I do not wear a golf glove and I am not affiliated with FootJoy, however the information about a well fitting glove was worth sharing!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Grateful Golfer
The Grateful Golfer!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
After a week off from golf, I had time to reflect about my season and my golf experiences. I have to say, that I am a grateful golfer! For the past 10 years my game has improved both in score and experience. However, since starting The Grateful Golfer Blog in May 2012, all aspects of my golf game have improved! A year ago, I wrote a blog titled “What is Important in Golf” and that list has not changed. But I have a few new things to be grateful for:
- The continued support from my beautiful wife! She keeps me grounded and focused on what is important in life and golf.
- The new friends I have met at the Roundel Glen Golf Course. Their positive attitude keeps me motivated!
- The awesome golf tips I receive from White Dragon Golf, All About Golf, the Crunchy Golfer, and MindBodyGolf. Also, their continued support for the past two years; they make it fun to talk about golf!
- Connecting with hundreds of people from around the world who share the same passion I have for golf!
- The support from strangers when things are not going well. The always extend words of encouragement!
- Learning how to control my ego – this resulted in fewer errors in course management and lower scores!
- How golf continues to teach me things about myself and others! It is a gentlemen’s game and by keeping that philosophy, it has helped shape some of the positive aspects of my life!
- For my best scoring season ever! The conversations, tips, hits, drills and positive support from everyone has helped lower my handicap to 2.8. The lowest ever!
- The laughs, joys, jokes, and camaraderie I have with my regular golfing group. I look forward to our weekend games and appreciate their company every time!
As you can see, my being grateful is not completely tied to how I score on the golf course. This year, I did play well, but I attribute much of my success to those around me. The have all helped reshape how I approach my golf game and as a result, I have experienced many great things on and off the course. There is no question that Norman Vincent Peale was correct when he said “Change your thoughts and you change your world!”
Thank you to everyone who reads, comments, supports, advises, and passes on my ramblings! Golf is a fantastic sport, but the real treasure is in the connections we make with other golfing fanatics!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Golf Quotes That Make You Think!
- One of the most fascinating things about golf is how it reflects the cycle of life. No matter what you shoot – the next day you have to go back to the first tee and begin all over again and make yourself into something. – Peter Jacobsen
- Golf is a compromise between what your ego wants you to do, what experience tells you to do, and what your nerves let you do. – Bruce Crampton
- I’ve heard people say putting is 50 percent technique and 50 percent mental. I really believe it is 50 percent technique and 90 percent positive thinking, see, but that adds up to 140 percent, which is why nobody is 100 percent sure how to putt. – Chi Chi Rodriguez
- Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated. – Arnold Palmer
- Competitive golf is played mainly on a five-and-a-half-inch course… the space between your ears. – Bobby Jones
- Find a good teacher that will keep the game fun. Work hard and don’t be afraid to have success or disappointment. That is what golf is all about. – Paula Creamer
- But in the end it’s still a game of golf, and if at the end of the day you can’t shake hands with your opponents and still be friends, then you’ve missed the point. – Payne Stewart
- They call it golf because all the other four letter words were taken. – Ray Floyd
- Golf is won on 6 inches of real-estate! The space between your ears! – The Grateful Golfer
- 100% of short putts never go in! – The Grateful Golfer
- If you want to test your ability to handle pressure, make difficult decisions, and to conquer self-doubt; I suggest you take up golf! – The Grateful Golfer
- Self-talk empowers….self-doubt erodes a golfer’s confidence. – The Grateful Golfer
These quotes hit home today. Golf provides so many fun times, challenges, and opportunities to grow as a person. I am feel particularly grateful today!
How about you?
Which quote do you like the best and why?
Or if you have a different favorite, please share!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Golfing In Ireland
Golfing in Ireland is on my bucket list! Ireland, Scotland and the United Kingdom hold a special place in my heart as places to golf. Until I have the opportunity to play in these three countries, and it will happen, this dream will stay alive and be fulfilled one day. In the meantime, I live vicariously through those who do golf in the promised land. My friend Kirk details his play at his home course of Northwood Golf Club in the UK. Also, he recently kept me spell-bound as he explained his round at St Andrews Old Course. Both sound amazing!
Ireland was the only country left of the three where I did not have any connection….until seven days ago. Through the power of social media, I was fortunate enough to talk to Patrick Mc Laughlin and Gary McLaughlin. (They are brothers, however spell their last names differently) It all started when they posted a picture of the signature hole at the Slieve Russel Hotel Golf and Country Club, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, Ireland.
Straight over the SR sign or bail out right? @jmacrock @lochlainn1 good par 5 this one, pic.twitter.com/GWjBR3zkl2
— Gary McLaughlin (@Garymc_) July 21, 2014
@Garymc_ @lochlainn1 @jmacrock Aim over the sign and if it is miss hit, would bail out to the right! What a beautiful Par 5! My #GAF is high
— The Grateful Golfer (@TheGratefulGolf) July 21, 2014
After answering this challenge, the conversation was on. He said that the Slieve Russell Golf and Country Club is a great place to play! In fact, he and his brother were playing there the next day and I asked them to send pictures. This is what they sent.
Playing the 11th hole – The Haunted Heron
Patrick Mc Laughlin – 2nd shot lay up from bunker at 13th
Patrick Mc Laughlin – 12th tee shot, hit driver and 52* to 6ft but missed 😦
Patrick Mc Laughlin – 13th drove into bunker across the fairway
Not to be out done, the Slieve Russell Hotel sent this picture and comment along!
@TheGratefulGolf @lochlainn1 @Garymc_ in this weather it really is awesome ! pic.twitter.com/JqcKSpSwKu
— Slieve Russell Hotel (@Slieverussell) July 24, 2014
Patrick Mc Laughlin and Gary McLaughlin both agree that the course is in awesome shape. The greens are fast and true and the fairways immaculate. The brief encounter with these two golf fanatics further increases my desire to play in Ireland. Actually, The Slieve Russell Hotel Golf and Country Club has made my bucket list.
I want to thank Patrick and Gary for taking the time to send me these awesome pictures. I am grateful you took the time and effort to share your experience on The Slieve Russell Golf Course.
If anyone wishes to use the pictures sent by Patrick and Gary, please contact them and ask permission as they have the sole rights to duplication.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Day One – Ontario Regional Golf Championship
Garrison Golf and Curling Club
Well, today was awesome! The first round of the Military Ontario Regional Golf Championship is in the books. After a 2-hour rain delay, the sun shone bright and warmed up the players and the competition. With fears of 36 holes tomorrow due to the rain delay, all competitors were very happy to get the first 18 holes under their belts. The maintenance staff at the Garrison Golf and Curling Club are doing a fantastic job keeping the course open considering the conditions!
Currently, I am tied for 4th. After shooting a hard-fought 75. As a result of my score, I will be in the second group of men heading out at 0830 hours tomorrow morning. At this time, the leading scores are 71, 72, 73. There is another score at 75 and two guys at 76. This is the tightest regional competition I have been to in years. 8 Wing Trenton is second in the team competition, trailing by 2 strokes, behind to CFB Petawawa.
Torrential Rain at Garrison Golf and Curling Club
This yearly competition is three-tiered. During each leg, the competition is tougher and the players more experienced. A bonus of this competition is the chance to re-acquaint with old friends. I have competed against many of these players for years. It is always a great time as stories are swapped and tales are spun. Interestingly, the stories are getting more dramatic and the tales a bit longer each year. But, that is the fun of getting together with old friends.
Tomorrow will be a different game. Because of the crazy amount of rain today, the tournament officials modified the rules of play. We played Lift-Clean-Place through the green. This means that each player could mark their ball, clean it, and place it back in the same spot – but with a better lie. Also, the bunkers (or should I say swimming pools) were out of play because they were filled with water. Tomorrow, it will be play-the-ball where it lies. This will change the dynamics of the game and I expect some scores to be higher. Regardless, it is going to be fun and exciting all at the same time.
I want to thank the staff at the Garrison Golf and Curling Club and the PSP organizers for hosting this years competition. They are doing an outstanding job and their efforts are greatly appreciated!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
Last Appearance of the Duck! Going Back the UK this weekend!
