One of golf’s long standing debates is whether distance or accuracy is important off the tee. Depending on the level of a player’s golf skill the answer will vary. I have always been an accuracy advocate because being in play off the tee more often than not has led to many low golf scores. On the days I am shooting around par, I hit the ball straight and relatively long. I was in play with all my shots especially off the tee. Having said this, being able to hit the ball long is important on some courses and having that skill in my bag is very important. Which do you think fits your game the most?
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Choosing The Right Club From 160 Yards
Many golfers have a challenge selecting the proper club from a mid iron distance. In my case, this distance ranges from 160 to 180 yards. I have clubs on either side of this distance that I can comfortably hit, however using a 6 or 5 iron in that distance range does not always produce the consistent results that I crave. I am not sure why this is the case, but I think it has something to do with my ball position. I will have to study that a bit more in the future, but for now, I have a quick fix that works for my game.
Continue readingDo You Use Hybrids While Playing Golf?
The question in the heading of this article might seem silly considering that hybrids are in most if not all golf bags. They are open an opportunity for players, like myself, to improve their long iron game. I have used hybrids for a very long time because I feel that they offer a better opportunity for success when hitting those longer shots. The challenge that most amateurs have is knowing how to properly hit hybrids in order to glean the most distance and control from each hit. Once we master these clubs, then it opens a whole new world on the golf course.
Continue readingThe Challenge Of Golfing In Snow
If you live in the northern climes, then golfing in the snow is inevitable. As the cold weather creeps in and there is little chance or reprieve, golfing when the white rain appears will happen. In my earlier years, I definitely would hit the links while the temperatures hovered around 0° C or 32°F. On many occasions I would would have toques, gloves, many layers, and a face warmer on just to be able to hit the links. Now tha that I am in the back nine of my career hitting the links when there is a chance of snow is a no go for me. It does not eliminate the challenge of golfing in the snow for many, just not going to be an issue for my game.
Continue readingPracticing Off Of Range Mats – Good or Bad?
Many practice facilities use mats vice grass for their hitting area. This is not uncommon where I live because the mats are much easier to maintain. There are some courses that have both mats and grass where the usage will depend on weather and ground conditions. Regardless, I personally do not like hitting off mats at the range because I find that I do not glean the same feedback from the ball flight. This might seem strange, but I have used enough mats to understand that there is a major difference in my practice sessions when I do not hit on grass.
<!–more–)Early in the golf season, mats are use exclusively in norther climes. Using the grass at the range causes unrepairable damage early in the season. Hence, mats are used to protect the practice area. Unfortunately, this slows my process of knowing off the winter’s rust. Below is a good example:
I was hitting behind the ball and yet still produced a decent ball flight. I realize my set up position is wrong and I corrected that challenge immediately. However, if I was not paying attention to where my ball was first making contact with the mat I would have thought all was right with my golf swing.
I do believe that golf mats have a place at the practice range. Given where I live, they provide a valuable service to avid golfers like myself. It is a matter of understanding how to garner the most benefit from using a range mat. Because I have a DIY indoor driving range for the winter months, I am learning to lightly tough my driving mat with all my clubs. It actually helps come spring, but I will save that conversation for later.
Ultimately, this is the question:
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 