atop of the golfing world for quite some time.
Creating a charity called ‘Bubba & Friends Drive to a Million’ in 2012, Watson is making a difference in his community. “PING is supporting the “Bubba & Friends Drive to a Million” by donating $300 for every drive he hits 300 yards or more (up to 300 drives) in 2012.” The total number was 37 – 300+ yard drives. Yup, 37 drives, just amazing!
Best known for his booming drives, Bubba Watson’s scramble game is often overlooked. Periodically, he displays his superpowers by seeing shots that only Seve Ballesteros, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson could see. He continually thrills crowds by holing out from the 200 yards, hitting his driver off the fairway, or holing out a bunker shot to force a playoff in a tournament.
Bubba Watson is a fan favorite. He continues to thrill fans with his devil-may-care approach to golf. Personally, I like watching him play, mostly because of the way he attacks the golf course. He shows no fear, at least on the surface, and maneuvers around a course like a rally racer “off-roading” their way through the back woods of Canada! Bubba Watson is fun to watch and definitely worth the price of admission.
On my recent trip to the United Kingdom, I took the opportunity to quickly visit a historic site called Moor Park Golf Club. Although I did not play due to time constraints, I drove by this famous golf course and snapped a few pictures. A fellow golfing enthusiast, Pete Robbins, inventor of the White Dragon Putter, mentioned I should visit his old stomping grounds; thanks Pete for the awesome suggestion! I did venture over to the course and wish I would have had more time to play a round.
Moor Park Mansion
Moor Park Golf Club has a Grade I listedPalladian mansion set within several hundred acres of parkland to the south-east of Rickmansworth in Hertfordshire, England. It is called Moor Park Mansion because it is in the old park of the Manor of More. (Wikipedia)
It is an amazing sight when you first drive under the arch at the gate. As the private road meanders through lush grass and ancient trees, the sense of a strong history envelopes you!
A warm welcome awaits the visiting golfer at Moor Park Golf Club – a club famous not only for its two challenging golf courses, but also for the imposing 17th century Mansion House which acts as the clubhouse and hospitality centre.
Set amidst 300 acres of mature woodland and finest Hertfordshire parkland, Moor Park features not one but two championship golf courses. Designed by Harry Colt in 1923 to blend into the grounds of the estate, the courses combine challenging golf holes – ideal for competition, practise or tuition. The High Course plays host annually to the Hertfordshire Stag, as well as regularly welcoming such events as the Carris Trophy, County Championship and English Seniors Open. (Moor Park Golf Course Website)
The Moor Park Mansion was not always the focal point this golf course. Specifically, during WWII, this grand edifice was the of Headquarters of the 1st Airborne Corps who planned Operation Market Garden. This daring mission, planned by Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery, took place between September 17 and 25, 1944. Immortalized in the movie “A Bridge Too Far“, the origins of Operation Market Garden can be traced back to the Moor Park Mansion.
As I surveyed the grounds, the picturesque landscape is the first thing that caught my eye. The rolling hills, stately trees, and meticulously manicured landscape was impressive. Absorbing my surroundings, I was left to wonder and envision the history of this majestic site. If only the trees could talk….but I digress.
Visiting Moor Park Golf Club is a must for golfing enthusiasts! Next time, I hope to play the course and try to tame the High or West Course. From the outside looking in, Moor Park offers so much. Hopefully one day I will make the adventurous trek back and take in the entire golfing experience.
The approach shot to a green at the Hampton Court Palace Golf Course.
Sand traps are not to be feared! They are designed to challenge the average golfer, increase the difficulty of approach shots, or force players to hit a different club off the tee! Sand traps do, however, cause many problems for the amateur player who does not understand the proper technique to play out of the sand. Most inexperienced players try to pick instead of blasting the ball out of the trap. Their cautious approach often results in a failed attempt to hit the ball out of the sand trap. Sometimes rooted in fear, their repeated failure to make that all important successful shot haunts them every time they enter the beach!
Through the years, I have tried many techniques to successfully extricate myself from sand traps. I have tried putting the ball, to half-swinging my club, to swinging as hard as I can with little success of landing the ball near to the pin. Through all my trials and tribulations, I have found three key ‘need to know’ points that result in excellent sand shots. So, I thought I would share with them you and see what you think.
Bend your knees. It is important to keep your knees bent throughout the entire shot. By keeping your knees bent, it allows the club face to slide under the ball and pop it out of the sand. Additionally, keeping your knees bent will allow you to maintain your balance throughout the entire shot, thus promoting a consistent and repeatable golf swing.
Follow Through. Many amateurs have the tendency to stop their follow through during a sand shot. This restrictive movement reduces the power generated by your golf swing. And in turn, results in the ball staying in the hazard or barely making it over the lip of the sand trap. Following through will help you consistently generate the power required to aggressively hit the ball out of the sand trap.
Hit Behind the Ball. Hitting behind the ball in a sand trap is a must! I recommend hitting about 2 inches behind the ball for most consistent results. The distance the ball travels after contact is determined by the depth of the club in the sand. It is important to hit behind the ball in the bunker because it promotes a full swing and consistent results.
From both videos, taken at the Hampton Court Palace Golf Course just outside London, UK, the three important aspects of playing a bunker shot mentioned above are obvious. My friend and I had two different types of bunker shots, but our technique was exactly the same. Anyone can play consistent bunker shots. All it takes is bending your knees, following through, hitting behind the ball and of course, a little practice.
The duck will be staying in my hands for the near future! My friend and I had a fantastic four days of golf that culminated in a wet round played in two stages.
Today, we started playing in a light drizzle, but the weather quickly worsened. After 11 holes of playing in a down pour, we decided to stop, eat breakfast, and wait out the rain. Two hours later, we hit the links for the final 7 holes. Things were looking good for me, however the last two holes did not go well. My friend dug deep and played like a champion.
So, I will be carrying the prized duck for the time being! I plan to write a more detailed account of this adventure, but thought everyone would be curious as to the results of our match!
LEST WE FORGET!
