Generate More Power In Your Golf Swing

November 16, 2013July 28, 2014 / The Grateful Golfer / 6 Comments

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!

Chasing the Dream

November 14, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 3 Comments

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!

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

Now What!

November 12, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 10 Comments

The golf season is officially over for me! It is a sad day, but not unexpected. So now I have to prepare for the long off-season. I have an idea of where to start, but I thought I would ask you first.

So, I am reaching out for ideas this year. Should I start with goal setting, a fitness program, finding new drills, asking experts, reading or nothing until January?

Well, all-seeing and all-knowing audience; What is your advice?

I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links in 6 months!

LEST WE FORGET!

November 9, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

LEST WE FORGET! On 11 November every year is a special day. This year it falls on this upcoming Monday and it is the time to honor the fallen, wounded and serving military men, women and their families. Their sacrifices have allowed for the freedoms we enjoy today. It is important to give thanks and be grateful for our wonderful lives they protect.

A Pittance of Time by Terry Kelly is something that worth watching!

In Flanders Fields is read at every Remembrance Day Ceremony I have attended. This and the “Last Post” always move me.

If you want more information please go to Veterans Affairs Canada.

Some videos and photos of serving members around the world from the Canadian Armed Forces are worth looking at.

We generally talk about golf, however it is important to be grateful for the men and women in uniform for their sacrifice. I am a grateful golfer. See you on the links!

What Would You Be Thinking?

November 2, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 9 Comments

Dustin Johnson is leading after 54 holes at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions at Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China. He took the lead from Rory McIlroy after the first round and continues to shoot very well. Reviewing the stats and results, it is interesting to put yourself in Rory McIlory’s shoes. The trend of playing well for a round or two seems to continue and he is slowing starting to fall back from the top of the leader board.

What Would You Be Thinking? Am I “The Shark”, Greg Norman? He won many tournaments but slowly fell from the top of the world rankings by the combination of: players making miracle shots and your mental game slowly fading. (The Shark is one of my favorites)

What Would You Be Thinking? Am I John Daly? The two-time Major winner was a flash in the pan who had the ability to play extremely well for but could not sustain anything substantial to remain on top. Although a fan favorite, winning was sparse, but exciting!

What Would You Be Thinking? Am I Michelle Wie? Someone with unlimited potential to be another top-ranked player but could not sustain the spotlight. Someone who was mismanaged and made many tough financial decisions that in the end will be more detrimental than expected.

What Would You Be Thinking? Oh no, here we go again. This cannot be happening! The negative thoughts start affecting his game and he just cannot seem to get past the recent trends of not playing well for four rounds in a row.

Regardless of what Rory is thinking, he is too good a player not shake off this current funk. He has the skills and drive to play back to the top of the golfing world. He is a young player and with the proper guidance, his mental game will match his skill. When that happens, look out! He will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come!

What Do You Think?

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