Over the last two weeks, I’ve been posting my 2013 Golf GIF Roundups, broken down into several ‘Best Of’ categories. Today, we come to the end of the line as we take a look back at the 2013 season of Phil Mickelson.
Phil Mickelson had quite the year in 2013, with more highs and lows than a lot of players will see over an entire career. The near 59 at the Waste Management kicked it off, and after another runner-up finish at the U.S. Open, Mickelson did the unthinkable and actually won across the pond on back-to-back weeks at the Scottish Open and the Open Championship. Seeing Mickelson lift the Claret Jug is something I never thought I’d witness…
Ian Hardie talks about something that drives regular golfers crazy! Thanks Ian for another great article!
I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!
Generating more power in your golf swing usually equates to greater distance. And who wouldn’t want more distance off the tee and fairway. Would increasing your distance off the tee by 10-20 yards make that much difference in your game. Most golfers would yell a resounding YES! Unfortunately, most amateurs do not have the skill to just change their swing and generate that extra power needed to move to the next level.
After a quick search, answering the question – how to generate more power in your golf swing – may not be as easy as it seems. There are many reasons for not generating power in your golf swing and Professional golfer Micheal Campbell outlines six possible reasons:
Reverse Pivot
Sway or Sliding
Early Turn
Over Turn
Collapsing at the Top
Rolling Arms
If you are novice player, you are saying okay….but…..how do I tell if any of these reasons apply to me? These six points are very important and he provides solutions that make sense. I am sure there are other reasons, but to list everything that can possibly go wrong is not really helpful for the weekend looper.
So, where do we start? What exactly are we doing wrong? How do we know if it is helping? Where do I find the answers? These are all great questions.
The first step is to set a goal. Through the winter, I traditionally set three. The first for this year is to focus on generating more power to consistently gain 20 yards off the tee.
Second step is to do the research. Reading golf blogs like Hitting It Solid by Troy Vayanos or All About Golf by Brian Penn, provides an endless supply advice on a wide variety of topics. Personally, I find this very helpful. I enjoy reading and trying new tips, skills and ideas to improve my swing.
Last step is to use your newly learned skills on the range. In my case that will be next March! Unfortunately, an eight-month golfing season is the price you pay for living in an awesome country like Canada. Regardless, using the skills is a vital step to improving your game.
One last point, if you do not know where to turn, try taking lessons from a pro. It definitely provides a positive environment with a knowledgeable instructor that will improve your game. Going to PGA members like Rick Williams at mindbodygolf.com may be the best investment you make in a while!
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links….in four months!
How elusive is your golf dream? If 100 people were asked this question, 101 answers would be given. Chasing your dream in golf is very difficult, stressful, fun and exciting all at the same time. It is all a matter of perception.
The famous quote that “Perception is reality” absolutely applies to all golfers. In golf, many players have the dream of turning pro, hitting a hole-in-one, breaking par, breaking 100 or winning a nickel off their buddy during their Saturday money game. That is all dreams are; a varying degree of perception.
Through the years, my dreams have changed. Mostly, they changed as my skill level increased. Thus, my perception of what is acceptable on the course changed and logically my reality changed. In turn, I continue to chase my elusive golf dream. For example:
I wanted a hole-in-one. I now have 3 and chase 5!
I wanted to break par. I have done so several times and now want too every year.
I am still chasing the extremely albatross….came close once – 2 inches.
But are these really dreams or milestones. It depends on who you talk to and how they perceive their game of golf.
Other golf dreams may include things like golfing with fellow bloggers who live around the world. Playing golf with my wife and daughter. Regularly playing golf with my friend in the UK and letting him win. Golfing in New Zealand or Australia. Playing St. Andrews. Always living for the moment on the golf course. Helping someone start golf. The list can go on and on.
Through the years I have met many outstanding people through golf. Some were on the course and others over a conversation. I have played on many outstanding courses and seen things that when I was young I could only dream about. However, as the years pass and my fond memories grow; I just smile and reflect.
After much pondering I have concluded that:
My perception is that I will always chase the elusive golf dream;
My reality in golf is that it is all about the JOURNEY!
The Grateful Golfer 