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!

What Makes People Laugh

February 7, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

What makes people laugh? Really, what does make people laugh on the golf course. Everyone is different and each situation has the potential to bring a smile to your face. This topic is very interesting because golf should not be all about focus, mental imagery, a perfect swing, or scoring low. It is important to enjoy yourself on the course; it really helps lighten the load.

Many years back I was playing in a tournament to make a military team. I was in the last group and playing with three friends. We had played on the team for several years together and were very comfortable with how each other played. My friend was the last to tee off on the first hole and the rest of us were watching in silence. For the first time ever, my friend whiffed his drive, the ball hit red tee marker, went up in the air and landed three feed behind him. At first, the three of us were shocked, but then could not hold in our laughter! We know this is very cruel and we should not have laughed, but we could not resist. My friend, after the fact, told us he was amused as well and said he did everything in his power not to laugh as well. After the tough start, he shot extremely well and finished second overall.

Other thing that make me laugh is hitting the ball out of a sand trap over the green into another sand trap. It reminds me of the movie “Happy Gilmore” and I say I spend more time in the sand than David Hasselhoff.

When I four putt, I laugh so I do not cry!

Finally, I laugh at the goofy freaking lies I get in the middle of the fairway. I know, but I really find them amusing.

There are many things that make people laugh on the golf course, whats your favorite?

Phil Does It Again!

February 4, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Congratulations Phil Mickelson! He played extremely well and as one of my favorite players, I was very happy to watch him lead the Waste Management Phoenix Open Tournament from wire to wire. His putt on the 17th hole in the fourth round actually was the shot of the tournament.

Image from: http://wmphoenixopen.com/category/photos/

16 hole WM Phoenix Open

Watching the tournament, I wondered if the players really enjoyed the 16th hole. It was a football stadium style, produced an abundance of noise, and allowed the players to interact with the fans….or was it the other way around.

I for one, enjoyed the 16th hole. It looked like the players had fun. They gave out lots of swag and provided an opportunity to really feel the pressure of the fans. It is an outstanding venue that provides the Waste Management Phoenix Open with something unique to draw fans.

I would not suggest that every tournament should have such a whole, but in this case it was every entertaining. After all, that is why we watch golf on TV…entertainment.

What do you think?