Finding Weaknesses In Your Game

September 14, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Golf is a simply complicated sport. Everytime a player hits the links, they have the opportunity to score really low or really high relative to their skill level. Most think that is the best time to pinpoint what is going right or wrong. Or is it?

Keep head Down; Left Arm Straight; Slow Tempo; What did the Grateful Golfer Say…..Oh never mind, just Grip It and Rip It!

If a player consistently shoots in the low 100, 90, 80 or 70, identifying positive and challenging aspects of their game is important. This process, if the player really wants to improve, is continuous and unrelenting. However, identifying areas to improvement is specific to each player and it is impossible to use generalities to guarantee a better golf swing. Therefore, which is the best method? Who can help? Are there methods?

The short answer is yes, there are methods. Which is the best…..depends on the player. Who can help….basically it is up to the person to seek and conquer the challenges of improving their golf game. Having said that, the following are my suggestions on how to improve your game:

BroNet. Sometimes referred to as the buddy system. While out on the course your friend will notice something in your swing that they believe you should correct. Generally, it varies on a shot by shot basis. It has a tendency to cause more confusion that success, but sometimes it is helpful. The quality of the advice depends on the skill level of the player giving it.

Self-Taught. This is where a player will research various skills, look for tips, watch others and try to duplicate. This method can be very good, especially if you use websites like Hit It Solid, Slice of Golf, Gorilla Golf, All About Golf or Mind Body Golf. And of course The Grateful Golfer site! (Sorry for the shameless plug….just could not help myself) They offer tips on golf, the challenging aspects of the mental game of golf, course reviews and will allow for interaction via comments/questions to help improve your game. This method is generally how most players start.

PGA. Having your local professional, like Dan Garagan at Pinewood Park Golf Course, North Bay, Ontario, Canada, analyse your swing and provide helpful tips on how to improve is definitely a winner. They have the skill and expertise to help. The only draw back on this method is that you must be willing to learn from their sage advice. It is difficult and sometimes causes a player to initially score higher, but in the long run it is probably the best way to learn golf.

Wing It! The last method is the most fun! Basically, you have no plan nor want one. Each day is an adventure and you real goal is enjoy the experience. The million dollar shot you can brag about is what you seek. There is nothing wrong with this method, however your game will develop slowly if at all. This is not a problem because you play for the fun of the game.

Finding weaknesses in your game is relatively easy. Fixing them is usually the problem. For me, the best method to use in order of effectiveness is local professional, self-taught, Bronet, and finally, Wing It! Ultimately, chose the method that best fits your goals and desires. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Distraction, What Distraction?

September 10, 2013April 3, 2020 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Golf is a particularly interesting game. One of the greatest attributes to a great golfer is concentration! In the modern era, Jack Nicklaus demonstrated the greatest ability to concentrate while playing golf. Through 18 PGA Tour Majors, 8 Senior PGA Tour Majors, 2 Amateur Titles he showed that to stay focused for 4 hours was very difficult, especially during the stop and start tempo of a round on the links. While zeroing in on a shot for 15 seconds, many distractions could occur that would have an impact on the intended results.

“I was blessed with the ability to focus intensely on whatever I’m doing right now, free of distractions and to the exclusion of whatever else might pre-occupy me.” –Jack Nicklaus

If you have never played in front of a gallery of onlookers, it is difficult to describe the feeling of all those eyes intently watching your every move. The pros make it look easy. Each click of a camera, a cough, people shouting or the eerie quiet of a hushed crowd are all factors that could create distractions and interrupt your concentration. Having played with a small gallery of about 40 people watching, it is a bit unnerving. However, it was possible to stay focused and calm the nerves; it just takes practice. “Concentration is a fine antidote to anxiety.” (Jack Nicklaus)

There are many ways to keep your concentration while playing. It does take effort and practice, but ultimately the pay off is reduced scores and more consistent play. The following are concentration tips will help any player start to develop their own concentration techniques:

Develop a solid pre-shot routine. Annika Sörenstam states that “a pre-shot routine is a consistent and systematic procedure that is executed prior to hitting a golf shot and is very instrumental in the focus and relaxation process.”

Don’t over concentrate. The Telegraph published an article regarding a study that being too focused may be detrimental to your overall game. “One trick that people can certainly try is to try to distract your external focus. Make sure that your focus is on the hole or on a spot on the green and do not think about your technique or how your limbs are moving.” Basically, clear your mind when playing; to much activity between the ears does not really help.

Switching your concentration on and off. Golf Today suggests that “the absolute ideal in a round of golf is that you switch ‘ON’ for your shots and then switch ‘OFF’ in between shots.” Being able to be prepared to hit the ball when it is time to perform is an extremely valuable skill. It is impossible to stay focused for 4.5 hours (as well all know); some Golf Today suggests are:

A particular mark on your glove like the RED DOT. Make it personal to you and then look at this before you start your routine.
Have a particular word you say to yourself like ‘FOCUS’
Open and close the Velcro fastener on your glove paying attention to the sound.

Regardless what you do to turn your concentration on and off, it has to be yours and something that will enable you to focus when required.

Visualization. Visualizing your shot is another way to hone your concentration skills. See yourself hitting the ball successfully. When playing, take 5 seconds behind the ball see your shot, then step up, and perform. Visualizing a shot will allow you to stay focused when needed most!

There are countless ways to stay focused on the course. To achieve the greatest success while playing golf does take concentration. How a players develops this skill is really an individual process. Everyone is different, however having a pre-shot routine, not over concentrating, being able to turn your focus on and off or visualization are but four ways to lower your score and play consistently.

What are some techniques you use to stay focused on the course?

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

Are My Clubs In The Way?

September 7, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

How many times have we heard “Are My Clubs OK?”

While golfing with our friends, most of us are lax with the rules of etiquette. Besides, it is more fun poking fun at our friends, telling jokes, and pretending that your friend does miss that four-foot gimmie (gimmie in their eyes, even though they have not made a four-footer all day). However, during a competition, the way we play should be different and we should be more aware of the etiquette of golf because it is important.

On particular aspect of etiquette is club location while your opponent is playing. Equipment should be out of sight, not in the line of intended ball travel or close enough to cause a shadow over their ball. Actually, these guidelines should apply to their clubs as well.

Whats Wrong With This Picture?

There are many reasons for this particular rule (although rule might be a bit strong).

Safety. Standing forward of someone hitting the ball is not too smart. But, it happens all the time. Usually, the other members are across the fairway and move to their ball for speed of play. Sometimes, however, they get to close and that is when a the safety aspect kicks in.

Penalty Strokes. Keeping your clubs behind you will prevent penalty strokes (one stroke for hitting your own equipment, caddie or partner – rule 19). Ever wonder why the pro caddies move so far from the player when they are hitting…..probably for this exact reason.

Etiquette. Standing in someones golf space can cause problems. Some players like opponents to stand-off to their right. Others left. Some behind….but never in front of their field of view. My general rule for this is at least 10 – 15 feet away from the player.

So placing your clubs close to someone playing is not a very good idea. Placing your own clubs in the way is just a bad idea. One last point, if you have to as “Are My Clubs OK?” They are not!

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

Choices Choices Choices

September 4, 2013February 10, 2017 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Recent adventures on the links makes me wonder if I really have a handle on golf or have I been kidding myself for years. Course management is definitely a key aspect to success on the links. Knowing when to press or play defensively can determine whether you score a birdie or a bogey. But is course management really important to having fun and improving your game?

Smart Shot Out of the Sand

Well of course it is! Or at least I thought so!

It is the distinguishing factor between low and high handicap golfers. Determining how to play a hole, which club to use, whether to fire at the pin or to lag putt are all aspects of course management that are developed over time. Thus, experience and the willingness to improve your course management skills are extremely important aspects of successful golf.

So, why am I going on about course management and its importance. On the weekend I was playing with my friend and his brother. As per normal, we were talking golf and how best to improve our game; which shot would be best in certain situations; and which club to use at certain times. Through our discussion, we were basically talking about course management.

As we plodded along, the conversation turned to a earlier shot where my friend chose a 3 wood instead of an iron out of the long grass. Additionally, he went on to describe how the ball was in a bit of a hole, but he really wanted to get to the green that was 220 yards away. When challenged about his selection he responded, “I knew what the smart shot was but chose to not to do it!” I stopped dead in my tracks and looked at him and said what? He coolly said, “I know, but I just wanted to put the ball on the green and the knew I would not make it with an iron….it was not the smart shot, but oh well, I am still having fun.” I chuckled out loud and walked to my ball with a smile on my face.

So my friend chose not to make the right shot! Never a good idea to throw stones when you live in a glass house, I think we have all been in that situation. Taking the low percentage shot over the smart play….it still makes me laugh.

The “so what” to this story is that choosing to actively participate in course management is the first and most important step to course management. Although I never really thought that it was an option, apparently it is. Sometimes playing golf is about making the impossible shot and having fun doing it! I guess that day was not wasted because I learned something new!

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

Where is Rory?

September 2, 2013September 2, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 11 Comments

Rory McIlroy is a fantastic player! He has all the tools to be one of the worlds best for years, however this year he is not living up to expectations. With only one second place finish, it is a far cry from the 4 wins, 2 second place and 1 third place finishes in 2012. Is it a sophomore jinx? Is the competition that much better this year? O has the high-flying Northern Ireland native burned out like a super nova?

Recently, much has been made about McIlroy changing over to Nike. The Bleacher Report suggests that his move has added additional pressure to his game and that he was not quite ready for the stress of the overwhelming expectations. Adding fuel to the fire, McIlroy created controversy by walking off the course just nine holes into his second round of the Honda Classic; this was just one month after signing a reported $20 million a year contract with Nike. So is it the equipment? Short answer – no. The number one player in the world uses Nike and has for years. Is there an adjustment period – probably. However, to blame the equipment entirely for this years woes would be too simplistic.

Many are pointing the finger at McIlroy’s relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. Some suggest that he is not spending the time focusing on his game. This may be a contributing factor to McIlroy’s challenges on the links, but is it really the factor? The 24-year old golf superstar is allowed to have outside interests and trying to build a relationship with someone does take effort and time. To suggest that he not put in the same effort in his personal life that he puts into his professional life is crazy! He should be having fun and enjoying life like in the video below! Life is about balance and harmony.

Has the stress of being uber-successful finally oozed into every aspect of his life? Being hounded, photographed, scrutinized, and analyzed every waking hour has to take its toll. The parasitic relationship that has evolved between player and fans will definitely sap your mental strength and Rory McIlroy is no different. Many would say that they would love to have his challenges of fame and fortune, but be careful of what you wish for; being under a microscope every waking hour may not be a glorious as you think. Golf is such a mental game and the current challenges faced by McIlroy on and off the course are so encompassing that it is no surprise that something had to give.

Is it McIlroy’s play this year? The Golf Channel recently reported, “The numbers don’t suggest any struggles. He ranks 11th on the PGA Tour with a 301.4 driving distance average; he’s 59th with a 69.52 greens in regulation percentage; he’s 23rd with a birdie average of 3.77. If there’s one interesting note about his ball-striking, it’s this: He hits 56.25 percent of greens in regulation from 125-150 yards; 65.45 percent from 150-175 yards; and 68.35 percent from 175-200 yards. He’s the rare player who seemingly hits his mid-irons closer than his wedges.” It is possible to play well and not score well! Being number four in the world is not all that bad; is it?

So, where is Rory? The Grateful Golfer suggests that he is right where he needs to be! The real challenges with is play and subsequent results stems from unrealistic expectations! The media and fans expect that a player of McIlroy’s calibre be able to play in the top two percent of his profession all the time. Well, not to disappoint everyone, but that is impossible. Rory McIlroy is a fantastic golfer. He is gifted with golfing talents rarely seen in all but a few players. He will regain his form of 2012 and surpass it very soon. There are still opportunities in 2013 for McIlroy to win a tournament or two; it is only September! In 2014, he will have a year under is belt, he will be a year older and wiser, he will have found his groove and returned to the ranks of the golfing elite!

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