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.

I am grateful for all those who continue to read, share, educate, and comment on my blog.

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

Happy Mother’s Day

May 12, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 5 Comments

Today is a special day! This is the day that everyone should be grateful to their mother for all the wonderful things they have done for us. My mother was awesome! She was an avid golfer and picked the game up at 44 years young. She cared, loved, guided and shaped me into the person I am today. She was always my guiding light. I am truly grateful for all the wonderful things she did for me through the years.

I remember when my Mom was 67 years old. We were talking on the phone and she asked how she could lower her score and increase her distance of the tee. Both are not necessarily connected, but in this case they were. I told her she should practice her short game and putting for 20 minutes every second day. Additionally, I suggested she to go the driving range for a small bucket on opposite days and practice a long controlled swing with her driver. Additionally, I mentioned that she should stretch to be more flexible. About 5-10 minutes a day. She decided to give it a try and to no big surprise it lowered her score. Distance off the tee did not change, but she was more consistent. She passed at age 75 and was still breaking 100!

Happy Mother’s Day to all those wonderful moms. Today is your special day; may it be filled of love, joy, and happiness!

Four Bad Holes

May 9, 2013May 9, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 1 Comment

Today I played Timberwolf Golf Course in Sudbury, Ontario. Our pilgrimage to this course was well worth the trip. The fairways were in great shape and the greens were in pretty good shape. We played in under 4 hours and everyone had a great time.

As games go, I was fairly consistent. I drove the ball well, chipped strong and lag-putted very well. Overall, I was very happy with my round. Unfortunately, I had four bad holes. I am not complaining, but it does baffle me sometimes when I can shoot 6 pars in a row….then a triple. On the first hole, I was not warmed up and for my lack of preparation I was given a double from the course and I was not in any trouble! The other double, I actually lost a ball and lipped out for a bogey…so that was okay. The last bad hole was a bogey on the second hole….such is life. So if you are adding up my score, it was an 80 with a triple, 2 doubles and a bogey. Actually, a pretty solid round.

So what did I learn today? I must start implementing my pre-playing routine. I must use my own advice and take 5 minutes in my car to focus my mind before hopping out and running to the tee. I must practice my putting and chipping before I start. And finally, I must make sure I have all my equipment ready before going to the course….it helps reduce my panic of gathering my stuff!

Today was excellent. As I do every-time I play, I learn something….or in this case relearn something. Pre-playing routine is important to eliminating four bad holes!

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

Grateful to be Golfing

May 8, 2013 / The Grateful Golfer / 2 Comments

Well, I have two games under my belt and each time I played my game was a bit better. The first round I was lucky to finish because I was tired and not at all ready for a round of golf. But, I was grateful to be playing and I have not complaints.

The second round was more interesting. Each hole was an adventure. I would drive well and chip like a clown. I would chip well and putt like a wimp! I would putt well….actually I putted terrible because I 3-putted 7 greens. I am not really disappointed though because this is exactly how every year starts. On a side note, I shot 80 on the second round….44 – 36.

Regardless of the score, these are the things I am grateful for:

Playing in the beautiful sun.
Putting for eagle….and no I did not leave it short!
Two birdies in on the back nine.
Hitting four greens in a row in regulation.
Playing with two of my very good friends.
Laughing, smiling, and joking around for 4 hours.

I am off to play golf tomorrow with three of my friends. It is going to be fun and a little sad. One of my friends is retiring from the military and starting a new chapter in his life. We only have a short time left to play as much golf as possible. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

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