Discussion

I Will Putt That, Thank You.

/ The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

I recently asked the question about being offered a guarantee two putt from 15 feet or further during your entire round. My intent was that you had to take the every time. I was wondering how many players would take the offer. There is the results:

I have to say that I am not really surprised. Most players, including myself, think that if you are putting, no matter the distance, we are confident that we can sink the putt. This poll brought an idea to mind that I would like to share.

Confidence is critical to low golf scores. You have heard me discuss this in the past, but it is a topic that warrants repeating. I still like David MacKenzie from Golf State of Mind views of how to build confidence in your golf game. (for a more detailed explanation click here) Here is what he has to say:

  • Don’t be Self Critical.
  • Don’t Give Yourself Technical Feedback on the Golf Course.
  • Visualize and Feel.
  • Develop a Strong Shot Routine.
  • React Indifferently to Bad Shots.
  • Take Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone.
  • Change Your Goals.
  • Focus On What You Did Well.
  • Recall pass success.
  • Believe in Yourself!

Confidence in your golf swing, course management, and the mental side of golf goes along way to being a scratch golfer. Every time I tee it up, I hope to shoot my best score ever and have the confidence in my game to do it! I continually work on my game in my perceived areas of weakness and in turn this builds my confidence to perform well on the course.

How confident are you in your game?

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

Clubs that Last Forever!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 11 Comments
Which do you Choose - a Driver or Putter?

Which do you Choose – a Driver or Putter?

A couple of months ago, I wrote an article about “Your Go To Shot“. From the many responses, most players have that “one shot” they rely upon more than any other. This is a great idea and I continue to advocate players practicing that special shot they know will work more often than not!

Recently, I asked the question that if you had a choice at the prize table of a golf tournament, would you pick a new driver or new putter? Not surprisingly, most people said they would choose a new driver. This sparked an interesting conversation between a couple of Twitter followers and myself about why a driver!

JohnNKlisz – UWedge said: mostly bc they are expensive and there is a pressure to be up to date. Putters have longer ‘relationships’ w their putters.

Nathan – LovePlayingGolf responded: I get it. It’s also a confidence thing. We freshen up with new equipment, standing over a new club = confidence.

I agree with both! The putter is a special club that is nurtured over a long period of use. I know some players change their putter regularly, but I would suggest that they change their driver more often.

Interestingly, The image above was from the start of my 2015 golf season. Guess which club I have replaced since then…..Yup, it was my driver!

I have used the same putter for 15 years. It fits my eye very well and the I like its weight. I have toyed with replacing it over the years, but never actually felt confident enough to make the change. I figure it will be around for a couple more seasons, but I will never say never.

On a complete side note for info only, one The Grateful Golfer regulars, Pete Robbins, engineered and created a new putter called The White Dragon Putter. If you are looking for a new flat stick, it might be worth a try.

When was the last time your replaced your driver? Putter?

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

Phil Mickelson Makes a Change

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

It is no secret that I am a fan of Phil Mickelson. I have always felt that his style of play was something I would like to emulate. Of course, without the skill it is very difficult, but heck it is worth a try.

The recent announcement of Phil Mickelson separating from his long-time swing coach Butch Harmon really comes as no surprise. Mickelson has struggled over the past few years and with only a few exceptions has not played to his potential.

Given Mickelson’s competitive spirit I would suggest that this parting is happening a year too late. It is not that Harmon has failed to help Mickelson or that Harmon’s teachings were not spot on, it is a matter of ‘time to move on”!

Both Mickelson and Harmon seem to be splitting amicably. And after 8 years, they both understand that it is time for a change.

“I’ve learned a great deal from him in our eight years together,” Mickelson said in a statement released to media. “It’s just that at the moment I need to hear new ideas from a different perspective.” Mickelson added, “Butch is one of the great teachers in the history of the game, and I believe he deserves to be in the World Golf Hall of Fame.”

“Helping him win the Open Championship in 2013 was one of the pinnacles of my career,” Harmon said through Mickelson’s representatives in the statement, which was initially released to Golf.com. “I see nothing wrong with him seeking advice from another source. We’re great friends and always will be.”

There is a bit of speculation about who Lefty’s new swing coach will be, but right now, it does not matter. Mickelson has decided it was time for a change and I completely agree. “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got” (Henry Ford)

Phil Mickelson has made the first step towards winning on Tour in 2016! Lefty likely hopes that this fundamental change to his support group will result in something great. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing “Phil the Thrill” back in the winner’s circle and completing his career grand slam.

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

In or Out?

/ The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

How many times have you watched the ball edge towards the hole. The world slows down, the wind stops blowing and the only sound you hear is heart! This exciting time compounds during a tournament or a match with your golfing buddies.

In or Out

Holding His Breath! Did the ball go IN or OUT?

Last week, Mike was putting to win the hole. As you can see, he had time to stand straight as his ball eked towards the hole! the real question is: Did the ball go IN or stay OUT? You make the call!

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

What a Day at the BMW Championship

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Congratulations to Jason Day for winning the BWM Championship! The hottest golfer on the planet has succeeded in winning another event of the FedExCup Playoffs. With 4 wins (including his first Major) in his last 6 events, Jason Day is apparently unstoppable and as a result has built an insurmountable lead heading into the Tour Championship next week.

Day’s booming drives, chip-ins, and a sizzling hot putter are just a few tricks he has up his sleeve. His calm and steady demeanour continues to wilt his opponents like a super power! Likely taking over as the world’s top ranked golfer, Jason Day is the new darling of golf! Getting lava hot at the right time, Day is on his way to a big payday in just over a week!

Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, and Henrik Stenson tried to catch Day on the third leg of the playoffs, but they could only watch with dismay as the Australian extended his lead over a world-class field. Unfortunately for Fowler, Watson, and Stenson the race for being the 2015 FedExCup Champion is over. Nobody is catching the red-hot Day!

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth had mediocre to poor runs during the FedExCup playoffs. Regardless of the reason, they could not sustain their outstanding play from early in the year. There hot and cold nature is indicative of professional golf in 2015 and is not likely to change anytime soon! The young players in professional golf hungry, competition fierce and they all want their chance at top golfer.

We could discuss the merits of the FedExCup playoff format, but that would cheapen Jason Day’s performance of the past 6 events. Jason Day has crushed his opponents lately and it seems that he will not stop anytime soon. However, if history repeats itself, he will soon need a break because the hectic schedule and pressure of competing week in and week out does take its toll. But for now, Jason Day is on top of professional golf and all fans look forward to seeing him at the Tour Championship in East Lake GC,  Atlanta, GA next weekend.