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!

Titleist Vokey Wedge

March 4, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

As I said yesterday, I did go to golf town and bought a new 56 degree 11 degree bounce Titleist Vokey wedge. I went with the SM2 not the SM4. For the $40 difference, I can live with the reality that it may be illegal in 2020. Until then, I am good to go!

One interesting thing happened while in the golf store. As usual, I went to the putting green (artificial) and tried all the new putters. I tried the New Odessey putter, Callaway, Nike, Titleist, Scott Cameron, and others. The prices ranged from $350 to $75. You know what I found, I putted the exact same way with each putter.

I used a mallet, blade, offset, goof heads, traditional heads….they were all the same. So it started me thinking and I decided that I did not need to buy a new putter. I bought a new putter grip for $8. I figure that my old “Billy Beru” will do just fine for another year.

The point about my story is that new equipment is not always the answer. Sometimes it is important to purchase new technology, but really, how much does it change from year to year. That answer is really up to you!

So, did anyone buy new equipment this year? If you did, what do you hope it helps improve in your game?

Well, see you on the links!

Buying a New Sand Wedge

March 3, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Today is the day! I have waited, researched, and mulled over the purchase of a new sand wedge. Currently, I use a 30-year-old Ping Eye 2 Black Dot that has been golden for many years. But, I rarely use it in the fairway because the bounce is too high….so it is time to retire one of my favorite clubs.

On an earlier post, “Choosing a New Wedge” I went through all the aspects to consider and linked you to Goldsmith.com for a more in-depth discussion. I used these two sites extensively. They were very helpful and greatly aided in my decision.

Next, I look at reviews. Reviews are very important to cut through the hype of advertisement. Virtually every site I went too rated the Titleist Vokey Wedge as the top wedge to buy. Additionally, I looked at customer reviews because the average golfer has plenty to say and generally are more honest. The Titleist Vokey Wedge still came out on top. Next, I went to the Titleist website and found a very good guide to Vokey Wedges with information that could be applied when choosing any wedge.

After all of this, I have chosen to by the Titleist Vokey 56 degree wedge with an 8 degree bounce. When I hit the links, I will let you know how my decision made out. \Well, I am off to Golf Town….any thoughts?

Lowering Your Score…..or Not

March 1, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

I decided to do some research on how to lower my golf score. Everyone, even single digit handicappers, looks for ways to lower their score. I have to say I was a little disappointed at the number of websites that were more interested in selling stuff than helping people improve their game. I guess that is why I am the grateful golfer for all those people who give free advice without wanting anything in return…but that is a completely different conversation.

I have my own views on lower your score, but during my search I did find a 2005 article from GOLFTIPS that struck a chord. It outlines five tips that would be helpful to lower ones score. The are

Hit To The Fat Part Of The Green
Play Golf, Not Golf Swing
Monitor Your Tempo And Rhythm
Be Positive
Know When To Leave The Driver In The Bag, Baby

I have talked about these tips in one form or another, but what I like best is the simplicity of the points. Basically, play within yourself. Pretty simple. Unfortunately, the ego has a tendency to sabotage that plan. I guess that is why we are not Pros!

Lowering your score in golf is one of the most difficult goals to accomplish. It takes disciple, desire and sometimes laughing at yourself. Regardless of your handicap, lowering your golf score can be achieved….it really depends on how important it is to enjoying the game!

See you on the links!