May I Play Through!

April 7, 2013April 7, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 7 Comments

Ever hear the words, “Excuse me, May I Play Through!” Most courses want foursomes to play their round in approximately 4 hours. This is a reasonable pace and it allows everyone to enjoy his or her time on the links. Unfortunately, this is not always possible and golf etiquette suggests that when a hole behind, either speed up or let the group behind play through.

There are many definitions of playing through. A reasonable definition is allowing a faster group to proceed through a slower group if the hole ahead of the slower group is open (having no golfers playing it). The USGA suggests that it is best if the slower group invites the faster group to play through; however it is not uncommon for the faster group to politely ask the play through.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club talks about the pace of play and how to move quicker around the links and is a very good ready, but that discussion is for another day.

How exactly does a faster group play through. Of course, there are no written rules, but after discussion with many amateur golfers (who live this experience routinely), the following seems to be a consensus.

The first thing is to identity that your group is playing slowly and it is time to let the group behind play through. This may seem like an obvious statement, but some amateur players, to the chagrin of those waiting, just do not get it. I suggest your read the stories at about.com / golf about poor etiquette and slow play if you think that the first step is too obvious!

Second, once the decision is made to let them go through, which hole is best to expedite the passing. Many players say a par 3 is best; others suggest a par 4 or 5. I recommend a par 5 because it allows for the two groups and the groups behind to keep moving. If a par 5 is not possible, then a par 4 is your next best option. Lastly, a par 3.

Third, the best place is at the tee box. While waiting for the other group to arrive, the slow group should all tee off. Then, the fater group should tee off as well. I know, most of you are saying that there are 8 ball is play, but not for long.

Fourth, everyone walks to his or her ball. This is important; everyone walks to his or her ball. The slow group will wait at their ball until the faster group hits and gets out of range. Then the slow group will proceed as normal. This important step is often overlooked and if not followed, usually causes congestion for the groups coming up behind.

If on a par 3 and already in play, the slow group should wave the faster group forward. After the faster group has hit, the slow group should putt out until the faster group arrives. Then, the slow group should stop; allow the faster group to finish. Once finished, the slow group should finish and proceed to the next tee box. Usually, the faster group is gone and the slow group has a very short, if any, wait on the tee box.

A couple of questions that are continually asked about lower handicappers and professionals. If the round of golf is supposed to be 4 hours, why does it take “the good players” 5-6 hours to play around of golf? When “the good players” are taking their time, they never seem hurried by the Marshall; why is that? How come “the good players” are less likely to let faster amateurs play through…ego maybe?

It is important to understand the allowing faster groups to pass through is golf etiquette for everyone! It does not mean that things have gone wrong with your game, but it does suggest that learning to play a little faster may be in your future. Additionally, the above simple process will ensure that everyone enjoys their round of golf and within a reasonable time.

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

Managing Expectations

April 4, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Managing expectations has a tremendous impact on everyone’s life. We may not know it, but it can elicit various responses that will shape our mood, outlook, and attitude of day-to-day events.

Recently, I played in a curling fun-spiel. It consisted of 30 teams of various skill levels. On our team, I was the most experienced as I had curled a couple of times before. So we set out our expectations early; contribute as much as possible and don’t get hurt! As we played through each game, we laughed, poked fun, and made some great shots. Our light-hearted approach landed as runner-ups to the fun-spiel champions. We managed our expectations early and thus had a fantastic day! Others who expected to do better have a different view of that days events.

Managing expectations also applies in golf. How we feel about our latest round is directly related to how we expected to play that day. How many of us have shot 100 or 90 or 80 or 70 and felt we had a fantastic round. We exceeded our expectations of that day and felt awesome about our golf game. After playing well last time, we shoot the same score and walked off disappointed, frustrated and wondering what went wrong. Most of the time, nothing went wrong, we just expected to do better!

So how can managing expectations improve our score? I think it is important to always expect more out of our game, but as Albert Einstein defined Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. To properly manage expectations, it is important to understand your strengths and weaknesses and what we can actually achieve. Additionally, it is important to do something by working on our putting, chipping, pitching, etc. Then and only then can we really manage our expectations properly.

To expect something different from your game is a good thing, but working at your game is equally important. How do you manage your expectations?

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

What Golfers Will Do!

March 24, 2013March 25, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

Sergio Garcia is in the spotlight again. The Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Golf and Country Club always produces things to talk about. Right now, many media outlets are talking about Garcia’s climb up a tree to play the ball out to the fairway. It can be seen at PGATOUR.COM.

I, however, what to talk about another shot that Sergio made during the second round. Unlike Nicholas Thompson who hit the ball out of the water hazard to within 2 feet of the pin, Garcia hit a ball, it landed on the bank in the hazard and jumped back into the water. He could not play the ball the second time and took a drop adjacent to the spot he took his swing.

While watching, I was confused how they figure out the point of entry in the red staked hazard. I did not see the ball go into the hazard, but must assess that his point of entry into the hazard would not have changed regardless if he tried the shot or not.

I realize this sounds confusing. Well I am confused. I have not encountered this situation before so I need some help. I believe that rule 26 applies, but since he took a shot, missed and it stayed in the hazard….does it still apply? Can someone explain which rule to apply and number of stroke penalty Sergio Garcia should be assessed?

A Change is as Good as a Rest!

March 16, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Recently, I visited my family who I have not seen in quite some time. During our visit, I was caught up on all the news, entertained by the young and potential golfers (well everyone is a potential golfer in my eyes) and realized how much I miss visiting these fantastic people. During many of the interesting conversations, I thought how refreshed I felt and how energized I was when we had to say good-bye.

This fantastic visit had a positive impact on my attitude and energy level. As always, I wondered how my experience could be applied to golf. After much contemplation, I think I have it: a change is a good as a rest in golf? I would say a change is absolutely good for your golf game.

I and many golf advocates talk about consistency, repetition, and staying focused. Of course this is very important. But what do we do when we hit the wall and all our efforts do not result in any tangible improvement in our game. I suggest making a change. Specifically, play a different course!

Playing a different course will help change your mental thought processes towards your game. I know, many are saying no way, but how many of us are choosing the same club on the same hole even before we get to the tee. On our home course, we know which club we want to use (whether it is the right club or not), when, and where. After ten rounds in two weeks, this approach may become stale and actually have a negative affect on our score.

Many websites provide information on vacations, rating and walking of golf courses. Sites like: Golf Vacation Insider, World Golf, The Walking Golfer, Golf Association of Ontario, Dallas Divot Report, and Gorilla Golf. All are valuable resources when choosing local or destination golf excursions.

Regardless, the benefits of periodically playing different courses throughout the golf season will only improve your game. It will keep you mentally strong, focused and provides many new experiences. I like to play about 10 different courses throughout the year. An added bonus is that playing different courses helps check if my handicap is real or not! Additionally, It is fun, challenging and as the Mindful Golfer says: Golf is a Contact Sport. Meeting new people is always a grateful experience.

How many courses do you try to play during the year?

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

I Need To Work On My Swing!

March 11, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

I have heard this statement so many times that I wonder if people really mean it! “I need to fix my swing”. Yet they never do; they ask a player with a 20 handicap for tips…not sure that is a recipe for success. Each swing is unique to each player. Of course we would all like to swing like Ben Hogan, but that is usually not the case.

The Bleacher Report covers the Top 20 swings of all time. I am sure, that after you look at it, you can come up with many players who could make that list. Ultimately, they all have the same basic swing and the results are in their successes.

But what about the rest of us! We do not have that smooth take away or high follow through that ensures consistent results all the time….but do you really need it! I remember pros like Ray Floyd and Lee Trevino who had less than text-book swings, but were very successful. Also, look at this video of pros who have swings that you do not want to duplicate.

As you can see, even swings that are not text-book can still lead to success. Moe Norman, considered one of the best ball strikers of all time had an ugly swing. But could he hit a ball!

Ultimately, your swing is your swing. Sometimes it is best just to embrace what you can do and not worry so much about what you cannot. If you do decide to change, it is best to see your local club pro or a PGA professional (like Rick Williams at mindbodygolf.com). They will be able to help you work out all the kinks. Tips from your friends is probably not the best way to solve your swing problems.

In closing, if you are deciding to buy a new $500 dollar driver thinking it will fix your swing…may I suggest you save $400 and take two lessons before you buy new equipment!

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