How many golf balls do you take to the putting green when it is time to practice? Many times we just grab some balls, drop them on the green, and start putting away. We do it unconsciously and after banging the ball from hole to hole; then we pick up our golf balls and head to the first tee. We are creatures of habit and it is to our detriment. Putting is a skill that requires focus and when do it all without thinking, then we have wasted the time on the putting green.
Continue readingDiscussion
Hitting My Golf Ball Out Of Bounds
Other than a few choice words, what can I really say about hitting my ball out of bounds. For me, it is one of the most frustrating shots in golf. I say this because I have to be well off my intended target to reach the out of bounds. However, as with all things in golf, it happens from time to time. The challenge for such a wayward shot is how I respond both emotionally and mentally. I can honestly say that in my early years of playing, I was not a very good athlete because of my poor response to going out of bounds.
Continue readingLending Golf Clubs To Friends
Over the years I have collected a few golf clubs that I keep as spares. They are mainly used as a loaner set to friends who are visiting and want to hit the links. I have a left handed set (almost full) several right handed sets, two ladies sets and two kids sets. They all sit in the garage just waiting for someone to use them. I do not mind lending my old clubs to other players for a round or to give them a trial run.
Continue readingReacting To A Fantastic Golf Shot
I am fairly confident that if you have shown any interest in the WM Phoenix Open on the weekend, you would have watched the hole in one by Sam Ryder. It was a fantastic shot the resulted in an enthusiastic response from the fans. If you have not seek it, take a look:
The reaction from the crowd garnered some positive and negative comments across social media. I watched live on TV and was amazed at the craziness that ensued. The amount of debris (looked like beer containers) thrown on the par 3, 16th hole was a bit over the top for many. Personally, I think the response from the fans was exactly what the organizers and media outlets expected.
The stadium hole is designed to provide an atmosphere of excess. There is little doubt that the organizers want the fans to be interactive with the players. And littering the hole with beverage containers was expected. Why expected you might say? Well, there were about 30 people (likely volunteers) clearing away the litter once the fans quieted down after a minute of so. Yes, there was a delay in play what the antics the many unfolded, but again I will suggest that the organizers planned for this type of response.
Personally, I am not fussed by the over-the-top reaction of the fans. The 16th hole at the Phoenix Open is designed as a venue like no other in golf. It is designed to allow the fans to be interactive with the players. Every player understands what happens when you play the 16th hole and as such should be prepared to be booed, cheered or experience an over-the-top response to a hole in one. I would not support other venues like the 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open, but I do for this one event for professional golf.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
How Important Is Your Second Shot In Golf?
In just about every conversation about golf, the drive and putt appear to be the main focus of discussion. The drive is usually related to distance and the putt to how it rolled into the hole. I can see that these dynamic shots would stick in many players minds, however I would suggest the second shot is as or more important to the other previously mentioned golf shots. I realize this might fly in the face of many discussions on The Grateful Golfer, but if you think about it, the second shot is critical to how every round sets up!
Continue reading
The Grateful Golfer 