Grateful Golfer

Taking Lessons…From a Pro or Your Buddy!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 14 Comments

Everyone who reads the title says, “Of course from a Pro!”  I agree.  However, how many amateurs are really willing to go to their local pro, pay $40 – $50, practice and then go back in four weeks to see how they made out?  I would suggest not very many.

At Golf Link, they outline the positives of taking individual or group lessons.  Additionally, they ask some important questions regarding what your expectations are from lessons.  It is a good article to read as a foundation for those thinking of investing in their game. Continue reading →

A Change is as Good as a Rest!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 4 Comments

Recently, I visited my family who I have not seen in quite some time.  During our visit, I was caught up on all the news, entertained by the young and potential golfers (well everyone is a potential golfer in my eyes) and realized how much I miss visiting these fantastic people.  During many of the interesting conversations, I thought how refreshed I felt and how energized I was when we had to say good-bye.

This fantastic visit had a positive impact on my attitude and energy level.  As always, I wondered how my experience could be applied to golf.  After much contemplation, I think I have it:  a change is a good as a rest in golf?  I would say a change is absolutely good for your golf game.

I and many golf advocates talk about consistency, repetition, and staying focused.  Of course this is very important.  But what do we do when we hit the wall and all our efforts do not result in any tangible improvement in our game.  I suggest making a change.  Specifically, play a different course!

Playing a different course will help change your mental thought processes towards your game.  I know, many are saying no way, but how many of us are choosing the same club on the same hole even before we get to the tee.  On our home course, we know which club we want to use (whether it is the right club or not), when, and where.  After ten rounds in two weeks, this approach may become stale and actually have a negative affect on our score.

Many websites provide information on vacations, rating and walking of golf courses.  Sites like: Golf Vacation Insider,  World Golf, The Walking Golfer, Golf Association of Ontario, Dallas Divot Report, and Gorilla Golf.  All are valuable resources when choosing local or destination golf excursions.

Regardless, the benefits of periodically playing different courses throughout the golf season will only improve your game.  It will keep you mentally strong, focused and provides many new experiences.  I like to play about 10 different courses throughout the year.  An added bonus is that playing different courses helps check if my handicap is real or not!  Additionally, It is fun, challenging and as the Mindful Golfer says: Golf is a Contact Sport.  Meeting new people is always a grateful experience.

How many courses do you try to play during the year?

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

Golf Boys – “2.Oh”

/ The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Ran across this music video by Golf Boys – “2.Oh”.  It is very funny.  It brings a whole new meaning to not taking yourself too seriously!

 

I hope you enjoyed it.  Let me know what you think!

Supporting the Troops!

/ The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

The True Patriot Love is a national foundation established by corporate and community leaders to raise funds for programs that support the well-being and morale of members of the Canadian military, veterans, and their families.

A PGA TOUR Charities, Inc. program, Birdies for the Brave is a military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR that is dedicated to supporting the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.  I noticed that Phil Mickelson and his wife Amy started this initiative.  I am not surprised and very grateful for their efforts

As a serving military officer in the Canadian Forces, I am touched by the generosity of so many towards the our troops.  I have participated in the True Patriot Love kick off in North Bay, Ontario, last year and I was moved by the efforts of the dedicated volunteers.  It is something I plan to continue supporting.

Helping those in need is the greatest give of all.  The rewards are priceless.

Thank you to all the volunteers who take the time to make the lives of others better.  I believe that our society is better for it and I am deeply touched for all their sacrifices.  I am a grateful golfer!

 

Only 75 Days to Go!

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Today marks my official count down to golf season in Northern Ontario!  I usually use 15 April as my target date for the opening of the golf courses in my area.  Sometimes the courses open earlier (like last year – 3 April) and the odd time later (two years ago 21 April).  Regardless, it is now time to start preparing for success.

I have all the equipment I need for this year – thanks Santa!  I purchased a new driver and three wood.  Both are Callaway Razor Fit.  Not the extreme, but last years model.  I know it sounds crazy, but I prefer purchasing last years technology and paying a quarter of the price.  We shall see how my strategy works out.  I have a new carry bag, golf balls, and shoes.  Needless to say, I am ready.

I start to make my goals list for this year.  For example, last year I wanted to break par at least once.  I wanted a hole-in-one.  I wanted to improve my greens in regulation stat.  Finally, I wanted to play in 3 stroke play tournaments.  I achieved all my goals except the last one.  Stroke play tournaments are becoming rarer and rarer.  I have not made my list for this year yet, but when I do I will be sure to share.

I start my focused training program.  At this stage, it is mostly stretching.  Some may say it is a bit early, but I have found that I as I get older it takes me longer to get ready.  Besides, stretching has other health benefits that I like.  Additionally, I focus my weight and aerobics training.  There are certain exercises that will improve my swing.  Again, I will share when I figure out what I am doing.

Lastly, I look to see which course I want to play the most.  I always try to play at least 60 rounds home and 20 rounds away from my home course.  I have 5 options in my area and each course offers something unique.  The course I played last year was awesome.  It allowed early birds, walk ons and the owner always stopped to talk to me.  If I get a membership again, I am leaning towards the same course.  But, this will not stop me from doing my cost comparison.

Well my yearly ritual always starts around this time.  I am really looking forward to another season.  I am a grateful golfer.

When do you start preparing for golf season?