The World Of Golf

May 26, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

On the Way to the First Tee

Golf is truly a universal sport. Created on the coast of Scotland in the 15th century, this sport has stood the test of time. Through the last 600 years, there have been many innovations to the sport that ensures new players continue to flock to this frustrating and yet exhilarating game. Kings, heads of state, Bob who lives down the block, and Fred who you just met yesterday on the course, have played it. Golf appears to be everywhere, but is golf really a sport played around the world or is it a game for the rich that is losing touch with the masses?

Recently, The Economist printed an article that the Cuban government has authorized the development of an 18-hole golf course. This is the first time golf has been authorized in Cuba since the 1959 revolution! The article suggests that this political move is purely economical to draw rich tourists, however if they are trying to increase tourism; why golf?

Iran has a 12-hole course! Yes, a 12-hole course. This country is extremely mountainous, very desert like and considers the game of golf very bourgeoisie. Yet according to thetop100golfcourses.co.uk golf is rather popular with the young women of Tehran. Iran has a rich history that does not include golf, but perhaps times are changing.

Kabul, Afghanistan, has a golf course. It has been de-mined and you require close protection to play there, but golf is still being played. One of the hazards is the road that goes through the center of a fairway. Ultimately, it is not a golf course in the true convention; however, the BBC has a video that will open your eyes.

How about golfing in the land of the midnight sun? Each summer the Billy Joss Open Celebrity Golf Tournament is held in the third week of July on a 9-hole course. This 4-day Arctic golf tournament is the ultimate golf holiday. Golf all day and all night. This winter wonderland of golf is at the Ulukhaktok Golf Course. Ulukhaktok is a small hamlet on the west coast of Victoria Island, in the Inuvik Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Golfing for 24 hours straight in daylight would be something that everyone should experience.

Not to be out done, The World Ice Golf Championships in Uummannaq, Greenland, was last played in 2009. “Playing golf on a frozen seascape is not the only task at hand. Coping with extreme temperatures, which can fall to minus 50º C with the wind-chill factor, challenges players both physically and mentally. Special kit is absolute essential. Other factors to consider are that the ‘green’ is white, the ball is fluorescent orange and there is the unlikely risk of losing a ball to a polar bear.” The rugged conditions would definitely challenge the most avid golfer.

There are many examples of how golf has touched the most remote and politically challenging places in the world. Golf is a challenging game that truly transcends age, ethnicity, and economic status. It is a universal sport that continues to grow and continues to bring people and perhaps nations together. If you have never golfed, it may be time to try; the opportunities are boundless. Golf is a sport played around the world and enjoyed by many!

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

May I Join You?

May 25, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 13 Comments

The Boys at Voyageur Days Golf Tournament

How many times have we been asked by someone to join your group? Usually it is singleton and they are looking for a game. I always say yes unless I am in a Match Play Competition (this has happened only twice in 35 years) I enjoy playing with different players and relish the opportunity to meet someone new. But, are you really obligated to let a player join your group?

My short answer is yes! Golf is a social game that allows individuals to meet and enjoy the company of others. The Mindful Golfer says that golf is a contact sport and I could not agree more. It is a great way to meet like minded people and enjoy a sport for transcends age, wealth, and background.

Other reasons that you should allow someone to join your group is – speed of play. Generally, keeping singles and doubles off the course is great for speed of play. I personally believe that three is the ideal number for keeping the game moving, but that is a discussion for another day. Having a foursome play in front of a bunch singletons and doubles slows play down throughout the course and increases the frustration of those wanting to play through. By joining up, the singles and doubles will match the speed of play and enjoy their game more than waiting all the time.

Letting others join your group improves your game. Watching other player is always good for your game. Sometimes a scratch player is just looking for a game and joins your group. It is nice to watch someone play the game really well and most of the time, you learn unique things on how to play shots that you would not normally have figured out.

Lastly, it is proper etiquette. I believe that if someone sticks their neck out and join total strangers to play a game of golf; the group should say yes. Having a stranger in the group will help everyone remember the dos and don’ts of playing proper golf. It allows everyone to be a little nicer! And that is always a good think!

So remember, if someone asks to join your group, say yes! You never know where it may lead. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

One Year Old!

May 19, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

One year today I started The Grateful Golfer! I have had a great time and will continue to talk about my favorite game. Specifically, I have enjoyed talking to like-minded golfers around the world and realize how much golfers have in common. We love this sport, feel the same joys and experiences no matter where we are.

I am grateful for all those who continue to read, share, educate, and comment on my blog.

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

Eagles Eagles Eagles

May 16, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

What is cooler than getting an eagle! Ok, a hole in one for sure……I know a double eagle! But back to reality. Eagles are a goal of mine every year. I try to make five eagles every year. Last year I only had three! But with my new driver and three wood, I hit the ball a bit longer so I am anticipating more opportunities to make eagle. I already had one opportunity this year and missed.

For shorter hitters like me (250 yards of the tee) eagle opportunities are difficult, however I have a plan! On par 5s that I need a I great drive, I focus on smooth clean contact. I do not over swing because I usually lose distance because something is out of sync. Smooth and controlled is the way to go!

Next is my approach shot. If I am not hitting my three wood, I use one more club than needed! Yup, that is my secret? The reason is to make sure I swing smooth and controlled. This type of swing ensures I stay on target and I have enough distance to actually reach the green. Through the years, experience has shown that I have routinely under clubbed hitting into the green from 215 – 230 yards out.

Last trick is to sink the putt. While putting, I hit the ball one foot past the hole; instead of six inches on a normal putt? This extra strength on my putt ensures I do not leave my it short! And we all know how much that sucks!

Well this is my plan to increase my eagles this year. What do you think?

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

Happy Mother’s Day

May 12, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

Today is a special day! This is the day that everyone should be grateful to their mother for all the wonderful things they have done for us. My mother was awesome! She was an avid golfer and picked the game up at 44 years young. She cared, loved, guided and shaped me into the person I am today. She was always my guiding light. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful things she did for me through the years.

I remember when my Mom was 67 years old. We were talking on the phone and she asked how she could lower her score and increase her distance of the tee. Both are not necessarily connected, but in this case they were. I told her she should practice her short game and putting for 20 minutes every second day. Additionally, I suggested she to go the driving range for a small bucket on opposite days and practice a long controlled swing with her driver. Additionally, I mentioned that she should stretch to be more flexible. About 5-10 minutes a day. She decided to give it a try and to no big surprise it lowered her score. Distance off the tee did not change, but she was more consistent. She passed at age 75 and was still breaking 100!

Happy Mother’s Day to all those wonderful moms. Today is your special day; may it be filled of love, joy, and happiness!