New Clubs for 2014

December 30, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Previously, I discussed my annual trip to Golf Town to check out the deals and hopefully buy a new 3-wood or putter. This yearly pilgrimage signifies the close of one season and the start of another. I start by making a list of goals, hopes and aspirations for the upcoming golfing season. To accomplish these amazing feats, I check my clubs and decide if I need any new equipment. For me, purchasing new clubs is a want, but has to fit a need.

This year my list consisted of three major items (and some minor items that were definitely a want):

3-wood;
putter; and
rain gear.

Each of these items fills a goal of being able to have more options while on the tee and fairway, greater confidence around the green, and the ability to play in wet weather. These goals seem very broad, but I will discuss them in greater detail in upcoming articles.

Back to my trip; as I entered the store, I followed my usual routine. I walked around looking for sales, examined the new equipment, and then focused on the items on my list. As a side note, I always go to the golf ball section to see the sales. Sometimes I impulse buy to try a new ball if the price is right. But, not this trip.

I decided to start at the putters section. The putter I use is approximately 10-years old. It is a ProGear putter with a resign insert in the face. I have had tremendous success with it through the years, unfortunately less so in the past two. I did some research (checked out The White Dragon Putter – it is very interesting) to make sure I knew what I was looking before I tried them. As my selection process started, I picked up a blade putter, mallet putter, offset putter….you name it I tried it. I tried all the big named putters, not so bit name putters, and one was even a hockey stick (worked for Happy Gilmore!). Sadly or maybe not, I putted the same way with all the putters. It made no difference what so ever! So after an hour and 500 putting strokes, I concluded that the reason for my failing putting stroke was not enough practice. So I am going to start there before I buy a new club. Check out PGA.com for selecting a new putter, I found it very helpful.

Next was the wet weather gear. It was a quick look. I did not find anything I liked under $400. I am not ready to spend that kind of cash on golf clothes……yet!

Callaway WarBird – 1998

Click On Image for Club Review from Golf.com

Last was my search for a new 3-wood. I went around to all the different makes and models and tried a couple in Golf Town’s practice facility. Most had a lower profile face; this is different for me because I still use my 1998 Callaway Warbird 3-wood. It has a Memphis 10 shaft which I hit straight, but have lost some distance, hence the need for a change.

Ultimately, I chose the Callaway Razr Fit. It suited my eyes well; it felt solid; and the ball appeared to jump off the club head. It is a couple of years old, but I liked it better than the new technology clubs. Additionally, it was at the right price. It has a stiff shaft and that fits the rest of my clubs.

Well, the 2014 season has officially started. I am excited to see what this year brings. As per earlier years, I am filled with hope and excitement for the links to open. So the count down has started. 106 days!

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

Want Vs. Need

December 20, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

During the holiday season, we all struggle with the want versus need question. We think, over think, lament, internally discuss and ultimately stress over what I want versus need to improve my golf game. Think about what you want for Christmas. Now think about what you need for Christmas. Is there a disconnect? In some cases, probably; in the select few, no.

The want versus need discussion always evolves into a catch 22. But really, most golfers confuse their want versus need. Here are some examples:

I want to hit the ball farther! I need a new driver!
I want lower scores. I need to play more on the course.
I want to hit the ball straighter. I need to change my grip, stance, back swing…..every time.
I want to break 100. I need better equipment.
I want to be a better putter. I need a new putter.

I bet you can see the pattern developing – the focus for most people on the want versus need dilemma is equipment. It is quite possible to shift the wants and needs above into many combinations; only your imagination will limit you.

However, is this really the way to look at the want versus need questions? How about we re-frame the statements:

I want to hit the ball farther. I need go to the range a practice.
I want lower scores. I need to learn more about course management.
I want to hit the ball straighter. I need to take lessons from my local pro.
I want to break 100. I need to practice my short game.
I want to be a better putter. I need practice my putting before each round.

To understand the want versus need aspect of golf, and in life, actually requires introspection on what is the real challenge. Do not get we wrong, sometimes new equipment is required, but an ugly swing with a $100 dollar driver is just as ugly with a $500 driver. The only difference is that with a $500 dollar driver, you can hit the ball further into the woods!

Well, I am off to Golf Town to look for a new driver! Just kidding! I am a grateful golfer! See you on the practice range!

The Wild World of Golf

December 17, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

As the holiday season arrives, I like to reflect on how grateful I am for my fantastic life. Each year I realize how much golf means to me by the Christmas cards we receive with the golfing theme (thanks Dale and Nancy).

I read blogs like the Adam Sarson, Brewcee’s Golf Blog, Lets Talk Golf, Golf Habits, All About Golf and White Dragon Golf. Some commiserate with me about the cold weather and others keep me informed about the golfing world and helps me pass the 5 months of non-golfing in Canada. I like watching the golfing events around the world and see players like Sergio Garcia win tournaments in other parts of the world….and watch as he prepares for the Masters!

Lastly, I like to see people from different parts of the world look at my blog. Today, there were people from the US, Spain, South Africa, Malaysia, Finland, Germany and Australia. It is amazing how easy golfing blogs can touch different parts of the world. Another thing to be grateful for!

The holiday season is fast approaching and I am looking forward to a few days off and hanging with my best friend. I hope everyone is going to enjoy their holiday season.

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

Making A Difference In Someone’s Life

December 5, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Making a difference in someone’s life as easy as smiling and saying hello! Sometimes, it only takes a second change someone’s world. Just listening or offering a helping hand may be enough to make a difference. Any small positive token of acceptance can occur anywhere; even on the golf course. Golfers have a long history of helping others. There are many golf charities that raise money for the military, the homeless, cancer research, under privileged kids, and many more. All are important and provide support to those who may need it most.

Each year I try to play in charity golf tournaments or events to promote worth causes. It is a great way to give, play golf and support many charities. Last year, I participated in the True Patriot Love Foundation event in North Bay, Ontario and in the 8 Wing Commander’s Golf Tournament in support of the local United Way Charity.

Next year, I plan on helping organize some events because giving your time is as important was a financial donation. I believe it is important that everyone gives back and if we can do it through golf charities, then why not! The PGA leads by example by giving back all year; Together, anything’s possible.

On an unrelated note, but in the spirit of Christmas and giving, I wanted to bring your attention to a young 17-year-old Winnipeg artist whose video went viral back in 2011. Sean Quigley isn’t just a musician but is very involved in charity and social justice movements. When “little Drummer Boy” and its music video where released, CD’s were sold under one condition, “All the money has to go to charity” said Quigley. In collaboration with a local radio station, CD’s where pressed and sold out in a matter of hours. Their agreement was honoured and every penny made from CD sales went to an organization whose goal is to end homelessness and poverty in Quigley’s hometown of Winnipeg. Enjoy the video!

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

Golfers Elbow or Tennis Elbow

November 30, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Ouch That Hurts! Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your elbow while playing golf. It usually happens when making contact with the ball. When the pain is noticeable, some start to adjust their swing; change their grip; avoid sand shots; or use more foot wedges to place the ball on soft grass. As avid golfer continues to hit the links, they find the pain creeping into their everyday life. It becomes difficult to grasp anything with the affected arm, difficulty rolling your hand left to right and it sometimes aches. If this sounds familiar, well then you may have Golfers Elbow. Or do you?

Golfphysio.com states that: the elbow is subjected to large forces during a golf swing, especially an amateur golf swing, statistics indicate elbow complaints range from PGA circuit rate of 4% to amateur golfers 24% (includes both medial and lateral complaints in right and left elbows). The most common site of injuries is not on the “inside” – (medial aspect) of the elbow which has the name “golfers elbow”, but on the “outside” – (llateral aspect), traditionally termed “tennis elbow”. Regardless of the definition, ultimately only a medical professionals can diagnose your problem.

: Golfers Elbow – medial aspect
Tennis Elbow – lateral aspect

If you have a what you suspect is golfers / tennis elbow, the Mayo Clinic suggests the conservative measures such as:

See a doctor.
Rest.
Ice the affected area.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Stretch and strengthen the affected area.
Reduce the load on your elbow.
Consider other medications. I
Gradually return to your usual activities.
Ask your doctor when surgery is appropriate.

I have had, by the definition above, tennis elbow a couple of times through the years. It is not fun. It usually lasts about 2-3 months once I start to take care of the injury. To make sure it was nothing serious, I saw my doctor for diagnosis. Each time, my doctor suggested the Mayo Clinics conservative treatment.

After some research, it becomes difficult to figure out what caused the injury. It definitely has something to do with your swing or maybe the amount of golfing you are doing. In my case it the amount of golf (which is not really a bad thing to me) played. However, some suggest it may be your grip, downswing, follow through, contact point, angle of contact and on and on! Obviously, fixing your golf swing over the internet is almost impossible, so if the pain continues (besides seeing a doctor) talk to your local pro. There is a very good chance they can help.

There is one aspect of pain relief that worked very well for me. As suggested in the above video, it was a tensor bandage. I used (use) a tensor cuff with a velcro strap to snug it around my elbow. An important point for my success was that the tensor cuff had a gel square sewn into it. it. I placed the gel on my injured area (as shown above) and tighten it slightly. I found with this support, I played pain-free and helped promote recovery.

Golfers / Tennis elbow is a pain (sorry I could not help myself). It is a common injury that does effect all aspects of your game. It is important to address it quickly so it does not linger for an entire season. Just to be clear, I am not a medical professional and it is important to see your doctor before you start any medical treatment.

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