Grateful Golfer

Supporting the Troops!

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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?

The Bandwagon – Are You On or Off?

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The new golf season is in full swing!  Each year, a new crop of players try to claw their way to the top of the money list to ensure they keep their card for next year.  This yearly ritual is only eclipsed by the plethora of fans who get tired of jumping on and off the bandwagon.

The perfect example is the fan support for the current number one player in the world – Rory McIlroy and the turbulent fan support of ex number one – Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, or Vijay Singh.  It is amazing how quickly people change the favorite player and the world’s best becomes their favorite player.  Man they must get tired!

I am not such a fan.  I have my favorites which I follow and every couple of years pick a new player to follow.  Usually, I choose a player because of the way they conduct themselves on the course, the manner in which they play, or just something about them that keeps me interested.

So here is a list of my favorites:

Phil Mickelson – Lefty has been my favorite gofer since he joined the tour.  I like the way he plays and conducts himself on the course.

Freddy Couples – Mr. Calm.  He is an older golfer who always seems to be around, but rarely does anything great.  I enjoy watching his swing.

Mike Weir – He is Canadian.  He has really struggled over the past few years, but maybe this year he will regain some of his former glory.

John Daly – he is a trouble player who never seems to give up.  He does some crazy things, but for some reason I like to watch him play.

Dustin Johnson – Is an exciting golfer and the way he conducted himself after the PGA grounding your club fiasco – I am a fan.

Of course, I follow other players.  But these are my favorites.  I can say without a doubt that regardless of how well they are playing, I stay on their bandwagon.  I am a grateful golfer.

Which golfers do you follow?

Is Golfing Fun?

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Golf is a good walk spoiled – Mark Twain

Is golfing really fun?  What is the major draw for people to spend 3 – 5 hours outside chasing a little white ball?  I have heard, read and watched many aspects of the game, but is golf really fun?  Well, I am here to say without a doubt that golf is fun…..if you get it!

hole in one - Osprey Golf Course

Hole-In-One, 26 Jul 12, Osprey Links Golf Course

Throughout my life, many people have asked me about golf?  They wondered why I devoted so much time to a sport that looked easy to play, but in actuality was very difficult. I would explain about the personal challenges, the uniqueness of each round, the enjoyment of spending times with new and old friends, but they never seemed to get it.  They just could not grasp the concept of how golf enriches our lives.

I actually had this conversation not to long ago and it made me think of why I spend 25 hours a week practicing, playing and learning about a sport/hobby/pastime.  Well, I have finally reach a definitive conclusion and I am sure it really only makes sense to me.  My darling wife supports my golf habit, my friends laugh at my desire to constantly play, and my family have given up trying to explain it.  So here is my reason why I love to play golf:

IT MAKES ME HAPPY!    Yup that is it.  It makes me happy.  The joy I feel when I walk up to the first tee in anticipation of what is to come is something I have always enjoyed.  Stroking a hole-in-one (three times) provides an almost unexplained sense of excitement.  Walking early in the morning, experiencing the sunrise, listening to the birds and watching the wild life is so peaceful.  Watching your friend achieve a milestone and sharing in their triumph.  Connecting with people from around the world and sharing a common theme that only golf can offer is rewarding.  Teaching your children how to play golf is priceless.  I could go on and on, but I believe you get it!

I am grateful for being able to enjoy golf.  It has brought untold joy into my life.  I believe golf is the best sport in the world.  I truly am a grateful golfer.

What has golf done for you?

Terminology – How Confusing!

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I love to visit golf  blogs.  I have a few favorites and I like to post comments on great articles.  Well the other day I was posting on MindfulGolfer.com regarding chipping and pitching.  Well, not paying attention or something (actually not enough coffee probably) I confused golfing terms.  I confused chipping and pitching.  So I thought I would write the definitions of these terms to make sure I am all squared away.  So here it goes:

Chip shot – a chip shot is generally a shot played around the green in which the player hits the ball into the air and rolls it forward towards the hole.  The distance the ball travels in the air depends on the distance the ball is from the hole.

Pitch shot – is played from 30-60 yards.  The ball goes high in the air with very little roll when the ball hits the green.  The idea is to stop the ball quickly close to or in the hole.

Bump and Run – the ball has very little height after contact and lots of roll.  It is generally used around the green in place of a chip shot.

More in-depth definitions can be found at About.com Golf.

The confusion occurred when I said I use my 7-iron for a pitch shot instead of chip shot or bump and run.  Needless to say, I confused my host.  I have clarified my remarks, but I realized how easy it is to confuse people when talking about golf.  So in the future, I am going to make sure I use the correct terminology when talking about golf, especially to people who may not know their meaning anyway.  I love learning new things!  I am a grateful golfer!