Golfing at the Olympics

February 7, 2014February 7, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

The Winter Olympics in Sochi are just around the corner. Russia is preparing to the focal point of world for two weeks as they host this prestigious event. The media is focusing on the facility, venues and treatment of the athletes. In two days, all this will stop and the focus will be on the athletes and their performance – exactly where it should be.

I particularly like the stories on the athletes training and dedication to their sport. How they found ways to overcome adversity and struggled to follow their dreams. I am not suggesting that everyone needs to struggle, but there are those who regardless of their circumstance rise to the top! This year proves to be an exciting year and Canada is expected to have their best showing ever. This is great news for the Great White North and I will be rooting them on the whole way.

Where does golf fit into the picture. In a previous post, Golf – an Olympic Sport, I mentioned that the 2016 Olympics are in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Golf will be reintroduced as an Olympic sport and the reigning Olympic Gold Medalist is Canadian George Lyon.

Limited to two countries back in 1904 (Canada and the USA) Rio organizers hope for at least 30 countries will be represented in both the men’s and women’s competitions, from all continents. “The proposed Olympic competition for both men and women is a 72-hole individual stroke play tournament, with the lowest score earning the gold medal. In case of a tie for either first, second or third place, a three-hole playoff will determine the medal winner(s).”

The International Golf Federation is stating that: “In both the men’s and women’s event, the top 15 world-ranked players will be eligible for the Olympic Games, regardless of the number of players from a given country. Beyond the top 15, players will be eligible based on world ranking, with a maximum of two available players from each country that does not already have two or more players among the top 15 to a maximum number of 60 players in total in the competition.”

I suggest the pundits will debate, argue and lament about how and who will qualify. It is quite possible that the current methodology is subject to change especially since the Rio Olympics are still two years away.

Golf at the Olympics is going to be exciting. But, until 2016 I will enjoy the Sochi Olympics and cheer on all the athletes especially the Canadians.

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

No Caddie Races!

February 2, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

The PGA decided to ban the Caddie Races on the 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open! The PGA said: “PGA tour officials say they decided to ban the caddie races over safety concerns. In an interview with the Golf Channel, tour officials said “running 150 yards puts caddies at risk for injury. I had caddies come to me at Phoenix and at Colonial saying “this is ridiculous, it’s like we are a carnival show.”” It makes one wonder if this is the real reason.

Having carried a rucksack weighing 60-70 pounds, I can say without doubt that running 150 yards with that much weight is very difficult, possible hazardous, and one of those things I would not voluntarily do. Knowing the difficult and possible dangers, is there an unfair expectation for caddies to perform for the crowd?

Golf, like all other sports, is played for personal pride and entertainment of the fans. The tournament in Phoenix is one of the most popular events on tour partly because of the scoring and mostly because of the fan interaction. Without question, the focal point of fan participation is the 16th hole. Approximately 20,000 fans are packed in like sardines around a 150-yard hole; the electric atmosphere of anticipation rises and crashes like the waves on a beach. The fans love the venue and love the entertainment.

The caddie races were part of the entertainment, but not part of golf. More than likely, the PGA does not want a ‘Happy Gilmore’ atmosphere at other tournaments.

The current culture of golf is mature, calm, and focused. Although there are exciting moments, like Sergio Garcia climbing a tree to hit a shot at Bayhill, they are more highlights than the norm. Not surprisingly, there is a quiet expectation at each event orchestrated by the PGA and not a carnival atmosphere hoped by the fans. The focus is on the players, not the side-show entertainment off the course.

No Caddie Races! Is this really a big deal? Does the PGA have a point? It is difficult to ascertain the real reason for the change, but it appears to have no effect on the entertainment value of the 16th hole. Or does it?

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

A Growth Mindset About Golf

January 19, 2014October 8, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 16 Comments

If you have a goal in life that takes a lot of energy, that requires a lot of work, that incurs a great deal of interest and this is a challenge to you, you will always look forward to waking up to see what the new day brings – Susan Polis Schultz

The desire to play, practice, report, discuss, read or dream about one specific thing can have an awesome effect on ones life. It is important to have a goal that makes you happy and stokes the desire to achieve greatness. For some it is building furniture, others helping the less fortunate, or for some being an expert in a particular field of study. There really are no limitations. Only the person can decide.

Over the years, many goals have come and gone. Some were accomplished, some not. Regardless, having a goal has always helped me focus on whatever I wanted to achieve. Through it all, there have been two lifetime goals that I have always kept close.

First is my family. To be the best husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend I can be. This is an ongoing goal and one that will last my lifetime.

The second goal is to be a scratch golfer. To be a scratch golfer takes discipline, willingness to be a student, openness to try new things and a mental focus that is sharper than most. Through the years, this goal has faded in and out because of life, but has periodically rose from the ashes of neglect like a fiery Phoenix.

This year, I find that desire rising again. So after some introspection, I decided to go for it and have come up with a four step plan. Here it is:

get fit – focus on exercises designed to improve my golf game;
research – the drills and techniques required to improve my game;
practice – dedicate time to practice to improve my game; and
compete – either formally or informally compete every time I hit the links.

This may seem like a simple plan, but I assure you it is not. Over the next few months, I will be sharing what I find, my progress, and how I refine each step to achieve my goal.

My first step starts today – I must develop a growth mindset! I have to change my thoughts from “I think” to “I can” – I believe I have no limitations and I will achieve my goal. I am ready for the challenge. The Power of Belief – Mindset and Success: Eduardo Briceno at TEDxManhattanBeach is a great video that explains the attitude shift required to achieve my goal of being a scratch golfer.

This is going to be a fantastic year. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Ko and Spieth Against the World

January 12, 2014September 13, 2015 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

Lydia Ko, pictured here after winning the Canadian Women’s Open in Edmonton on Aug. 25, will join the LPGA Tour next year. (Jason Franson/Canadian Press)

Jordan Spieth holds the trophy after winning the John Deere Classic on Sunday at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. (Charlie Neibergall/Associated Press)

The female and male darlings of golf are Lydia Ko and Jordan Speith. Both have fantastic starts to their career and seem to be well on their way to making a name for themselves as professional golfers. Ko just turned pro and has already won an event on the LPGA. Speith is also a one time winner with 2013 rookie of the year honors to boot. Both appear to have focused goals and positive personalities that the golf industry want to leverage.

There is no question the media are going crazy, the golfing world is talking about their successes and the sponsors are circling. But, is this really what golf is about? Don’t get me wrong, golf is a business and there is money to be made; however, at what cost. There are several players who were treated with the same awe and reverence in the past 10 years, but have disappeared completely or failed to meet the huge expectations of being a world ranked golfer. They were discarded like yesterday’s newspaper. Is to be the fate of Lydia Ko and Jordan Speith?

Expectations of professional or amateur golfers can be a positive influence or a destructive power. We do not have to look far to see the fickle nature of the sports media, golfing fans or professional pundits. Examples like Rory McIlroy playing so poorly in 2013 – how many times was he kicked; Tiger Woods stalled at 14 Majors…..stalled at 14 Majors – are you kidding; Phil Mickelson not winning the US Open is tarnishing his greatness … come on; and finally Henrik Stenson touted as one of the greatest golfers never to win a Major…wow! Is there a possibility that the expectations of some of the golfing greats is a little out of whack?

It is important to understand that expectations are relative. At every level, each golfer has expectations (realistic or unrealistic) about their capabilities. Those are easy to accept. What is difficult to swallow are the golfing analysts who pass judgement on players while sitting in their armchair in a climate controlled room. Is it possible, that golf has lost its way and some major re-tuning is required?

Golf is a great sport! We all have expectations, but let us not forget that golf is meant to be enjoyed. Competition is healthy, fun and exciting. However, a ‘win or else’ competition seen at the professional level is not good for the game. What do you think?

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

Changing of the Guard or Is It?

January 7, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 9 Comments

In every sport, the changing of the old guard to a new group of defenders occurs about every seven to ten years. Age finally catches up to the élite; while continuing to empower the stronger, faster, and hungrier players. Eventually, the young lions surpass their aging heroes and carry the torch forward. The real question in golf is when does this occur?

Who will be on top at the end 2014? Rory, Phil or Tiger?

During the past few years, the world of golf appears to have shifted its focus towards younger players and that 2014 will be the year for major changes in the world rankings. However, pundits who follow golf would agree that this potential shift is not an actual power struggle. It is more like the media creating hype by pitting old bulls like Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker and Phil Mickelson against the young lions like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Keegan Bradley.

The reality of golf at the professional level is that it is all about the hype! It is no different from any other sport; however its slower evolution does restrict the potential for financial gains experienced by teams like Manchester United or the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Golf is starting to generate a world craze and continues to grow in popularity, but the glacial pace can be frustrating. As new emerging players try to break into the ranks of the élite, they will find it extremely difficult to sustain the prowess required to stay at the top because golf is not a sport dominated by youth.

In 2013, there were approximately 160 world events. In 2014, this number is expected to expand as new markets in Asia, specifically China, develop. Of the 2013 events, 19% were won by those in their 20s; 80% were won by those in their 30s; 31% in their 40s and 1% in their 50s. Therefore, professional golfers in their 30s and 40s won 71% of tournaments.

In the PGA last year, the numbers were even higher. Of the top 25 on the money list, 28% were in their 20s, 60% were in their 30s, and 22% were in their 40s. Thus 82% of the top PGA 25 money list were in their 30s and 40s. The percentage of top ten money winners goes even higher!

Lastly, the world rankings demonstrate that the young guns may be stronger than the 2013 numbers demonstrate, but that is largely because players like Rory McIlroy had a great season two years ago and it was carried forward to 2013.

Regardless, the numbers are very consistent. In professional golf, the bulk of the world-class players are in their 30s. The next strongest group are in their 40s. How do you promote golf when the players are mature, focused and generally avoid the spot light off the course? Where players are friends and animosity is rare? Despite recent events, golfers are generally considered gentlemen and conduct themselves accordingly.

Interestingly and to the chagrin of some, the age of the élite players is getting older, not younger. Players like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker have dominated the top of the golfing world for the past 10 years. They move up and down the world rankings, but at the end of each year they are at or near the top! How is this possible? The thought of older players dominating the top of a sport is virtually impossible or is it?

Golf has changed over the past 20 years, but not as the media would suggest. Older players continue to dominate for many reasons and three seem to top the list:

Technology has improved exponentially, thus allowing older players to hit the ball farther without any extra effort;
Players have a greater understanding of a regimented training program. They embrace proper training methods and therefore extend their playing career; and
Their ability to travel the world in hours versus days has improved their quality of life. The ability to move from event to event is grueling, but now they have the ability to travel home faster for that much-needed rest during their golfing season.

The media, promoters and financial investors would like the world to believe that an epic battle is being waged for golfing supremacy and partly they are correct. However, not in the manner that fits the traditional sporting world.

A shift is occurring in golf. More, older players in their 40s are still very competitive, some younger players in their 20s are breaking through, but the bulk of the élite golfers are still in their 30s. The unmentioned shift is the dominance of older players. Golfers between 35-40 years old are more competitive than ever. As the élite players get older and they see not reason to relinquishing their title without a fight. As the world prepares for the upcoming golf season, they should be ready to see the same names at the top of the leader board and not be duped by the media hype hailing for a changing of the guard!

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