Where is Rory?

September 2, 2013September 2, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 11 Comments

Rory McIlroy is a fantastic player! He has all the tools to be one of the worlds best for years, however this year he is not living up to expectations. With only one second place finish, it is a far cry from the 4 wins, 2 second place and 1 third place finishes in 2012. Is it a sophomore jinx? Is the competition that much better this year? O has the high-flying Northern Ireland native burned out like a super nova?

Recently, much has been made about McIlroy changing over to Nike. The Bleacher Report suggests that his move has added additional pressure to his game and that he was not quite ready for the stress of the overwhelming expectations. Adding fuel to the fire, McIlroy created controversy by walking off the course just nine holes into his second round of the Honda Classic; this was just one month after signing a reported $20 million a year contract with Nike. So is it the equipment? Short answer – no. The number one player in the world uses Nike and has for years. Is there an adjustment period – probably. However, to blame the equipment entirely for this years woes would be too simplistic.

Many are pointing the finger at McIlroy’s relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. Some suggest that he is not spending the time focusing on his game. This may be a contributing factor to McIlroy’s challenges on the links, but is it really the factor? The 24-year old golf superstar is allowed to have outside interests and trying to build a relationship with someone does take effort and time. To suggest that he not put in the same effort in his personal life that he puts into his professional life is crazy! He should be having fun and enjoying life like in the video below! Life is about balance and harmony.

Has the stress of being uber-successful finally oozed into every aspect of his life? Being hounded, photographed, scrutinized, and analyzed every waking hour has to take its toll. The parasitic relationship that has evolved between player and fans will definitely sap your mental strength and Rory McIlroy is no different. Many would say that they would love to have his challenges of fame and fortune, but be careful of what you wish for; being under a microscope every waking hour may not be a glorious as you think. Golf is such a mental game and the current challenges faced by McIlroy on and off the course are so encompassing that it is no surprise that something had to give.

Is it McIlroy’s play this year? The Golf Channel recently reported, “The numbers don’t suggest any struggles. He ranks 11th on the PGA Tour with a 301.4 driving distance average; he’s 59th with a 69.52 greens in regulation percentage; he’s 23rd with a birdie average of 3.77. If there’s one interesting note about his ball-striking, it’s this: He hits 56.25 percent of greens in regulation from 125-150 yards; 65.45 percent from 150-175 yards; and 68.35 percent from 175-200 yards. He’s the rare player who seemingly hits his mid-irons closer than his wedges.” It is possible to play well and not score well! Being number four in the world is not all that bad; is it?

So, where is Rory? The Grateful Golfer suggests that he is right where he needs to be! The real challenges with is play and subsequent results stems from unrealistic expectations! The media and fans expect that a player of McIlroy’s calibre be able to play in the top two percent of his profession all the time. Well, not to disappoint everyone, but that is impossible. Rory McIlroy is a fantastic golfer. He is gifted with golfing talents rarely seen in all but a few players. He will regain his form of 2012 and surpass it very soon. There are still opportunities in 2013 for McIlroy to win a tournament or two; it is only September! In 2014, he will have a year under is belt, he will be a year older and wiser, he will have found his groove and returned to the ranks of the golfing elite!

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

Surviving The Open at Muirfield

July 20, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Surviving the Open at Muirfield

Lee Westwood could be the first Englishmen to win The Open since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992. Westwood has played extremely well through the first three rounds and has demonstrated that persistence and patience does pay off. Westwood’s greatest attribute to date has been his putting. His skill on the green resulted in being the only player to shoot sub-par rounds in the last two days!

As we watch 90 yard roll outs on the fairways, players hitting medium irons 270+ yards, bunkers that guard the course like soldiers on sentry, and greens that are faster than your kitchen floor, Muirfield Golf Course is a relentlenss beast that challenges the world’s best golfers!

Players said that the dry conditions and constant 15 mph wind almost makes the course unplayable. It is on the cusp of being unfair, but as the players continue to challenge the beast they are finding new and creative ways to keep their score low. Whether they are putting while standing 4 feet in a bunker or shooting eagles from the fairway, it is not difficult to understand why only so few players are breaking par each day.

The last round of the Open should prove to be as exciting as the first three. Regardless of what the odds makers have said, the winner is too difficult to call. However, watching the first three rounds, anyone at +3 or less has a chance to raise the Claret Jug!. Here is why:

Players at +3 are going out earlier than the leaders. All three days, Muirfield has player easier early in the morning than later in the day. If players like Sergio Garcia or Brandt Snedeker can post a 68 or 67 early, the leaders may have some difficulty keeping their scores low enough to win.

The wind picks up through the day. Each day the wind blew less during the morning rounds than the afternoon rounds. The few extra mph of wind, added to the dry conditions may just be enough to cause a major shift in the leaderboard.

Lastly, the famous unknown of the Open. Muirfield has demonstrated that the bounces off the uncountable knolls and bumps are unpredictable! None of the players really know how far the ball will release or how the undulating fairways will affect their ball. How many times have the pros raised their hands in a “you’ve got to be kidding me!” stance because the ball did something completely unpredictable!

The final round of the Open is going to as exciting as the first three! Given the current leaderboard, the Grateful Golfer predicts the following:

Lee Westwood
Ryan Moore
Phil Mickelson
Tiger Woods
Hunter Mahan

Prudence would suggest not betting on my prediction. However, we can all agree that it is high time an Englishman won The Open and brought the glory home!

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

Is G-Mac Ready for the Claret Jug?

July 15, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Is Graeme McDowell ready for the 142nd Open Championship at Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland? Born in the quiet town of Portrush, Northern Ireland, on 30 July 1979, he currently splits residence between his home town and Orlando, Florida. His self-professed career highlights are winning the 2010 US Open and being a three-time winner with Europe in the Ryder Cup. When not playing golf he loves hanging out with friends and family. He is top-tear player currently ranked sixth in the world. However, since turning pro in 2002, G-Mac has ridden the roller coaster of ups and downs like most professional golfers. This year is no different.

Winning three times this year between the European Tour and the PGA Tour, G-Mac appears to be ready for another Major. After winning the 2010 US Open Championship, G-Mac’s performance has been spotty. In 2011, he missed the cut in three of the four Majors. In 2012, he was in contention in all the Majors. His game was strong and his low hitting style seemed perfect for the pressures of playing in golf’s big four tournaments. However, in 2013, G-Mac has missed the cut at all the Majors. His hot and cold play has many analysts wondering if he is ready for the spot light again.

As his recent streaky play continues, results outside the Majors have not demonstrated that G-Mac has regained his former champions form. Winning the 45th RBC Heritage tournament at the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island in April; G-Mac demonstrated he was ready to “Get His Plaid On!”

Winning the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Bulgaria in May, G-Mac fought through the final round to clinch this prestigious European Tour event. His strong ball striking and rock-solid putting propelled him to his second win of the year.

Recently winning the ALSTOM OPEN DE FRANCE in early July by four strokes might indicate that G-Mac is in fine form and read for the Open next weekend. However, he was not in championship form prior to his recent win because he missed the cut in five of his last six stroke-play events.

“It’s been a funny year because my game hasn’t felt far away most weeks,” added McDowell. “But I’ve missed a lot of cuts and missing cuts hurts. That has certainly motivated me a lot these last few weeks.” (BBC Sport Golf)

Is G-Mac ready to raise the Claret Jug for the first time? At Golf.com, many leading experts have mixed feelings about G-Mac’s chances of winning the Open. Their trepidation centers on his lack of consistency this year and his poor performance at the Majors. However, some of the experts think a European is going to win this year and Graeme McDowell’s changes are as good as any. The real question is who is going to show up….professional G-Mac or amateur G-Mac!

Picking the Open Champion is difficult. Although never betting on a sporting event, nor supporting the idea, the number of factors that must be considered to select a winner are infinite. However, at betting-directory.com, 6 of 7 groups place Graeme McDowell odds of winning the Open at 25 to 1. Compared to other names on the list like Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Paul Casey, and Phil Mickelson, Graeme McDowell would appear to be a dark horse selection.

Graeme McDowell is a player who is well prepared, has the experience, and covets the Claret Jug. His up and down play lately is a cause for concern, however if he shows up on a hot streak, he will be hard to beat. G-Mac is a former champion and has the skills to win the Open. The only questions need answering: Is G-Mac Ready for the Claret Jug?

I am grateful golfer! See you on the links!

Lower Scores Less Stress

July 10, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Is the sun rising or setting?

Every golfer tries to shoot their best score each time out. Some times they are successful, sometimes not. I routinely go through streaks of good play and periods of OH MY GOD! Regardless, it is important to maintain a cool demeanor on the course.

Two weeks ago I shot a smooth 87. Yup, I can not believe it either. No matter what I tried, I could not score well. I was either shooting par or double bogey and nothing in between.

Five days ago, I shot a 1-over 72. Actually, I can believe this one because I carry about a 5-6 handicap. I had four birdies and thee bogeys and a double (grrrrr).

So what is the difference between the two rounds that I should build upon to maintain success on the links. After much introspection, I decided that lower stress about my game was a very important factor to my score of 72.

Early in each round I encountered a point where my short game skills were tested. During the high round, I had plenty of self-doubt and lack of confidence. Not sure why, but my attitude was poor. I made a poor chip and started to get frustrated and my stress started to climb. Unfortunately, I could not reverse this trend and poof, a score of 87!

During the great round, as I walked to the ball, I told myself that I can make this shot like a hundred times before. I confidently chose my 52 degree gap wedge and easily chipped the ball within 2 feet and putted in for par. Feeling very happy about the result, I continued with the positive attitude (even when I shot a double bogey) and it seemed that I just could not miss a shot. There was no stress at all during the entire round.

I am not sure exactly how to control my stress on the golf course, but I do know that a positive mental attitude definitely helps. It must be working because I have shot 72, 74 and 74 during my last three games…..and NO STRESS! And I am confident my good play will continue.

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

TEE IT FORWARD

July 6, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 15 Comments

With a goal of improving Canadian golfers’ overall enjoyment of the game, the Canadian PGA and Golf Canada support the TEE IT FORWARD initiative.

“TEE IT FORWARD is aimed at helping golfers have the best possible experience on the golf course by playing from a set of tees best suited to their abilities. The initiative encourages all golfers to play the course at a length that is aligned with their average driving distance.” (Golf Canada)

Driver Distance Recommended Yardages to play:

275 yards 6,700 – 6,900 yards
250 yards 6,200 – 6,400 yards
225 yards 5,800 – 6,000 yards
200 yards 5,200 – 5,400 yards
175 yards 4,400 – 4,600 yards
150 yards 3,500 – 3,700 yards
125 yards 2,800 – 3,000 yards
100 yards 2,100 – 2,300 yards

This not just a Canadian initiative, the PGA and USGA are supporting partners as well. “When you TEE IT FORWARD, you hit more lofted irons into greens, putt for birdies and pars more often and play faster and score better! Many amateurs are regularly hitting approach shots on a par-4 hole from 185 to 205 yards. The fact is, most bogey golfers only hit approach shots generally with any accuracy from within 170 yards. When you TEE IT FORWARD, you have the potential to hit approach shots from 145 to 165 yards.”

TEE IT FORWARD received great feedback in 2012 from golfers nationwide (USA) who reported:

56 percent of those who used TEE IT FORWARD played faster
56 percent indicated they are more likely to play golf more often
83 percent hit more lofted clubs into greens
85 percent had more fun
93 percent continue to TEE IT FORWARD

Coming Through!

The TEE IT FORWARD program is great for golf and last nights round is a perfect reason. My friend and I were playing behind a twosome of women, who in turn were playing behind a threesome of men. The threesome of men were very slow. So slow that the women played two balls each and were still waited on every hole. The men in front had several holes open in front of them and would not let the women play through. The most frustrating aspect of this entire ordeal is that the two of the men rarely hit the ball further than 150 yards! In stead of playing from the whites, they should have moved up to the golds. It makes a difference of about 30-50 yards a hole. It would definitely have sped up play. For those who may be asking, we did join the women and still had to wait!

TEE IT FORWARD is a great program for golf! It will definitely improve the pace of play and the enjoyment for those on the course. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!