The Goofy Game of Golf Searching for the Answer

January 26, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

This is a great article for discussion. Is there really a mind-body connection in golf? I believe there is – especially for competitive players. What do you think?

The Goofy Game of Golf/Life Searching for the Answer

This week I am going to discuss the mind-body connection. First lets look at one of the biggest mind-body disconnects in the history of golf. It happened in one of the most memorable majors of all time, the 1986 Masters. We are going to look at only two players, Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros, and one hole, the par 5 15th. So lets look at the timeline.

Nicklaus is on the 15th tee and Seve is on the 13th green with about an 8 foot eagle putt. At this moment Jack is -5 and Seve is -7.

Jack hits a great drive right down the middle and as he is walking down the fairway, Seve makes the eagle putt to go nine under par.

Jack is 204 from the pin and hits a 4 iron within 12 feet and makes the putt for an eagle to go to -7

Seve hits the drive of the day on…

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Golf Injuries

January 25, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Phil Mickelson withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open last night. He cited a “locked back” that occurred when playing a shot out of the rough on the fifth hole in the second round. With the Masters just around the corner, Mickelson decision was smart because he does not want to jeopardize his chances at a Major by aggravating any injury this early in the 2014 golfing season. He also stated that if he played, the injury would probably change his swing and that is something he could not afford. Too bad for the fans at Torrey Pines, Mickelson is a fan favorite.

Phil Mickelson’s decision to withdraw is not uncommon. Many pros have withdrawn from tournaments citing injury. As seasoned athletes, it is understandable that even the slightest injury could have long-term negative effects to their livelihood. Mickelson’s back injury is a common injury for golfers, but it is only one of several that golfers want to avoid.

The Physio Room discusses the five most common golf injuries. Through the years, I and many of my friends can attest that they are correct. I am sure if you quickly think about it you can name them:

About.com Golf expands this list even further. Their list is more specific, but no less scary.

Injuries in golf are more common than non golfers realize. The mechanics in golf are not natural and can cause strain on the joints, soft tissue and in come cases bones. The repetitive impact of the club hitting a ball, ground, rock, or thick rough does take its toll on the human body. However, with proper preparation all injuries can be prevented.

To prevent injuries, the Mayo Clinic state ” Many golfing-related injuries are a result of poor mechanics or overuse, particularly in golfers who are new to the game or play infrequently. Although golf isn’t a contact sport, it puts significant demands on your body — which can easily lead to golf injuries. Follow these tips to stay in shape on the course.” Some of their suggestions are:

Warm up.
Start slowly.
Strengthen your muscles.
Focus on flexibility.
Build up your endurance.
Lift and carry clubs carefully.
Choose proper footwear.

It is important to understand that golf injuries can occur at anytime. For some, are caused by poor mechanics, others because of course conditions and yet a few because players try something completely out of the ordinary. If an injury does occur, as with Phil Mickelson, it is important to immediately take care of it to prevent long-term effects to your golf game.

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

Time for Golf!

January 23, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Golf can be a time-consuming sport. A round of golf could last up to 6 hours depending on the pace of play. Although 6 hours is ridiculous, it is not uncommon at public courses on the weekend. Time is a precious commodity that needs to doled out with caution….or does it?

The amount of time any player dedicates to golf is directly proportional to their desire to play and/or improve. My goal this year to be a scratch golfer highlights my in creased desire to play better and therefor the need to adjust how I spend my time. My four step plan comes with a renewed commitment to be a better player, but also a requirement to change how I spend my time.

There is no question that my family will always be my number one focus and thus the majority of my time will be spent with them. Next are my hobbies. Of these, I want to spend the next largest allotment of time. These are the things that make me happy and help me to grow. Inside this group is golf.

As stated earlier, I need to change how I spend my time. My first step of my plan is to become healthier and more physically fit. This is extremely important because without my health, the rest does not matter. Brett Wilson’s book Redefining Success has helped me rediscover this tenet important to a happy life. To accomplish this step, I adjusted when I go to work and what I do with my time after work. For me, this has not been a large change, but a necessary one.

To stay accountable, I have dedicated the time to update my blog at least every second day. More if possible, but at least every second day. This may not seem like much, but there is a requirement for 1-2 hours every second day to keep this commitment.

As you can see, even in the early stages of my play requires a commitment of time. As I move forward, more planning is required to make sure that practice and playing are also maximized. Not to mention the days where opportunities arise to participate in my favorite sport.

Time is important. I discovered many years ago that I have plenty of time to do the things I enjoy and the things I must. Mostly, I have gained the time from not watching too much TV. That is a personal choice and one I do not regret. Also, through planning, I have been able to identify the best times to do certain activities that maximizes my availability to be with my family and enjoy my hobbies.

If you are contemplating a golfing goal that goes beyond your current expectations, time management will be a factor. It helps set the stage for success if you account for time and are willing to change how you use it.

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

Going for Scratch

January 21, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 12 Comments

Well my first steps towards being a scratch golfer have been very successful. While I am still working out the details as to my fitness schedule, I have hit the gym three times in two days and oh yeah I am very sore. This is typical when starting a new fitness program and I am not concerned that I am having a hard time getting out of a chair.

Regardless, through the years I have realized there is always one thing that is truly important to the success of reaching a goal. Some will say organization, others support, and still others a solid plan. Although these things are important, they are not the most important aspects to my success.

For me it is accountability. I create an excel spread sheet, write down each activity accomplished and continually adjust my plan to keep improving. Also, I talk about my goals with my wife and friends. Lastly, I measure my fitness success by recording my slow increase in the amount of weights lifted.

This year, I am adding something new. I am going to keep a running total on my successes and how I carry out my goals. This new step will provide that extra incentive required to be successful.

This year is going to be a great journey. I am looking forward to all the challenges and enjoyment of reaching my goals. As my trek to being a better golfer unfolds, do not hesitate to offer suggestions and hints to help me along the way.

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

A Growth Mindset About Golf

January 19, 2014October 8, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 16 Comments

If you have a goal in life that takes a lot of energy, that requires a lot of work, that incurs a great deal of interest and this is a challenge to you, you will always look forward to waking up to see what the new day brings – Susan Polis Schultz

The desire to play, practice, report, discuss, read or dream about one specific thing can have an awesome effect on ones life. It is important to have a goal that makes you happy and stokes the desire to achieve greatness. For some it is building furniture, others helping the less fortunate, or for some being an expert in a particular field of study. There really are no limitations. Only the person can decide.

Over the years, many goals have come and gone. Some were accomplished, some not. Regardless, having a goal has always helped me focus on whatever I wanted to achieve. Through it all, there have been two lifetime goals that I have always kept close.

First is my family. To be the best husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend I can be. This is an ongoing goal and one that will last my lifetime.

The second goal is to be a scratch golfer. To be a scratch golfer takes discipline, willingness to be a student, openness to try new things and a mental focus that is sharper than most. Through the years, this goal has faded in and out because of life, but has periodically rose from the ashes of neglect like a fiery Phoenix.

This year, I find that desire rising again. So after some introspection, I decided to go for it and have come up with a four step plan. Here it is:

get fit – focus on exercises designed to improve my golf game;
research – the drills and techniques required to improve my game;
practice – dedicate time to practice to improve my game; and
compete – either formally or informally compete every time I hit the links.

This may seem like a simple plan, but I assure you it is not. Over the next few months, I will be sharing what I find, my progress, and how I refine each step to achieve my goal.

My first step starts today – I must develop a growth mindset! I have to change my thoughts from “I think” to “I can” – I believe I have no limitations and I will achieve my goal. I am ready for the challenge. The Power of Belief – Mindset and Success: Eduardo Briceno at TEDxManhattanBeach is a great video that explains the attitude shift required to achieve my goal of being a scratch golfer.

This is going to be a fantastic year. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!