Golf is a game that should be played a comfortable pace. For many players, 4 hours seems appropriate for 18 holes. This is not a set rule or anything (at least at most courses) however, there are many times we find ourselves press up behind the group in front…..waiting. The delay our game can have many different affects to the outcome. Many players start letting their mind wander or focus on the frustration of having to wait. Over the years, I have encountered both and neither produce the results I wanted at the end of the round. Waiting can be challenge, however it is part of the game that all players must learn to turn to their advantage. Great advice, right? But how do we do this?
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Hitting Fairways and Greens
A challenge all golfers face is hitting fairways and greens. My young friend Alex is playing in a school tournament today. We have been played a few times with the intent of improving his game from tee to green. On Sunday past, we walked 9 holes at the Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort to discuss course management while playing in a stroke play tournament. It was a great round and Alex asked many great questions. The main topic of our conversation was how to play well at Osprey Links (a course I am very familiar). As we walked around our home course, we discussed the best way to loop Osprey Links; I told him to hit shots that keep him on the fairways and greens!
Continue readingWhat a Fantastic Match Play Duel
Match Play format is a duel between two golfers where anything can happen. As it turned out, my match yesterday against JC turned into a hole by hole battle where neither of us could break our opponents regardless of what we threw at each other. The round had a few surprises, but mostly it was 18 holes of great shot after great shot. JC and I both finished with 4 over par 78 with no doubles. It seemed that when one of us gained a slight advantage, the other responded to half the hole. Overall, it was the most fun I have had in a match in a very long time.
Continue readingThe Flying Elbow…Sometimes?
I enjoy playing golf with different people. Virtually every match I played in the past has been pleasant. It affords me the opportunity to meet different players, see different approaches to the game and in some instances, learn new things about my swing. All of the above happened yesterday when my friend Charlie and I played in a senior’s tournament at Clear Springs Golf Course. During the round, our playing partners, Yvon and Tom reinforced my view that playing different players is always a great time.
Continue readingOutcome Versus Process of a Golf Shot
The amazing aspect of golf that is often overlooked is the plethora of methods to achieve a specific outcome. Whether you subscribe to pure process or pure feel (or somewhere in between) the number of ways to play a shot can be countless. Personally, gravitate towards process especially as I gain in experience and knowledge. Process, for me, removes many of the ‘what ifs’ when deciding how to play a shot. Following a process helps me narrow all the stressors of a shot by improving my focus on what I can achieve. Yet, I feel this is more to this way of playing golf!
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The Grateful Golfer 