Grateful Golfer

True Patriot Love Foundation Launches New Initiative

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True Patriot Love Foundation - Out of the Sand

Out of the Sand Like A Pro

Today I had the honor of playing golf at the launch of the True Patriot Love Foundation Golf Tournaments.  True Patriot Love is a national foundation that supports and honours members of the Canadian military and their families. It was founded by a group of citizens dedicated to building bridges between Canadian civilians and their military, in order to better understand and appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers and their families. In celebrating the patriotism of our military families, our foundation also strives to inspire Canadians to serve their country, whether it’s in or out of uniform.

Score Golf says:  “Our part is simple. Golfers who play this Labour Day weekend at participating Patriot Day courses across Canada can donate any dollar amount to help the cause and show we care about this nation’s military and their families. Thirty-seven courses from across Canada have made the commitment to this first Patriot Golf Day. You can see a full list of the participating courses by going to www.pgaofcanada.com. Courses not yet signed up can still do so by also visiting the website.”

We played 18 holes at the North Bay Golf and Country Club.  It is a top rated private course.  Pros from around the area came and showed their skills and help us launch this fantastic event.  The course was in fantastic shape, the greens were amazing and the company was outstanding.  We were extremely fortunate to LGen Dechamps, the Royal Canadian Air Force Commander, as the guest of honor.  Overall, the day was fantastic.

As a serving military member, I cannot express my gratitude to the True Patriot Love foundation and want to thank them for caring for the men and women in uniform.  Their contribution to our welfare is truly touching!  Thank you.

Which Shot Was the Worst?

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Today, I learned a valuable lesson.  I was golfing with a friend and we were playing pretty well.  We were enjoying the beautiful weather, excellent conditions at Osprey Links, and great conversation.  I am a grateful golfer just for the outstanding time on the links.

All was going well until the 16th hole.  It is a long uphill par 5 with a difficult approach shot.  I hit the ball a little long and rolled off the back into the long grass.  Now the fun begins.  I hit my 52 degree and chilly dipped the shot.  Frustrated, I walked up to the ball on the fringe and sculled it 25 feet from the pin.  A smooth 2 putt and ta da – 7.

So which was the worst shot….you are right.  It was the 5th shot I sculled across the green.  Every once in a while, I make silly mistakes like this.  I should have walked over to my bag, grabbed the proper club and my putter.  Then walk back to the ball and focus and visualize the ball going in the hole.  This is an important lesson I continue to relearn.

Everyone makes a bad shot, it is what you do next that counts.  Reducing strokes by staying focused and accepting that sometimes bad shots happen will reduce your overall score.  Besides, on such a fantastic day what did I have to complain about…I am a grateful golfer!

Monkey Golf

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If you want to have some fun with a group of players, try Monkey Golf.  I am not sure what the rest of the world calls it, but it is a fun game to improve your game, challenge the way you look at a course, and forces you to be creative.

Here’s how you play.  Grab three clubs.  Yes, only three clubs.  For the course I play, I would choose my three hybrid, 8 iron and putter.  Then off you go.  Play your round.  I will bet your score will be the same, if not lower, than what you normally shoot.  You have to concentrate more, think of better ways to play the course (instead of just bashing you way around with the same clubs all the time), and encourages a Seve way of golf.

If you have never played before Monkey Golf; try it; you will be pleasantly surprised!  Having fun on the links is what golf is all about.  I am a grateful golfer!

How to Hit a Tough Golf Shot

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Under a Tree

Under a Tree on the 15th Hole

I have often thought that hitting a difficult shot is easier than an approach shot from 80 yards in the middle of the fairway.  You may laugh, however it is true.  When we are trying to hit a tough shot, we focus, think of where we want to land the ball, take into account our surroundings and contemplate which club would be most effective.  When we are 80 yards out, we grab the same club and hit the same shot regardless of the wind, conditions or pin position.  We think and focus less.  Hence, the results are not always what we want.Last week I was playing the par 5, 15th hole at Laurentide Golf Course.  After two shots I was 50 yards from the green.  After my third shot, by the way it was unfocused, I was 15 yards off the green under a tree.  I had to stand under the branches, chip over a hill, land the ball on the green and let the ball roll down to the hole.

Chip from Under a Tree

Close to the Pin from Under a Tree

As I walked up to the ball, I said a couple grumpy words and thought, wow what a poor shot.  Then I proceeded to go through my normal routine.  I focused on where I needed to land the ball.  Then which club would be best and finally, how hard to hit the shot.  Well as you can see I did alright.  By the way, I sunk the but for par.

Making a tough shot is more mind over matter.  The key to being successful is to stay focused on each shot.  It is very difficult, but if you can manage it, your handicap will fall.

If you have any hints or tips on how to hit a tough golf shot, I would love to hear them.  I am always looking for ways to improve my game.  I am all ears!

Pin In or Pin Out?

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This is a quandary for all golfers regardless of your skill level.  You are on fringe within in 5 feet of the green.  You have a decision to make whether to leave the pin in or to take it out. It is really tough to determine the best course of action…..it could mean the tournament!   Okay a little mellow dramatic, but I think you get my point.  What do you do?

Dave Pelx from Golf .com conducted a scientific study to determine the answer.  He says leave the flag in as the rules allow.  Speed is the most important factor and the flag is your best friend when putting aggressively to the hole.

Don Trahan from Swingsurgeon.com has a completely different view.  He says the pin is only in the way, and whenever possible take it out.  He states that the pin reduces your margin of error and that removing it allows for a greater result.

Well there you have it.  The answer is depends.  There are so many variables regarding chipping, that there is on right answer….or so it seems.  The right answer is which ever you chose while making the shot.

I, for example, try to remove the flag as often as possible.  I believe that it does get in the way and if removed, it allows for a greater chance of the ball going in.  You know what they say – Pull the Pin, Its Going In!

What say you?