The Joys of Golf

October 29, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

Well tomorrow I am heading to visit my friends in the UK. I anticipate that we will laugh, joke, tell stories and of course hit the links! Despite the obvious, my trip offers many things for which I am grateful. My gratitude is not limited to being able to play golf in 18 degree weather in November, but is much larger than that!

Introspection allows me to look deep inside and realize that many of my joys in life have been a result of playing golf! Golf has afforded me the opportunity to travel, meet extremely interesting people, strike up conversations with complete strangers and provide me a light when I had to crawl out of dark places in my life!

I would be foolish to think that golf is the most important thing in my life because that is just not true. My wife, daughter, son in law and health are by far most important to me, however golf provides an opportunity to experience other joys for which I am grateful.

As I prepare for my trip to see my friends, I am grateful for the opportunity share great times on and off the golf course. I am grateful for the opportunity to play golf in the UK. I am grateful for the experience of playing golf on my friends home course and meet many of the people he talks about. And I am grateful for the 2 strokes aside he will give me!

The joys of golf are unique to each person. Only you can decide what drives your passion to play! Regardless, being grateful and mindful of what is being offered to you everyday will open many doors to happiness on and off the course!

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

Passion, Pleasure, Pain, Pity… Why I PAY to play Golf!!

October 27, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

Well this sums up how most of think about golf! Thanks Golf On The Links for putting our thoughts on paper!

lifeonthelinks

Let’s start off by stating the obvious, the essential point for this article. Golf is my passion! Golf; that silly game that has an endless pursuit to burn through money, exhaust time, fuel fantasy like dreams and desires only to eventually and ironically crush them. Why are we so in love with this game? At first glance, the sport seems like a destiny for disaster, a guaranteed outlet for pain, frustration and self-loathing pity. Many golfers should have accepted these simple facts years ago in their own quests at understanding the true nature behind their voluntary intentions to try and play the game. So the question turns to; why do we play? Or better yet, why do we PAY to play a sport that can be as irritating or frustrating as this one? Like many things in life, there rarely is one clear answer to any subjected question. So why…

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2014 Ryder Cup – Day 3 Predictions

September 28, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / Leave a comment

As I wait for the 2014 Ryder Cup Matches to start I thought it would be fun to predict today’s winners. My decision is based on how well the individuals have played to date, who they are playing against and the order they are playing.

From the outset, it is obvious that the European team’s line-up, they are trying to win early. However, it will not be until Sergio Garcia sinks his put on the 18th hole do the Europeans get to celebrate! So here it goes:

Jordan Spieth 2 and 1
Henrick Stenson 1 up
Rickie Fowler 3 and 2
Justin Rose 2 and 1
Phil Mickelson 1 up
Martin Kaymer 3 and 2
Matt Kuchar 2 and 1
Sergio Garcia 1 up
Ian Poulter 1 up
Keegan Bradley 1 up
Jimmy Walker 2 and 1
Victor Dubuisson 4 and 3

Final Score Europe 16 – US 12.

What do you think?

I am a grateful golfer! Let the games begin.

2014 Ryder Cup – Day 2

September 27, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 8 Comments

Day 2 of the 2014 Ryder Cup has come and gone. The quick start by the US Team brought hope to many of their faithful followers. Unfortunately, their performance in the afternoon dampened the spirits of many US golfing fanatics.

On the flip side of the equation, the European Team did not panic after a slow start in the morning. Like Day 1, they played very well in the afternoon and now hold a commanding lead heading into the singles competition. Leading 10 to 6, the Europeans have to win 4 matches before the US wins 9 to remain Ryder Cup Champions!

If you are wondering, here is the lineup for tomorrow:

So the real question for tomorrow is whether the US team can dig deep and come out swinging. I would suggest that they need at least 4 quick wins to have a chance at winning. Closing the gap to 10-10 will even the playing field (no pun intended) and neutralize the European’s 13th player: The Fans!

If the US can pull off a miracle tomorrow, then maybe they will enter the history books as one of the greatest emotional finishes at the Ryder Cup.

I am a grateful golfer! Expecting awesome golf on Day 3!

2014 Ryder Cup – Day 1

September 26, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

There should be no surprise that the European Ryder Cup team is leading the US Ryder Cup Team by 2 points. After a shaky start, the Europeans rallied and scored 3.5 points in the afternoon session of Day 1. With 8 matches complete, it is time for the pundits to start second guessing the Captains and offer unsolicited advice on how to improve the team’s standing during play on Day 2. I however, do not see the value in second guessing the team Captains, but see the value in being grateful for the great golf on Day 1.

My approach might be a little altruistic, but I would not be ‘The Grateful Golfer’ if I used the US Team Captain, Tom Watson, as a punching bag. I would suggest that his game plan was solid and if not for a couple bounces here and there the score would be tied. Continuing on my positive approach to the play on Day 1, here is what I would like to share:

Rickie Fowler’s approach on the 16th hole in the afternoon was the shot of the day!
Sergio Garcia’s chip in from the sand in the morning and his stellar play in the afternoon!
Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed walked the walk!
Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose are looking like the team to beat!
The Scottish crowd was awesome! They truly understand the game of golf!

Here are some other fantastic highlights of today’s matches!

The Ryder Cup is a fantastic event. Each team understands the value of never quitting, never giving up, and grinding out a half point that could be the difference between winning and losing. The only prediction I have is that tomorrow’s play will be more of the same! Great moments, more highlights, and fantastic sportsmanship! Each of these professionals is a true gentleman whose desire to win their match is only eclipsed by their desire to win as a team!

I am a grateful golfer! I can hardly wait until tomorrow!