A Plastic Wolf?

June 5, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Lately, a new trend on the local golf courses has arisen. It is the form of plastic wolves and dog cut outs. The intent is to keep the Canadian Geese and other pesky critters off the course.

The thought is that these fierce-looking objects will strike fear in the hearts of animals who really do not care. They only think about eating grass, laying eggs and leaving smelly presents everywhere. Additionally, Canadian Geese are fearless, especially if you come close to them…they will hiss at, honk towards and chase any intruder who feels they brave enough to enter their protected area. Needless to say, Canada Geese are a nuisance and cause untold damage to any golf course. The plastic wolves are interesting to look at, but not necessarily that effective.

On one of our local courses, there are about 6 of these plastic creatures located strategically around the links style front nine. It has prevented some of the chaotic waterfowl from visiting the lust green grass, but probably does not have the effect expected by the grounds crew. We still see many Canada Geese on the course each and every day.

I am grateful for their efforts. Part results are better than none I guess. Additionally, I am partial to seeing the young goslings walking around, swimming in the ponds and learning new things…they are fun to watch!

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

Modified Scramble

May 30, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Out of the Sand Like A Pro

I played Men’s Night at Osprey Links golf course and had a blast. As most players know, men’s night is a great time to meet new people and play fun golf games. Yesterday, I played a modified 4-man scramble that I have never heard of before. Here is how it went:

It was a 9-hole 4- man scramble. Each player teed off at every hole. After the drive, the team decided which player would play their own ball alone while the other three played a scramble format.

Side note: for those who do not know, scramble format is where everyone hits off the tee, you pick the best shot, everyone else picks up their ball and goes the the best shot location and hits again. Continue until holed out.

After the singleton and scramble team holed out, we added both scores together for our total score. Each player had to play by themselves for two holes. The ninth hole could be played by anyone. For a par 36, we scored 35 for the scramble and 42 for the singleton. I tell you it was loads of fun! It was interesting because of the strategy we were trying to use to outsmart the game, but it all came down to playing your own ball under pressure.

The weather was great, the course was great and the company was fantastic. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

The World Of Golf

May 26, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

On the Way to the First Tee

Golf is truly a universal sport. Created on the coast of Scotland in the 15th century, this sport has stood the test of time. Through the last 600 years, there have been many innovations to the sport that ensures new players continue to flock to this frustrating and yet exhilarating game. Kings, heads of state, Bob who lives down the block, and Fred who you just met yesterday on the course, have played it. Golf appears to be everywhere, but is golf really a sport played around the world or is it a game for the rich that is losing touch with the masses?

Recently, The Economist printed an article that the Cuban government has authorized the development of an 18-hole golf course. This is the first time golf has been authorized in Cuba since the 1959 revolution! The article suggests that this political move is purely economical to draw rich tourists, however if they are trying to increase tourism; why golf?

Iran has a 12-hole course! Yes, a 12-hole course. This country is extremely mountainous, very desert like and considers the game of golf very bourgeoisie. Yet according to thetop100golfcourses.co.uk golf is rather popular with the young women of Tehran. Iran has a rich history that does not include golf, but perhaps times are changing.

Kabul, Afghanistan, has a golf course. It has been de-mined and you require close protection to play there, but golf is still being played. One of the hazards is the road that goes through the center of a fairway. Ultimately, it is not a golf course in the true convention; however, the BBC has a video that will open your eyes.

How about golfing in the land of the midnight sun? Each summer the Billy Joss Open Celebrity Golf Tournament is held in the third week of July on a 9-hole course. This 4-day Arctic golf tournament is the ultimate golf holiday. Golf all day and all night. This winter wonderland of golf is at the Ulukhaktok Golf Course. Ulukhaktok is a small hamlet on the west coast of Victoria Island, in the Inuvik Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada. Golfing for 24 hours straight in daylight would be something that everyone should experience.

Not to be out done, The World Ice Golf Championships in Uummannaq, Greenland, was last played in 2009. “Playing golf on a frozen seascape is not the only task at hand. Coping with extreme temperatures, which can fall to minus 50º C with the wind-chill factor, challenges players both physically and mentally. Special kit is absolute essential. Other factors to consider are that the ‘green’ is white, the ball is fluorescent orange and there is the unlikely risk of losing a ball to a polar bear.” The rugged conditions would definitely challenge the most avid golfer.

There are many examples of how golf has touched the most remote and politically challenging places in the world. Golf is a challenging game that truly transcends age, ethnicity, and economic status. It is a universal sport that continues to grow and continues to bring people and perhaps nations together. If you have never golfed, it may be time to try; the opportunities are boundless. Golf is a sport played around the world and enjoyed by many!

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

May I Join You?

May 25, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 13 Comments

The Boys at Voyageur Days Golf Tournament

How many times have we been asked by someone to join your group? Usually it is singleton and they are looking for a game. I always say yes unless I am in a Match Play Competition (this has happened only twice in 35 years) I enjoy playing with different players and relish the opportunity to meet someone new. But, are you really obligated to let a player join your group?

My short answer is yes! Golf is a social game that allows individuals to meet and enjoy the company of others. The Mindful Golfer says that golf is a contact sport and I could not agree more. It is a great way to meet like minded people and enjoy a sport for transcends age, wealth, and background.

Other reasons that you should allow someone to join your group is – speed of play. Generally, keeping singles and doubles off the course is great for speed of play. I personally believe that three is the ideal number for keeping the game moving, but that is a discussion for another day. Having a foursome play in front of a bunch singletons and doubles slows play down throughout the course and increases the frustration of those wanting to play through. By joining up, the singles and doubles will match the speed of play and enjoy their game more than waiting all the time.

Letting others join your group improves your game. Watching other player is always good for your game. Sometimes a scratch player is just looking for a game and joins your group. It is nice to watch someone play the game really well and most of the time, you learn unique things on how to play shots that you would not normally have figured out.

Lastly, it is proper etiquette. I believe that if someone sticks their neck out and join total strangers to play a game of golf; the group should say yes. Having a stranger in the group will help everyone remember the dos and don’ts of playing proper golf. It allows everyone to be a little nicer! And that is always a good think!

So remember, if someone asks to join your group, say yes! You never know where it may lead. I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!

One Year Old!

May 19, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

One year today I started The Grateful Golfer! I have had a great time and will continue to talk about my favorite game. Specifically, I have enjoyed talking to like-minded golfers around the world and realize how much golfers have in common. We love this sport, feel the same joys and experiences no matter where we are.