Author: The Grateful Golfer

A Plastic Wolf?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Lately, a new trend on the local golf courses has arisen.  It is the form of plastic wolves and dog cut outs.  The intent is to keep the Canadian Geese and other pesky critters off the course.

Plastic Wolf

The thought is that these fierce-looking objects will strike fear in the hearts of animals who really do not care.   They only think about eating grass, laying eggs and leaving smelly presents everywhere.  Additionally, Canadian Geese are fearless, especially if you come close to them…they will hiss at, honk towards and chase any intruder who feels they brave enough to enter their protected area.  Needless to say, Canada Geese are a nuisance and cause untold damage to any golf course.  The plastic wolves are interesting to look at, but not necessarily that effective.

On one of our local courses, there are about 6 of these plastic creatures located strategically around the links style front nine.  It has prevented some of the chaotic waterfowl from visiting the lust green grass, but probably does not have the effect expected by the grounds crew.  We still see many Canada Geese on the course each and every day.

I am grateful for their efforts.  Part results are better than none I guess.  Additionally, I am partial to seeing the young goslings walking around, swimming in the ponds and learning new things…they are fun to watch!

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

A Million Dollar View

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Golfing is a wonderful sport.  It affords anyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, be as competitive as they want and to see things in a whole new perspective.  Walking around each course and truly looking around can produce some amazing sights.  They range from wild life; to people; to a million dollar view!

This year, The Grateful Golfer will try to share some of these wonderful sights.  The images captured are from an amateurs eyes and will try to capture your imagination.  (On a side note, Art Borghi has a blog with awesome images; the six shots of the bees is one of my favorites!)

Number 11 at Osprey Links Golf Course, North Bay, Ontario, Canada.

This is one of my favorite views on Osprey Links Golf Course!  The way the hole is surrounded by rock walls, a large pond and a narrow landing area.  The reflection of the scenery off the pond really is spectacular.  What do you think?

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

Baseball Hands!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

A friend of mine is a very athletic.  She plays multiple sports and has recently taken up golf.  One of her best sports is baseball.  Her technique to play baseball is fundamentally sound and she has enjoyed much success playing the sport.  This is where the challenge begins.

Image from: http://www.qcbaseball.com/skills/hitting_grip1.aspx

I have watched her play golf and her address to the ball is very good.  Her stance is good.  She has a deliberate lower body motion, although sometimes she likes to take a step like in baseball. She has good hip rotation and a strong follow through.  Unfortunately, she always hits the ball right.  I mean right, about 45 degrees off the tee.  It is not a slice, but travels straight right.

I have watched her hands and according to winnbaseball she loads her hands and delays contact through the ball….just like baseball players should.  “It is EXTREMELY important not to let the hands come forward in the process of the stride.  The knob of the bat should remain over the back foot  until after the stride foot has landed.”  Well, her golf swing definitely has this delay component in it.

Interestingly QC Bseball says, “Remember relaxed muscles will react quicker than tense muscles. So if you want to have a quick bat, relax those hands which in turn will help you relax at the plate.”  This is similar in golf and is a positive aspect when comparing the baseball and golf swing.

Well back to the problem.  I have suggested that my friend rotate her grip to the right to allow the club face to close during contact.  This has helped some and she hit a few balls straight and long.  But, this is not a permanent fix.  She loves golf and is trying to improve all the time, so this is where I need some help.

Before anyone asks, my first suggestion was to take lessons from one of the local pros and she has, but she wants to work on this current problem a bit before going back for another.

Therefore, does anyone have any suggestions, tips, or drills that will help fix my friends baseball hands?

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

Modified Scramble

/ The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Out of the Sand Like A Pro

I played Men’s Night at Osprey Links golf course and had a blast.  As most players know, men’s night is a great time to meet new people and play fun golf games.  Yesterday, I played a modified 4-man scramble that I have never heard of before.  Here is how it went:

It was a 9-hole 4- man scramble.  Each player teed off at every hole.  After the drive, the team decided which player would play their own ball alone while the other three played a scramble format.

Side note: for those who do not know, scramble format is where everyone hits off the tee, you pick the best shot, everyone else picks up their ball and goes the the best shot location and hits again.  Continue until holed out.

After the singleton and scramble team holed out, we added both scores together for our total score.  Each player had to play by themselves for two holes.  The ninth hole could be played by anyone.  For a par 36, we scored 35 for the scramble and 42 for the singleton.  I tell you it was loads of fun!  It was interesting because of the strategy we were trying to use to outsmart the game, but it all came down to playing your own ball under pressure.

The weather was great, the course was great and the company was fantastic.  I am a grateful golfer!  See you on the links!

Dogs On the Golf Course

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Today was interesting on Osprey Links.  As I walked around the mosquito infested course, I tried to focus on making good contact.  The weather and course conditions have prevented me from playing much to date, however that is soon to change.  While playing today I had 14 good holes.  (I changed my thinking from 4 bad holes – thanks Norman Vincent Peale)  I hit the ball relatively well, but nothing fantastic yet.  Well I digress.

On the 16th tee box, a gentlemen and Bella asked if they could join my friend and I for the last three holes.  Of course, we let him because I am always grateful to meet new people. The interesting thing about this request is Bella is a dog.  She is quite beautiful, quiet, and very well behaved.  My friend and I are both animal lovers and enjoyed both their company.  Bella did not cause any problems, nor her master, during the rest of the round.  I know some may be thinking that a golf course is no place for a dog, however it is a tough call.

So here is my question, should dogs be allowed on a leash on the golf course?

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